Do Cargo Carriers Have Max 350 lb Weight Capacity When Used With Hitch Extender

Updated 09/11/2023 | Published 09/10/2023

Question:

whats the max weight for a cargo rack? Just wanna confirm 350 lbs? Does that factor in a 2 inch extension to compensate for a spare tire? The extension would be approximately 17 inches to clear the spare tire.

asked by: David P

Expert Reply:

A hitch extender will not reduce the capacity of a cargo carrier itself, though most extenders do have a max 350 lb tongue weight limit, such as the Trailer Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 18" Long # e48YR.

That said, extenders like # e48YR also reduce the tongue weight capacity of your hitch by 50 percent, so you have to go with whatever is lower - 350 lbs or half your hitch tongue weight capacity. For example, if your hitch had a 500 lb tongue weight capacity and you used the # e48YR, your tongue weight capacity would be 250 lbs, and that would be the most a cargo carrier and its contents could weigh.

expert reply by: Kyle S