When you decide to go on a journey with your family or friends, the first thing that comes to your mind is the list of things that you want to carry with you.
But you need to skip a lot of things just for the sake of lesser space for cargo. So, in this case, we all pack only the things we need or essentials and not the things we want.
The best hitch cargo carriers are the best way to make your trip spacious and take everything you want along with you.
These provide additional space to your vehicle for storing excess luggage and cargo. Having these will let you take things like a bicycle, camping gear, hiking gear, outdoor equipment and much more along with you on your trip.
Table of Contents
Buyers Guide
Before we move towards the reviews of the best hitch cargo carriers lets first see the things that need to be considered before buying one.
Types of Carriers
Hitch Cargo Carriers: Hitch mounted carriers are carrier racks that are attached by mounting behind the vehicle in the towing area.
Rooftop carriers: Rooftop carriers are designed to fix on the top of the roof where you can place the rooftop bags. These rooftop bags will store your excess baggage on the top of your car.
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Usage
The hitch cargo carrier or rooftop carrier can be used to transport a variety of items outside your car. These things can include the following:
- Luggage
- Coolers
- Bicycles
- Sports Gear
- Garden supplies
- Camping gear
- Tailgate supplies
Weight capacity
The hitch carriers have a weight capacity between the range of 300 to 500 pounds. It depends on you and your vehicle which weighs capacity hitch cargo carrier are you willing to buy.
300lbs weight is enough to carry your camping gear and for heavy equipment or machinery, the 500lbs options is great. So now you can check for yourself which one do you need.
Top 15 Hitch Cargo Carrier Reviews
After extensive research and testing, we have shortlisted some of the best hitch cargo carriers for SUV’s, jeep wranglers and carriers.Now you have learned about the things you need to consider when buying one for your car, you can easily select the perfect hitch cargo carrier for your vehicle.
1. CURT 18153 Basket-Style Cargo Carrier
Curt is a well-reputed brand that has a long range of cargo carriers available in the market. This model is a very sturdy carrier mad with heavy gauge tubular steel construction.
The model comes in two shank options; 2” x 2” and 1 ¼” x 1 ¼” with an adapter sleeve. The weight capacity of this basket styles cargo carrier is 500 lbs that is enough for keeping your bicycle and some bags.
The size of the platform is 60” x 24” that gives you enough space to load cargo and bicycles etc.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- The side rail is high
- 500lbs weight capacity
- Heavy duty steel construction
Cons:
- No seal causing the steel tubes to rust
2. Reese Explore ProSeries 63153 Rambler
The Reese hitch cargo carrier is designed and built to withstand heavy weights. It has a capacity to hold the weight of 500lbs.
The platform of 60” x 24” provides ample space to load your cargo including bikes, kayaks, etc. The mesh floor is rugged and durable and also very easy to clean.
The shank is designed to provide elevation to the cargo increasing the distance between the ground and the carrier. The carrier is powder coated to prevent rusting and corrosion.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- 500lbs weight capacity
- 5inch side rails to hold cargo in place
- Great ground clearance
- Powder coated to protect from rust
Cons:
- The harness is too short
3. Highland 1042000 Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier
The Highland hitch cargo carrier is great for the sport, camping gear and transporting home improvement supplies.
The platform measures 60 inches by 20 inches with 2.5 inches tall side rails. The carrier is made with heavy duty steel that is powder coated to prevent rusting.
The tie-down points are everywhere allowing you to keep your cargo tied up and intact with the carrier.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- 300lbs weight capacity
- High built quality
- Rust free coating
Cons:
- Side rails are too short
4. MaxxHaul 70108 Hitch Cargo Carrier
The Maxxhaul hitch cargo carrier has a weight carrying capacity of 500lbs which is considered to be enough.
The size of the outer basket is 49 ¼” by 22 ¼” by 7 ¼” and the inner basket 47 ¼” by 20 ½” by 6”. The hitch mounted cargo carrier allows you to carry extra luggage on your journey.
The aluminum construction helps to prevent from corrosion. Aluminum also gives the carrier lightweight.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- 500lbs weight capacity
- High built quality
- Aluminum construction
- Rust and corrosion free
- Spacious with high side rails
Cons:
- Not much to say
5. ROLA 59502 Vortex Steel Cargo Carrier
ROLA is one of the brands that produce the best hitch cargo carriers in the market and have gained the love of many.
With dimensions 56 inches by 23 inches by 5.25 inches, this cargo carrier has a lot of space to hold your excess luggage.
The carrier is ideal for camping bags, coolers, and other equipment. The string high-quality steel construction gives this a heavy duty feature making it long lasting.
The carrier is easy to mount and install on your jeep wrangler or SUV. The carrier can be upgraded with optional lighting and chrome plates.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Great size giving a lot of space
- High built quality
- Steel construction
- Easy to install
- Customizable carrier
Cons:
- Not much to say
6. Rola 59119 Rainproof Cargo Carrier
Another best hitch cargo carrier for jeep wrangler by ROLA is the rainproof model. This hitch cargo carrier is fully covered to give you an additional trunk like space behind the vehicle.
The rugged weather-resistant construction, concealed zipper, and sonically sealed seams keep the cargo protected from rain and also from theft.
The dimensions are 60” by 24” and can be folded up for storage when it’s not in use.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Great size giving a lot of space
- High built quality
- Steel construction
- Easy to install
- Customizable carrier
Cons:
- Not much to say
7. ARKSEN Folding Cargo Carrier
The ARKSEN folding cargo carrier has the ability to fold up for easy storage when not in use. The size of the platform is 60” by 25” and is made in basket style.
The carrier can hold up to 500lbs weight cargo. The steel construction is coated with epoxy powder to protect against the sun’s UV light damages.
The side rails are 6” tall that help in keeping your cargo from falling off and also protected.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Heavy duty
- Steel frame with epoxy coating
- Easy to install
- Foldable carrier
- Tall side rails
Cons:
- The carrier itself is high in weight
8. Kingbird 520 lbs Folding Cargo Carrier
The Kingbird hitch cargo carrier is for real kings who want to pack and carry the cargo of up to 520lbs weight.
The thick steel mesh supported by four solid metal poles and the extra thick folding receiver tube allows you to put extra weight on the carrier.
Now you can take everything you wished on a camping trip without the worry of taking much space.
The carrier comes with a pack of straps that help you to keep your cargo intact. The reflectors provide safety to the carrier, cargo, and your vehicle when traveling in the night.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- High quality steel construction
- 520lbs weight capacity
- Solid pole supported thick mesh
- Easy to install
- Foldable carrier
- Spacious design
Cons:
- Not much to say
9. MaxxHaul 70107 Hitch Cargo Carrier
The MaxxHaul provides one of the best hitch cargo carriers for SUVs. This model provides instant space and an easy way to transport excess luggage, camping equipment, and cargo.
The outer basket measures 53” by 19 ½” by 5” and the inner measures 51 ½” by 17 ½” by 4” giving you enough space for loading up. The carrier fits perfectly with class III and class IV receiver hitches.
The reflectors provide extra safety to the carrier and your vehicle. The body is powder coated for protection against rust.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- 500lbs weight capacity
- Easy to install
- Spacious design
- Rust free body
- Reflectors for protection
Cons:
- Not foldable
10. ROLA 59102 Wallaroo Cargo Bag
ROLA is our favorite due to the diverse range of products it’s offering in this category. This model is a cargo bag that is totally worth buying when going on trips to snowy and rainy locations.
The expandable cargo bag measures 48” by 19” by 18”-22”. The hitch tray cargo bag will let you free up space so you can you and family can fit in easily.
The bag is made with premium quality rainproof material that also keeps the bag dry. The soft sides allow the bag to collapse and fold for easy storage.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Expandable bag
- Spacious design
- Rainproof body
Cons:
- Not for solid items like bicycle etc.
11. Hitch Cargo Carrier 60” x 24” by Vault
The Vault cargo management has designed this model as one of the best hitch cargo carriers that will improve your traveling experience.
The carrier measures 60” by 22 ½” giving you enough space to hold your bicycle, camping gear, and other equipment.
The carrier can easily be mounted to trailer towing hitches. The heavy-duty steel construction makes it durable and able to withstand weight and pressure. You can use this with your truck, SUV, car or RV.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Universal mounting
- Heavy duty
- Spacious design
- Elevated shaft
Cons:
- Not much to say.
12. Keeper 07204 Premium Waterproof Cargo Bag
The Keeper premium cargo bag is a perfect solution to carry your excess cargo on the rooftop of your vehicle. This rainproof bag is made with high-quality materials that give it extra durability and strength.
The waterproof cargo bag gives you 15 cubic feet space to load anything you want.
If you are not willing to buy a hitch carrier then this is the right choice for you to store your stuff on the rooftop and make more space inside the car.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Universal
- Rainproof
- Great for bags and luggage
Cons:
- Not much space
- Need to buy rooftop carrier separately
13. SHIELD JACKET Waterproof Roof Top Cargo Bag
The shield jacket is a spacious roof bag that is designed to prevent your luggage and cargo from taking too much space inside the vehicle and stay safe outside on the rooftop.
The package includes a rooftop travel bag and a rooftop cargo carrier that holds the bag. The cargo carrier is designed and built to withstand any weather and weight.
The welded seams prevent water from damaging the body. It is very easy to use and easy to install. The double wall vinyl and two compression straps keep the cargo safe.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Complete cargo carrier package
- Rainproof bag
- High built quality cargo carrier
- Great for bags and luggage
Cons:
- Not much to say
14. RoofBag 100% Waterproof
The RoofBag is a universal option for vehicles with or without top carrier or side rails. The bag is made with high-quality materials that prevent water from entering and also is weatherproof.
The triple seal technology gives this bag the utmost protection against extreme weather and challenged road trips. The size 15 fits full-sized vehicles and carries enough cargo for your trip.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- High-quality roof bag
- Rainproof and all-weather bag
- Great size and space
- Universal design
Cons:
- Not fit for all vehicle sizes
15. Rightline Gear 100S30 Top Carrier
The right line gear is a car top carrier bag that can be used with or without a roof rack or carrier.
The bag has a volume of 18 cubic feet which is great for carrying most of your luggage on top and making more room to sit inside the car.
So now with the trunk of your vehicle and this rooftop bag, you can take anything along with you without the trouble of space.
The bag is made with dual seam technology and is 100% waterproof. The zip right system protects the zip with zipper flaps and urethane coats.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Spacious
- Rainproof and all-weather bag
- High-quality zipper system
- Universal design
- Includes car clips, attachment straps.
Cons:
- Not fit for all vehicle sizes
Final Verdict
There millions of great hitch cargo carriers that can help you in your journey. But buying the right one is the man objective.
Our list includes the best hitch cargo carriers for you to choose from and we have also included two different types of options for you.
The hitch cargo carriers that are steel frames enabling you to place anything on it and the other is the rainproof cargo bag that allows you to store things that take too much space inside. Now it depends on your requirement and needs.
Depending on the type of carrier I’ll need for my RV, I might choose a multifunctional RV cargo carrier to make extra space for my RV.
Since its usage will be for transport, I’ll need a sturdy cargo carrier to make sure all my stuff is in one place. I might also try to choose one that has a large weight capacity so that I can carry lots of stuff there.
I want a carrier made of aluminum, that does not require any assembly.