Why Do Some Cargo Carriers Have an Angled Shank While Others Have a Straight Shank?

Updated 08/06/2026 | Published 07/31/2026

Products Featured in This Question

22-1/2x49 Curt Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches - Aluminum - 500 lbs

(109)

$293.95

24x60 etrailer Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - Tilting - Folding - 500 lbs

(642)

$235.99

Question:

Hi, my question is why certain cargo carriers have an angled hitch and some are straight? Why cant the customer choose one or the other for the particular carrier they want to purchase? Thanks, David

asked by: David L

Expert Reply:

Hello David,

Welcome to etrailer, I'm glad you found us!

The shank design is part of the cargo carrier's overall construction, so manufacturers build each model with either an angled or straight shank based on its intended use. For example, the etrailer Cargo Carrier # e98874 uses an angled shank to provide additional ground clearance, while the 22-1/2x49 Curt Cargo Carrier # C18113 uses a straight shank to keep the platform level with the receiver.

Since the shank is welded into the carrier and is part of its tested design, it isn't something that can be swapped out or offered as an option on the same carrier.

Personally, I prefer the angled shank. Once you load the carrier, the rear of the vehicle settles a bit from the added weight, and the angled shank helps keep the carrier higher off the ground. That little bit of extra clearance can make a big difference when pulling into campgrounds, driveways, or other uneven terrain.

If you find a great fabricator, he can build you any design you wish =)

What do you plan on using the cargo carrier for?

expert reply by: Kate F

David L.

8/5/2026

Thanks for the reply! The carrier will be on an Acura RDX, which rides fairly low to the ground compared to full-size SUV's. It will be used to carry camping "stuff" to allow more room in the car for more stuff, LOL! It has a tongue weight of 150 pounds, but I won't have that much weigh on the carrier. I see that a hitch riser might be used to elevate the carrier. --David

Kate F.

8/5/2026

@DavidL Thanks for the additional information David. With the Acura RDX, I'd definitely stick with an angled shank instead of using a hitch riser. Since the RDX sits a little lower, the extra ground clearance is a big advantage, and it lets you avoid a hitch adapter, which would reduce your hitch's tongue weight capacity. I'd take a look at the Benton MoveHitch Cargo Carrier # B38VR (without net # B86VR). It has an angled shank, weighs just 35 pounds, folds up when you're not using it, and includes a cargo net that's great for keeping camping gear secure. With your 150-pound tongue weight rating, that still leaves you with about 115 pounds of available cargo capacity before reaching your hitch's limit.

Terry

8/6/2026

@DavidL I purchased this same carrier (with a straight hitch) for my 2013 Acura RDX a few years ago which I owned at the time. We took it on a trip from southern Idaho to northern Idaho and it worked great, giving us extra space inside the car for luggage and a few passengers in the back seat. I also bought a folding adapter from etrailer.com which I was glad I had. It allowed us to keep the cargo carrier on the car, but fold it up out of the way. That way we didn't have to stash the carrier someplace while we were going around visiting sites, etc. It also positioned it far enough away from the back of the car that we could open and close the back hatch door with the carrier still attached to that folding adapter. I just made sure I had locking hitch pins so no one could steal it. I've used the carrier for other trips as well, including camping. The way the carrier is designed makes it easy to use either small tie down straps or small rope to secure things on it. Just my 2 cents worth, but I'm very happy with it.

Kate F.

8/6/2026

@Terry Thanks for the response Terry, it really helps for others to hear that first hand experience. I am happy to hear the straight one worked out great =)