Carrying Bikes and Cargo at the Same Time on a Ford Explorer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Like you said, the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider and cargo carrier combo, # HR1450Z-85 as an example, has a 15-1/2 inch by 55 inch cargo carrier. This is because a wider carrier would put too much way too far away from the hitch receiver and put a lot of stress and leverage on the hitch and vehicle.

A dual hitch receiver would not work because doing so would reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent and the bikes would block the cargo carrier so you couldn't put anything on it.

What you could do is add a front mount hitch, # C31052, and carry either the bike rack or the cargo carrier at the front and the other at the rear. The front hitch fits all models EXCEPT the EcoBoost models.

If you do have an EcoBoost model or do not want to carry anything at the front of the 2013 Ford Explorer then the remaining option is to carry either the bikes or cargo on the roof. Carrying the cargo on the roof would be less costly because you could use a cargo bag such as # RL100S30.

This cargo bag will fit a vehicle with or without a roof rack. On vehicles without a roof rack I recommend using car clips # RL100600 so you do not have to run straps through the interior of the vehicle. I also recommend protective pad # RL100650 to not only protect the vehicle roof but to also help keep the bag in place. Using a tire step, # ALL647596, is also much safer than standing in an opening vehicle doorway.

If you go with a roof cargo bag be sure to consult the vehicle owner's manual and/or Ford for the roof capacity prior to loading.

expert reply by: Michael H

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