Recommendations for Hitch and Cargo Carrier on 2008 Toyota Corolla S

Updated 05/06/2023 | Published 05/04/2023

Products Featured in This Question

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

(580)

$178.93

19x47 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 300 lbs

(1119)

$196.34

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

(1119)

$122.93

Curt Hitch Extender for 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receivers - 7" Long

(682)

$40.76

Rhino-Rack Hybrid Roof Bike Rack - Wheel Mount - Clamp On - Aluminum

(53)

$254.26

Custom RCP Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack RC and RV Series Roof Rack Legs - Fixed Mounting Points

(300)

$139.99

Ditch Brackets for Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs - 12 mm - Rivet Mount - Qty 4

(1)

$129.99

Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Sportz Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4

(8966)

$249.99

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 46" Long - Qty 2

(2756)

$239.98

Thule Pulse Large Rooftop Cargo Box - 16 cu ft - Matte Black

(183)

$785.97

Question:

Hello, We have a 2008 Toyota Corolla S and Id like recommendations for a trailer hitch and cargo solution that we could use to expand storage space. Ideally wed like something that extends out enough where we could still use our bike rack to haul our two bikes. Please send some recommendations. Thank you.

asked by: Ilya B

Expert Reply:

Starting with a hitch for your 2008 Toyota Corolla S, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11265. It features a bolt on installation and has a max tongue weight of 200 lbs for accessories. Since Class I is the only option available you are pretty limited on your carrier selection. You can choose from one of the following:

-17x46 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 500 lbs # C18145 (Weighs 29 lbs)

-19x47 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 300 lbs # C18110 (Weighs 30 lbs)

If the items you're wanting to carry will fit nicely into the space I would go with the option with rails. If you might need items to hang over the side then the other carrier would be better. They basically have the same weight, which is listed above.

I'm pointing out the weight because it counts toward your 200 lb capacity on the hitch. The carrier weight capacity won't matter since both exceed the capacity of your hitch. You will also need to check the tongue weight capacity of your Corolla since you will be limited by whichever is lower.

I'm assuming you have a trunk bike rack right now. A 7" extender like the # D189 is as good as it gets for a Class I hitch. You will need to figure out if that is enough to clear your bikes. You also need to keep in mind that the use of the extender reduces your capacity by 50%. So assuming you use the extender, then add the carrier weight, you're now down to 70 lbs of carrying capacity.

I'm not sure what you're planning to carry, but another option would be to add a roof rack. The Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Rack consisting of # RRVA118B-2, # RRRCL4, # RRRDM01, and # RRRCP46-BK would give you some additional carrying options. This would allow you to use a roof box like the # TH615 for additional storage. You could also move your bikes to the roof with a rack like the # RRRBC050 so you don't need an extender that cuts the capacity of the hitch in half.