Hitch cargo carriers add storage space where there isn’t any. The hitch cargo carrier is a good investment. As your family grows and the younger your kids are, the more items you need to carry with you when traveling. For instance, a newborn baby requires diapers, wipes, grabbers, toys, and extra clothes, along with with the jogging stroller and collapsible playpen when you’re on the road going to a picnic, grandma’s house, or any family bonding events. So where do you put the heavy and extra stuff? The answer is a hitch cargo carrier.
It’s a practical solution to increase your storage space in your car to accommodate all the necessary things for a long distance trip or even daily commute. Also, if you have a small business, you need a reliable and durable hitch cargo carrier to ensure you’re not overloading your car trunk of car storage inside.
In this post, you’ll learn about the best hitch cargo carriers available today, including their advantages, best features, and drawbacks to help you make an informed and smart decision when it comes to choosing the best brand for you.
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Important Facts About Hitch Cargo Carriers
Hitch cargo carriers are very useful. They’re a practical investment if you’re always on a long trip or daily commute with a lot of stuff with you. When choosing a cargo carrier for you, it’s important to take important things into consideration, such as the loading capacity, shank type, floor size, material, and construction among other things.
Here are some of the important things you need to consider when buying a hitch cargo carrier:
Size
This factor is an important consideration. You have to make sure that you buy a hitch cargo carrier that can hold all your stuff you want to bring with you. It should fit the type of vehicle you also have. The length ranges from 24 inches or less. The widths range from 48 to 60 inches.
Get a rough estimate of the size of hitch cargo carrier you need by stacking your stuff you want to put in your cargo carrier in a rectangular rug or drawing. Measure the size of the rectangle after. Avoid putting long cargo carriers to stick the sides of smaller vehicles. A car top carrier is recommended if you need additional space than a 48-inch carrier provides.
Capacity
As you probably notice, cargo carrier manufacturers indicate the load capacity that their product can withstand. Never ever attempt to exceed this weight. Get one that’s rated higher as compared to the weight of what you’re planning to carry. Small objects can even weigh a lot more or heavier than they actually look, most especially items with liquids inside them. Use a standard household bathroom scale for measuring the weight of the things you’re going to place in your hitch cargo carrier.
Type
The different types of hitch cargo carriers include the basket, box, and tray. The market is now dominated by basket-style hitch cargo carriers, which provides a lot of carrying options. For this reason, basket-style hitch cargo carriers are the most sought hitch cargo carrier. Also, basket-style hitch cargo carriers have sturdy sides and bottoms that rise up from 6 to 19 inches, so you can place a wide variety of cargo on them.
Tray-style cargo carriers have no sides or with removable sides, which means that your stuff goes slightly past the edges, allowing you to put a bigger cargo on them. Just make sure to strap down your cargo well. A box-type cargo carrier is fully encapsulated which keeps the cargo dry and protected from the elements.
Size of the Receiver Hitch
Many hitch cargo carriers require a 2 x 2 inches receiver size. There are also brands needing the smaller size of receiver hitches, like 1 ¼ x 1 ¼ inches. That’s why you need to make sure that you know the size of the receiver you need for the cargo carrier model you’re planning to purchase.
#1. CURT 18153 Hitch Cargo Carrier
Even if you have a roomy vehicle, a long trip would mean packing a lot of things. It’s a good thing that Hitch cargo carriers are now available like the CURT 18153 Hitch Cargo Carrier, which is an effective solution to maximize your vehicle’s storage area.
The CURT 18153 Hitch Cargo Carrier measures 33.6 x 27.7 x 10.4 inches and weighs 70.7 pounds. It has a loading capacity of 500 pounds and also fits 2-inch receiver. One of the advantages of a hitch-mounted cargo carrier is you can mount it on the front or rear end of your vehicle as long as it is equipped with the correct receiver hitch.
Installation is easy and fast because of its hitch-mounted design. This CURT basket cargo carrier features a strong bolt-together design with 6 inches high sides, providing you peace of mind and extra security during travel. It is made of heavy-duty carbide steel and a steel tubular construction for maximum strength.
This basket cargo carrier has 2×2 inches bent, folding shank, providing more ground clearance so you can fold up and out as needed. It comes with a tough mesh platform to accommodate a 500-pound cargo. Also, it has a durable black powder coat finish to withstand UV damage, resist rust, and scratches.
Conclusion
Keep your travel items safe and secure with the durable CURT 18153 Hitch Cargo Carrier. It has a folding feature so you can fold it up when you’re not using it. No need to worry about tedious maintenance because this cargo carrier is easy to clean.
Pros
– Quiet
– Simple setup
– Plenty of clearance
– Holds tons of equipment
Cons
– Inside tubular steel not coated
#2. Mockins Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier
If you’re sick and tired figuring out how you’re going to load up your car with all your gear, a better way to transport your cargo is using a hitch mount cargo carrier, like Mockins. The Mockins Hitch Cargo Carrier has a steel cargo basket measuring 60 x 20 x 6 inches with a hauling weight of 500 pounds.
It also comes with a waterproof cargo bag, two extra ratchet straps, cargo net, and a folding shank to save space when you’re not using it. This cargo carrier is made of heavy-duty steel that can carry your camping gear, luggage, or construction material. The hitch storage rack has a clean and simple mesh floor, perfect for tailgates or camping road trips.
The rack of the Mockins Hitch Cargo Carrier makes it convenient to haul everything you need, providing multiple quick and easy access to important items you need. The Mockins Hitch Cargo Carrier comes with a 2-inch shank rise that improves ground clearance. The foldable basket folding works great with your car or truck keep with a 2-inch receiver.
Conclusion
The Mockins Hitch Cargo Carrier is a durable cargo carrier which includes a cargo carrier bag, basket, ratchet straps, and supportive net. The clearance between the hauler and a car is about 18 inches. It fits almost any vehicle with a standard hitch receiver.
Pros
– Easy to use
– Solid welds
– Easy to install
– Strong connectors
– Waterproof cargo bag
Cons
– Foldable basket holes and pin don’t line up
#3. Pro Series 63155 Rambler Hitch Cargo Carrier
If you’re looking for a cargo carrier for your camping gear, bike, or anything that can be strapped down, you need a hitch cargo carrier, like the Pro Series. It has rugged mesh floors to make clean-up easy and quick. The Pro Series 63155 Hitch Cargo Carrier is intended for 1-1/4-inch receivers with robust loading capacity and a cargo platform of 48 x 20 inches (inside dimensions).
The rise shank design of the Pro Series 63155 Hitch Cargo Carrier elevates cargo for better ground clearance. It has a durable powder coat finish that can resist the scratches, rust, and elements. When it comes to the loading capacity, this hitch cargo carrier is 300 pounds. The product dimension is 48 x 21 x 9 inches and weighs 39 pounds.
Conclusion
The Pro Series 63155 Hitch Cargo Carrier is ideal for tailgates, road trips, and camping. It comes with 5.5 inches side rails, keeping your cargo secure. It greatly fits 2-inch receiver or the opening of the hitch.
Pros
– A lot of room
– Sturdy material
– Secure cargo well
– Great shank riser
Cons
– No reflectors included
#4. CargoLoc Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier
Don’t try to pack everything in your car trunk if you can have an extension of your vehicle storage through a hitch cargo carrier. The CargoLoc Hitch Cargo Carrier is a reliable and durable cargo carrier you can use when traveling long trips and going to different places for camping and other adventures.
CargoLoc claims to be a recognized market leader when it comes to cargo management, bringing to customers innovative and proprietary products, with consistency exceeding your expectations. The CargoLoc Hitch Cargo Carrier measures 3.8 x 31.2 x 20.5 inches and weighs 33.5 pounds with a loading capacity of 500 pounds.
According to the manufacturer, each component of the CargoLoc Hitch Cargo Carrier exceeds standards from durability, consistency, and strength. It is made from powder-coated steel with 12 built-in tie-down points. You can fold it when not in use.
Conclusion
The CargoLoc Hitch Cargo Carrier fits standard 2 inches receiver. It’s a practical choice to transport luggage, sports equipment, and camping gear easily and hassle-free. You need to purchase a separate hitch pin because there’s no hitch pin included.
Pros
– Plenty of space
– No leaks at all
– Secure cargo well
– High-quality storage bag
Cons
– No hitch pin
#5. Allied International 32500 CargoLoc Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier
Luggage can quickly consume all the space of your family-sized car or SUV van. A good solution is to invest in a hitch cargo carrier like CargoLoc 32500 Hitch Cargo Carrier. It is constructed from durable carbide, heavy-duty, and tubular steel powder-coat finish.
The CargoLoc 32500 Hitch Cargo Carrier measures 26.3 x 20.5 x 6.4 inches and weighs 23.1 pounds that can give you a stress-free trip as it accommodates all your cargo up to 500 pounds. The hitch-mounted design offers quick installation. Now, you’ll spend less time gearing up and stowing your luggage with this CargoLoc hitch cargo carrier.
Say goodbye to stressful packing and gearing of luggage and cargo in your car trunk. It’s about time to consider a hitch cargo trailer for your utmost comfort and convenience. It has a 48 x 19.5 inches platform with a decent loading capacity.
Conclusion
The CargoLoc 32500 Hitch Cargo Carrier is perfect for tailgating, camping, and other adventure trips. You need to buy a separate hitch pin because the package doesn’t come with a hitch pin.
Pros
– Solid bag
– Waterproof
– Great value
– Secure load perfectly
Cons
– No hitch pin
#6. MaxxHaul 70107 Hitch Mount Compact Cargo Carrier
The MaxxHaul 70107 Hitch Cargo Carrier measures 53.7 x 20.8 x 4.7 inches and weighs 30 pounds with a load capacity of 500 pounds. It is engineered to securely and safely transport excess cargo. It is made of heavy-duty steel and rust-resistant aluminum. The powder coat finish resists rust formation and corrosion. The side rails are high to secure taller loads.
This hitch cargo carrier is easy to assemble. It fits standard receiver hitches (Class III and Class IV). Expect that your cargo is intact and safe. Also, it includes reflectors for extra safety. The distance from the hitch pin to the closest edge of the cargo carrier is 6 ½ inches.
While this carrier is pretty heavy, it’s still light enough so you can easily carry or lift it for storing when it’s not in use. You can test the durability of a cargo carrier by stepping up on it and taking a couple of good jumps. This carrier is extremely sturdy based on our test.
Conclusion
Now, you have instant cargo space for your loads that you rather have outside during long trips. The MaxxHaul 70107 Hitch Cargo Carrier is great for hauling firewood, construction materials, or your luggage.
Pros
– Durable
– Excellent size
– Easy to install
– Heavy-duty steel construction
Cons
– Quite heavy
#7. EGO BIKE 60-inch Folding Cargo Carrier
The EGO BIKE 60-inch Folding Cargo Carrier measures 33 x 21 x 8.3 inches and weighs 45.80 pounds. The outer size measures 20 x 60 x 5.5 inches and the inner size measures 18 x 57.9 x 5 inches. It has a heavy-duty steel frame (black epoxy powder coating) and a reflective stripe for security, as well as a fully welded basket.
This hitch cargo carrier fits any 2-inch trailer hitch opening and can be used on a trailer (Class II) hitch by buying a 1 1/4 to 2 inches hitch adaptor. It’s a durable carrier that’s made to last with a weight capacity of 500 pounds.
Conclusion
You can definitely carry a wheelchair and two full-size bikes without any issues. The EGO BIKE 60-inch Folding Cargo Carrier comes assembled so you just have to slide into your hitch. You might find your item with mismatched pin holes that hold the rack in an upright position but you can use a hammer to get the pin through.
Pros
– Well priced
– Easy to assemble
– Perfect sidewalls
– No noise or wobbling
Cons
– Mismatch on pin holes
#8. Bumper Hitch Cargo Carrier
Now you can increase your storage capacity when traveling with the Bumper Hitch Cargo Carrier. It is a commercial grade hitch cargo carrier that is made from premium factory tested and industrial-grade materials. It is weather and rust resistant.
The Bumper Hitch Cargo Carrier measures 51 x 23.5 x 6 inches and weighs 27.3 pounds with a loading capacity of 500 pounds for a 2-inch receiver (hitch pin included). This product has a one year guarantee so you have peace of mind if ever you have factory issues with it.
The weight capacity is evenly distributed in the Bumper Hitch Cargo Carrier. Now it’s easier to haul soft coolers, firewood, tailgate, travel luggage, tools, camping equipment, and your other cargo. The black receiver tube that is shown in the photo is included. It has two bolts and it slides under the basket for superior hold.
Conclusion
The Bumper Hitch Cargo Carrier is sturdy and lightweight. You can place a case of water, a large cooler, a case of beer, and other cargo and you still have a lot of room to spare. However, the tubing has aluminum shrapnel inside from the manufacturing process and you’ll hear it every time you move the cargo carrier. If you receive such a product, you may contact the manufacturer to get a replacement.
Pros
– Affordable price
– Easy to assemble
– Solid construction
Cons
– Quite noisy due to aluminum shrapnel
#9. ROLA 59550 Dart Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier
The ROLA 59550 Dart Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier measures 28 x 39 x 11 inches and weighs 72.6 pounds. You can conveniently fold the basket upright for easy maneuvering and parking when not in use. The loading capacity of his carrier is 450 pounds.
Also, a rise shank is included for ground clearance. Side plates and signature skid are constructed with built-in license plate holes. The ROLA 59550 Dart Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier features a license plate relocation to make sure that your car plate is seen whenever the carrier is in a downward position. Overall, it is a tough carrier that is easy to install and secures very snugly.
Conclusion
This cargo carrier has built-in plate holes. However, never drive your car with the rack of the cargo carrier up. It is because it’s not designed for traveling in an upright position due to stability issues.
Pros
– Tough carrier
– Easy to install
– Secures very snugly
Cons
– Quite expensive
#10. AmazonBasics Hitch Cargo Carrier
The AmazonBasics Hitch Cargo Carrier measures 59.8 x 20.9 x 7.1 inches and weighs 50.9 pounds. It is suitable for 2-inch receivers. The loading capacity is 500 pounds which creates an extra cargo space when you’re planning to travel long distance or when you’re always transporting heavy goods.
It has a durable metal basket with side railing and meshes floor. Also, the cutouts for tail lights offer added safety. The AmazonBasics Hitch Cargo Carrier is ideal for tailgating, road tripping, car camping, and for hauling storage bins, duffel bags, coolers, mountain bikes, and other gear.
Conclusion
Now you can bring everything you need with the AmazonBasics Hitch Cargo Carrier because it has so much space. The 60 x 21 inches inch metal basket featuring a mesh floor which is easy to clean and provides long-lasting strength.
Pros
– Quiet
– Affordable
– Strong material
– Easy to assemble
Cons
– Welds issue
General Conclusion
A hitch cargo carrier is a practical investment. You’ll find a lot of sizes, loading capacity, and make but only the best brands stand out. It’s crucial to choose the right cargo carrier based on the size of the hitch receiver, the usual weight of your cargo, and the type of vehicle you have. Now you’re more confident to select what is best for your vehicle to help you transport luggage and other stuff from one point to another when camping, daily commute, or a long distance trip.
