Difference Between Surco and Curt Hitch Cargo Carriers

Question:

Im interested in this product: . It looks like the metal tube shaft that slides into the 2receiver on one end is open on the the other end and has holes such that you could slide in and pin a hitch mounted bike rack in the rear of the cargo rack. Is this possible and are there any reasons why you would recommend not doing this if it is possible. Im interested in your 61/62inch X 25inch hitch cargo carriers. I like the ones that fold up and want one to go into a Class III hitch 2. They seem to range from $155 to $250 on your website, can you tell me the difference between the options.

asked by: Robert W

Expert Reply:

We do have two 24x60 hitch cargo carriers that fit your criteria (folding, class III, 2" hitch receiver) and price range, the Curt Hitch Cargo Carrier # C18151, and the etrailer Hitch Cargo Carrier # e98874.

The cargo carriers are not designed to also carry hitch mounted bike racks. The rear of a cargo carrier would typically extend 2-1/2 to 3 feet beyond the rear bumper of the vehicle. If a bike rack were to be attached to the rear of that, the entire assembly would extend approximately 5 to 6 feet beyond the bumper. The resulting leverage would damage the receiver and probably the vehicle frame members that the hitch is attached to.

A better option would be to use a roof mounted cargo basket like the SportRack Roof Mounted Cargo Basket, part # SR9035. If you would care to respond with the year, make and model of your vehicle and any information regarding an existing roof rack, I would be happy to make some further recommendations for you.

I have attached video reviews of these cargo carriers for you to check out.