Question Was Asked By - David

High - Low Hitch Adapter and Cargo Carrier for a 2005 Subaru Outback

Question:

etrailer, I purchased a hitch & wiring harness from you for my 05 Subaru Outback. I believe the hitch was model 87446, 2 receiver. The bottom opening edge of the receiver slot is approximately 10.5 off the ground. The issue is that my approach & departure angles are dramatically reduced with my existing cargo tray. Since all my accessories bike, hitches, cargo tray were 2, I got this class III hitch. I would rarely tow anything more than something like a riding mower or a four-wheeler. However, my existing cargo tray rides too low for my comfort. I am considering a 4 or 6 riser, but the RM-070 & RM-076 models state a 100 lb tongue rating. The Valley combo, V75090, shows a total tongue weight of 500 lbs, but I cant afford the 3.5 for the ball mount. So, here are my questions. 1. Do you have a different 4 or 6 riser that provides more tongue weight? 2. Which cargo trays provide the most rise? I see that V90590 provides 3. The folding carrier, 52018F, says the tray is 5 higher, but will it clear my bumper when folded? I truly like the looks of the 59502 model, but it doesnt appear to rise too much. The sliding model, 5800400, is interesting, especially with the solid bottom. It just doesnt carry much weight. Too bad the TR65852 is an ATV model, thus being only 36 wide. On the 6501 model, are there just two positions for the tray to attach? If its fully extended, does it still have a 500 lb capacity. It seems to me that it would have to be reduced. I truly need to maintain weight capacity with a tray carrier, as I use it for camping and hunting. Your suggestions would be appreciated. Id be perfectly content to get a hitch adapter in order to continue to use my basic tray, which is similar to your model 52018, a straight shot back. At this point, its late and Im starting to ramble. So, as I said, any suggestions would be appreciated. Regards, David

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

Hi David. First, even if the carrier has a max tongue weight of 500 lbs, your trailer hitch is only rated for 400 lbs. This mean that the weight of the carrier, plus the weight of your cargo must be 400 lbs or less. Now, to answer your questions: 1. We do have a couple of high-low adapters that do have a higher tongue weight than the two you mentions. You could use RM-048-4 or RM-048-6. 2. Cargo carrier 52018F will give you the most clearance. The carrier sits 4-1/2" from the top of your receiver hitch. The 52018F is in the folded position, you will have 5" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of carrier when folded up. 3. In all positions, 6501 will maintain the 500 lbs capacity, but remember that your hitch is only rated at 400 lbs (weight of carrier and cargo).

expert reply by: Amanda

Product Page this Question was Asked From

24x60 Folding Cargo Carrier for 2" Trailer Hitches