Adding a Cargo Carrier While Flat Towing

Updated 08/06/2026 | Published 08/02/2026

Products Featured in This Question

GearDeck 17 Enclosed Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Slide Out - 17 cu ft - 300 lbs - Black

(86)

$1663.08

Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter 8 in Drop/Rise 10K GTW For Flat Towing

(991)

$255.71

Question:

Hello, I have a 2026 Jayco Precept 36c motorhome that flat tows a Jeep Wrangler. Can I install a dual hitch receiver to add the GearDeck 17 Enclosed Cargo Carrier for 2 Hitches without exceeding the 5k towing capacity? And would the flat tow vehicle still have enough clearance on tight turns? Thank you

asked by: Brian T

Expert Reply:

Thanks for reaching out Brian. Dual hitch receivers, such as the Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver # RM68BQ, are designed for applications like flat towing while also carrying a bike rack or cargo carrier, so the type of setup you're considering is exactly what they're intended for.

That said, I do have a couple of considerations with the #H00604 cargo carrier.

The # RM68BQ is rated for 400 lbs of tongue weight. The # H00604 weighs approximately 80 lbs by itself and has a 300-lb cargo capacity, for a combined potential load of 380 lbs. While that's technically within the receiver's rating, it leaves very little margin. If you decide to use the # H00604, I would recommend not loading it to its full 300-lb capacity. Using it for lighter cargo—or choosing a smaller carrier—would provide a much more comfortable safety margin.

I believe the 5,000-lb rating you mentioned is referring to gross towing weight of the motorhome's receiver. A hitch with a 5,000-lb towing capacity will often have a tongue weight rating of around 500 lbs. Since your Jeep is being flat towed, it contributes virtually no tongue weight, as it's supported by all four of its own wheels. That means the motorhome's hitch should still have capacity available to support a cargo carrier, provided you remain within the ratings of all components in the system.

The other factor to consider is turning clearance. The # H00604 measures approximately 39 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outermost edge of the carrier when it's in the retracted position. Unfortunately, there isn't a practical way to calculate whether it will contact the Jeep during a sharp turn. The best approach is to measure 39 inches rearward from the center of your motorhome's receiver and compare that point to the position of your Jeep while it's connected. That should give you a good visual indication of how much clearance you'll have during tight turns.

What are you looking to store in the GearDeck?