Available Class I-Compatible Hitch Cargo Carrier for Use on 2013 Honda Civic EX Sedan  

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Expert Reply:

The size and weight capacity of hitches made for any given vehicle will generally reflect the vehicle's own capacities. For instance, there would be no point in making/installing a hitch that has twice the weight capacity of the vehicle itself because one would still be limited to the lower vehicle capacity. Hitch classes are detailed in the linked article.

In the case of your 2013 Honda Civic EX sedan only two models of hitches are offered, the EcoHitch # 306-X7235 and Curt # C11391. The # 306-X7235 uses a 2-inch hitch with a 300-pound tongue weight and the # C11391 has a 1-1/4" receiver opening and a 200-lb tongue weight (TW) which is downward force as what a loaded cargo carrier would apply to the hitch.

You are right that a hitch adapter is not a good idea for use along with a cargo carrier since adapters cost you half of the hitch's capacity. Hitch capacity is reduced with an adapter since it moves the load further away from the hitch, increasing leverage and stress on the hitch. Using an adapter like # HTAD in the Curt hitch would allow installation of a 2-inch carrier like # M2205 but it would also reduce the hitch's tongue weight capacity to a modest 100-lbs. This 100-lbs limit includes the 54-lb weight of the Carpod carrier, so you would end up with a permissible cargo weight of only 46-lbs (100 - 54 = 46-lbs). If you intend to use a carrier with a 2" requirement, you should go with the EcoHitch hitch # 306-X7235. This will give you more options for accessories without using an adapter.

If you want some protection for your cargo items you can use can use a cargo bag on the carrier, such as the etrailer # e98990, or you can use a cargo net like # C18200.

expert reply by: Adam R

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