Best Hitch Cargo Carriers
Top hitch cargo carriers ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
CURT Basket-Style Cargo Carrier
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Solid 500-pound capacity
- Angled shank helps departure angle
- Wide flat floor ties down easily
Cons
- Steel adds tongue weight before cargo
- E-coat scratches expose bare metal
Don't buy this if…
- Do not load it to 500 pounds on a Class II hitch, since carrier plus cargo must stay under your receiver's tongue rating.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Class-leading 600-pound rating
- Rigid once assembled
- Good value pricing
Cons
- Assembly takes an hour-plus
- No built-in anti-rattle device
Don't buy this if…
- Skip it if you want tool-free setup out of the box, because the multi-bolt assembly is a genuine project.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Cheapest solid steel option
- Compact footprint fits small SUVs
- Simple bolt-together assembly
Cons
- Smaller deck than CURT or Rola
- Welds are rough on some units
Don't buy this if…
- Avoid maxing the rating on rough roads, since the lighter frame flexes visibly with heavy bouncing loads.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Net, bag, and stabilizer included
- Folds up when not in use
- Strong value bundle
Cons
- Included bag seams leak in downpours
- Folding joint develops play over time
Don't buy this if…
- Do not trust the bundled rain bag for electronics or bedding in storms, since seam leakage is its most common complaint.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Weatherproof lockable hard shell
- Tilts for liftgate access
- Premium Thule build quality
Cons
- Expensive versus basket plus bag
- 13 cubic feet fills quickly
Don't buy this if…
- Skip it for oversized loads like coolers over 21 inches tall, because the enclosed shell has hard interior limits.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Modular two-tier expandability
- Swings away for hatch access
- Quality corrosion-resistant build
Cons
- Only 300-pound basket rating
- System add-ons get pricey fast
Don't buy this if…
- Do not invest in the EXO ecosystem for occasional single-trip hauling, since the modular value only pays off with multiple accessories.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Large deck for the money
- Folds vertically for parking
- Fast assembly
Cons
- Powder coat chips readily
- Hinge pins rust without care
Don't buy this if…
- Avoid leaving it mounted year-round in wet climates, since the budget finish and hinges corrode quickly outdoors.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Largest enclosed capacity in class
- Full swing-away frame option
- Durable roto-molded shell
Cons
- Swing frame adds significant cost
- 200-pound cargo limit
Don't buy this if…
- Do not order without measuring garage clearance, since the box plus swing frame adds nearly three feet of vehicle length.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
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