Towing & Hauling
The short answer
The best all-around hitch-mounted cargo carrier is a steel or aluminum basket rated for at least 500 lbs that bolts into a 2-inch receiver, since it handles rooftop-unfriendly loads like coolers and camping gear without touching your trailer wiring or tongue weight.
When the trunk and roof are full, a hitch-mounted cargo carrier turns your receiver into extra trunk space without the wind noise or roof-rack install hassle. The right one depends on your receiver size, how much weight you actually need to carry, and whether you still plan to tow a trailer or bike rack on the same hitch.
Shirts, mugs and garage gear. Printed when you order, free US shipping.
Our top pick, best overall
Curt 18115 Aluminum Cargo Carrier
A rust-proof aluminum basket that's noticeably lighter to lift onto the hitch than steel equivalents, which matters when you're doing it solo at a gas station. Skip it if you need the absolute highest weight capacity, since aluminum designs typically top out lower than heavy steel baskets.
A no-frills steel basket that gets the job done at a lower price point than premium aluminum models, though the painted finish will eventually show surface rust if you don't touch it up. Good for occasional trips, not for owners who leave gear mounted year-round in wet climates.
Its folding design lets the platform tilt up when you're not hauling gear, which matters if your driveway or garage clearance is tight or you still need tailgate access at a trailhead. Skip it if you want a permanently rigid deck for very heavy, awkward loads — folding hinges add a little flex compared to a solid one-piece basket.
This isn't a standalone carrier — it's a rugged, water-resistant duffle designed to strap onto a hitch basket so loose gear, sleeping bags, and duffels don't get soaked or blow away on the highway. Skip it if you're only hauling solid items like coolers or toolboxes that don't need a bag at all.
It can, depending on basket depth and how far your receiver sits from the bumper — measure the distance from your receiver opening to the tailgate's swing arc before buying, and check whether the carrier sits high enough to stay out of the backup camera's view.
Only one thing can occupy a single receiver at a time, so if you need to tow and haul cargo simultaneously you'll want a carrier with a built-in secondary hitch receiver, or plan to swap the basket out before hooking up a trailer.
The real limit is whichever is lower: the carrier's stated weight rating or your vehicle's hitch tongue weight rating, which is usually printed on a sticker near the receiver or in your owner's manual — exceeding either can cause sag or hitch damage.
Most baskets are built for 2-inch receivers, but many can be adapted to a 1.25-inch receiver using a reducer sleeve sold separately; check the specific carrier's compatibility notes since not all support this adapter.
A bag isn't required, but it's worth adding if you're hauling loose or soft items like duffels, bedding, or clothing, since an open steel or aluminum basket does nothing to stop rain, dust, or road spray from reaching your gear.
AXLY.pro is a free iPhone app that pairs with any Bluetooth OBD2 adapter to read codes, watch live engine data, and time your runs — so you fix the right thing before you buy parts.
As an Amazon Associate, AXLY earns from qualifying purchases — at no additional cost to you. Links to Amazon on this page are affiliate links. Links to the AXLY shop are our own products, which we make and sell ourselves. We only recommend things we would use.
Top pick: Curt 18115 Aluminum Cargo Carrier Check price
