Measuring Rear Door Access Clearance With Hitch mounted Cargo Carrier 2011 Kia Soul

Updated 05/18/2015 | Published 05/15/2015

Question:

1 How much vertical space is there before I can no longer open the rear hatch?2. Is there a strong water/weather proof box to go in the carrier?

asked by: Steve J

Expert Reply:

The best way to tell how much clearance you will have for access to your rear cargo area is to take a couple measurements.

I have attached a photo of the Curt Cargo Carrier, part # C18145 installed on the back of a vehicle. As the photo shows, the distance from the center of the hitch pin to the closest edge of the carrier is 6 inches. Since the height of the outside walls of the carrier are 6 inches, you can hold a straight edge vertically about 6 inches back from the hitch pin hole. You can open your rear cargo door until the bottom edge of the door touches the straight edge to see where your limit would be.

We do not have any cargo boxes available that would fit this carrier, but we do carry a cargo bag that I think will work well for you. For a cargo bag that is water resistant I recommend the etrailer Cargo Bag, part # e98990. This bag measures 40 x 20 x 20 and includes 6 straps to secure the cargo bag to the carrier. I have attached a product review video for this cargo bag you can check out.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L