Hitch-Mount Cargo Carrier Recommendation for 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

Your 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan can be equipped with either a 1-1/4-inch Class II hitch, or a 2-inch Class III type. Cargo carriers are available for both hitch sizes but if you have a 2-inch hitch you'll be potentially able to load more cargo weight since this size hitch generally carries a higher weight rating than a 1-1/4-inch hitch.

Both hitches offered for your van are shown on the link provided, the Class III Curt # 13217 and the Class II # C12217. The linked article on hitch classes will explain a bit more on hitch sizes and capacities.

I have provided a link to our main page for hitch-mount carriers where you can use the filters in the left-hand margin to narrow the product results based on your preferences. First you'll select your hitch size, 1-1/4-inch or 2-inch. We offer ramped, enclosed and flat carriers; fixed carriers and carriers that can fold. You can also sort the options based on their dimensions.

Two things to keep in mind: you need to select a carrier that provides enough clearance at the back of your Eurovan and that offers suitable weight capacity. Measure from the center of the hitch pin hole on your receiver to the rear-most part of the vehicle; this will tell you how much clearance you need from your carrier. The linked article illustrates. You will also want to select a carrier whose weight capacity is near to that of your hitch and your vehicle (the owner's manual should indicate the maximum allowable tongue weight at the rear of the van). You cannot exceed the vehicle's, the hitch's or the cargo carrier's rating.

Let's say for example that you have Curt hitch # 13217; this has a 400-lb tongue weight rating. This means that the combined weight of your cargo carrier and its loaded cargo cannot exceed this figure (or the vehicle's rating). You can select the 400-lb rating using the filters to see carriers like the ProSeries # PS1040100. You can choose a larger carrier if you wish so long as you remain within the capacity of the lowest-rated component.

expert reply by: Adam R

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