Does The Benton Basic Hitch Modular Cargo Carrier Hang Lower Than The Trailer Hitch Receiver?

Updated 12/11/2025 | Published 12/10/2025

Question:

I live up a pretty bumpy dirt road and drive a 2019 Outback. Does this thing hang low? I don’t want to scrape everywhere lol. thx!

asked by: Carson

Expert Reply:

Carson, totally fair concern, but you’re actually in better shape with this rack than most platform-style carriers. The Benton Modular Cargo Carrier # B42FR sits high on the hitch arm, and nothing hangs below your receiver. The shank will stick out about 18-1/2" from your trailer hitch receiver's pin hole, so you can measure back about 18-1/2" from that hole and that's where the shank will be. Regardless if the rack is tilted up or is flat, this shank will be the lowest point which is parallel to your trailer hitch receiver's opening.

I really like the versatility of this rack since it has two pairs of crossbars that work with a ton of different accessories. If you let me know what you plan to add on the rack, I can give you some recommendations. We've even seen a small dresser/cabinet being hauled on these racks.

expert reply by: Andrew N

Benton Basic Hitch Lowest Point
(click to enlarge)

Ben

12/11/2025

Will this sit lower on a 2021 Forester than an Outback?

Andrew N.

12/11/2025

@Ben Hey Ben, great question. So it does slightly depend on which hitch you have installed, but generally, the 2021 Forester hitches do sit a good 1-1/2" lower than the 2021 Outback. For example, our install video for the # e83ZR hitch receiver on the 2021 Forester shows the top of the receiver sits about 14-1/2" from the ground. The 2021 Outback hitch # e25TR has a demo video on our site that shows about 16" from the top of the receiver to the ground. That said, these still sit high enough to where you don't have to worry about scraping, and keep in mind the Benton Basic Hitch Cargo Carrier # B42FR doesn't sit lower, it will actually be parallel with your receiver opening.

Helpful Links

tv-install-etrailer-trailer-hitch-2021-subaru-forester-e83zr.aspx

tv-install-etrailer-trailer-hitch-2021-subaru-outback-wagon-e25tr.aspx