Can the Curt 59" Cargo Carrier Be Used with a Class 1 Hitch on a 2023 Mazda 3 Hatchback

Question:

Hello. I am planning on getting a Class I hitch installed on my 23 Mazda 3 Hatchback to use a cargo carrier. Although the Class I has a 1 1/4 hitch am I able to use the 20 x 59 Curt Cargo Carrier for 2 Hitches Item # C18150 with an adapter on this car? If so which adapter would you recommend? Note that the rear width of the car is 70.6 and the width of this is less of that at 59. The cargo carrier will not be filled with extremely heavy stuff, just want to get the 59 one rather than the 48, if possible, to carry more buckets/camp gear/ plastic totes when needed. Thank you.

asked by: Nick

Expert Reply:

You are not going to want to use the 20 x 59 Curt Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches # C18150 in a Class 1 hitch on your 2023 Mazda 3 hatchback with an adapter. The use of an adapter is going to decrease your hitches tongue weight by 50%. With a class 1 hitch, that is essentially going to make your hitch useless.

From what I could find, it looks like most hitches that currently fit your 2023 Mazda 3 hatchback have a 200 lb. tongue weight capacity. If you cut that in half you have 100 lbs. Then the Curt Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches # C18150 weighs around 50 lbs. itself, leaving you with only 50 lbs. left for anything in the carrier. Not to mention some adapters say not to be used with a class 1 hitch.

Honestly, you are going to be better off going with the 19x47 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" Hitches # C18110. While the carrier is 12" shorter, you will still be able to load more into it because you are not losing 50% of your capacity like you would be with the 20 x 59 Curt Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches # C18150.

The 19x47 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" Hitches # C18110 also only weighs about 30 lbs. leaving you with 170 lbs. for cargo, instead of 50 lbs.