Haul More Stuff Behind Your Rig With These Top-Rated Hitch Cargo Carriers

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Today’s crossovers and SUVs usually have ample space for passengers and cargo, but there may be an occasion when factory storage isn't enough. Like: You have your family, dog, tents, and electronics all loaded up in the car for a camping trip, just to discover that there's no room for the coolers.

In this situation, what you need is a hitch cargo carrier.

These simple automotive accessories have become very popular in recent years because for a couple hundred bucks you can substantially increase the amount of stuff in tow on a trip. All that's needed to install and aftermarket hitch cargo carrier is a hitch mount on your vehicle. From there, simply slide the carrier into the hitch, lock it in place, and you'll be ready to start loading up.

Read on for the best hitch cargo carriers we recommend, along with a quick primer on essentials to consider before buying.

Best Hitch Cargo Carriers

• Best Overall: Curt Folding Carrier

• Best All-in-One: King Bird Waterproof Cargo Basket

• Best Ramp Combo: MaxxHaul Cargo Carrier with Ramp

• Best Value: MaxxHaul Aluminum Cargo Carrier

• Best for Trucks: Erickson Big Bed Hitch Carrier

What to Consider

Type

Some hitch cargo carriers are specialized to carry things like bikes and wheelchairs. The vast majority, though, feature a simple box design made for strapping on whatever fits. Many carriers are made of welded steel, which offers cheap strength, but is heavy. Aluminum construction is a lighter alternative for easier installation and removal if you're installing it by yourself. There are also models that are lockboxes, ideal if need to store and transport anything valuable.

If your vehicle doesn’t come equipped with a square hitch, expect to shell some cash to have one professionally installed before using a hitch cargo carrier.

Capacity

Hitch cargo carriers typically top off at a 500-pound cargo capacity because that's the maximum weight a 2-inch hitch (the most common size) can safely handle. Another way to think of it is the total force the carrier or a trailer's tongue applies to the hitch ball. This is referred to as the "tongue weight" or "hitch weight"—and it's crucial for safe towing. If you picture the trailer's axel as the fulcrum of a seesaw or lever, you can imagine what would happen if each end weren't balanced or equally weighted. Length and width dimensions often vary, however. Be aware that loading up the rear of a vehicle in this manner naturally affects its weight distribution and handling dynamics, and drive cautiously with this in mind.

Sidewalls

You’ll also want to strap down any items in the carrier as securely as you would in any other towing scenario, and this is where side walls (or the lack thereof) come into play. Budget models may be closer to a flatbed, which means it's up to you rig it to ensure cargo won't slide off. Sidewalls—typically six inches or higher—make the tie-down and securing process a lot easier.

Extras

Nearly all hitch cargo carriers have reflectors for road safety, though some more than others. If you do a lot of driving at night or live somewhere that gets a ton of rain or snow, pay attention to the number and placement of reflectors. Some cargo hitch carriers come with weatherproof covers, ratchet straps, and elastic tie-down cords.

How We Selected

Over the past five years as an auto journalist, I’ve tested a variety of vehicles and automotive products, including storage products. I’ve also made use of various hitch accessories in my personal life as a driver, including extended cargo carriers. During my research for this story, I considered specialized hitch cargo carriers for bikes and mobility equipment in addition to multi-use options with baskets of varying sizes. I looked at cargo capacity, ease of setup as related to assembly weight, and security, along with extras like safety reflectors and waterproof covers.

Folding Carrier

This powder coated steel hitch cargo carrier weighs roughly 70 pounds, so installation may be difficult without some help. With that extra heft, you get a grate-style bottom which you don’t have to worry about items falling through. The six-inch-tall wall around the whole carrier provides a sturdy base to strap down cargo.

Dimensions are 60 by 24 inches and a raised hitch connector gives a couple extra inches of ground clearance. The bright red reflectors all around ensure visibility and a folding tuck-away mechanism is also included.

Waterproof Cargo Basket

When it comes to general-purpose hitch carriers, this King Bird hitch cargo carrier is really the complete package. With this, you get not only the steel basket, but two included tow straps and a waterproof PVC cargo bag to keep items protected during long journeys. There are also plenty of reflectors, including a few on the bottom to aid visibility while the basket is in the upright folded position.

Carrier weight is 60 pounds, which we find acceptable for its large size. The 60-by-24-inch length and width make for just over 18 cubic feet of storage with the PVC cover secured. The only oversight we see in design is that the bag covers up most of those reflectors while in use, so it may negatively affect visibility.

Cargo Carrier with Ramp

This hitch cargo carrier is specifically designed for wheeled equipment, like wheelchairs, lawnmowers and mobility scooters. Anything under 500 pounds that fits in its 27-by-47-inch dimensions can simply be rolled up the 47-inch integrated ramp—after which the ramp is placed in a static upright position, forming the fourth wall of the cage and providing an extra large strap point.

The other three sides are covered by seven-inch-tall barriers to ensure nothing goes rolling off. The sides of the box can also be used as tow strap mounting points for additional security. Since the carrier is aluminum, the whole thing weighs only 52 pounds.

Aluminum Cargo Carrier

This hitch cargo carrier is basically a flat aluminum box with one steel beam serving as the hitch connector. The whole assembly is only 22 pounds, so a single adult can lift it with relative ease. To achieve this light weight, there are fairly large gaps between the metal portions that small items may fall through. Dimensions are 48 by 19 inches, making for a low profile and 6.3-square-foot area.

The lack of raised walls means securing cargo is a bit tricky. Included reflectors at all four corners improve low-light visibility. A version available for about $30 more also comes with a folding mechanism to stow away while unloaded.

Big Bed Hitch Carrier

The Erickson Big Bed is a specialty hitch cargo carrier for pickups, giving an additional secure strap point for long cargo like lumber and ladders. When not in use, it folds up against the body for easy low-profile storage.

While extended, the carrier effectively adds 48 inches to bed length, and can hold up to 400 pounds of material. The full steel assembly only weighs 38 pounds, so installation should be easy enough for a single person.

Max Hitch Cargo Box

The Stowaway Max is perfect for camping and storing valuables because it comes with a fully enclosed hard plastic shell and a locking lid. While closed, the cargo box is weatherproof and tough enough to keep out curious wildlife.

Internal dimensions are 26 by 23 by 51 inches, for about 16 cubic feet of storage space and 200 pounds of capacity. The whole assembly weighs 99 pounds, so definitely grab a friend to help with installation.

The cargo box comes with a swinging hitch mount that allows for easy tailgate or hatchback access without needing to remove the carrier. Stowaway products are manufactured in the United States and come with a 10-year service warranty. They’re also made to order, so shipping may take longer than other products.

HoldUp Bike Rack

This specialized carrier from Yakima mounts two bicycles with ease, loading them onto the rack with zero disassembly.

Straps and clamps are built right into the product, so no additional equipment is required. They’re secured to the vehicle by their wheels, negating the risk of scratches along the bicycle frame. There are also some added convenience features, as the rack can swivel down slightly while loaded to allow rear hatch access on a van or SUV. When not in use, the whole assembly folds into a compact package. small form factor.

Another highlight is that there's an extra hitch on the carrier for an additional two-bike rack to be slotted in. The cost for all this versatility is roughly $500 with 49 pounds of weight, and double those if you want the extra capacity.

Ultraswing

The Ultraswing is made with serious off-road drivers in mind, and mostly devoted to carrying a full-sized spare tire around. Its name comes from the fact that the entire assembly is made to swing out a full 180 degrees, allowing ample room for rear hatch or tailgate access.

RIGd products also act as modular systems, allowing additional mounting options for things like shovels, water containers, fuel cans, and bikes. A picnic table attachment is even available, which makes for an improvised kitchenette during camping. The carrier also has its own two-inch hitch, allowing for another small basket to be slotted behind it.

RIGd products are also made in Southern California, for those who like to buy American. The steel construction weighs 65 pounds, and closer to 100 with a tire mounted. Installation and removal won’t be a quick proposition, so the swinging arm should come in handy. The system also comes at a premium of nearly $1,400, with accessories costing extra beyond that.

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