When you are going on a camping or road trip, you will face the need for extra cargo space. No matter how much cargo space your vehicle has, you will not be able to fit all the items in it most of the time. So if you do not have an extra cargo carrier, then you have to leave some things at home. So you should install an extra cargo carrier in your car because it is the easiest way to increase the storage capacity of your vehicle.
If you are in a hurry, then you can use the links below to buy the best Hitch Cargo Carriers for your car. You don’t need to worry about the quality of the products because we only recommend the best.
– Overall Best – Curt Basket Style Cargo Carrier
– Best Bundle – Mockins Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier
– Best Soft Carrier – ROLA Wallaroo Cargo Bag
There are different kinds of cargo carriers available on the market. Among them, hitch mount cargo carriers are one of a kind. Installing a hitch mount carrier in your car is very easy. These carriers usually come with a very practical design. Moreover, some hitch-mounted cargo carriers even come with a foldable design so that you can easily store them when you are not using them.
Most of the available cargo carriers are available with most of the cars, such as crossovers, SUVs, and even some passenger vehicles. To install a hitch receiver, your vehicle should have a hitch receiver. If it does not have any, then you can easily find and get one for your vehicle with an aftermarket offering. If you want to know more, you can keep reading this article.
Best Hitch Cargo Carriers:
1. Reese Explore ProSeries 63153 Rambler
The Reese Pro Series Rambler is one of the top-rated and most popular hitch cargo carriers on Amazon. The platform measures 60″ by 24″. This hitch mount cargo carrier comes with a weight carrying capacity of 500 lbs. the side rails of this cargo carrier is 5.5″ high, so it helps a lot to keep your cargo in place. Because of its rugged mesh floor, it is very easy to clean also. It is compatible with 2″ square vehicle receivers, and it can carry your cargo with a great amount of ground clearance.
It comes in two pieces. It has a durable powder coat finish that helps it to resist elements, scratches, and rust.
Pros:
- Supports up to 500 lbs.
- Mesh floor design for easy cleaning,
- Fits 2″ square hitch receivers,
- Powder coat finish
Cons:
- Installation takes a little bit of time, but it is easy to do
- Heavier body
- Included bolts can rust
2. ROLA Wallaroo Cargo Bag
If you are looking for a hitch mount cargo bag, then you can look for the ROLA Wallaroo. It comes with 11.5 cubic feet of storage space. Generally, the cargo space size is 9.5 cubic feet, and after unzipping the extra zipper, you can get 11.5 cubic feet of storage space if you need it. This cargo carrier bag is made out of premium-quality, rainproof material. So it will keep your items dry and clean inside the bag when you are driving in any extreme weather conditions.
It has six straps to attach it with any hitch mount rack. And it is compatible with most of the available hitch mount racks. There are two internal pockets inside the bag. Those can help you to organize your items. This cargo bag weighs only 6.5 lbs. so it is a very lightweight option.
Pros:
- Expandable design,
- Comes with six securing straps,
- Universal design will fit most hitch cargo carriers,
- Sonically welded seams,
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Straps are troublesome to attach,
- Some owners complain about zipper quality,
- Isn’t completely waterproof in heavy storms
3. Curt Basket Style Cargo Carrier
Curt Basket-Style Cargo Carrier is a basket-style cargo carrier from Curt. It comes with a folding shank (1-1/4″ or 2″) so that you can store it when not in use. This cargo carrier measures 60″ by 24″, and the sides are 6″ tall so that you can carry whatever you want with it. It is made out of heavy-duty carbide steel with a tubular construction and also has a powder coating. The Curt Basket-Style Cargo Carrier has a weight carrying capacity of 500 lbs. the base of this cargo carrier is made from mesh. That’s why it is very easy to clean.
Because of its bolt-together design, the installation process for this cargo carrier is also very easy. You can even mount it to a front hitch if your vehicle is equipped with one.
Pros:
- Folding shank helps to save space
- 500 lbs. maximum load capacity
- It fits most 2″ standard hitch mounts,
- 6″ tall sides
- Powder-coated finish
Cons:
- Some complaints about quality control,
- It comes with a bolt instead of a pin so that removal can be tedious,
- Heavier weight
4. Mockins Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier
- FOLDABLE LUGGAGE RACK FOR CAR STORAGE: Transport your stuff with ease using our car trailer cargo basket , built to handle up to 500 lbs. Made for tough tasks, this weatherproof steel cargo carrier hitch mount delivers durability with a sleek look. The trailer hitch rack cargo carrier measures 60"x20"x6", offering generous space for luggage, camping gear, or construction materials. And, thanks to a rust-resistant design, these vehicle cargo baskets stand up to the elements for lasting use.
- ALL-WEATHER CAR CARRIER BAG : Our luggage carrier cargo racks for trailer hitch come with a truck bed waterproof storage bag, measuring 58"x24"x20" with 16 cubic ft. of trailer hitch storage capacity. Built from abrasion-resistant vinyl with waterproof zippers, the Mockins Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Bag handles harsh weather conditions. Reinforced seams, a 2" protective flap, & 5.5" Velcro strips enhance moisture resistance, making this folding cargo hitch carrier with bag set road-trip ready.
- VEHICLE CARGO CARRIERS W/ LICENSE PLATE BRACKET & MORE: Travel seamlessly with the Mockins Tow Hitch Cargo Carrier , featuring a 2" raise for improved ground clearance. The 2" receiver hitch cargo carrier offers a great fit for various vehicles. Our trailer hitch basket cargo carrier is designed with a license plate holder for security & reflectors for visibility, while the car rack stabilizer set minimizes sway. Experience a smoother ride with this reliable folding trailer hitch cargo rack .
- ALL-IN-ONE SET: The heavy-duty cargo trailer hitch storage rack supports up to 500 lbs. & comes with a stabilizer & a hitch lock. The hitch hauler bundle also has a 16 cu.ft. hitch cargo carrier bag with combo lock & carry bag. Secure your cargo to the car rack cargo carrier using the included buckle & ratchet straps, as well as a 36"x20" cargo net equipped with plastic hooks that stretches up to 75"x40". Keep your gear locked down with the Mockins Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier & Accessories.
- CUSTOMER COMES FIRST: At Mockins, we back the quality of our Hitch Cargo Rack Carrier with Hitch Cargo Bag combo & prioritize customer satisfaction. We offer a 10-year limited warranty on the hitch platform set. This hitch mounted cargo carrier bundle comes with accessories like straps, stabilizer, hitch lock with keys, bungee net & a unique license plate holder—an industry first. Questions? We're here to help! Transport cargo confidently with the Mockins Cargo Basket for SUV , Truck & Car.
If you are looking for an “all-in one” solution, including a hitch rack, a cargo carrier, and other things, then we have a solution for you, and that is from Mockins. This package comes with a waterproof cargo bag, a cargo net, a hitch stabilizer, a pair of ratchet straps, and at last, a hitch carrier. The hitch mount cargo carrier is made out of heavy-duty steel and comes with an anti-rust coating. It comes with the weight carrying capacity of up to 500 lbs. after completing the assembly, the tray will measure 60″ long by 20″ wide by 6″ tall. Moreover, the base is made from mesh. So you will be able to clean it easily.
The cargo bag comes with 15.5 cubic feet of storage capacity. So that easily carry whatever you want. Moreover, it is weatherproof also. So you do not have to worry about any bad weather conditions. Attached to the carrier is a hitch hauler with a 2″ shank rise for better ground clearance. It is foldable also. So it is easy to store when not in use. It is designed to accommodate 2″ receivers.
The Mocking Cargo Carrier with Cargo Bag and Net is a great option if you need both a cargo carrier and cargo bag. You will not face any issues, including fitting the cargo bag with your cargo carrier, because these products are designed to work with one another.
Pros:
- Package includes cargo carrier and cargo bag,
- Heavy-duty steel construction,
- Anti-rust coating,
- Mesh floor,
- Comes with a cargo net and ratchet straps
Cons:
- The cargo net is on the small side,
- The coating isn’t the greatest quality
5. ROLA Rainproof Cargo Carrier Bag
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This cargo carrier bag is from the manufacturer named ROLA. It comes with 20 cubic feet of storage space. It measures 59″ by 24″ by 24″, and it is one of the larger cargo bags which are available on the market. Moreover, it will fit with any cargo basket that measures 60″ by 24″ or more. Like the ROLLA Wallaroo, this one also comes with six straps to help keep everything in place.
This cargo carrier bag is made out of high-quality waterproof materials and sonic welding technology. Rain flaps also protect all the zippers. So you do not have to worry about the weather conditions you are going to drive through. Your items will always remain dry and safe inside the bag. It also comes with five years manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros:
- Large size with 20 cubic feet of storage,
- 6-strap system,
- 5-year warranty,
- Waterproof materials,
- Sonic welding technology,
- Protected zippers
Cons:
- Not completely waterproof in heavy storms,
- Zipper can be difficult to use
6. MaxxHaul Hitch Mount Compact Cargo Carrier
This cargo carrier is from MaxxHaul. They also have some other options available on the market. This particular cargo carrier measures 53″ by 19-1/2″ from the outside. It is made out of heavy-duty steel. There are reflectors for added safety and the high side rails also to keep all your items in place. This cargo carrier is compatible with standard Class III and IV 2″ by 2″ receiver hitches. It weighs 27 lbs. it comes with a weight carrying capacity of 500 lbs.
As like similar carriers, this one’s base is not made from mesh. But it would be best if you kept in mind that it is a basic cargo carrier and comes with affordable pricing.
One major drawback of this cargo carrier is that it sits really low and close to the car’s exhaust on some vehicles. So you should do some measurements or use caution if it happens to you because there is a chance of the exhaust getting hot and could melt your cargo or even set it on fire.
Pros:
- Compact design,
- Built-in reflectors,
- Heavy-duty steel construction,
- 500 lbs. capacity,
- It fits standard Class III and IV hitches,
- Affordable price
Cons:
- No mesh base for smaller objects,
- Finish chips easily,
- It sits low so that it could be close to the exhaust
7. MaxxHaul Hitch Mount Aluminum Cargo Carrier
If you are looking for a lightweight cargo carrier, then you can check the MaxxHaul 49″ x 22.5″ Hitch Mount Aluminum Cargo Carrier. From the name, you can get to know that it is an aluminum cargo carrier. And it is compatible with Class III and Class IV 2″ by 2″ hitch receivers. It is very easy to install and resistant to corrosion. It also comes with reflectors for increased road safety as with other MaxxHaul products. It measures 49-1/4″ by 22-1/2″ by 7-1/4″ from the outside. It comes with a weight carrying capacity of 500 lbs.
The high side rails help your items to stay in place. There are many tie-down points for your loads. This carrier weighs 30 lbs. The under support for this product is made from heavy-duty gauge steel with a powder coat finish to resist rust and corrosion.
Pros:
- Aluminum construction,
- Supports up to 500 lbs,
- Includes reflectors,
- Fits Class III and Class IV hitch receivers,
- Limitless tie-down points
Cons:
- Poor assembly instructions,
- It sits near the exhaust on some vehicles,
- It has a bit of flex in it
8. King Bird Folding Cargo Carrier
The cargo carrier we are talking about is from King Bird. It is foldable also. It measures 60″ by 24″ by 7″ from the outside and 59″ by 22″ by 6″ from the inside. It has a weight carrying capacity of 550 lbs. it has an angled shank. That helps the carrier to get extra ground clearance. It also has red reflectors that increase the safety of your carrier. The body of this cargo carrier comes with a carbide black powder coat finish that keeps it secured from rust.
The included shank can give you 19″ of clearance so that you can easily open the rare door of your car. It is foldable also. So if you have a spare tire on the back, it will still work great. Some other accessories, such as a cargo net and two packing straps, and a hitch pin, also come with it. The two packing straps help your cargo to stay in place.
Pros:
- 6″ side rails,
- Angled shank,
- 550 lbs. capacity,
- Red reflectors,
- Includes cargo net and straps
- Carbide black powder coat finish
Cons:
- Not ideal for vehicles that sit closer to the ground,
- Hitch arm is a bit on the longer side,
- Can rust
9. MaxxHaul Hitch Mount Steel Folding Cargo Carrier
This cargo carrier is also from MaxxHaul. It measures 60″ by 21″ by 6-1/2″ from the outside. It comes with a foldable design. It also comes with a black powder coat finish that helps it to resist rust and corrosion. This cargo carrier is made out of steel. It has a mesh-style basket that helps you to carry whatever you want. It has a maximum weight carrying limit of 500 lbs. it also has red reflectors that increase the safety of your cargo carrier.
It is a foldable cargo carrier, so you can easily fold it when not in use. It comes with locking pins to attach it to the car. This cargo carrier weighs 53 lbs. which is a little heavier. It is compatible with 2″ by 2″ Class II and Class IV hitch receivers.
Pros:
- Foldable,
- Mesh-style basket,
- 500 lbs. weight capacity,
- Reflectors,
- It Fits Class II and Class IV receivers
Cons:
- Heavy
- It sits low on some vehicles,
- It may not be foldable on some vehicles with a rear-mounted spare tire.
10. Leader Accessories Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier
If you want something that comes with basic features but works great, then you can check this one. It is a cargo carrier from Leader Accessories. It measures 60″ by 24″ by 6″. It has a 500 lbs. weight carrying capacity. It comes with a foldable shank. So that you can easily fold it when not in use, it is compatible with 2″ receivers. It comes with two-piece construction, and it has a durable powder coat finish. You can also add red reflectors for additional security at night.
It is a standard cargo carrier. But there is an option that you can purchase the carrier with a stand, which will help you when camping or tailgating. The stand is as designed to use it like the legs of a table and make the carrier work as a table. You can also use it for grilling your food while camping. Just drop the legs on your cargo carrier, and you’re set.
Pros:
- 500 lbs. capacity,
- Foldable shank,
- Includes red reflectors,
- Durable powder coat finish,
- It fits 2″ receivers,
- Available with a stand
Cons:
- Not extremely durable,
- Hitch stabilizer sold separately.
How to Choose the Right Hitch Cargo Carrier
You have to consider many things while you are shopping for a cargo carrier to choose the best one for your car. At first, you have to make sure what hitch class your vehicle has. And make sure that the cargo carrier you are going to buy is compatible with the hitch of your car.
Then you have to consider what you want to carry with it. Or if you want a foldable carrier or not? You also have to consider the weather conditions of the area you live in. If the area often experiences rain, you should get a waterproof cargo bag. Moreover, if you want a cargo carrier often, you should get a carrier that is easy to install and remove.
At last, you have to consider how much weight you want to carry with your cargo carrier. You should know that cheaper cargo carriers mostly have lower weight capacity, so keep that in mind if you need to transport heavy items.
-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.
Last Update : 2025-04-21
