Question Was Asked By - Jim S

Best 24x60 Cargo Carrier That Will Not Obscure Taillights Or Hinder Rear Access on 2005 Durango

Question:

I drive a 2005 Dodge Durango with a 2X2 hitch receiver. I plan to purchase a 24X60 Cargo Carrier, but need to be sure of 2 things: That when the carrier is loaded, to a maximum height of 24 1the carrier doesnt obscure the view of the rear tail and signal lights and 2I will have access to the rear cargo area of the SUV. In reviewing your web-site, I see that some of the carrier models have a shank that can be positioned to or raise the level of the carrier. There are also those carriers with a straight shank, but can be augmented with a Roadmaster High-Low Adapter for 4 to 6 rise or . Can you recommend a good set up to meet my criteria? Thanks in advance!

asked by: Jim S

Expert Reply:

The 24x60 Cargo Carrier by Surco, part # 52018 has the straight shank. If you would measure 5-1/2 inches up from the top of your trailer hitch receiver, this would be the approximate height of the rails that run around the perimeter of the carrier. The shank on the carrier measures 5-1/2 inches from the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of the carrier. Knowing this height and distance should help you determine if the carrier plus what you will load on it will obscure your directional/brake lights and running lights and will allow access to the cargo area of the vehicle.

The Tow Ready Carrier, part # 63153 is the carrier with the angled shank that you mentioned. The carrier is designed to be used with the shank in the upright position only. The shank raises the carrier 2-1/2 inches up above the level of the receiver. The rails on this carrier are also 5-1/2 inches, for a total of 8 inches above the top of the receiver. This model would be more likely to block the taillights of your Durango, but because of the longer 12-3/4 inch shank length, the basket would be further away from the rear of the vehicle.

The Hi-Low adapters by Roadmaster that you mention are designed for use with a tow bar system only, not for use with cargo carriers or bike racks.

If you should find that either carrier blocks the taillights, we offer taillight light kits for both carriers. For the Surco carrier, the light kit is part # 52014, for the Tow Ready Carrier, the part # is 20174.

expert reply by: Mike L

Products Referenced in This Question

Light Kit for Draw-Tite, Tow Ready, and Rola Railed Cargo Carriers