How to pack safely with a towbar cargo carrier

The amount of gear you can carry depends on several factors, including model and size.

What they all have in common is that the cargo load may not exceed the recommended weight limits of the product and the total weight of both the cargo and carrier must be supported by the car's vertical weight limit.

Understanding weight limits

Before you start packing, you must account for three specific weight factors to ensure your setup is within safe operating limits:

• Vertical weight limit: The towball’s vertical weight limit is found in your car’s manual or next to the towbar, this is the maximum vertical "nose weight" your vehicle can support.
• Platform load limit: The mounting platform that holds your cargo carrier has its own maximum weight capacity. This must be able to support the combined weight of the cargo box and your gear.
• Cargo box load limit: Each specific cargo box model is engineered to hold a maximum load weight. Ensure your cargo weight does not exceed this limit.

To find out more about vehicle compatibility and platform considerations, explore our article Will a towbar cargo carrier fit my car?

Calculating cargo weight

To calculate your maximum allowed cargo you can use this simple formula:

• Your car's vertical weight limit – weight of the carrier platform - weight of carrier box = your maximum allowed cargo weight.

Example: Your car has a vertical weight limit of 75 kg, the platform weighs 20 kg and the empty cargo box weighs 15 kg, leaving 40 kg available for cargo.

The ¼, ½, ¼ rule for packing

Place your heaviest items at the bottom and as close to the vehicle’s bumper as possible. Aim for a ¼, ½, ¼ ratio, where 50% of the weight is centered and the remaining 25% portions are placed on the sides.

Distributing your gear properly inside the carrier is almost as important as your weight limits. It ensures your car’s handling remains stable and predictable.