Folding Cargo Carrier Options for a 2010 Subaru Outback

Updated 06/16/2011 | Published 06/14/2011

Question:

I have a 2010 Subaru Outback and want to purchase a 20x60 or 24x60 folding cargo basket. Problem I see is that from the center of the hitch pin to the end of the bumper is about 5 1/2 - 6 inches. I seems I would need to extend the hitch to attach a folding carrier and be able to fold it up. Can this be done and if so which extender? I also wonder if the install put the hitch on too far forward to use a basket. Please let me know if other Outback owners have had any issues with folding cargo carriers, or recommend one that will fold properly. Thank you!

asked by: Richard D

Expert Reply:

The etrailer 14X60 cargo carrier # e98874 would work great for you. It has a clearance of 19-1/2 inches from the carrier to the hitch pin hole when in use and 9-1\2 inches when folded. So if your measurement is correct, this would work out great.

The Outback has 4 holes in the underside of the vehicle for attaching the hitch, so it is not possible to attach the hitch in any other spot.

Using a hitch extender would have been problematic. The hitch extender would place the carrier and its load further rearward from the receiver, so the leverage exerted by this greater distance would lower your tongue weight capacity by 50 percent. Assuming that you have a Class III receiver, using an extender would lower the maximum tongue weight capacity from 350 or 400 lbs to 175 or 200 lbs (depending on your hitch). This would mean that the carrier plus the items placed on it could weigh no more than 175 or 200 lbs.

A hitch extender would also add one more component between the carrier and the receiver, which could lead to more movement or wobble of the cargo carrier.

expert reply by: Mike L