Best Hitch Cargo Carrier

The best hitch cargo carriers make hauling luggage, carrying heavy loads, or packing for a weekend away possible. From anti-rattle and various stability features, to included accessories that keep cargo secure, the best hitch cargo carriers allow for easy cargo transportation. Hitch cargo carriers attach directly to your vehicle’s trailer hitch, making assembly easy and secure.

Whether you’re looking for one of the best rooftop cargo carriers or a cargo carrier that will attach to your truck’s trailer hitch, our team has researched and reviewed it all. Our buyers guide and in-depth review of each hitch cargo carrier will help you make the most confident and informed decision.

1. Best Overall: MeeFar Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier
2. Best Value: MaxxHaul 70107 Hitch Cargo Carrier
3. Simplest Design: Curt Hitch Cargo Carrier
4. Best Kit: Mockins Cargo Carrier Hitch Mount
5. Most Compact: Oklead Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier

The MeeFar Hitch Cargo Carrier is designed with tubular steel and dons a black epoxy powder coating on top, giving this hitch cargo carrier a heavy-duty, yet lightweight design. Designed for heavy lifting, this cargo carrier has a weight capacity of 500.0 pounds (lbs.).

Equipped with an angled shank attachment, you get additional ground clearance, making this hitch carrier great for all cars including low-riding or off-road vehicles. The reflectors on the back of this steel cargo carrier provide visibility for other drivers at all times, especially at night or on dark back roads.

The MeeFar is a great product to consider if you’re looking for a hitch cargo carrier that can hold all your cargo securely over long distances. With the included waterproof bag and over accessories, this is a great traveling companion to have.

Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Key Features

• Cost: About $200
• Weight capacity: 500.0 lbs
• Dimensions: 60.0 by 20.0 by 24.0 inches

What Customers Are Saying

Amazon Review Score: 4.5 out of 5 based on over 500 ratings

Customers rave about how sturdy and well-built this hitch cargo carrier is. The majority of customers emphasize the weatherproofing qualities and the durability of this cargo carrier. Some buyers also share that the MeeFar is very easy to assemble and secure to almost any vehicle hitch in no time.

The MaxxHaul Hitch Cargo Carrier is designed to make lugging equipment or storage easier than ever before. With a weight capacity distribution of 500.0 pounds, this reliable steel cargo carrier is built to last.

The black powder coat finish helps to prevent rust and corrosion, adding to the durability and longevity of the MaxxHaul. This hitch mount cargo carrier is a convenient way to transport a heavy load whether you’re going camping, hauling firewood, or transporting your luggage.

The MaxxHaul is a great option to consider if you’re looking for a budget-friendly hitch cargo carrier. While it doesn’t have coolers, ratchet straps, or cargo boxes included in the box, it does have high side rails and a high weight capacity, making it a great pick.

Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Key Features

• Cost: About $80
• Weight capacity: 500.0 lbs.
• Dimensions: 53.0 by 19.0 by 5.0 inches

What Customers Are Saying

Amazon Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on over 4,000 ratings

Customers rave about the ease of use and value of this product. At a lower cost, some buyers were not expecting much from this cargo carrier. The majority were pleasantly surprised when it was able to carry heavy loads across long distances without any movement or instability.

The Curt Hitch Cargo Carrier has various different styles for you to choose from so you can purchase the best cargo carrier for you. From a standard receiver to a basket style cargo carrier, all Curt cargo carriers have a weight capacity of 500.0 pounds, regardless of style.

This cargo carrier provides over 1,200.0 square inches of cargo space in its simple design. Constructed out of either heavy-duty steel or aluminum, you can choose the material you prefer. On top of these features, you have the choice between a fixed or folding shank adapter for better ground clearance on lowered vehicles.

The Curt Hitch Cargo Carrier is great if you’re looking for a simple design that’s easy to use and install onto your vehicle. With different styles and adapters, you can easily find the best hitch cargo carrier to attach to your vehicle.

Our Rating: 4.4 out of 5

Key Features

• Cost: Between $175 and $320
• Weight capacity: 500.0 lbs.
• Dimensions: Varies

What Customers Are Saying

While the Curt Hitch Cargo Carrier only has a handful of reviews on RealTruck, customers are satisfied with their purchase of one of the Curt carrier models. Buyers are especially impressed with how easy it is to install onto their trailer hitch. On top of that, many share that this cargo carrier is incredibly durable and sturdy while traveling with heavy loads.

The Mockins Hitch Cargo Carrier has everything you need with the best features and security components. It includes a storage bag and a mesh cargo net, which makes storing your waterproof cargo bag and accessories easy and mess-free.

This cargo carrier is designed for cargo safety and security. The cargo basket car rack provides multiple easy access tie down points and can hold up to 500.0 pounds.

The Mockins cargo carrier would be ideal for anyone looking to purchase a complete hitch cargo carrier, without needing to purchase accessories and safety features separately. If you plan to travel with fragile cargo, we recommend considering this steel carrier.

Our Rating: 4.1 out of 5

Key Features

• Cost: About $200
• Weight capacity: 500.0 lbs.
• Dimensions: 60.0 by 20.0 by 24.0 inches

What Customers Are Saying

Amazon Review Score: 4.5 out of 5 based on over 2,000 ratings

Customers are overall satisfied with their purchase of the Mockins hitch cargo carrier. Reviewers emphasize the weatherproofing of the included cargo bag, claiming it kept all items inside dry while driving in poor weather. Many rave about the stability of this trailer hitch cargo carrier, sharing that it stayed secure and sturdy when traveling.

The Oklead Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier is a folding cargo carrier to provide a more compact design for easy use and functionality. The heavy-duty steel construction and matte black powder coating finish resist scratching, dirt, rust, and corrosion. 

This cargo carrier is made for longevity and safely hauling loads. With a weight capacity of 400.0 pounds, lower than our other recommended cargo carriers, the Oklead has 14.4-inch raised side rails to provide greater storage space and security for your cargo. With these high side rails, there will be no concern of your cargo falling out or sliding while driving.

The Oklead Hitch Cargo Mount Carrier is made for customers who want both a simple design as well as high side rails for added security. With a foldable hitch, you don’t have to detach the carrier from your vehicle when you are not using this, making it simpler to use.

Our Rating: 3.8 out of 5

Key Features

• Cost: About $240
• Weight capacity: 400.0 lbs.
• Dimensions: 60.0 by 24.0 by 14.4 inches

What Customers Are Saying

Amazon Review Score: 4.5 out of 5 based on over 1,000 ratings

Buyers share how simple this product is to use and install. Reviewers especially emphasize how tall the side rails are, making drivers feel confident that their cargo will not fall out or shift around when driving. Following the included instructions, reviewers emphasize how simple this product is to assemble, making it more than worth buying.

Before purchasing your newest hitch cargo carrier to keep your stuff secure and stable while driving, it’s important to consider the following factors. You want to account for hitch size, vehicle compatibility, and weight capacity.

Trailer Hitch Size

Most hitch cargo carriers accommodate a two-inch receiver hitch that is attached to your vehicle. These are also commonly known as either a Class III or Class IV hitch. Knowing the hitch size of your own vehicle will help you determine the correct cargo carrier you need. This will make installation and assembly much easier when your cargo carrier arrives.

Vehicle Compatibility

It’s important to check that your vehicle is compatible with the type of hitch cargo carrier you’re hoping to purchase. A handful of cargo carriers are foldable, with a folding shank as well. Attaching a cargo carrier to a vehicle without any obstructions on the back would be ideal if you are hoping to purchase a compact cargo carrier.

Many of these folding cargo carriers specify that they are not compatible with vehicles that have a spare wheel on the outside of the vehicle’s trunk. This prevents the cargo carrier from folding into a secure, lifted position.

Weight Capacity

The amount of cargo you’re looking to haul ultimately determines how high a weight capacity you’re looking for in a hitch cargo carrier. Tray-style cargo carriers, which have a flat base and lower rails, may have a lower carrying capacity because there is less security due to the lack of side rails.

It is better to be safe than sorry when carrying your cargo, so investing in a hitch cargo carrier with a higher weight capacity may be in your best interest to ensure your cargo is secure.

Hitch cargo carriers are designed to make hauling luggage, supplies, camping materials, or any items you don’t want in your vehicle’s interior easier than ever. With heavy weight capacities, great vehicle compatibility, and foldable hitch adapters for higher ground clearance, all the hitch cargo carriers our team reviewed have something special to offer. 

Other Hitch Cargo Carriers We Recommend

Our team reviewed some of the best hitch cargo carriers, but we have a few more recommendations to take a look into if you are looking for an even better fit.

WEIZE Hitch Cargo Carrier

Check Price

A budget-friendly hitch cargo carrier with accessories including a mesh cargo net, ratchet straps, and a hitch tightener. This cargo carrier values stability and durability.

MaxxHaul 70108 Hitch Cargo Carrier

Check Price

This MaxxHaul Cargo Carrier has an aluminum construction making this product both sturdy and lightweight. The high side rails are ideal for carrying large amounts of cargo safely. 

King Bird Hitch Mount Folding Cargo Carrier

Check Price

With a weight capacity of 550.0 pounds, this hitch cargo carrier is built to haul even the heaviest loads. This cargo carrier also included a cargo net, ratchet straps, and other small accessories.

To select the five best hitch cargo carriers in this review, our team searched Amazon and Advance Auto Parts for top products, looking at factors like customer ratings, prices, superlatives, and Prime shipping eligibility.

Why You Can Trust Us

Each year, we review over 1,000 auto products. Our team of product experts thoroughly researches top products and tests items on real vehicles when possible before making our recommendations.

We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more.

*Data accurate at time of publication.