Cargo Weight Capacity of Hitch Carrier Used on Honda CR-V

Updated 05/09/2020 | Published 12/11/2018

Products Featured in This Question

22-1/2x49 Curt Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches - Aluminum - 500 lbs

(107)

$293.95

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

(822)

$175.94

Question:

I have a honda crv 73inch width. Instead of mounting a cargo box on the roof crossbars, could I get a hitch cargo carrier and add crossbars for carrying a cargo box 74inch length in the back instead of on the roof?

asked by: Jay

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have a lot of cargo to transport in and on your Honda CR-V. Hitch carriers like the 22-1/2x49 Curt Cargo Carrier # C18113 are a great way to move heavy cargo items that might be too difficult to get up on your roof. Most vehicle roofs are limited to a weight rating of 165-lbs or less and this is only a fraction of the weight that can be carried on a hitch carrier.

But these hitch carriers are not intended to hold a large rooftop cargo box. The issue is that such a cargo box is large and that means it would extend beyond the dimensions of the hitch carrier. This would potentially place the cargo weight load too far from the hitch and could potentially cause damage to the hitch carrier or the hitch. You can use a bag like the Carpod Cargo Bag # M2202 inside the hitch carrier to protect more delicate items. This is shown in the linked photo.

The Curt carrier has a weight capacity of 500-lbs and since the carrier itself weighs only 25-lbs this leave more of your hitch's tongue weight capacity for your actual cargo items. Do keep in mind that the combined weight of the carrier and your cargo must remain within the tongue weight (TW) capacities of your hitch and vehicle.

For example, if your CR-V were fitted with Draw-Tite hitch # 75742 which has a TW rating of 675-lbs, you could be able to use the entire 500-lb capacity of the carrier. But if you had Curt hitch # C13119 which is rated for only 350-lbs TW then once you deduct the 25-lb carrier weight you would have left an allowable cargo weight of 325-lbs. If the car's own TW rating is lower then you need to go by that limit.

If you would care to tell me the model year and roof style of your CR-V I will be glad to offer a recommendation for a roof rack and any other items you need.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Ted G.

5/7/2020

I have the Curt on a Honda CR-V. Honda does not address using a cargo carrier but has a recommended TW of 150 lbs when towing the max of 1500 lbs. I'm not sure that the CR-V's tongue capacity is merely 150 lbs when using a cargo carrier. Also, a carrier's center of gravity is considerably further from the hitch than a ball attachment creating additional lever action thereby increasing the pressure (TW) on the hitch. Same principle would apply to a bike rack, especially when carrying heavier e-bikes. Looking for reliable source or calculating formula in order to determine safe working loads. Seems a bit risky for someone's "best guess".

Chris R.

5/9/2020

The 150 pound tongue weight limit listed in the CR-V's owner's manual for towing would also apply to hitch-mounted accessories like a bike rack or cargo carrier. I completely understand what you're saying with regards to the extra leverage that an accessory would have compared to a trailer, but there won't be any problem going up to this limit with a loaded cargo box.