Forget roof racks. For a more accessible way to stow your gear, check out these hitch-mounted carriers.
- Are Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carriers Safe?
- Do Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carriers Need Lights?
- How Much Weight Can a Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier Carry?
Packing up the car for a road trip can be stressful when you’re working with limited space. If you can’t get everything to fit using your best Tetris skills, it may be time to consider some external storage options.
While roof racks are popular, they’re not great for your vehicle’s aerodynamics or your back. Hitch-mounted cargo carriers, on the other hand, are easy to load and unload, and since they’re tucked behind the vehicle, they don’t carry as large of a fuel-economy penalty as a roof box does. Plus, some of them boast impressive volume and weight capacities that roof racks can’t touch.
We talked to experts from Car and Driver about which hitch-mounted cargo carriers they use and recommend. We also searched Amazon for the top consumer-rated picks. Here are the ones you should consider. Just don’t forget the hitch.
2-in-1 Cargo Carrier
This cargo carrier features the handy ability to be used via your hitch or on your roof rack. Be aware that it only fits two-inch hitch receivers, so if you have a smaller one, you’ll want to pick up an expander. If you want to throw it on your roof rack, there are predrilled holes and included hardware to help with installation.
Aluminum Cargo Carrier
Recommended by C/D, this aluminum cargo carrier is lightweight, rugged, and durable. The anodized finish helps prevent corrosion—which is handy because these carriers are exposed to all flavors of road grime. And the price ain’t bad either.
Tray-Style Cargo Carrier
This carrier boasts a weight capacity of 300 pounds, and its angled shank places the load platform at a nice height. Many people rave about tray-style units because your gear can cantilever over the edge a bit. Make sure to invest in some good straps to keep everything secure, though.
Basket-Style Cargo Carrier
This basket-style cargo carrier has an angled shank to keep your luggage high off the pavement and an impressive 500-pound weight capacity. The top rail will help keep your cargo in place, and the black powder coat prevents corrosion.
Basket-Style Folding Cargo Carrier
Now 15% off
$145 AT AMAZON
If you lack storage space inside both your car and your home, this hitch-mounted carrier might be the one for you. It boasts a 500-pound weight capacity, and when not in use, you can fold it into a more compact package.
Heavy Duty Basket-Style Folding Cargo Carrier
This cargo carrier has 14.4-inch retaining walls to prevent your luggage from sliding. If they get in the way, you can fold them down and use this as a tray-style carrier. Also, one of the side walls swings open, so it’s easy to unload and load your gear.
Folding Cargo Carrier with License-Plate Mount
Depending on your state, blocking your license plate with your cargo carrier may be illegal. This folding carrier solves that by featuring a place to mount your license plate. Additionally, it folds, has a 500-pound weight capacity, and comes with a bonus hitch stabilizer and ratchet straps.
Folding Ramp Aluminum Cargo Carrier
The extendable ramp makes this carrier a must-have for anyone who needs to tow a wheelchair, lawnmower, grill, etc. Plus, the aluminum construction is durable and rust resistant.
Lockable Cargo-Carrier Cage
If you’re looking for extra protection for your luggage, check out this carrier, which features a cage-style design and a lockable lid. The sidewalls measure 22 inches tall, and if your gear doesn’t exceed that, toss the lid on and lock it down—though it appears you will need to buy a lock separately. The carrier features a nice 450-pound weight capacity to boot.
Folding Cargo Carrier with Bag and Net
Now 23% off
$230 AT AMAZON
This foldable carrier will haul 500 pounds’ worth of stuff, and the kit includes everything you need to keep your gear secure and safe from the elements: a waterproof cargo bag, a hitch stabilizer, a net, and two rainproof ratchet straps.
Nylon Cargo Carrier Cover
If you’re considering a hitch-mounted carrier, you should also plan to buy a cargo bag to protect your gear from the elements. This one—recommended by C/D—measures 54.5 inches long and will fit on most cargo carriers.
Water Resistant Cargo Carrier Bag
Looking for a heavy-duty cover? Consider this one. Built with welded seams and a UV-protective coating, the bag will protect against rain, sun, wind, and exhaust gas. And with 11 cubic feet of volume, it fits a fair amount of stuff.
Extra-Large Cargo-Carrier Bag
If you already have a 24-by-60-inch cargo carrier, add this rainproof carrier bag to protect your gear. It features six straps for security, sonically welded seams, and storm flaps to protect the zippers. It’s spacious, too, measuring in at 20 cubic feet.
FAQs about Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carriers
Are Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carriers Safe?
If hitch-mounted cargo carriers are installed correctly, then yes—they are safe. However, you can add things to the carriers to protect your luggage even more. This can be done by strapping your gear down, purchasing a carrier with high walls, throwing a waterproof protector over it, and—best of all—getting a locking carrier to keep everything secure.
If installed incorrectly, the carrier can be a serious hazard to drivers around you. Exceeding the weight limit, improperly securing your gear, and using the wrong attachments can be very dangerous.
There are hitch-mounted cargo carriers with reflective lights to help your load be more visible to other drivers, especially at night. Always use caution when maneuvering around with a loaded cargo carrier, as seeing whether you’re about to hit something can be difficult. The load may also block your backup camera, so make sure your head is on a swivel when in reverse.
Do Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carriers Need Lights?
Only if the carrier and its luggage are blocking the taillights of your vehicle. If so, you will need to install a light kit. Even if it’s not blocking your lights, installing a light kit might be a good idea to increase the carrier’s visibility for other drivers.
How Much Weight Can a Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier Carry?
This depends on the rating of both the hitch rack and the carrier itself. The beefier the hitch (also designed as its class rating), the more it’ll carry. Along with the rating of the carrier based on the weight limit set by the manufacturer, this is how you’ll find your carrier’s weight limit. Typical carriers will hold 150 to 300 pounds, depending on the hitch class, but you can also find carriers that will hold over 500 pounds when paired with the correct hitch rack.
From: Car and Driver
Keyword: Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carriers for Road Trippers