Does the Tongue Weight Capacity of a Trailer Hitch Limit the Weight Capacity of a Cargo Carrier
Question:
Hi, Great website and appreciate all of your videos and direction. I have a 2016 Jeep Unlimited Sport 4 door. I would like to buy a rear cargo carrier for family cargo. I currently have a 2 inch hitch which I believe has a tongue capacity equal to 350 lbs. If the cargo carrier you sell has a max weight capacity of 500 lbs, realistically am I only still only able to load to 350 lbs. unless I change hitch? I wasnt sure if the tongue capacity or overall capacity was different for rear cargo carriers vs. trailers that you may haul behind the vehicle. Thanks for your help!
asked by: Russ
Expert Reply:
You are correct that the lowest component of the system will limit the overall weight capacity. The cargo carrier may be rated for 500 pounds, but the 350 pound tongue weight capacity of the hitch will limit the cargo carrier to 350 pounds.
One important thing to keep in mind is that your vehicle's tongue weight capacity may be lower than the tongue weight capacity of the hitch. If your vehicle has a maximum tongue weight rating lower than that of the hitch, the vehicle's tongue weight capacity will limit the setup.
When I checked the owner's manual for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4-Door Sport, depending on the axle ratio of the vehicle, the tongue weight was either 200 pounds or 350 pounds. I strongly recommend checking your owner's manual to be sure of the tongue weight capacity of your Jeep.
Changing the trailer hitch on your vehicle will not increase the tongue weight capacity of your vehicle.
The tongue weight capacity will limit the cargo carrier the same as it would limit the tongue weight when towing a trailer.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
24x60 etrailer Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - Tilting - Folding - 500 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Tilting Carrier
- Folding Carrier
- 24 Inch Wide
- Heavy Duty
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 60 Inch Long
- Class III
- Class IV
- Steel
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Comparison of the Fixed Aluminum and Folding Steel Cargo Carriers
- Shop: Saris MHS UNO Modular 2-Bike Rack with Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Article: Which Hitches are Made in the USA
- Q&A: 2 Hitch for a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan that Mounts in the Same Location as the Factory Hitch
- Shop: 24x60 Reese Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - 500 lbs
- Shop: 19x60 Curt Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Aluminum - Folding - 500 lbs
- Shop: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: 22x60 Flint Hill Goods Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - 500 lbs
- Shop: Yakima EXO Swing Away Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches - 60" x 23" - 250 lbs
- Video: Best 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Trailer Hitch Options
- Video: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Installation - 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendation for 2019 VW Tiguan w/ the R-Line Package
- Search Results: ultra~fab products
- Video: EcoHitch Class III Hidden Trailer Hitch Installation - 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Video: etrailer Trailer Hitch Installation - 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Q&A: Can 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan etrailer Trailer Hitch Carry a Motorcycle
- Search Results: hitch cargo carrier
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch to Carrier Regular Bikes and Dirt Bike on a 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Q&A: How to Determine Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier Weight Capacity on 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
- Q&A: Recommended etrailer Hitch fit for 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Type R
- Q&A: Kayak Carrier Options to Carry 2 Kayaks on 2006 Honda Odyssey and 2008 Honda Pilot With Factory Rack
- Video: etrailer Railed Cargo Carrier Light Kit Review
- Shop: Truck Bed Bike Rack
on Hitch Cargo Carrier
