Need Extension to Raise Hitch-Mount Cargo Tray Above Exhaust on 2013 Dodge Durango

Question:

Installed a trailer hitch on our 2013 Dodge Durango solely for attaching a shelf. After driving 5 hours the heat from the dual exhausts melted the plastic ? duffle bags we were carrying. Need some sort of extension to raise the hitch higher to clear the exhausts. Any ideas or suggestions? Thank you.

asked by: Cheryl V

Expert Reply:

If you are using a hitch-mount cargo carrier like the Reese Cargo Carrier # 63153 in the 2-inch hitch on your 2012 Dodge Durango exhaust heat can indeed be an issue on long drives and/or in warmer weather.

Hitch adapters are available, such as the Malone Dual Purpose Hitch Receiver for 2-Inch Trailer Hitches # MPG544 that you referenced. This extender will both move the attachment point for your carrier rearward by 10-3/8-inches and raise its height by 7-1/2-inches. The linked photo illustrates.

There are two potential concerns with using any hitch adapter. One is that hitch capacity is reduced by 50-percent. All hitch adapters have this unavoidable side-effect. The Class III hitches we offer for your Durango are all rated for either 500- or 600-lbs of tongue weight; the use of an adapter will immediately reduce their weight capacity to 250- or 300-lbs. The link provided will show you all three hitches offered for your vehicle. If the combined weight of your cargo carrier itself plus the weight of the loaded cargo remains within the reduced hitch capacity, then you can use the Malone adapter.

The other concern is visibility. You will need to ensure that your loaded cargo tray does not impede other drivers' view of your tail/turn signal lights on the Durango, nor of your license plate. There are accessory lighting kits made for specific cargo carriers, for example the Draw-Tite Cargo Carrier Light Kit # 20174, but it will be up to you to decide is one of these is necessary/suitable for your application.
I linked a video on this kit for your reference.

expert reply by: Adam R