Folding Cargo Carrier Options for a 2010 Subaru Outback

Question:

I have a 2010 Subaru Outback and want to purchase a 20x60 or 24x60 folding cargo basket. Problem I see is that from the center of the hitch pin to the end of the bumper is about 5 1/2 - 6 inches. I seems I would need to extend the hitch to attach a folding carrier and be able to fold it up. Can this be done and if so which extender? I also wonder if the install put the hitch on too far forward to use a basket. Please let me know if other Outback owners have had any issues with folding cargo carriers, or recommend one that will fold properly. Thank you!

asked by: Richard D

Expert Reply:

Due to the distance between the hitch pin hole and the furthest rearward portion of your rear bumper, none of the folding cargo carriers we offer would be able to fold if used on your Outback.

The Outback has 4 holes in the underside of the vehicle for attaching the hitch, so it is not possible to attach the hitch in any other spot.

Using a hitch extender would solve the clearance issue, but going that route could be problematic. The hitch extender would place the carrier and its load further rearward from the receiver, so the leverage exerted by this greater distance would lower your tongue weight capacity by 50 percent. Assuming that you have a Class III receiver, using an extender would lower the maximum tongue weight capacity from 350 or 400 lbs to 175 or 200 lbs (depending on your hitch). This would mean that the carrier plus the items placed on it could weigh no more than 175 or 200 lbs.

A hitch extender would also add one more component between the carrier and the receiver, which could lead to more movement or wobble of the cargo carrier.

If the lowered capacity and the possibility of more movement of the carrier does not concern you, part # HE06 would work well along with the Folding Cargo Carrier, part # 52018F that you referenced. Your other option would be to forgo the extender and go with a non-folding carrier. Part # 63153 offers plenty of bumper clearance, along with an angled shank that raises the rear of the carrier by 2-1/2 inches for additional ground clearance.

expert reply by: Mike L