Solutions for Stabilizing Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier Behind 5th Wheel Trailer

Updated 06/27/2018 | Published 06/25/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(673)

$17.77

Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - 3-1/2" Span

(1795)

$43.19

Curt RV Bumper 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver

(824)

$137.24

Question:

Have a 5th wheel camper that has a 4x4 rear bumper that I am wanting to mount this carrier on to haul my generator. I have thought about adding an extra 2inch receiver on my RV bumper to stabilize the carrier as well as adding extra support. Is there any way to get an extra 2inch hitch bar to mount under this carrier?

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

The MaxxTow Cargo Carrier MT70100 referenced in your question is designed for use with a 2 inch trailer hitch receiver.

If you don't yet have a hitch receiver on your fifth-wheel trailer, you can add a bumper-mount option like the Curt RV 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver # E-100, which is designed specifically for 4 inch square bumpers like what you have. The receiver has a 350 pound tongue weight capacity and the mounting hardware is included. You will also want to check the capacity of your camper to make sure it can handle the combined tongue weight of the MaxxTow carrier (54-1/2 pounds) and your generator.

Just note that Curt does require that a stabilizing strap like # 18050 be used with any non-trailer loads like this cargo carrier. Other than it being a requirement to maintain the hitch's warranty, using the strap will also help to stabilize the carrier behind your camper, which seems to be your main concern.

I am not quite sure what you mean by adding a second 2 inch hitch bar to the underside of the carrier, but I definitely understand your concern about the potential movement that the loaded unit will have behind the trailer. Hitch-mounted accessories will indeed have a lot more stress put on them when installed at the rear of a trailer or RV when compared to the rear of a standard passenger vehicle. This is simply because the bumper extends so much further back from the rear axle.

Along with the stabilizing strap, using an anti-rattle lock like # 63232 will also help to reduce movement inside the hitch for a more stable connection. It includes a block with spring that will be placed inside the carrier's shank. When the hitch pin is inserted through the hitch pin hole and block, you will twist the pin with the included wrench so that the carrier's shank is pulled tight against the side of the hitch receiver wall.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this product that you can check out as well.