Recommended Cargo Carrier with High Ground Clearance and Bag

Published 04/23/2015

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Cargo Carrier Bag - Water Resistant - 20 cu. ft. - 59" x 24" x 24"

(727)

$137.48

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

(240)

$38.61

Reese 60x24 Hitch Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - 500 lbs Capacity - Glossy Black

(1171)

$326.65

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

(282)

$52.19

Question:

Trying to research the best folding cargo hitch carrier and cargo bag combo for a 2015 Ford Explorer Sport. My primary choice was the Curt C18153 cargo carrier with the eTrailer XL bag - my concerns after reading some of the posts One - the cargo combination I mentioned will it remove the heat from exhaust hitting the cargo bag worry? Also, I read the many comparisons with Curt and Surco cargo carriers - I feel that the Surco gives a better clearance from the floor and the back of the vehicle when folded - is this correct? I understand the Surco does not have readily made lights for the cargo hitch - but one is available that can work with Curt. Would I still need these lights if used with the 2015 Ford Explorer? Basic use for the cargo carrier/bag combination - for hauling camping equipment - max travel time, one way 5 hours.

asked by: Ray C

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you are most concerned about ground clearance, I recommend the Pro Series 24 by 60 Cargo Carrier, part # 63153. This carrier features an angled shank, which would raise the carrier up 2-1/2 inches above the receiver, providing additional ground clearance.

A light kit, part # 20174 for incandescent, or part # 98174LED for LED is also offered for the cargo carrier and is highly recommended if the carrier or its cargo obscure your tail lights.

The etrailer Cargo Bag, part # 988501, is made of a very heavy duty PVC coated nylon ripstop material that is rainproof and heavily constructed. The cargo bag would have to be right next to the hot tailpipe for it to get damaged by the exhaust gases coming out of the tailpipe. With the cargo bag installed on the Pro Series cargo carrier, it is a distance from the exhaust pipes on the vehicle, so you should have no problem with the cargo bag getting damaged by the exhaust gases.

expert reply by: Chris O