Swing-Away Hitch Cargo Carrier for 2014 Ford Flex That Will Clear Heat from Dual Exhaust

Updated 02/28/2018 | Published 02/27/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(301)

$272.02

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(107)

$251.20

Yakima EXO Swing Away Enclosed Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches - 10 cu ft - 100 lbs

(87)

$1317.90

TopShelf for Yakima EXO SwingBase

(11)

$478.95

Question:

I have 2014 Ford Flex with dual exhaust . It has a 2” hitch . Would a cargo box work that swings away? Heat effect it from the exhaust ? Would I still be able to open the back door or trunk ? Please advise !

asked by: Stacey

Expert Reply:

The two 2-inch hitches we offer that fit your 2014 Ford Flex with dual exhaust are Draw-Tite # 75679 and Curt # C13110. Once installed these two hitches will be fairly close to the rear of the vehicle; the hitch pin holes will be about 3-inches forward of the rear edge of the bumper cover. As most hitches go, this is a relatively large amount of clearance, meaning that a hitch cargo carrier will be fairly far from the two exhaust tips. The hitch receiver opening will be pretty much at the same height as the exhausts.

So, if you were to use a hitch cargo carrier that has some amount of rise in its shank, a shank that bends upward rather than being straight, this would tend to lift the actual cargo part of the carrier above the exhausts.

The swing-away cargo carrier we offer, the Yakima EVO enclosed carrier # Y62VR, does not have rise in the shank, BUT I do have a solution for you. You could purchase the Yakima EVO # Y62VR along with the TopShelf for Yakima EXO SwingBase # Y94VR and then place your cargo box on the top shelf instead of the bottom shelf. This extra piece is made so you can hold two cargo boxes, but in this case, it will hold your carrier up and away from you exhaust. Now, you will be fine in terms of exhaust heat exposure.

Since the pod swings away toward the passenger side you will also have full rear hatch clearance.