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Travel and exploration have become essential components of our existence in today’s fast-paced world. Whether embarking on a family road journey, a camping trip, or a weekend getaway, it is essential to have the proper equipment to transport your belongings safely and efficiently. This is where cargo carriers for trailer hitches come into action. In this comprehensive guide, we will examine the finest trailer hitch cargo carriers on the market in 2023.
Why Invest in a Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier?
1. Maximizing Cargo Space
One of the primary reasons to consider a trailer hitch cargo carrier is to maximize the space available for your belongings. These carriers attach conveniently to your vehicle’s hitch, allowing you to transport bulky or oversized items that wouldn’t fit inside your car.
2. Keeping the Interior Comfortable
With a cargo carrier, you can free up interior space for passengers and pets, making your journey more comfortable. No more cramming luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment inside the car.
3. Enhancing Safety
Properly secured cargo carriers enhance road safety by ensuring that your load doesn’t obstruct your rearview mirror or impede your driving visibility.
Types of Trailer Hitch Cargo Carriers
1. Hitch-Mounted Cargo Baskets
- Open Design: These provide ample space for various items and are suitable for hauling equipment like camping gear, coolers, and sports gear.
- Enclosed Design: Ideal for protecting your cargo from the elements, these carriers come with a lid and are excellent for luggage and valuable items.
2. Hitch-Mounted Cargo Boxes
- Hardshell Boxes: These offer maximum protection against weather and theft. They are perfect for long road trips and valuable cargo.
- Softshell Boxes: More flexible than hardshell options, these are easy to store when not in use and are great for transporting sports gear.
Top Picks for 2023
Now, let’s dive into some of the best trailer hitch cargo carriers you can consider for your travels in 2023:
1. Mockins 60x20x6 Folding Cargo Carrier Hitch
Elevate your travel experience with the Mockins 60x20x6 Cargo Carrier, a versatile and robust solution for all your hauling needs. Designed to fit any 2-inch trailer hitch receiver, this carrier boasts a formidable 500 lbs load capacity and is constructed from anti-rust steel, ensuring unparalleled durability that withstands the test of time.
Key Features:
- Durable Construction
- Superior Ground Clearance
- Compact Storage
- Secure and Visible Cargo
- Waterproof Storage Bag (58x20x24 inches), 16 cu ft capacity
- Hitch Stabilizer and Lock Set
2. CURT 18153 60 x 24-Inch Basket Hitch Cargo Carrier
The CURT 18153 trailer hitch cargo carrier is an optimal solution for transporting items with the utmost security while on the road. Your belongings are held securely in position by the cargo basket’s 6-inch-high walls. These walls provide attachment points for cargo nets or sacks, thereby enhancing stability even further.
This carrier provides unparalleled convenience thanks to its foldable, angled shank. The folding feature enables compact storage when not in use, and the angled shank provides superior ground clearance even on irregular terrains.
This cargo carrier is made from durable tubular steel and has a lightweight construction. It has a weight capacity of 500 pounds, ensuring that your large loads will be supported securely. In addition, its E-coat and carbide black powder coat finish provide protection against the elements, making it a trustworthy companion for all your hauling requirements.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 60 x 24 x 6 inches
- Load Capacity: 500 Pounds
- 6-inch high walls around the cargo basket
- Foldable design
- Durable, E-coat and powder-coated steel
- Mesh base for easy cleanup of debris
3. MeeFar Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier, 60X20X6 Inch
The MeeFar Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier is your ideal travel companion, offering a seamless solution for transporting your belongings. Crafted from durable tubular steel and coated in black epoxy powder, this carrier is not only lightweight but also incredibly robust, with a maximum weight rating of 500 lbs.
Measuring 60″(L) x 20″(W) x 6″(H), this carrier provides ample space for your cargo needs. Its mesh base not only enhances strength but also facilitates easy cleanup after your journey. Equipped with an angled shank, it offers added ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures or low-riding vehicles.
Safety is paramount, evident in the integrated reflectors enhancing visibility during nighttime travels. The package includes essential accessories: a 16 cubic feet Waterproof Cargo Bag, a Hitch Stabilizer to reduce noise and movement while driving, a Cargo Net with attachment hooks, and Ratchet Straps for secure cargo fastening.
With the MeeFar Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier, experience the perfect blend of strength, convenience, and safety for all your travel needs.
Key Features:
- Foldable design
- Works great with any vehicle car, SUV, van, truck or jeep wrangler that has a 2″ receiver
- Hitch hauler with a 2″ shank rise for improved ground clearance
- Made with heavy duty steel with Anti-Rust Coating
- Max Weight Capacity: 500 LBS
- Basket Dimension: 60″(L) x 20″(W) x 6″(H)
- Cargo Bag Size: 58″(L) x 19″(W) x 24″(H)
4. Wildroad Hitch Cargo Carrier (60″ x 24″ x 14″)
The Wildroad Hitch Cargo Carrier is the epitome of durability and practicality, designed for your ultimate cargo-hauling needs. Crafted from heavy-duty tubing and featuring a heightened fence reaching up to 14 inches, this carrier ensures everything stays securely in place during transport, boasting an impressive weight capacity of 500 lbs. Perfect for camping gear, luggage, firewood, and more, it liberates your vehicle’s interior, making your journey on the road exceptionally comfortable.
Engineered with a 5-degree angle above the horizon, this cargo basket provides additional ground clearance, preventing contact with ground barriers and safeguarding your luggage from car fumes. Its spindle is meticulously designed with multiple holes, ensuring a stable and secure connection to the trailer hitch, offering multiple security layers for your belongings. Moreover, this carrier folds easily, enabling convenient space-saving storage when not in use.
The Wildroad Cargo Carrier Bag is the ultimate companion, constructed from ultra-rugged 500D PVC material, making it fully waterproof. Equipped with a protective flap and sturdy welded seam body with waterproof stitches, your belongings are shielded from all weather conditions, including strong winds, intense sunlight, sandstorms, heavy rain, and snow. With the Wildroad Hitch Cargo Carrier, embark on your adventures with unmatched cargo protection and ease.
Key Features:
- Load Capacity: 500 Pounds
- Mounting Type: Strap
- Foldable design
- Fully waterproof
- Heavy-duty construction
- Safer Clearance
- Dimensions: 60 x 24 x 14 inches
5. Eaz-Lift Heavy Duty Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier
This Camco Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier is the best way to store more while traveling. This load carrier attaches and detaches easily with the provided hitch pin and works with any 2-inch hitch receiver.
Heavy-duty steel basket with 500 lb. weight capacity can hold many goods. An anti-wear powder coating complements its sturdy structure.
The cargo carrier’s 51-1/2-inch length, 17-1/2-inch width, and 3-1/4-inch height provide considerable storage space. This container securely stores camping goods, baggage, and outdoor equipment.
Travelers seeking more storage will love the Camco Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier, which is easy to install and remove. This durable and large load carrier will improve your trip.
Key Features:
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 4 x 53 x 27 inches
- Heavy-duty steel construction with 500 lb. weight capacity
- Mounts to any 2-inch hitch receiver to add extra storage space when traveling
- Attaches and detaches quickly
- Powder coated finish
6: KAIRAY Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier (60″x24″x14.4″)
The KAIRAY Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier is sturdy and convenient, making it an essential travel accessory. This heavy-duty steel carrier is one-piece and matte black powder-coated. This coating adds aesthetic appeal and resists elements, corrosion, and scratches, ensuring life in harsh climates.
The mesh surface prevents little items from falling through, making it stand out. Its 14.4″ raised tubular side rails (3.2″ when folded) protect your cargo from jolts and slippage. Two red reflectors improve visibility and ensure nighttime safety in bad weather.
It fits any 2″ trailer hitch opening and can support 500 lbs distributed weight. Installation is easy. Maintaining balance when hauling weights requires even platform weight distribution. It holds extra bags, camping supplies, luggage, and more in its extra-large size.
Travel with confidence knowing your belongings are secure, conveniently accessible, and weatherproof with KAIRAY’s Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier. Improve your travels with this durable and large load carrier.
Key Features:
- Heavy duty steel construction
- Mesh surface
- Safety reflectors
- Easy installation
- Foldable
- Load Capacity: 500 Pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 60 x 24 x 14.4 inches
7: OKLEAD Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier, 60″ x 24″ x 14.4″
The Oklead Steel Luggage Basket is your ideal solution for transporting extra cargo with ease and security. Designed for adventurers, it offers ample space to store bags, camping equipment, luggage, and more, making it perfect for long road trips with a large group of people or friends.
Constructed from durable steel, this luggage basket ensures longevity and reliability even on challenging journeys. Utilizing your vehicle’s crossbars, it effortlessly mounts, providing a hassle-free setup experience. The well-thought-out design includes sturdy bars and side rails, effectively keeping your belongings in place during transit. This not only prevents shifting but also provides multiple tie-down points, allowing you to secure your cargo with confidence.
The Oklead Steel Luggage Basket is not just a practical choice; it’s a reliable travel companion. Its robust construction and ample storage space make it an excellent option for those who love to explore, offering the freedom to bring along everything you need without compromising on vehicle space. Upgrade your travel adventures with this versatile and convenient luggage basket.
Key Features:
- Made of heavy duty steel, which is very durable and sturdy
- Loading capacity can reach 500 lbs, used for store extra luggage
- 14.4″ Side rail– higher than most other cargo carriers
- Mesh surface– prevents smaller objects from falling through
- 2 Red reflectors ensure safety in severe weather
- Foldable receiver tube as the optimal design
- Dimensions LxWxH: 60 x 24 x 14 inches
8: ARKSEN 60 x 24 Inch Folding Cargo Rack Carrier
A durable cargo carrier and weatherproof cargo bag make the perfect travel companion. This package protects your possessions from road grit, sun damage, and rain, making it excellent for camping, road trips, and more.
Folding up makes the load carrier easy to store. Heavy-duty tubular steel makes it strong and lightweight, rated for 500 lbs. Its black powder coat finish adds style and prevents corrosion, making it durable in bad weather.
The cargo basket’s 24″(L) x 60″(W) x 14″(H) storage space frees up space in your car, SUV, RV, truck, or van. Security and vertical support for load balancing are provided by its 14″ high walls.
This cargo carrier kit is convenient and reliable and easy to install in the back of your vehicle. Whether you’re going cross-country or camping for the weekend, our cargo solution keeps your items safe and clutter-free.
Key Features:
- 1-Piece, welded, galvanized steel base frame
- Heavy Duty
- Foldable Cargo Carrier
- Weight Capacity: 500 Lbs
- Overall Dimensions: 60”L X 24”W X 14″H
9: MaxxHaul 80779 50″ x 29.5″
With the MaxxHaul 80779 Cargo Carrier, loading and transporting is effortless. Rigid metal makes the lightweight, rust-resistant basket and ramp durable and easy to maintain.
The universal 2″ hitch mounting system makes installation easy on SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans with Class III and IV 2-inch hitch receivers. Safety is crucial; the carrier has strategically placed reflectors for road safety.
The carrier has four anchor points for load security. The 47″ ramp makes loading small-wheeled equipment easy. This carrier fits compressors, snow blowers, pressure washers, scooters, and electric wheelchairs.
MaxxHaul has a 4-bolt anti-rattle system for quiet travel. This gadget reduces hitch noise, wobbling, and rattling for quiet transport.
MaxxHaul 80779 offers instant cargo room and efficient movement. Outdoor enthusiasts, contractors, and homeowners can trust this cargo carrier to safely move a variety of items.
Key Features:
- Fits standard 2″ x 2″ hitch receivers
- Lightweight yet durable
- Maximum distributed load capacity: 500 lbs
- Outer Dimension: 50″ x 29-1/2″x 8-3/4″
- Inner Dimension: 49″ x 27-3/4″ x 7-1/2″
10: Wildroad Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket
The WILDROAD Heavy-Duty Hitch Cargo Carrier makes transporting your stuff easy and safe. This carrier holds up to 500 pounds of camping goods, baggage, firewood, and more in place with heavy-duty tubing and a 14-inch fence. It ensures a comfortable road trip by freeing up interior space.
A 5-degree inclination over the horizon gives the cargo basket extra ground clearance, protecting your goods from car fumes and obstructions. Multiple holes on the spindle ensure a stable and secure connection to the trailer hitch, giving your goods multiple security assurances. For compact storage, the carrier folds easily.
Not only that. WILDROAD’s 500D PVC Cargo Carrier Bag adds protection. With a protective flap and solid welded seam body with waterproof seams, it protects your valuables from high winds, harsh sunshine, sandstorms, heavy rain, and snow.
With its folding receiver tube, compatible with universal 2″ square tubes, the cargo basket is easy to assemble. WILDROAD’s Heavy-Duty Hitch Cargo Carrier is the ultimate travel companion, providing unsurpassed convenience and cargo protection.
Key Features:
- Dimensions LxWxH: 60 x 24 x 14 inches
- Foldable: Yes
- Load Capacity: 500 Pounds
- Mounting Type: Power Grip
- Waterproof
Conclusion
Investing in the best trailer hitch cargo carrier can significantly enhance your travel experiences in 2023. Whether you prefer the security of a hardshell cargo box or the versatility of a cargo basket, there are options to suit every need and budget. Say goodbye to cramped car interiors and hello to more enjoyable and spacious journeys.
FAQs
1. Can I install a trailer hitch cargo carrier myself?
Yes, many cargo carriers are designed for easy DIY installation. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
2. What type of cargo carrier is best for transporting camping gear?
Hitch-mounted cargo baskets with open designs are excellent for transporting camping gear. They offer ample space for tents, coolers, and other equipment.
3. Do I need additional accessories to secure my cargo carrier?
Depending on the carrier, you may need straps, bungee cords, or cargo nets to secure your load. Always ensure that your cargo is properly fastened before hitting the road.
4. Can I access the rear of my vehicle with a hitch-mounted cargo carrier attached?
Some hitch-mounted cargo carriers are designed to tilt or swing away, allowing you to access the rear of your vehicle without removing the carrier.
5. Are hitch-mounted cargo carriers compatible with all vehicles?
While many vehicles can accommodate hitch-mounted cargo carriers, it’s essential to check your vehicle’s hitch rating and compatibility before making a purchase.
