What is the Capacity of a 400 lb Tongue Weight Trailer Hitch Paired with a 500 lb Capacity Carrier

Published 11/28/2011

Products Featured in This Question

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

(626)

$209.46

Light Kit for Draw-Tite, Tow Ready, and Rola Railed Cargo Carriers

(242)

$42.76

Thule Canyon XT Roof Cargo Basket - Steel - 49" x 40" x 6" - 150 lbs

(116)

$499.95

Question:

If the 2inch Hitch Carrier is rated at 500lbs and paired with Curt Hitch #13541 to be installed on a 2010 Lexus RX350 No Two Prep package. What is the maximum weight can the Hitch Carrier carry? If there are about 5 people weighing about 800lbs and there are 4 pc luggage weighing about 200lb. I am thinking of putting an additional 200lbs worth of cargo on the hitch carrier. Let me know. Thank you for your help.

asked by: Sendy

Expert Reply:

The tongue weight capacity of the CURT Trailer Hitch, # C13143, for the 2010 Lexus RX 350, is 600 pounds. If the vehicle tongue weight capacity is under 600 pounds or under the 500 pounds of the carrier then you go by the lowest rating.

Tongue weight is calculated by the weight of the carrier plus the weight of the cargo loaded on it. You also have to add in the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the vehicle.

So, if you have a 50 pound carrier and put 200 pounds of cargo on it, that is 250 pounds. If the luggage behind the rear axle is 200 pounds, that brings the total to 450 pounds. If any of the 5 people were behind the rear axle, you would add in their weight as well.

A good option for a cargo carrier is the Pro Series Carrier, # 63153. You can add a light kit to the this carrier, # 20174. I have included links to some video reviews for you. The Lexus would need trailer wiring, # 118478 for the light kit to work. I have included a link to the installation details for you.

In order to be able to carry all of the weight and not exceed the capacity of the hitch or vehicle you may have to use a roof rack and cargo basket or box to hold some of the load. Check the roof capacity in the owners manual.

There are different roof rack options depending on the type of roof your Lexus has. I have included a link to the options for you. Once you have crossbars installed, you could add a basket like the Canyon XT # TH859XT and put some of the cargo in it.