How Much Weight Can Be Loaded in Cargo Carrier on 2015 Wrangler Unlimited w/ Class III Hitch
Updated 05/07/2015 | Published 05/06/2015
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Question:
I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with a Tongue Weight of 350. I am confused on how to figure out max weight I can load onto my hitch cargo carrier. If the carrier is 50 pounds, will I be able to put 300lbs onto the carrier? Does it matter how far the carrier extends, or will it still hold the 300lbs? Everywhere I look has a different answer. Thank you!
asked by: Mike
Expert Reply:
If the hitch in on your Wrangler Unlimited has a 350 lb tongue weight capacity, it means that no more than 350 lbs can be safely suspended from the receiver. The weight of the carrier would be included in that 350 lb figure. If the carrier is used with an extender like part # HES6, the tongue weight capacity of the hitch would be reduced by 50 percent. The further the load is moved away from the receiver, the more leverage is exerted. If this leverage becomes too great, the hitch receiver tube can be bent or the attachment points between the hitch and vehicle can fail, which would be bad.
If you choose a cargo carrier with a shank that's long enough to clear the spare tire, you won't need to worry about an extender and you'll be able to use all the tongue weight capacity of your hitch. I've linked you to an FAQ article that explains how to measure the distance from your receiver hitch pin hole to the furthest rearward point of the rear bumper.
The Curt # C18151 is a bargain priced carrier that would offer plenty of clearance between the basket and the vehicle. When folded, there's 9 inches between the hitch pin hole and the closest portion of the basket. When folded flat, there's 19 inches of clearance.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese 60x24 Hitch Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - 500 lbs Capacity - Glossy Black
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Fixed Carrier
- Hitch Mount
- 500 lbs
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 60 Inch Long
- Cargo
- Steel
- Reese
more information >
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