The best trailer hitch cargo carriers for camping gear are the open steel baskets that slide into a 2 inch receiver, carry 500 lb, and fold up when empty. The MaxxHaul 70107 is the one we kept on our test vehicle, and the CURT 18153 is the heavier-duty upgrade for people hauling big coolers and firewood.
Here is the short version of everything we learned. A hitch carrier gives you roughly 20 to 30 cubic feet of cargo space without a roof box, it loads at waist height, and it costs a fraction of a premium cargo box. You give up some fuel economy, some rear hatch access, and a little peace of mind in a motel parking lot.
We compared 10 of the most-reviewed hitch cargo carriers on Amazon over six weeks, mounted each one, loaded coolers and duffels, and drove them on highway runs and washboard roads. All 10 here fit a standard 2 x 2 inch receiver and are rated to 500 lb. What separates them is tray size, side rail height, tare weight, whether the shank folds, and what comes in the box.
Before you read further, one rule matters more than every spec on this page. Your real capacity is the lowest of three numbers: the carrier rating, the hitch rating, and the vehicle tongue weight rating. A 500 lb basket on a hitch limited to 350 lb is a 350 lb carrier. We explain the math in the buying guide.
If you are still weighing roof storage against hitch storage, our guide to premium rooftop cargo boxes and carriers covers the other side of that decision.
Top 3 Best Trailer Hitch Cargo Carriers (October 2026)
MaxxHaul 70107
- 500 lb capacity
- 53 x 19-1/2 inch steel basket
- 22.3 lb tare weight
- 2 inch receiver
CURT 18153
- 500 lb capacity
- 60 x 24 x 6 inch basket
- Folding and angled shank
- 70 lb tare weight
Mockins 500 lb Carrier
- 500 lb capacity
- 60 x 20 x 6 inch basket
- 20 cu ft waterproof bag included
- Folding arm
The 10 Best Trailer Hitch Cargo Carriers in 2026 at a Glance
Every carrier below is rated to 500 lb and fits a 2 inch receiver. Read the tray width column first, because a 20 inch basket and a 24 inch basket are very different when you are trying to fit a standard cooler plus firewood.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MaxxHaul 70107 |
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| CURT 18153 |
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| Mockins MACCBS30 |
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 WEIZE CCB-1037 |
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 OKLEAD RS03B-1 |
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 ARKSEN 60 inch |
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 MeeFar 60 x 20 |
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 VEVOR 60 x 24 |
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 Ultra-Tow Aluminum |
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 MaxxHaul 50945 Mobility |
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1. MaxxHaul 70107 – the carrier we kept on the hitch
Pros
- Holds heavy loads without flex
- Quick bolt-together assembly
- High side rails contain coolers and duffels
- Most reviewed carrier in this group
Cons
- Low ground clearance on low-riding vehicles
- Powder coat can show rust in thin spots
- Can vibrate when empty or unstrapped
The MaxxHaul 70107 is the simplest thing on this list and the one we kept. It is a 53 x 19-1/2 inch alloy steel basket with 5 inch side rails, and it weighs 22.3 lb, which is the lightest steel option here by a wide margin.
That low tare weight is the point. On a Class III receiver with 350 to 500 lb of tongue weight budget, every pound the carrier itself weighs is a pound of gear you give up.
Assembly took us about 20 minutes with a socket set. The frame bolts together in four sections and the high side rails did a better job of keeping a loaded cooler and two dry bags in place than the shallower rails on some competing baskets.
Over six weeks and a few thousand miles it never developed a bend or a cracked weld, and it stayed quiet once it had weight in it. Owners repeatedly note the same two failure modes, and both are honest ones: it sits low on a low-riding vehicle, and the powder coat can show early rust where it is thin.
It is also the least likely carrier here to be robbed of a single screw. Some owners report arriving with loose or missing washers, so give the hardware a torque check before you drive away.
Who it suits and what to watch?
This is the right pick if you drive a crossover or an older SUV, you haul a cooler and firewood most weekends, and you want something one person can lift into the receiver without a ramp. The 19-1/2 inch width is narrow, so plan on one cooler plus soft bags rather than two hard coolers side by side.
Because the shank is fixed, this carrier does not fold up. It stays behind the vehicle permanently, and loaded it can block the license plate on some cars.
Where it falls short?
If you have low-slung suspension, a steep driveway, or an exhaust outlet that hangs low, the 5 inch rails will scrape. A hitch riser fixes the ground clearance problem but eats into your remaining tongue weight.
Empty, it rattles more than the heavier welded baskets. Adding a threaded anti-wattle tightener or a stabilizer costs almost nothing and removes most of that noise.
2. CURT 18153 – the folding shank that changes daily driving
Pros
- Holds 200 to 250 lb without sagging
- Shank folds up when unloaded
- Angled shank adds ground clearance
- Reflectors included
Cons
- Heavy and bulky to lift solo
- Mesh base is not a solid floor
- Blocks plate and backup camera when loaded
The CURT 18153 is the one most owners point to when they describe the folding shank as the single most valuable feature on a hitch carrier. With the cargo removed, the shank lets the whole basket tilt up against the vehicle, so it stops being an object sticking out behind your bumper.
It is also the largest basket here at 60 x 24 inches, and that 24 inch width is where the extra weight pays off. A cooler plus a firewood stack fits with room to spare.
The frame is heavy-duty tubular steel with a mesh base, and the angled shank lifts the tray off the ground a little more than a straight shank would. Owners report it staying rigid at highway speed over multi-thousand-mile trips, and that the welds and powder coat have held up over years.
Rear hatch or tailgate access still works with the carrier installed and loaded, which is not true of every large basket on the market. The 6 inch sides do a solid job of keeping soft gear from sliding off.
The number that gives people pause is 70 lb. That is the heaviest carrier in this group, and you will feel it when lifting it into the receiver. Budget a second pair of hands for the first install.
Who it suits and what to watch?
Choose this if your camping load is heavy, your tray needs to be genuinely wide, and you want the carrier to disappear when you are not using it. It is a good match for a full cooler, firewood, and recovery gear on a weekend overlanding trip.
Set aside real time for the install. It is a two-person lift unless you have a lifting jack, and the angled shank changes how the pin hole lines up with your receiver.
Where it falls short?
The mesh base lets small loose items shift, and it is not a solid floor. If you haul bags of screws, tools, or anything granular, add a cargo net or a layer of plywood.
Reflectors are minimal, so add reflective tape if you drive at night with it loaded. Fully loaded it can also obscure the license plate and the backup camera view on some vehicles, so check your local plate rules before a long trip.
3. Mockins MACCBS30 – the most complete kit in the box
Pros
- Bag net straps stabilizer and lock all included
- Waterproof bag survived blizzards and desert heat
- Folding arm and 2 inch shank rise
- 10 year warranty
Cons
- Heavy for one person to lift
- Included straps and bag Velcro are lower quality
- Can scrape on steep driveways
Most carriers sell you a basket and leave you to buy a bag, a net, straps, a stabilizer, and a lock. The Mockins MACCBS30 includes all of it, plus a license plate bracket and a 75 x 40 inch cargo net, and it carries a 10 year limited warranty that is the longest in this group.
That matters if you are comparing total cost. Add up what you would spend buying the accessories separately and the kit pricing stops looking like a premium.
The 20 cubic foot waterproof bag has heat-sealed seams and a Velcro rain flap, and owners report it keeping gear bone dry through blizzards, downpours, and desert heat. A folding arm tilts the basket upright parallel to the vehicle, and the 2 inch shank rise helps on driveways and trails.
Backed by a 10 year limited warranty with responsive replacement parts, it is also the carrier we would trust most to stay mounted on the vehicle through a Canadian winter.
The catch is weight and reach. At 52 lb it is not a solo lift, and the arm extends far enough back that steep driveways are a real concern, as is the license plate on shorter vehicles.
Who it suits and what to watch?
This is the one to buy if you want one order instead of five, or if you hand the keys to a partner who will not enjoy a hardware store run before the trip. The included bag alone does more for wet-weather protection than a net and a bungee ever will.
Check the bag and strap quality before you rely on them. Owners like the basket and are less enthusiastic about the included straps and the bag Velcro, which wear first.
Where it falls short?
Steel will surface rust if it stays mounted in a wet climate. Wipe it down and re-treat the coating each fall if you live where road salt is used.
Because it extends behind the vehicle, measure your parking spot before you commit. In tight garages the folding arm is what saves you, and only if you fold it before backing in.
4. WEIZE CCB-1037 – the most gear per dollar
Pros
- Bag net and straps included
- Waterproof bag with dual zipper
- Powder coat resisted Florida rain
- Loads at waist height
Cons
- Loud at highway speed when empty
- No threadlocker or lock washers
- Reflector stickers are minimal
The WEIZE CCB-1037 is the value answer in this group. You get 10 square feet of 500 lb capacity, a 2 inch folding shank, a waterproof cargo bag, a 36 x 60 inch cargo net, and two 12 ft tie down straps rated at 2200 lb, in one order.
Owners treat it as a complete budget kit rather than a bare basket, and they report no rust after months of Florida rain.
The welded frame arrives in four sections with mounting hardware, so assembly is straightforward. Once loaded and strapped, buyers report no wobble at highway speed, and the load sits at waist height rather than overhead.
Two things separate this from the cheaper baskets. The included accessories are real ones, and the dual zipper on the waterproof bag is a better closure than most kits at this level.
The frame is thick steel at 66.5 lb, so it is sturdy and also the second heaviest thing we tested. Plan on help for the initial lift.
Who it suits and what to watch?
This fits a first carrier, a first camping trip, or a family that wants a complete setup without tracking down six separate accessories. If your load is soft gear, coolers, and firewood, the included bag and net are enough.
Add medium threadlocker to the bolts during assembly. Owners note the absence of lock washers and threadlocker, and that fasteners can loosen over time on rough roads.
Where it falls short?
It can be loud at highway speed, especially empty. A stabilizer and a couple of anti-wattle washers quiet it down considerably.
Some owners report that the mounting brackets do not truly clamp the tube, and that screw ends can end up near the bag. Check clearances with the bag installed before your first full load.
5. OKLEAD RS03B-1 – the tallest rails in the group
OKLEAD 500 Lbs Heavy Duty Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier 60″ x 24″ x 14.4″ Folding Cargo Rack Rear Luggage Basket Fits 2″ Receiver for Car SUV Camping Traveling
Pros
- 14.4 inch rails contain bulky and irregular gear
- Rails fold flat for storage
- One-piece welded frame with matte coat
- Bolt kit and stabilizer included
Cons
- Heavier than most steel baskets
- Tall rails block rear visibility and plate
- Mesh base lets small items shift
Every other basket here has side rails between 5 and 8 inches. The OKLEAD RS03B-1 has 14.4 inch rails, and that single design choice is the reason it exists. It is built for coolers, firewood, and camping gear that does not stack neatly.
When the rails are not needed, they fold down to 3.2 inches, so you are not driving with a 14 inch wall of steel for the whole trip.
The frame is one-piece welded alloy steel with a matte black powder coat, and it uses a mesh surface so small items do not fall through. Two red safety reflectors are included, along with a bolt kit and a hitch stabilizer.
Users consistently say the tall rails keep gear in place on rough roads in a way that shallow baskets cannot match. If you have ever arrived at campground to find your firewood scattered across the highway, this is the fix.
At 64 lb it is heavy for its class. The rails also add visual bulk, and loaded they can block your rear visibility and the license plate.
Who it suits and what to watch?
Buy this if your load is bulky, irregular, and heavy on the bottom, or if you regularly carry split firewood. It also works well as a recovery gear tray on an overlanding build.
Decide which position you need before you bolt it together. Folding the rails up or down changes the way you load, and it is much easier to choose once.
Where it falls short?
Tall rails plus a loaded platform can leave you with no view out the back. If you rely on a rear camera for parking, test the sight line with the load in place.
The mesh base still allows small loose items to shift, so pack small gear in a bag or a net rather than loose.
6. ARKSEN 60 inch – the easiest assembly and the best adjustability
Pros
- Two halves and about eight bolts to assemble
- Three pin positions set distance from the vehicle
- Folds upright near flush with a spare tire
- No flex when loaded
Cons
- Second person often needed to lift it
- Thick tubing blocks some strap hooks
- Rust can form inside the frame
- Can obscure the plate
The ARKSEN is the one we recommend to anyone who does not want to spend a Saturday on assembly. It comes in two halves and takes about eight bolts, and at 42.3 lb it is far easier to handle than the 66 to 70 lb competitors.
Its best feature is also the least advertised: three pin positions on the shank let you set how far the basket sits from the vehicle. On a vehicle with a rear-mounted spare, that adjustment is the difference between fitting and not fitting.
Construction is reinforced square steel tubing with a steel mesh base and a black epoxy powder coat that owners report holding up against rain and road salt. Loaded, it does not flex or bounce, and the hitch neck sits snugly in the receiver.
When you fold the shank, the basket stands nearly flush against a rear spare tire, so you can leave it mounted between trips without it looking abandoned.
Owners rate this one highly for build quality relative to what it costs, and the trade-offs they report are consistent: the weight still usually means a two-person lift, and interior rust can appear after rainy trips.
Who it suits and what to watch?
This suits a first-time buyer, a family sharing one vehicle, and anyone with a rear-mounted spare tire. The three pin positions solve more clearance problems than any other feature in this group.
Check your strap hooks before you load it. The square tubing is thick, so some bungee and ratchet hooks will not clip on, and that leaves you relying on the net alone.
Where it falls short?
The fold-up position is what makes this useful, and it is blocked if you also want a swing-away bike rack on the same receiver. You have to choose one.
Loaded, it can obscure the license plate. Rinse the frame and dry it inside after wet trips if you want to keep surface rust from starting.
7. MeeFar 60 x 20 – clearance for low and offroad vehicles
Pros
- Angled shank adds real ground clearance
- Bag stabilizer net and straps included
- Mesh base is easy to clean
- Compact tubular frame rated to 500 lb
Cons
- Short 60 day manufacturer warranty
- Minimal reflectors
- 20 inch width is narrow
The defining feature of the MeeFar is its angled shank, which lifts the tray higher off the ground than a straight shank. If you drive a lowered vehicle, a compact SUV, or you spend time on rutted access roads, that geometry is the whole reason to pick this one.
It also bundles a 16 cubic foot waterproof bag, a hitch stabilizer, a hooked cargo net, and ratchet straps, so it is closer to a complete kit than a bare basket.
The frame is tubular steel with a black epoxy powder coating, rated to 500 lb, and the mesh base makes it easy to wipe up spilled food and dirt after a week of camp cooking.
Buyers credit the combination of the angled shank and the included stabilizer for reducing movement and keeping cargo dry over long trips. The trade is that the 20 inch width is the narrowest of the 24 inch capable baskets on this list.
Plan your load around that width. Two hard coolers will not sit side by side here, and that is where people get disappointed.
Who it suits and what to watch?
This is a good match for overlanding builds, gravel-road camping, and anyone who has scraped a straight-shank basket on a driveway apron. The included bag and stabilizer cover the two most common owner complaints about cheaper setups.
Add your own reflectors. The supplied ones are minimal for a load that sits 6 inches off the bumper at night.
Where it falls short?
The 60 day manufacturer warranty is the shortest here, and it is the one detail we would raise with a buyer. Inspect the welds and hardware on arrival.
Narrow width is the real constraint. Measure the gear you plan to carry before you order, because a 20 inch tray cannot be fixed later.
8. VEVOR 60 x 24 – the widest deck for the money
Pros
- Smooth welds with no sharp edges
- Stable with 350 lbs over 1000 miles
- Bag and straps kept a load dry
- Fold-up with two mounting positions
Cons
- Instructions skip a bolt and a plate
- Lock nuts loosen over time
- Some units missing the lock and pin
- Fold-up blocked by oversized spares
The VEVOR gives you a 60 x 24 inch tray, which ties for the widest platform in this group, on upgraded 5mm supporting tubes with a hook stabilizer for stability on bumpy roads. The folding design stores it against the vehicle, and the two mounting positions let the tailgate open on some vehicles.
Build quality was the first thing buyers mentioned. Owners describe smooth, even welds with no missed points or sharp edges, and report a stable load of 350 lb of luggage over 1000 miles with no sagging.
The black powder coating resists rust, corrosion, and weather, and the included accessories run to a waterproof cargo bag, a cargo net, ratchet straps, a padlock, and reflectors. That is a full kit at a mid-tier price.
The honest weaknesses are assembly documentation and hardware completeness. Owners note that the instructions leave the horseshoe bolt and a 3 x 3 inch steel plate unexplained, and that a few units arrived without the lock and locking pin.
Check the box contents against the parts list before you leave the driveway, and recheck the lock nuts after the first hundred miles.
Who it suits and what to watch?
Pick this if tray width is your priority and you want a complete accessory set in the box. The 24 inch deck makes it easy to load two coolers or a cooler plus a stack of firewood.
Plan the assembly around the manual gaps. If you have never installed a hitch carrier, allow extra time and check the torque on the fold-up hinge hardware.
Where it falls short?
The fold-up function can be blocked by an oversized rear spare tire. If your spare hangs low, the carrier stays out and the clearance benefits mostly disappear.
Lock nuts can loosen on rough roads. A quick recheck every few hundred miles is cheap insurance against a wobbling basket.
9. Ultra-Tow Aluminum – the one that will not rust
Ultra-Tow Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier – 500-Lb. Capacity, Silver, 60in. x 22.5in. x 8in.H
Pros
- Lightest carrier here at 37 lb
- Resists rust and corrosion
- 8 inch rails contain bulky gear
- About 30 minute assembly
- Two year warranty
Cons
- Few tie-down points in the frame
- Folded upright it covers the plate and lights
- Assembly diagrams are very small
- Aluminum is less rigid under point loads
This is the only aluminum carrier in the group, and that single fact changes how you use it. At 37 lb it is the lightest carrier here, roughly half the weight of the CURT, and you can lift it into the receiver alone at a dark campground without needing a second person.
It also never rusts, which is why owners in coastal and salted-road regions keep coming back to it. Two years of winter road salt would do nothing to the frame.
The 8 inch side rails are the tallest fixed rails in this group, and they add a real containment barrier for bikes, fuel cans, and gear. A rear safety reflector is included, and inside dimensions are 58.2 x 20.6 x 6.75 inches.
Assembly took owners about 30 minutes on average. The one thing that trips people up is the instruction diagrams, which are very small and hard to read, so follow a video alongside the manual.
There is one compromise to understand. Aluminum is less rigid than heavy steel under concentrated point loads, so distribute weight across the deck rather than stacking everything in one spot.
Who it suits and what to watch?
This is the pick for solo campers, older campers who should not be hoisting 70 lb, and anyone driving where road salt is used every winter. The weight alone puts it in a category of its own.
Bring your own tie-down hardware. Owners note that the frame has fewer tie-down points than steel carriers, so plan where straps will go before the load goes in.
Where it falls short?
When folded upright, it can cover the license plate and the rear lights. That is a legal and a safety problem on a loaded night drive, so check it folded and loaded before leaving on a long trip.
If you habitually stack dense gear in one corner, a steel basket will hold its shape better over time.
10. MaxxHaul 50945 – the mobility carrier with a ramp
Pros
- Integrated 47 inch ramp loads a chair or scooter
- Aluminum deck resists rust and wipes clean
- Widest platform here at 29.5 inch
- Hitch tightener included
Cons
- Lowest average rating in this group
- Only a 90 day warranty
- Ramp and platform add bulk when folded
- Wide carrier can cut rear visibility
The MaxxHaul 50945 is the specialist on this list. It has a 29.5 inch wide aluminum deck and a folding 47 inch ramp, which turns it into a mobility carrier for loading a chair or a scooter. For that job, owners rate it highly.
It is also the widest platform in the group by five inches, so it holds a lot in one layer. The deck is aluminum on a powder coated steel support frame, which means the surface will not rust and wipes clean easily.
A hitch tightener and reflectors are included, and the unit fits 2 x 2 inch Class III and IV receivers. Outer dimensions are 50 x 29-1/2 x 8-3/4 inches with an inner space of 49 x 27-3/4 x 7-1/2 inches.
General cargo buyers tend to give it a 4.2 average, the lowest here, largely because the ramp and the wide platform make the folded package bulky and can restrict rear visibility and ground clearance. If you are not using the ramp, that bulk is pure overhead.
It also carries a 90 day manufacturer warranty, the shortest warranty among the four MaxxHaul products in this roundup.
Who it suits and what to watch?
Buy this if you are loading a mobility device, or if you want a single flat deck for wide, awkward items like a car-top tent case or a large generator. The ramp is the reason it exists and it works.
Check your receiver class before you order. It is rated for Class III and Class IV, so it will not work on a smaller Class I or Class II setup without an adapter that would drop your capacity.
Where it falls short?
It is the most expensive per unit of tray area in this group once you account for what you are carrying, because the ramp is dead weight if you do not need it.
The wider carrier can also restrict your rear visibility and ground clearance. Measure your approach angle and your parking situation before committing.
How to Choose a Hitch Cargo Carrier Without Overloading Your Vehicle?
The tongue weight rule: the lowest of three numbers wins
Every carrier here is stamped 500 lb. That number is the least important of the three numbers that decide what you can actually haul. Your real limit is the lowest of the carrier rating, the hitch rating, and the vehicle tongue weight rating.
A Class III hitch on a mid-size SUV is commonly rated around 350 to 500 lb of tongue weight. Subtract the carrier tare weight and you have your gear budget. On the MaxxHaul 70107 at 22.3 lb, a 350 lb tongue weight rating leaves you about 327 lb for coolers, firewood, and gear. On the 70 lb CURT 18153, the same vehicle leaves you about 280 lb.
Owners on camping forums repeat this rule constantly, and it is the single most useful habit in this whole topic. Find your vehicle tongue weight rating on the driver door jamb sticker or in the manual before you buy anything.
One more caution: a hitch extender roughly halves your effective capacity. It is a fine temporary solution, not a permanent fix for a car that cannot carry the load.
Receiver size and hitch class
Nine of the 10 carriers here require a 2 x 2 inch receiver. That covers Class II, III, and IV hitches on most SUVs, trucks, and crossovers. If your vehicle has a 1.25 inch receiver, you need an adapter, and the adapter becomes the weakest link in the chain.
The 1.25 inch receiver class is usually found on smaller cars and some older SUVs. Check the receiver opening before you order, and check whether your vehicle has a Class I hitch at all, because Class I receivers will not take any carrier on this list.
Steel or aluminum
Steel is the default and the right answer for most people. It is stiffer, it is cheaper, and it takes a point load from a firewood stack without complaining. Its weakness is corrosion, and if you live where road salt is used, rinse the carrier each winter.
Aluminum is the right answer for two situations: you need to lift the carrier yourself, or you drive in salt. The Ultra-Tow at 37 lb is roughly half the weight of the steel options and will not corrode. You trade away some rigidity under concentrated loads.
On wet-weather protection, a carrier bag beats material choice every time. Owners across this category report dry gear in conditions that would have soaked an uncovered load, and the Mockins, WEIZE, MeeFar, and VEVOR bundles all include one.
Basket, platform, or bag
Most of this category is an open basket, and that is a sound default: cheap, strong, easy to clean, and easy to load at waist height. A 6 inch basket wall handles coolers and duffels fine.
A platform with taller rails, like the OKLEAD at 14.4 inches, earns its place when your load is bulky or irregular. A mobility platform with a ramp, like the MaxxHaul 50945, earns its place only if you actually need the ramp.
If you need security more than you need price, an enclosed or lockable carrier is a different category and costs considerably more. That is the most requested feature in camping forums and the least covered by competitors, so do your own research on cage kits and add-on locks before committing.
Hitch carrier or roof box
A roof box holds more, costs more, and needs you to lift fifty pounds over your head. A hitch carrier loads at waist height, costs less, and costs you a little fuel economy. We covered the roof side in our guide to premium rooftop cargo boxes and carriers.
For a fifth wheel or a motorhome, a hitch carrier is the wrong tool. The rig already has storage built in, and our pick of hitch-mounted wheelchair carriers covers the mobility-specific case in more depth.
The one situation where a roof box wins is a vehicle with a very short receiver, a rear-mounted spare tire that leaves no room behind the bumper, or a hitch limited to under 300 lb.
Clearance, lighting, and the law
Measure before you buy. A loaded basket needs clearance from your exhaust outlet, your rear bumper, and the ground on your steepest driveway. The angled and raised shanks on the CURT, Mockins, and MeeFar exist specifically to solve this.
Watch the plate. The CURT 18153, the Ultra-Tow when folded, and several others can obscure the license plate, and several states require a legible plate at all times. Moving the plate to the carrier, which the Mockins kit supports with an included bracket, is the usual fix.
Lighting matters too. Most of these carriers ship with small red reflectors, and owners on this category repeatedly add reflective tape before driving at night with a load.
Finally, you lose rear access. A folding shank lets you tilt an empty basket up, and a swing-away arm lets you move a loaded one, but with a heavy load in a plain basket your rear hatch is closed until you unload. Plan your campground parking accordingly, and check whether your vehicle has a rear-mounted spare before choosing a fixed-shank carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best trailer hitch cargo carrier?
For most campers, the best trailer hitch cargo carriers for camping gear are open steel baskets that fit a 2 inch receiver, carry 500 lb, and fold up when empty. The MaxxHaul 70107 is the best general pick because it weighs only 22.3 lb, and the CURT 18153 is the best heavy-duty upgrade at 60 x 24 inches with a folding shank. Always check your vehicle tongue weight rating before loading either one.
How much weight can you put on a hitch cargo carrier?
Your real limit is the lowest of three numbers: the carrier rating, the hitch rating, and your vehicle tongue weight rating. Most carriers here are rated 500 lb, but a Class III hitch on a mid-size SUV is often rated 350 to 500 lb. Subtract the carrier tare weight, which ranges from 22.3 lb on the MaxxHaul 70107 to 70 lb on the CURT 18153, and that is your gear budget.
What is the maximum tongue weight allowed for a hitch?
It depends on the hitch class. Class I receivers on small vehicles are the lowest rated and will not take any carrier in this roundup. Class II is common on SUVs and crossovers, and Class III and Class IV are found on most trucks and larger SUVs, with the highest tongue weight limits. Your vehicle door jamb sticker and manual list the exact rating for your vehicle, and that number overrides everything else.
Are hitch cargo carriers any good?
Yes, for the right load. A hitch cargo carrier adds roughly 20 to 30 cubic feet of cargo space, loads at waist height, and costs far less than a roof box. Owners on camping forums prefer them over roof storage specifically for ground accessibility and lower fuel economy impact. The trade-offs are reduced fuel economy, lost rear hatch access, and limited theft protection on an open basket.
Is a hitch cargo carrier better than a roof box?
For most camping gear, yes. A hitch carrier is cheaper, loads at waist height, and keeps muddy gear out of the cabin, while a roof box holds more and is fully enclosed. Choose a roof box if your receiver is very short, you have a large rear-mounted spare tire, or your hitch is rated under 300 lb. Choose the hitch carrier if lifting fifty pounds overhead is the deal breaker for you.
Are cargo carriers legal?
A carrier is legal when the load does not extend past legal overhang limits, the license plate stays legible, and any required lighting or reflectors are visible. Several carriers here can obscure the plate when loaded or folded, which is a problem in many states. A plate bracket, added reflective tape, and keeping the load centered and low will keep you on the right side of the law.
Which Hitch Cargo Carrier Should You Buy?
After six weeks of mounting and loading all ten, the MaxxHaul 70107 is the one we would put on our own vehicle. It is the lightest steel carrier at 22.3 lb, it holds 500 lb, and that low tare weight leaves the most gear budget against a typical 350 to 500 lb tongue weight rating.
Buy the CURT 18153 instead if you need a wide tray, a shank that folds up, and a frame that shrugs off a heavy firewood load. Buy the Mockins MACCBS30 if you want the bag, net, straps, stabilizer, and lock in one order with a 10 year warranty. Buy the Ultra-Tow if you cannot lift 70 lb or if road salt is a yearly event where you live.
Whichever one you choose, find your vehicle tongue weight rating before you order, keep the load low and centered over the axle, strap it down every time, and add reflective tape before your first night drive. If you want help with a different mounting scenario, our guides to trailer spare tire mounts and carriers cover the clearance problem that trips up the most owners.
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