It is an easy fix, and as my hitch mounted rack is quite heavy (around 50 pounds) and locked to my hitch, I am simply going to use it That does mean I won't go through an automatic car wash but that never hurt anyone. If I can get help and figure out how/where to store it I will take it off for the winter.

Yes, it was a fluke, and the more I think about it the more I am inclined to believe it was already cracked. Thankfully it didn't happen on the trail