Trailer Hitch Mount and Roof Mount Cargo Carriers for a 2013 Ford Explorer

Expert Reply:

We have an enclosed trailer hitch mount cargo carrier that you might like. It is the Yakima EXO Swing Away Enclosed Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches # Y62VR. It has a 10 cubic foot and 100-pound capacity. This carrier will swing away from your Explorer, giving you full access to the back of your vehicle. I have linked a video review of it for you.

For a 2-inch trailer hitch only you could use the Carpod carrier # M2200-01-02. It is a walled cargo carrier with a bag. Please note the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the nearest part of the carrier is 4 inches.

And a third option is to use a hitch mounted cargo carrier such as # C18110, which fits Class I, II, and III trailer hitches, and then use a cargo bag on it such as # e98990. This is the least expensive option.

For a roof mount cargo bag I recommend the Rightline bag # RL100S30. It will fit vehicles with a roof rack or a naked roof. For a naked roof I also recommend using the car clips, # RL100600, so you will not have to run straps through the interior of the vehicle.

I also recommend protective pad # RL100650 to not only protect the Explorer roof but to also help keep the bag from sliding in transit. Another useful item is wheel step # HE4040. It makes loading and unloading the bag easier.

Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual and/or Ford for the roof weight carrying capacity prior to loading.