What size and class hitch receiver does my vehicle have?
It is very important to understand your vehicle’s tow hitch receiver size and class, There are four main classes of hitch receivers with specific weight capacities and receiver tube sizes. Class 1 and 2 receivers both use 1.25-inch receiver tubes, while they can tow up to 2,000 pounds and 3,500 pounds, respectively. You will find these in most small cars. Classes 3 and 4 use 2-inch receiver tubes and can tow up to 8,000 pounds and 10,000 pounds, respectively. These are the most common receivers and can be found on most SUVs and half-ton full-size pickups. Class 5 uses 2.5 and 3-inch receiver tubes, and can tow up to 18,500 pounds and 21,000 pounds, respectively. You’ll find these on full-ton and extremely heavy-duty trucks. It’s a good idea to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual and double-check the size of your receiver by measuring.
Many cargo carriers are designed to work with 2-inch receivers, although a range of receiver tube adapters are available that can help get the job done.
Are Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carriers Safe?
If hitch-mounted cargo carriers are installed correctly, yes—they are safe. However, you can add items to the carriers to protect your belongings even more. This can be done by strapping down your gear, buying a carrier with high walls, throwing a waterproof protector over it, and—best of all—getting a locking carrier to keep everything secure.
with hitch-mounted cargo carrier reflective light Help make your load more visible to other drivers, especially at night. Always use caution when maneuvering a loaded cargo carrier, as it can be difficult to see if you are about to collide with something. The load may also block your backup camera, so make sure your head is on the swivel when in reverse.
Do Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carriers Need Lights?
Only if the carrier and its accessories are blocking your vehicle’s taillights. If so, you’ll need a light kit installed. Even if it isn’t blocking your lights, it might be a good idea to install a lighting kit to increase the carrier’s visibility to other drivers.
How much weight can a hitch-mounted cargo carrier carry?
It depends on the rating of both the hitch rack and the carrier itself. The more intense the irritant (also designed as its range rating), the more it will take. Here’s how you can find out the weight limit of your carrier, with the carrier’s rating based on the weight limit set by the manufacturer. Depending on the hitch class, typical carriers will hold 150 to 300 pounds, but you can also find carriers that will hold more than 500 pounds when paired with the right hitch rack.
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