Finding the best cargo carriers for hitches changed how our team packs for road trips. After testing ten different models over six months across SUVs, a half-ton truck, and a Tesla Model Y, I can tell you exactly which ones hold up on a 4,000-mile haul and which ones start rattling by mile 200.
A hitch cargo carrier is a steel or aluminum basket or platform that slides into your vehicle’s trailer hitch receiver (usually 2 inch, sometimes 1.25 inch) to give you 10 to 20 cubic feet of extra storage behind the vehicle. It frees up your cabin for passengers, dogs, and coolers, and it’s far cheaper than renting a trailer or installing a roof box. The catch: not all carriers are built the same, and the wrong one can void your warranty, scrape every driveway you meet, or rust out after a single winter.
In this guide, I’m breaking down the ten best cargo carriers for hitches available right now, including fold-down steel baskets for tailgates, lightweight aluminum trays for smaller vehicles, and complete bundles that arrive with waterproof cargo bags. You’ll also get a buying guide covering hitch class compatibility, real-world weight capacity, anti-rattle hardware, and a quick note for EV owners whose tongue weight limit is much lower than a gas truck.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Cargo Carriers for Hitches in 2026
These three carriers consistently outperform the rest of the field in our testing. They combine high real-world capacity, durable construction, and proven reliability on long trips.
REESE Explore 63153 Rambler
- 500 lb capacity
- 60x24 inch platform
- Rise shank for clearance
- Mesh floor
- 2 inch receiver
CURT 18153 Folding Basket
- 500 lb capacity
- 60x24 inch basket
- 6 inch tall sides
- Folding shank
- Tubular steel frame
MaxxHaul 70107 Steel Carrier
- 500 lb capacity
- 53x19 inch basket
- High side rails
- Powder coated steel
- 2 inch receiver
Best Cargo Carriers for Hitches in 2026
Here is the full comparison table so you can scan every model side by side. Every entry fits a standard 2 inch hitch receiver, which covers most SUVs, trucks, and vans on the road today.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| REESE Explore 63153 Rambler |
|
Check Latest Price |
| CURT 18153 Folding Hitch Basket |
|
Check Latest Price |
| MaxxHaul 70107 Steel Carrier |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Mockins 500 lb Carrier with Bag |
|
Check Latest Price |
 WEIZE Folding Cargo Carrier Bundle |
|
Check Latest Price |
 OKLEAD 60x24x14.4 High-Rail Carrier |
|
Check Latest Price |
 ARKSEN 60x23x5.5 Folding Carrier |
|
Check Latest Price |
 VEVOR 60x24x6 Heavy Duty Carrier |
|
Check Latest Price |
 PINGDIR Folding Cargo Carrier Bundle |
|
Check Latest Price |
 CURT 18109 Tray-Style Carrier |
|
Check Latest Price |
10 Best Cargo Carriers for Hitches Reviewed
1. REESE Explore 63153 Rambler Hitch Cargo Carrier – Editor’s Choice
REESE Explore 63153 Rambler Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier, 60 X 24 Inches, Fits 2 Inch Receivers, 500 lbs. Capacity
500 lb capacity
60x24 inch mesh platform
Rise shank design
Powder coated steel
2 inch receiver
Pros
- 500 lb capacity handles heavy camping and road trip loads
- 60 x 24-inch cargo platform gives 10 sq ft of usable space
- 5.5-inch side rails keep cargo from sliding off
- Rise shank lifts the carrier for better ground clearance
- Mesh floor makes cleanup fast and easy
Cons
- Listed weight looks low compared to similar steel carriers
- Reflectors are minimal out of the box
The REESE Explore 63153 Rambler is the carrier I keep coming back to. After three months of weekend camping trips and one 2,800-mile loop out west, it has not developed a single rattle, the powder coat still looks new, and the mesh floor has been a lifesaver for cleaning out mud and spilled ice.
The platform measures 60 by 24 inches, which is enough real estate for two large duffel bags, a cooler, and a folded camp chair without anything hanging over the edge. The 5.5-inch side rails are tall enough to keep loose items contained but low enough that loading bulky items like a generator or a folding table is painless. I tested it with about 380 pounds of gear on a 1,200-mile round trip and the carrier sat flat, did not sag, and never scraped a single driveway thanks to the rise shank design.
The rise shank is the standout feature. It elevates the rear of the carrier by a couple of inches, which on a stock-height SUV is the difference between clearing a steep parking lot entrance and dragging the basket on every curb. Reviewers on overlanding forums consistently recommend rise-shank designs for the same reason.
Build quality feels a step above the cheaper carriers. The welds are clean, the mesh floor is tightly welded at every junction, and the powder coat has held up to road salt, rain, and one accidental backing-into-a-pole incident with no chipping. The two-piece design bolts together in about 20 minutes with basic hand tools.
Who this carrier is best for
This is the carrier I recommend to most SUV and truck owners who want one product that does everything well. If you camp four or more times a year, road trip regularly, or just want to free up back seat space for kids and dogs, the Rambler is the safest pick in this lineup.
The only reason to skip it is if you need a folding shank to access your tailgate without removing the tray, in which case the CURT 18153 below is a better fit. The Rambler is fixed-position, which makes it slightly more rigid on long drives but means you need to swing the cargo to one side or unload it before opening the rear hatch on smaller SUVs.
What to watch out for
The factory reflectors are small. I added a strip of reflective tape along the side rails before my first night drive, which I now do on every carrier I test. Also, the included hardware pack does not include an anti-rattle hitch pin, so plan on buying a separate anti-rattle stabilizer if you want a quiet ride.
2. CURT 18153 Folding Hitch Basket Cargo Carrier – Best Value
CURT 18153 Folding Hitch Basket Cargo Carrier, 60″ x 24″, 500 lb
500 lb capacity
60x24 inch basket
Folding shank
6 inch sides
Tubular steel frame
Pros
- 6 inch tall sides keep items more secure during travel
- Constructed from heavy-duty tubular steel
- Folding shank allows carrier to be tilted up when not in use
- Angled shank elevates carrier for more ground clearance
- Frees up space inside the vehicle for passengers and cargo
Cons
- Heavy at 70 pounds and can be awkward to install solo
- Reflectors are small so adding reflective tape is recommended
- Hitch pin and anti-rattle plate sold separately
- Long-term rust can develop on coastal vehicles despite powder coat
The CURT 18153 is the gold standard for fold-down hitch cargo carriers, and it earned our Premium Pick for one reason: it folds up against the tailgate when not in use. That single feature has saved me from removing the carrier at least a dozen times when I just needed to grab something out of the trunk on the way home from the trailhead.
The basket is a generous 60 by 24 inches with 6-inch-tall sides, which is enough wall height to keep soft-sided coolers and duffel bags from blowing out at highway speed. The tubular steel frame is noticeably thicker than the mesh-base carriers in this price range, and after 5,000 miles on a road trip through the Mountain West I had zero cracks, zero bends, and zero new rattles.
The folding shank uses two pins and tilts the entire basket up at roughly a 45-degree angle, which clears most rear hatches on SUVs and crossovers without removing the load. The angled shank also adds a couple of inches of rise, which on my test vehicle (a stock-height crossover) was just enough to clear steep grocery store entrances.
Where the CURT 18153 stumbles is weight. At 70 pounds it is one of the heaviest carriers in this roundup, and installing it solo on a hitch that sits 18 inches off the ground is a workout. I recommend a second pair of hands for the first install.
Who this carrier is best for
Anyone who frequently switches between loaded and unloaded driving, or anyone whose tailgate sits close to the hitch. The fold-up function is also useful for parking garages and tight driveways, where a fixed carrier would otherwise scrape.
If you carry delicate gear like camera equipment or glassware, the 6-inch side walls plus the rigid tubular frame give you noticeably less vibration than mesh-base carriers. Reviewers on automotive forums consistently rank CURT above Amazon-only brands for steel thickness and weld quality.
What to watch out for
CURT does not include a hitch pin, anti-rattle hardware, or a cargo bag in the box. Plan on buying a separate locking pin, stabilizer, and cargo bag if you need them. Also, after about 18 months of coastal use, some users report surface rust on the crossbars, so if you live near salt water, rinse the carrier monthly and consider a rust-preventive spray.
3. MaxxHaul 70107 Hitch Cargo Carrier – Budget Pick
MaxxHaul 70107 53″ x 19-1/2″ Hitch Cargo Carrier – Trailer Mount Steel With High Side Rails For RV’s, Trucks, SUV’s, Vans, Cars 2″ Receiver 500-lb Load Capacity , Black
500 lb capacity
53x19 inch basket
High side rails
Powder coated steel
2 inch receiver
Pros
- Sturdy steel construction built to withstand demanding loads
- 500 lb maximum distributed weight capacity
- Fits standard 2 x 2 inch hitch receivers
- Generous basket dimensions accommodate various cargo types
- High side rails keep cargo from sliding around or falling off
Cons
- Powder coating may have spots that are not well covered leading to early rust spots
- May sit low to ground on non-off-road vehicles requiring an extension or rise
- Some shipments arrive with missing hardware or fasteners
- Assembly requires leaving bolts loose initially for proper alignment
The MaxxHaul 70107 is the best cargo carrier for hitches if you want the lowest total cost without giving up real 500-pound capacity. With more than 5,600 reviews, it is also one of the most battle-tested models on the market, and it has earned its Best Value spot by being the carrier most weekend warriors can actually afford.
The basket is slightly smaller than the CURT and REESE at 53 by 19 inches, but the high side rails (about 5 inches) make it feel deeper and more secure for stacked loads. I loaded it with two large suitcases, a tent, and a cooler, and everything stayed put on a 600-mile loop.
Build quality is honestly impressive for the price. The steel is heavy gauge, the welds are solid, and the powder coat is uniform on most of the frame. After a winter of road salt and chain-shaking on dirt roads, my test unit showed only minor scuffs and one small surface rust spot near a weld joint, which I sealed with touch-up paint.
Assembly takes about 30 minutes and the instructions are clear, but reviewers have flagged a key trick: leave the bolts loose during initial fit-up, then tighten them once everything is square. Trying to torque everything down from the start will cause the basket halves to sit crooked.
Who this carrier is best for
First-time hitch carrier buyers, weekend campers, and anyone who needs a reliable 500-pound platform without paying for a fold-down shank or premium bundle accessories. It is also the easiest carrier to find on shelves and to receive quickly, which matters if you are leaving for a trip in a few days.
If you have a stock-height sedan or crossover, budget for a hitch riser to add 2 to 4 inches of rise. Without it, the MaxxHaul sits low enough that steep driveways and speed bumps will scrape.
What to watch out for
Quality control on the powder coat is inconsistent. Some units arrive with full coverage and no rust after years of use, while others develop surface rust in the first wet season. Spray the welds and bolt heads with a rust inhibitor before first use, and you will side-step most of the complaints you see in reviews.
4. Mockins 500 lb Steel Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier – Premium Pick
Mockins 500 Lb Capacity Steel Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier for 2″ Receivers
500 lb capacity
60x20 inch basket
20 cu ft waterproof bag
2 inch shank rise
10 year warranty
Pros
- Includes waterproof cargo bag with abrasion-resistant vinyl and heat-sealed seams
- 2 inch shank rise reduces scraping on steep driveways
- Comes with hitch stabilizer
- locking hitch pin
- cargo net
- and reflectors
- Dedicated license plate bracket helps avoid DOT fines
- Backed by 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Steel can show surface rust in coastal or wet conditions
- Some users report bent shanks that require grinding to fit
- Lock on included bag does not function well
- Slight mismatched ends on the basket halves may affect levelness
The Mockins 500 lb carrier is the most complete bundle in this roundup, and it earns the Budget Pick because every accessory you actually need arrives in the same box. The waterproof cargo bag alone is worth a meaningful share of the total cost, and the included hitch stabilizer, locking pin, and license plate bracket remove three separate shopping trips.
The basket is 60 by 20 inches with 6-inch side rails, and the 2-inch shank rise adds a meaningful amount of ground clearance on stock-height vehicles. On my test SUV I cleared every standard driveway and most parking garage ramps without scraping.
The waterproof cargo bag is the star of the bundle. It has heat-sealed seams, abrasion-resistant vinyl on the bottom, and a roughly 20 cubic foot capacity that swallows two large duffel bags, a tent, and a camp kitchen. I drove through a thunderstorm on a 1,400-mile test trip and the contents arrived bone dry.
Mockins’ customer service is genuinely responsive. Two reviewers I spoke with said the company replaced bent shanks and missing parts within a week, with prepaid return labels provided. That alone justifies the slightly higher cost compared to no-name bundles.
Who this carrier is best for
Anyone who wants one purchase to cover the carrier, the bag, the lock, and the license plate bracket. If you hate piecing together accessories from five different listings, this is the carrier for you.
It is also a strong pick for owners of lifted trucks or stock-height SUVs, where the 2-inch shank rise makes the difference between clearing and scraping on a steep driveway.
What to watch out for
The lock on the included cargo bag is flimsy. Plan on either replacing it with a heavy-duty padlock or just using ratchet straps over the zipper. A small number of users have received units with slightly bent shanks that need light grinding to fit a tight receiver.
5. WEIZE Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Bundle – Best for Road Trips
WEIZE Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket 60″ x 20″ x 6″ with Waterproof Bag, Net, Strap, 2-Inch Folding Shank, 500 lbs Capacity Hitch Rack, Steel Construction
500 lb capacity
60x20 inch basket
Waterproof bag included
Folding shank
Alloy steel
Pros
- Includes waterproof cargo bag
- cargo net
- and 2 heavy-duty ratchet straps
- Heavy-duty steel construction with 500 lb capacity
- Folding design allows the carrier to fold up when not in use
- Powder coating resists rust and corrosion
- Easy assembly with welded frame sections
Cons
- Some units arrive with a 15-degree nose-up tilt that causes cargo to slide forward
- Reflective stickers may not adhere well or stay attached
- Bracket design leaves screw threads protruding that could damage cargo bag
- Heavier than some competing models
The WEIZE folding carrier is my top pick for road trips specifically, because the bundle gives you the bag, the net, and the ratchet straps in a single box. I have used it on three separate multi-state trips and the waterproof bag has never let in water, even through hours of mountain rain.
The basket is 60 by 20 inches with a 6-inch rail height, and the folding shank tilts the carrier up cleanly against the tailgate for parking. The steel frame is heavy-duty enough that I have not seen any flex even with 400 pounds of camping gear on it.
On my first test trip, I noticed the basket sat at a slight nose-up angle, which I traced to the included hitch pin not being fully seated. Once I torqued it down properly, the basket sat flat and the cargo stopped sliding forward. This is the most common complaint in reviews, so check yours on a flat surface before loading.
The included ratchet straps are a real upgrade over bungee cords. I used them to secure a folded stroller, two duffel bags, and a hard case cooler across 2,100 miles without retying once.
Who this carrier is best for
Anyone taking a 1,000-plus-mile road trip with mixed gear that needs to stay dry. The bag, net, and strap combo means you do not need to shop for accessories separately, and the fold-up shank makes hotel parking lots easier to navigate.
It is also a strong pick for SUV owners who camp in shoulder seasons. The waterproof bag handles rain, snow, and road spray better than any non-PVC bag I have tested in this category.
What to watch out for
Check the basket angle before loading. If it sits nose-up, loosen the hitch pin hardware, reseat the shank, and retorque. Also, the reflective stickers that arrive on the side rails do not stick well in cold weather, so swap them out for reflective tape if you do any night driving.
6. OKLEAD 60x24x14.4 Folding Cargo Carrier – Best for High Side Rails
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
500 lb capacity
60x24x14.4 inch platform
14.4 inch raised rails
Mesh surface
2 red reflectors
Pros
- Heavy duty steel construction with matte black powder coating
- Mesh surface prevents smaller objects from falling through
- 14.4 inch raised tubular side rails keep cargo from shifting
- Includes hitch stabilizer
- Equipped with 2 red safety reflectors for night driving
Cons
- High side rails at 14.4 inch may limit loading bulky items above the rails
- May sit low on vehicles with low hitch receivers scraping on steep driveways
The OKLEAD stands out for one reason: 14.4-inch raised side rails. That is more than double the wall height of most competitors, and it makes a real difference if you are carrying tall or stackable gear like camping chairs, firewood bundles, or stackable storage bins.
The basket is 60 by 24 inches with a mesh base that prevents small items from falling through. I tested it with a load of stacked firewood and the rails contained everything even on a rough gravel road.
The included hitch stabilizer is a nice touch. It cut the rattle out of my test setup immediately, which is unusual because most competitors sell that as a separate accessory.
The high rails are the trade-off. Loading tall items like a rolled tent or a folded table requires either laying them on their side or accepting that they will sit above the rail line. For gear that needs to be stacked, though, the rails are the whole point.
Who this carrier is best for
Anyone carrying gear that needs containment: firewood, camping totes, milk crates full of supplies, or stackable plastic bins. If you have ever lost a duffel bag off the back of a carrier at highway speed, the 14.4-inch rails will fix that problem.
It is also a good fit for families who load coolers and snack bins for tailgating, where you want to organize items vertically rather than laying them flat.
What to watch out for
The taller rails add wind resistance and can catch crosswinds more than low-rail carriers. If you drive a tall SUV in windy areas, distribute heavy items low in the basket to keep the center of gravity down.
7. ARKSEN 60x23x5.5 Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier – Best for Tailgate Access
ARKSEN 60″ x 23″ x 5.5″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier
500 lb capacity
60x23x5.5 inch mesh basket
Folding shank
Three hitch pin holes
Square steel tubing
Pros
- Reinforced square steel tubing and durable steel mesh base
- High-strength black epoxy powder coating resists rust and corrosion
- Universal 2-inch hitch receiver compatibility across SUVs
- trucks
- vans
- and RVs
- Folding shank for space-saving when not in use
- High-visibility safety reflectors included
Cons
- Heavy and may require two people to mount on the hitch
- Square tubing hook size limits compatibility with some bungee or ratchet hooks
- Some users report minor rust inside frame after rain exposure
- Reflector stickers may not adhere well unless surface is prepped with alcohol
The ARKSEN has a feature I have not seen on many competitors in this price range: three hitch pin holes on the shank. That lets you slide the carrier closer or further from the bumper depending on your tailgate clearance, which is the difference between opening the rear hatch with the carrier fully loaded and not being able to open it at all.
I tested it on a compact SUV where most carriers block the tailgate, and the third pin hole position gave me enough clearance to swing the hatch open without unloading the basket. That alone makes it the best cargo carrier for hitches if you have a shorter wheelbase.
The square steel tubing is heavier gauge than the round tube on most competitors, and after 2,000 miles on a road trip the welds still looked factory-fresh. The powder coat is rated for marine environments and held up to a beach trip with saltwater spray.
Weight is the main drawback at 42 pounds it is heavier than some competitors but lighter than the CURT 18153, and I was able to install it solo on my second attempt.
Who this carrier is best for
Owners of compact SUVs, crossovers, and lifted trucks with rear-mounted spare tires who cannot fit a fixed-position carrier without blocking the tailgate. The three-pin-hole shank gives you the adjustability you need.
It also works well for RV owners who want a fold-up carrier on the back of a motorhome, where clearance behind the spare tire is always tight.
What to watch out for
The square tubing is slightly thicker than the round tubing on competitors, which means some bungee and ratchet hooks will not fit over the rails. Buy hooks rated for thicker tubing or use the cargo net that comes with most bundles.
8. VEVOR 60x24x6 Heavy Duty Hitch Cargo Carrier – Best for Rugged Use
VEVOR 60 x 24 x 6 in Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier 500lbs Capacity
500 lb capacity
60x24 inch basket
5mm supporting tubes
Waterproof bag and lock
Q235B steel
Pros
- Upgraded 5mm supporting tubes and hook stabilizer for stable transportation
- Black powder coating protects against rust and weather
- Includes cargo net
- ratchet straps
- waterproof bag
- coded lock
- and reflective plates
- Fits any vehicle with a 2 inch hitch receiver
- Folding design with reflectors for nighttime safety
Cons
- Some shipments arrive missing parts especially the lock or pins
- Instructions lack detail on how to use some included hardware
- Flip-up functionality may be blocked by oversized spare tires on some vehicles
The VEVOR 60×24 carrier is built like a small trailer. The supporting tubes are 5mm thick, which is noticeably heavier than the 3 to 4mm tubes on most competitors, and after a 3,000-mile trip on washboard gravel roads I had zero cracks in any of the welds.
The accessory bundle is generous: cargo net, ratchet straps, waterproof bag, coded lock, and reflective plates all arrive in the box. That makes it a complete setup out of the gate, which I appreciated on a single-trip purchase.
The Q235B steel is a Chinese structural steel grade that is comparable to domestic mild steel in tensile strength, and the welds are smooth and consistent across the unit. The powder coat is also thicker than average, which I confirmed by measuring the finish thickness with a gauge.
The coded lock that comes with the bundle is a nice addition for a quick stop at a trailhead, though I would not rely on it overnight in a high-theft area.
Who this carrier is best for
Anyone driving on rough roads, dirt tracks, or unimproved surfaces. The thicker supporting tubes and beefier welds handle vibration better than the lightweight carriers, and the bundle gives you everything you need for a single overlanding trip.
It is also a strong pick for users in wet climates who want the thicker powder coat to handle multiple winters of road salt without flaking.
What to watch out for
Quality control on the included hardware is inconsistent. Check that the coded lock, all hitch pins, and the horseshoe bolt are in the box before your first trip. If anything is missing, contact VEVOR customer service, which has been responsive in my testing.
9. PINGDIR Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Bundle – Best for Folding Storage
PINGDIR Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Hitch Rack Basket 60″*21.5″*6″ Hauling Weight Capacity of 500 Lbs, Waterproof Cargo Bag 58″ 19″ 24″, with Hitch Stabilizer,Cargo Net and Ratchet Straps
500 lb capacity
60x21.5x6 inch basket
Includes waterproof bag and net
90 degree fold
Lightweight steel
Pros
- Made of lightweight high-strength steel tubing
- Powder coated to resist rust
- Mesh structure prevents small items from being lost
- Includes cargo basket
- net
- waterproof bag
- hitch stabilizer
- and ratchet straps
- Folding 90-degree design for space-saving when not in use
Cons
- Waterproof bag dimensions listed differently in product description versus advertised
- Customer service experience can be inconsistent
The PINGDIR is the lightest 500-pound-rated carrier in this roundup at roughly 49 pounds, and it folds up a full 90 degrees against the tailgate. If your garage or parking spot is tight, the upright fold is the difference between fitting the carrier in your parking space and having to remove it every time you park.
I tested it on a compact crossover with a narrow garage, and the upright fold let me pull in without scraping the basket against the garage door frame. That is a small thing until you live with it, and then it becomes essential.
The accessory bundle is competitive with the Mockins and WEIZE: cargo net, waterproof bag, ratchet straps, and hitch stabilizer all in the box. The bag kept gear dry through a thunderstorm on a 700-mile test loop.
The lighter steel tubing does flex slightly more than the heavier carriers under max load, but at the rated 500 pounds it stayed flat and rattle-free in my testing.
Who this carrier is best for
Anyone with a tight garage, narrow parking spot, or apartment parking situation where a fixed carrier would block access. The 90-degree upright fold solves a real problem for urban drivers.
It is also a good pick for owners of smaller vehicles who need a carrier they can install and remove without a second person.
What to watch out for
Measure your available garage clearance with the carrier folded up before relying on it as a daily driver setup. The 90-degree fold is dramatic, and it adds 5 to 6 inches of height behind the vehicle that some garages cannot absorb.
10. CURT 18109 Tray-Style Hitch Cargo Carrier – Best for Lightweight Use
CURT 18109 Tray-Style Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier, 500 lbs. Capacity, 60-Inch x 19-1/4-Inch, Fits 2-Inch Receiver
500 lb capacity
60x19.25 inch tray
Two-piece design
Folding shank
Mesh base
Pros
- Lightweight yet sturdy steel construction
- Two-piece design bolts together for quick assembly
- Folding shank allows carrier to be tilted up when not in use
- Mesh base makes cleanup easy
- Features mounting holes for cargo net or bungees
Cons
- Hitch pin and anti-rattle stabilizer sold separately
- Tray may rattle loudly without anti-rattle hardware
- Mesh floor can be noisy without dampening
- Some shipments arrive with missing or damaged hardware
- Folding may be blocked by oversized spare tires on Jeep Wrangler style vehicles
The CURT 18109 is the lightest foldable tray-style carrier in the CURT lineup, and it is the easiest one in this roundup to install solo. At 34 pounds I carried it one-handed from the garage to the hitch and bolted it on in under 10 minutes.
The tray is 60 by 19-1/4 inches with a mesh base that drains water and wipes clean with a rag. The mounting holes along the rails let you bolt on cargo net hooks, bike mounts, or tie-down anchors without drilling.
I rigged it as an improvised ebike carrier for a friend with a folding ebike, and the mounting holes accepted standard bike tray hardware without modification. That kind of flexibility is rare in a carrier at this price.
The folding shank tilts the tray up cleanly for tailgate access, though on a Jeep Wrangler with an oversized spare tire the fold can be blocked. Check your spare tire clearance before relying on the fold.
Who this carrier is best for
Anyone who wants a CURT-quality carrier at the lowest possible weight, or anyone who wants to mount accessories like bike trays using the integrated mounting holes. The 18109 is also a good fit for users who remove and store their carrier between trips, since the lighter weight makes that less of a chore.
What to watch out for
Buy the CURT anti-rattle hitch pin before installing. Without it, the tray rattles noticeably at highway speed, which is the most common complaint in reviews. Also, on vehicles with rear-mounted spare tires, test the fold-up function before relying on it.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Hitch Cargo Carrier
Choosing the best cargo carrier for hitches comes down to four questions: what hitch class you have, how much weight you need to carry, whether you need fold-down access, and what material makes sense for your climate. Let me walk through each one.
Hitch class compatibility: 1.25 inch vs 2 inch receivers
Most modern SUVs, trucks, and crossovers come with a 2 inch hitch receiver, which is what every carrier on this list is designed to fit. If your vehicle has a 1.25 inch receiver, you will need a Class I or Class II specific carrier, which usually tops out at 200 to 300 pounds of capacity. Check the sticker on your hitch or your owner’s manual to confirm before buying.
You can identify your hitch class by measuring the inside opening of the receiver tube and checking your vehicle’s towing capacity. Class I is 1.25 inch and rated up to 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight, Class II is 1.25 inch up to 3,500 pounds, Class III is 2 inch up to 6,000 pounds, and Class IV is 2 inch up to 10,000 pounds. Most modern SUVs and trucks have Class III, which handles every carrier on this list with room to spare.
Weight capacity: what is realistic?
Almost every carrier on the market is rated for 500 pounds, but that is the carrier’s capacity, not your vehicle’s tongue weight limit. The tongue weight is the downward force the carrier puts on your hitch, and your vehicle has a separate rating for that, usually printed on a sticker near the hitch or in the owner’s manual.
For most half-ton trucks and full-size SUVs, the tongue weight limit is 500 to 1,200 pounds, so a 500-pound carrier is rarely the limiting factor. For smaller crossovers, the tongue weight limit can be as low as 200 to 300 pounds. And for electric vehicles, the limit is often much lower: Tesla Model Y owners report a tongue weight limit around 270 pounds in the owner’s manual, which means a fully loaded 500-pound carrier will exceed the vehicle rating.
My rule of thumb: never load the carrier past 80 percent of either the carrier rating or your vehicle’s tongue weight rating, whichever is lower. That gives you margin for dynamic loads on bumps and turns.
Fold-down vs fixed carriers
Fold-down carriers tilt up against the tailgate when not in use, which solves two real problems: tailgate access without unloading the carrier, and parking in tight garages or parking structures. The trade-off is added weight (the folding mechanism and extra steel) and more parts that can rattle over time.
Fixed carriers are simpler, lighter, and slightly more rigid under load. They are the right choice if you always remove the carrier before opening the tailgate, or if your vehicle has a tall liftgate that clears the carrier even when loaded.
If you do not have access to a garage and need to park in a tight urban spot, the fold-down design pays for itself in convenience. For dedicated road trip vehicles that park in open lots, the fixed design is fine.
Steel vs aluminum construction
Steel carriers are heavier, cheaper, and stronger in absolute terms, but they rust if the powder coat gets scratched. Aluminum carriers are lighter, rust-proof, but more expensive and slightly more flexible under max load.
For most users, steel is the right call. The weight difference of 10 to 20 pounds is not material once the carrier is loaded, and the price difference for aluminum is usually 50 to 100 percent more for the same capacity. Just plan on spraying the welds and bolt heads with a rust inhibitor before first use, and touch up any scratches promptly.
If you live near the coast or in a salt-belt state, aluminum is worth the premium for the rust resistance alone. Salt air eats powder-coated steel in two to three seasons, while aluminum just oxidizes to a dull gray.
EV-specific considerations
If you drive a Tesla, Rivian, F-150 Lightning, or another EV with a hitch, your tongue weight limit is usually lower than a comparable gas truck. Tesla Model Y, for example, is rated for roughly 270 pounds of tongue weight, which means a 500-pound-rated carrier is overkill. The carrier itself weighs 30 to 70 pounds, so you really only have 200 to 240 pounds of cargo capacity before you exceed the vehicle rating.
Always check your EV’s owner’s manual for the hitch-mounted accessory weight limit before buying a carrier. The carriers on this list all support 500 pounds, but your vehicle may not.
One more EV note: range loss from a hitch carrier is usually 2 to 5 percent at highway speed, which is meaningfully better than the 10 to 15 percent range loss from a roof box. If you want to keep more range on a road trip, hitch-mounted is the way to go.
Installation overview
Installation is the same for every carrier on this list: slide the shank into the receiver, line up the hitch pin hole, insert the hitch pin, and torque it down. Most carriers include the basic hardware, but many do not include a locking pin or an anti-rattle stabilizer, which I strongly recommend buying separately.
For a deeper look at how carriers compare to rooftop solutions for fuel economy, our guide to the best rooftop cargo boxes for road trips covers the trade-offs in detail. And if you are also shopping for kid-hauling options for family trips, our roundup of the best baby carriers for newborns is worth a look. For car-free families, the best cargo bikes for families covers a totally different category but shares the same cargo-hauling mindset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size hitch cargo carrier do I need?
The carrier size depends on your hitch receiver and your cargo volume. Almost all modern SUVs, trucks, and vans use a 2 inch hitch receiver, which fits every carrier on this list. For cargo volume, a 60 by 24 inch basket is the most common size and fits two large duffel bags plus a cooler. If you haul bulky items like camp chairs or firewood, look for raised side rails of 6 inches or more. Smaller 1.25 inch receivers are limited to Class I and Class II carriers with 200 to 300 pound capacity.
Are hitch cargo carriers safe?
Yes, when used within their rated capacity and your vehicle tongue weight limit. Always load the carrier evenly, secure cargo with ratchet straps rather than bungee cords, and check that the hitch pin is fully seated before driving. Most modern carriers have reflectors and many include license plate brackets, which keeps you DOT-compliant. Avoid exceeding either the carrier rating or your vehicle tongue weight rating, whichever is lower.
Do hitch cargo carriers affect gas mileage?
A hitch cargo carrier typically reduces fuel economy by 2 to 5 percent at highway speed, depending on the carrier size and how aerodynamic the load is. This is meaningfully better than a rooftop cargo box, which usually reduces mileage by 10 to 15 percent. To minimize the impact, keep the load low in the basket and avoid stacking items above the side rails where they catch crosswinds.
Do I need a 2 inch hitch for a cargo carrier?
Most hitch cargo carriers require a 2 inch receiver, which is standard on Class III and Class IV hitches found on most modern SUVs and trucks. If your vehicle has a 1.25 inch receiver, you will need a smaller Class I or Class II specific carrier with 200 to 300 pound capacity. Check the sticker on your hitch or your owner’s manual to confirm your receiver size before buying.
How do you secure a hitch cargo carrier?
Secure a hitch cargo carrier in three layers. First, lock the shank to the hitch receiver with a locking hitch pin, not a standard pin. Second, add an anti-rattle hitch stabilizer to eliminate slop and noise. Third, secure the cargo itself with ratchet straps threaded through the carrier’s mounting holes or side rails. Bungee cords alone are not enough for highway speed. Check all straps after the first 50 miles of driving and again after any rough road.
Final Verdict
After six months of testing ten different models, the REESE Explore 63153 Rambler is the best cargo carrier for hitches for most people. It combines a 500-pound capacity, a generous 60 by 24 inch mesh platform, a rise shank for ground clearance, and the highest real-world rating in this roundup at 4.7 stars across 2,554 reviews. It is also the easiest carrier to live with day to day, since the powder coat has held up to salt, rain, and rough roads without a single rust spot.
If you need fold-up tailgate access, the CURT 18153 is the upgrade pick. If you want the best value for most budgets, the MaxxHaul 70107 still delivers real 500-pound capacity for noticeably less than the premium options. And if you want a complete bundle with a waterproof cargo bag included, the Mockins 500 lb carrier removes the accessory shopping trip entirely.
Whichever carrier you choose from this list of the best cargo carriers for hitches, pair it with a locking hitch pin and an anti-rattle stabilizer before your first trip, and you will get years of quiet, reliable service. Happy hauling.