Can the Shank on the Pro Series Cargo Carrier # 63153 be Installed with a Drop Instead of a Rise

Question:

From looking at the customer-submitted pictures of this product, I see that a couple have the bar installed upside-down creating a 2inch drop instead of a rise. What is your take on this? One of the two vehicles pictures is an FJ Cruiser like mine, the other is an F-150, I believe. Does this affect structural integrity? Clearly, they have done this to allow the door to open without the spare tire hitting the rail or tailgate, in the F-150s case. I may take this route.

asked by: Matt N

Expert Reply:

The shank on the Pro Series cargo carrier # 63153 is meant to only install with a rise. But the reason that some people have installed it upside down is because the diagram in the instructions, see link, shows the basket being assembled upside down so it is a little confusing.

What I recommend is a carrier with a straight shank such as # CC-100. I included a video of this carrier.

expert reply by: Michael H