Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier For Fifth Wheel Trailer

Updated 04/04/2017 | Published 04/02/2017

Question:

I need a hitch cargo carrier for the back of my fifth wheel trailer. The issue is that the trailer spare tire is mounted to the bumper. The horizontal clearance I need from the center of the hitch pin to the outer edge of the spare is 14. Questions: 1 What cargo carriers will have this clearance when installed? 2 Are there any folding carriers that will meet this clearance when folded up? 3 Should I just get a hitch extender of some kind and not worry about it? 4 Are there any carriers that are designed to also carry the spare without costing a bazillion dollars, like that Roadmaster product? Should I just bolt the spare horizontally to one side of the carrier and live with reduced carrying capacity? That way, I can still fold up the carrier when not in use. Other solutions? Thanks.

asked by: Derek D

Expert Reply:

The bumper mounted spare tire does pose a problem for a cargo carrier. We do offer a cargo carrier that has the clearance you need.

I recommend the etrailer Cargo Carrier, part # e98874. You will not be able to fold this carrier up because of your spare tire, but this carrier has a distance of 19-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of the carrier when folded down. This carrier weighs 48-lbs, and the inside dimension are 60 inches wide x 24 inches deep x 5-1/2 inches tall.

Although this carrier will provide you with the needed clearance at the back of your trailer, you do need to be cautious of using a folding carrier because of the added stress on the carrier due to it being installed at the back of your fifth wheel.

The best option would be to find an alternate location to carry the spare tire.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L