Best Way to Take Extra Cargo on Trip Without Breaking the Bank on a 2015 Honda Fit

Updated 06/29/2020 | Published 06/26/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(164)

$167.50

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

(1102)

$178.59

CargoSmart Cargo Bag for Hitch Mounted Carrier - Water Resistant - 13 cu ft

(22)

$52.65

Question:

Im moving 2 people from AL to CA in a 2015 Honda Fit and have just enough stuff that it doesnt all fit inside the car. Were on a tight budget. The options Ive considered are: 1. Purchase/install a hitch and rent a small trailer upside: could keep the loveseat 2. Purchase/install a roof rack and hardshell rooftop cargo carrier 3. Purchase a soft rooftop cargo carrier upside: potentially least expensive In terms of both safety and budget, which of these options do you recommend, and can a hitch or trailer pull void my warranty? Are there other viable options Im not thinking of? Thank you!

asked by: Rachel

Expert Reply:

You are on the right track and I do have a solution for you, but pulling a trailer with your 2015 Honda Fit will void the warranty (according to page 307 in the online owner's manual) so I would avoid doing that. You can, however, install a trailer hitch without voiding the warranty as you are covered under the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act which states that if something breaks on your vehicle and you take it in for warranty repair, the dealer must honor your warranty unless whatever modifications you have added to your vehicle actually caused the problem in question.

What I recommend doing is installing the Curt Trailer Hitch # C11406 and then using the 17x46 Curt Cargo Carrier # C18145. This isn't quite as cost-effective as some roof bags can be but it eliminates the need to load anything on your roof plus it will be able to hold more cargo than most roof bags would since the weight capacity would be 171 lbs.

If you wanted to add some weather protection to cargo in the basket you can use the Rightline Gear Hitch Rack Dry Bags # RL100T62 or the CargoSmart Cargo Bag # CS34FR.

expert reply by: Jon G