Hitch Parts Needed to Simultaneously Tow a Trailer and Use a Cargo Carrier

Updated 12/02/2014 | Published 12/01/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2" Receiver for Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers - 7,500 lbs

(236)

$73.69

Curt 60x24 Hitch Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - 500 lbs Capacity - Matte Black

(1156)

$256.82

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

(635)

$235.99

Question:

Im trying to find a cargo carrier for my hitch that will also allow me to tow my boat. The boat weighs about 1,000 lbs. Thx

asked by: Sheryl P

Expert Reply:

We do offer a specialty ball mount from Curt, their # D210, that has both a ball mount to attach a hitch ball for towing and a 2-inch receiver tube that can accept the shank of a bike rack or cargo carrier. This fits 2-inch receivers only. Since I do not know your vehicle or hitch information you can check your hitch size to confirm its 2-inches or you can let me know the year/make/model/version of your vehicle and the size and capacity of your hitch (indicated on its safety sticker) and I can confirm if this will fit for you.

You will have to carefully check the clearance required for your boat trailer to be sure you'll have enough room to make turns. A cargo carrier like the Reese # 63153 and the etrailer # e98874 have a couple inches of rise in their shanks to provide better vertical clearance, but you also need to consider that both will extend out horizontally from the ball mount by over 2-feet; this means your boat trailer tongue must be long enough to allow room for turns.

You will need a hitch ball with the correct diameter to match your trailer's coupler, and a vehicle wiring harness for your trailer lights (if you do not already have one). Please let me know the details about your vehicle and trailer and I'll be glad to give you recommendations.

Please refer to the linked articles.

expert reply by: Adam R