janky

Howdy. I'm wondering if anyone here has purchased a cargo carrier for their hitch? I'm talking the type that is like a tray and sticks out the back of your car using the trailer hitch. I want to get one and when I was at Rack and Road the a few weeks ago they said one consideration is the exhaust pipes and ensuring the carrier is high enough and out of the way of the exhaust pipes on the GLE. So, if someone has already done the research here I'd love to get the info on what you've purchased. Thanks!

BACnMercedes

I got one as a gift awhile back for my truck. I think it came from Northern Tool or something similar. I just kept it when I sold my truck and now use it on my GLE (non coupe). I haven't used it a lot but it works great. I'll try to get a picture of it when I get back home. I don't worry about the exhaust because I don't use it for that long of a trip nor anything that could get damaged from getting hot.
What do you plan on carrying to have to worry about the exhaust? (I've taken small 5 gallon fuel tanks several times to get refueled. But it was only about 2 miles round trip)

janky

Carrying gas cans to get them re-filled is a great idea. Never thought of it. I hate having the cans in my vehicle. Rack n Road (here in San Jose) were the ones telling me that I should avoid hitch carriers that are in front of the exhaust pipes. I would make longer trips with mine - potentially 4-5 hours (firewood for camping, cooler, big trips to the mountains). If you have a photo with yours attached to your hitch I'd love to see it. I have the GLE SUV too.

baobay

make sure you get the aluminum one. Its more expensive but a lot lighter and can handle more weight. I have one and have used it on my GL and now GLS and its great. No issues with exhaust pipes.

janky

Which one did you get baobay? Do you have a photo or link?

baobay

here's the link to the one I have

https://www.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-7010...+cargo+carrier

BACnMercedes

Here is what I've got. I would look for the aluminum one too, but also one that folds up (folds up while connected to the car for easier backing)

janky

Thanks guys for the link and the especially the photos. BacnMercedes, have you had any issues with the exhaust and putting items on the hitch carrier? I was thinking of putting my big cooler back there for camping trips as well as some firewood. Wondering if anything you've put on your tray has had issues with exhaust heat? I'm looking at a carrier similar to the one you have. Do you have the 48" or the 60"?

BACnMercedes

I do not know the size but I'll try to measure it later. I haven't carried a lot with it for a long period. But I did carry my roof rack in a cardboard box on it for about 10 miles back home from the stealership. It was huge and barely fit on the rack. I did not have any problems and nothing seemed to get hot during that short time.

janky

Pretty sure yours is the 60" one given it goes the width of your car. No need to measure, you've been very helpful. I bought one from Rack n Road yesterday but now wondering if I should return it to get one that sits higher, like this one:

http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Cargo-...ries/6502.html

BACnMercedes

I don't know which one you have, but that one folds up. I'd make sure my next one folded up. Good luck.

janky

Returned the cargo carrier I bought and then went with the Pro Series 6502 (from the trailer link above) except I bought it from Amazon much cheaper. Looks like it should be a tad higher from the exhaust and it folds up. Let's see.

janky

Replying here to close things out. I went with ProSeries carrier off Amazon. It was a breeze to install and sits higher so I don't have to worry about exhaust pipes. Photos below.

Nor Cal SL55

I don't think heat is too much of an issue at the end of the tail pipes. Definitely don't want to block the tail pipe exhaust flow.

Looks like you were patient and got the right one for your needs.

Thanks for posting.