Choosing between a trailer hitch cargo carrier and a set of roof racks is the main decision you need to make before you invest in a trailer hitch cargo carrier. Although roof racks have many benefits, not all vehicles can be fitted with roof racks and some attachments to hold cargo boxes and bicycles or kayaks will not attach to roof racks. Roof racks are a more permanent option, however.
Sometimes, a temporary solution is all you need commitment issues. Hitch cargo carriers can be easily removed when not in use, making them the ideal storage solution. The best part is that cargo carriers for trailer hitches are universal. All you need is a hitch on your car – unless you decide to get very creative with your exhaust pipe.
There is no such thing as a universal hitch cargo carrier. Auto Anything’s camping range will have everything that you might need when you go camping, such as kitchen sinks and other essentials. You’ll find things to take the stress out of packing all your gear for your next adventure, everything from a simple hitch cargo box to mount your new dirt bike that makes your neighbor jealous to a more elaborate trailer hitch platform that you can use to store your extra camping gear.
Make sure you understand the weight of your gear and other cargo before investing in a new hitch platform. It’s fine to use a hitch cargo box for transporting small items. But if you’re transporting a power scooter or wheelchair, you should know how much you’re shifting and the hitch platform you’re buying. On your trip off-road, make sure the hitch cargo box or trailer hitch platform you choose is made of extra-heavy-duty material to handle any knocks or bumps you encounter.
It’s almost a necessity to have an expanded cargo capacity whether you are going camping or on a road trip. If you are taking a trip, it is likely that you will not be able to pack everything you need, so you will have to leave some things behind. This is when cargo carriers come in handy, since they let you expand the capacity of your vehicle without affecting its interior space.
Cargo carriers come in all shapes and sizes, but hitch-mounted models are convenient and easy to use. A practical design, cargo carriers even feature foldable arms that make them easy to store when it is not being used since it is easy to transport. There are also products such as cargo bags, which are great for protecting your contents from the elements.
The majority of cargo carriers can be mounted on today’s crossovers, SUVs, and even some passenger vehicles. In the event that your vehicle doesn’t have a hitch receiver, you can purchase an aftermarket hitch.
ROLA Rainproof Cargo Carrier Bag (59119)
This ROLA Wallaroo cargo bag offers 11.5 cubic feet of storage space, which expands to 19 cubic feet with the extra zipper unzipped. Made from a high-quality, waterproof material with sonically welded seams, this cargo bag will keep your items dry, clean, and protected no matter where you are.
A universal fit, this product has six straps to accommodate most hitch-mounted baskets and strays. There are two pockets inside the bag that can hold small items and make organization easier. With its weight of 6.5 pounds, it won’t significantly increase the weight of your carrier.
Mockins Cargo Carrier with Cargo Bag and Net
Looking for a single hitch cargo carrier solution that covers all of your bases? The Mockins recommendation includes a waterproof cargo bag, a cargo net, a hitch stabilizer, and a pair of ratchet straps—in addition to a hitch carrier. This carrier is constructed of heavy duty steel with anti-rust coating and has a cargo capacity of 500 pounds. Assembly should take less than an hour and comprises a 60-inch-long, 20-inch-wide, 6-inch-high tray with a sanitary mesh floor.
The hitch hauler can be folded when not in use, and it has a 2 inch shank for better ground clearance. It fits receivers with a 2″ diameter. With the included cargo bag, you can easily store your personal belongings without having to worry about the weather.
Maxx Haul Hitch Mount Compact Cargo Carrier (70107)
One of MaxxHaul’s cargo carriers measures 53 inches by 19-1/2 inches (outer dimensions). Designed from heavy-duty steel, this carrier features reflectors for added safety and high side rails for maximum cargo security. There is a 27-pound weight limit for this product and it will fit standard Class III and IV 2′′ by 2′′ receiver hitches. The capacity is fairly standard at 500 pounds.
However, this carrier doesn’t have a mesh base like similar ones. Even though it may not affect you, it’s worth considering. It’s an affordable and comparatively straightforward cargo carrier.
Some users have complained that this product sits really low and near the car’s exhaust on some vehicles. Use caution if that applies to your car, since the exhaust from your car can get quite hot, possibly melting the cargo or worse, setting it on fire.
Reese Explore Pro Series 63153 Rambler
Most people won’t be able to lift that much and load it on a roof rack. In that case, you have to find a carrier that can take it on the roof. Moving heavy cargo is easy with the Rambler from Reese Explore Pro Series. Cargo platform 60 x 24 inches can hold up to 500 pounds. It has a hitch-mounted cargo carrier.
If you have not verified your vehicle’s tongue weight rating, don’t expect to lift luggage up to 500 lbs with the carrier. In addition, some vehicle hitches can’t carry that much weight; some have limitations.
The Pro series 63153 is for those who have had experiences (or heard of experiences) with low-profile hitch-mounted cargo carriers scratching their floors. Enhanced distance between the ground and the carrier is provided by the rise shank design. Racks are protected from harm at all times since they are high enough.
Rola Vortex Steel Hitch-Mount Cargo Carrier
You may miss the cargo bag altogether if you focus so much on getting the right hitch cargo carrier. Your luggage gets wet along the way because of the rain. Cargo bags can be more than just bags. There are so many things it can carry, you’d be surprised at how much it was able to transport. Any kind of luggage, sports equipment, or any other gear can be kept in the Rola TuffBak.
Its versatility is one of its best features. It can be installed on your truck bed, or even on the roof basket, if you decide it won’t be used tomorrow.
The tow hitch rack carrier is Rola’s flagship product and comes with three layers of rugged vinyl and a rubberized interior, making it a rainproof hitch rack carrier. Neither side is weak or fragile. Seams are sealed on every component. To cover the zippers, hooks and loops are available, so dirt and grime will stay out.
It is not a good idea to leave a car outside overnight if the cargo is valuable. Those large zippers can be locked with a padlock to provide that extra level of security. It is possible to withstand wind, rain, and snow because the bag is waterproof and is sonic welded. UV damage, punctures, and tears are also not a problem for this material.