Recommended Cargo Carrier for 2012 Subaru Outback with Dealer-Installed Class II Receiver

Updated 06/09/2012 | Published 06/07/2012

Products Featured in This Question

17x46 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 500 lbs

(1156)

$163.60

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

(242)

$42.76

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

(291)

$59.59

Question:

I have a 2012 Subaru Outback with a dealer installed 1-1/4inch hitch receiver. Tongue weight max is 300lbs. I looked at the Rola Hitch Cargo Carrier 59507 and am concerned that the units weight is approaching 1/3 of my max carrying capacity, which seems to much. Perhaps a smaller cargo carrier would suffice. Any other hitch cargo carrier suggestions would be appreciated.

asked by: Dennis D

Expert Reply:

With a 300 lb tongue weight capacity, I will assume the dealer installed a Class II receiver for you.

The actual weight of the Curt # C18145 is 29 lbs. This is our most popular cargo carrier for the 1-1/4 inch receiver is the Curt 20x48 carrier, part # C18145. At 29 lbs, it is lighter than other carriers offered, and would allow you to utilize more of that tongue weight capacity for carrying cargo. The carrier is also compatible with 2 inch receiver openings. This carrier has a distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the carrier of 7-1/4".
This carrier does not have an angled shank.

You could also take a look at a similar carrier, the Pro Series # 63155. The carrier features an angled shank to provide 3 additional inches of ground clearance and 11" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the carrier. If the carrier or the gear carried on it will obscure your tail lights, a light kit like # 20174 (incandescent) or # 98174LED (LED) is recommended. If your Outback is not a sport model, a wiring harness, part # 118467 is available to power the light kit.