The article provides the top ten best hitch cargo carriers that can be ordered and used for a worry-free vacation or a road trip with family and loved ones. The list includes the features and benefits of each cargo carrier.
If you are someone who always worries about your vehicle’s carrying capacity when traveling, then you should know that installing a hitch cargo carrier is a practical solution for transporting luggage. Hitch cargo carriers help save interior space, providing extra room for your family and loved ones.
In this list, we provide ten of the best hitch cargo carriers available for order so you can go out and have a worry-free vacation and simply enjoy the great outdoors.
The Mockins Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier is a 60” long x 20” wide x 6” tall cargo rack that hauls everything you need when traveling long distances with up to 500 lbs. of capacity. The carrier has an easy-to-clean mesh floor suitable for camping and road trips, adding to its versatility. It has a folding design feature that can be tilted up alongside the rear of your vehicle when not in use.
The MeeFar Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier frees up vehicle space allowing more room for your friends and loved ones to relax and observe the great outdoors. The cargo basket measures 60” long x 20” wide x 6” tall with a carrying capacity of up to 500 lbs. The carrier works well with any vehicle as the basket easily folds when not in use.
The MaxxHaul 70107 Compact Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier is made from heavy-duty all-steel construction, perfect for camping, hauling firewood, dirt, or carrying your luggage during long-distance trips to provide instant cargo space for loads you would rather have outside your vehicle during transport. The carrier has dimensions of 53 x 19 x 5 and a carrying capacity of up to 500 lbs.
The EAZ LIFT Camco Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier is an affordable option made from heavy-duty steel construction with a 500 lbs. weight capacity and dimensions of 51.5” x 17.5” x 3.25” to add extra storage space when traveling with your family.
The MYCAN Tray-Style Cargo Carrier is ideal for hauling larger items such as bikes and furniture. The mesh base is constructed from thickened steel plate to promote high strength, and it’s finished with a carbide black powder coating for corrosion resistance. The carrier has dimensions of 60” x 20” and a weight capacity of up to 500 lbs.
The TITIMO Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier is made from heavy-duty tubular steel with a lightweight mesh design that can carry up to 500 lbs. of weight. It comes with a waterproof cargo bag, and its folding design feature makes it easy to store when not in use.
Lund 601010 Universal Hitch Mount Steel Cargo Carrier
The Lund 601010 universal hitch mount steel cargo carrier is another affordable product on the list for people on a budget. This stationary platform measures 60” x 20” and can hold up to 500 lbs. of distributed weight to carry large items such as camping items, firewood, dirt, and more when traveling. The carrier is coated with a black powder finish for durability on all weather conditions to keep your items safe in any situation.
There are pre-punched holes on the base for attaching accessories or tie-down straps to secure your load. The design fits any standard 2” receivers for an easy and quick installation for almost any type of vehicle. The only drawback of the Lund 601010 cargo carrier is that it doesn’t come fitted with reflectors which can be a deal-breaker to some as drivers behind you may find it difficult to see your cargo without the recommended reflectors.
The 07496 cargo carrier by Erickson is made with the great outdoors in mind. It’s a cargo carrier that works particularly well for transporting tailgating supplies, hunting gear, fishing gear, or any outdoor items you wouldn’t want inside your vehicle. The carrier is made from durable alloy steel to securely hold your stuff without you worrying about its safety, especially when you’re traveling over long distances during road trips, camping trips, or vacations.
The 07496 cargo carrier has an 18” outer fencing that can be folded away or completely removed when not in use. This gives a lot of options when your luggage adds to its versatility. The inside dimensions of the cargo carrier meanwhile measure 58” x 17.5” x 18”. The 07496 has a carrying capacity of up to 500 lbs. so you can easily store your items at the back of the vehicle.
FIERYRED Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier
The FIERYRED folding hitch cargo carrier has the capacity to hold up to 500 lbs. of cargo such as luggage, camping gear, construction material, and more to help you transport large items that you wouldn’t want inside your vehicle. It’s a single piece fully welded basket shielded with black powder coating to keep your carrier intact and resistant to any weather conditions. The carrier has a foldable design so you can fold it up when not in use in a vertical position to save space.
The dimensions of this hitch cargo carrier are 57.5” x 21” x 7.1”. It’s the ideal rack to haul large items as it’s also easy to install and fits all 2” hitch receivers. Buying this product comes with a cargo net and a bonus hitch stabilizer to make you feel secure every time you’re driving long distances with cargo hauled at the back.
Last on our list of the best hitch cargo carriers you can buy right now is this product from CURT. The 18145 basket hitch cargo carrier keeps your items secure during your travels as it features 6” high walls around the carrier. It’s possible to fasten a cargo net or cargo bag in the walls for added security. This product frees up much-needed space inside your vehicle to keep it mess-free during your travels.
This basket hitch cargo carrier has a load-carrying capacity of 500 lbs. It also comes with an adapter sleeve to allow the shank to fit virtually any hitch receiver. Lastly, it’s fitted with integrated reflectors on the frame as an added visibility for the carrier and your vehicle.
Buying Guide
Hitch Classification
Before getting a hitch cargo carrier for your vehicle, you have to determine what your vehicle has so that it’s compatible with your hitch classification. Class I and Class II hitches are 1.25” with a load capacity of up to 350 lbs. while Class III, Class IV, and Class V are 2” and are rated for up to 800 lbs.
Cargo Carrying Capacity
Some hitch cargo carriers on the list include cargo bags with nets and tie-down straps to protect your items when going out on a trip. It’s recommended to estimate the weight of your cargo before going out in order to ensure your carrier can support the weight you’re going to load. If you won’t be using a cargo carrier often, then consider getting one that’s easy to install/uninstall at a moment’s notice.
Carrier Design
The two most common hitch cargo carriers you’ll find online are tray-style carriers or cargo carriers with sides. Tray-style carriers can haul a variety of luggage as you only need to secure it with tie-downs or a cargo net. Cargo carriers with sides meanwhile are designed to secure your bags when out on camping trips so they stay in place and are protected at all times. They each have their own pros/cons so determine which one works best for your travels.
Price
Hitch cargo carrier manufacturers often bundle up a lot of extras such as bags, cargo nets, tie-down straps, and more. If you already have all these to begin with, then it’s cheaper to order the standalone hitch cargo carrier as the extras often reflect on the price.
FAQs
Will the hitch cargo carrier cover my license plate?
It’s possible that the hitch cargo carrier will cover your license plate. Having it partially covered is already enough for a violation and there are no exceptions for carriers and racks. In this instance, it’s usually legal to relocate your license plate so getting a universal trailer license plate bracket should do the trick.
How does having a Hitch Cargo Carrier affect my mileage?
In a 2014 study done by SAE International Journal of Passenger Car Mechanical Systems, it was found out that having a hitch cargo carrier installed at the back of a vehicle only made a 1% difference in fuel economy. Compared to a 25% fuel economy reduction on roof cargo carriers, it’s almost unnoticeable.
