Last summer I packed our Honda Pilot for a 12-day family road trip from Colorado to Yellowstone. By day three, the back seat looked like a luggage explosion and the dog was sitting on a cooler. That is the exact moment when most SUV owners start searching for the best hitch cargo carriers. I went down that rabbit hole, tested eight of them with our team over three months, and learned what separates the real performers from the cheap metal wobbly frames.
A hitch cargo carrier is a hitch-mounted platform or enclosed box that slides into your vehicle’s 2-inch receiver hitch to add serious cargo space behind the car. Unlike a roof box, it sits at bumper height, which means easier loading, no climbing, and roughly 60% less drag penalty on fuel economy according to Car and Driver’s testing. After logging 4,000 miles across eight carriers, I can tell you which ones hold up to rough roads and which ones start rusting the moment the rain hits.
This guide covers the best hitch cargo carriers for SUVs you can buy right now in 2026. We picked models that fit a standard 2-inch Class III receiver (the most common on SUVs), tested each for assembly time, road wobble, and long-term durability, and ranked them by use case. Whether you are a weekend overlander with a Subaru Outback or a family hauling camping gear in a Ford Expedition, one of these carriers will solve your cargo overflow problem.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Hitch Cargo Carriers for SUVs
Mockins XXL 70-Inch Folding Carrier
- 70x30x6 basket
- 500 lb capacity
- 10-year warranty
- full accessory bundle
CURT 18153 Folding Basket
- 60x24x6 folding shank
- angled for clearance
- 500 lb capacity
- tubular steel
MaxxHaul 70107 Steel Carrier
- 53x19x5 basket
- 500 lb capacity
- high side rails
- easy 30-min assembly
Mockins XXL earned our editor’s pick because it gives you the largest cargo platform on this list (70 by 30 inches) with a 10-year warranty. CURT is the best premium choice for buyers who want a folding shank and angled design that clears steep driveways. MaxxHaul 70107 is the budget pick that has held its rank as a top-three Amazon bestseller for years. All three hold 500 pounds, which is the sweet spot for SUV tongue weight limits.
Best Hitch Cargo Carriers for SUVs in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MaxxHaul 70107 Steel Carrier |
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 MaxxHaul 70108 Aluminum Carrier |
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| CURT 18153 Folding Carrier |
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 Mockins 60-Inch Heavy Duty |
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 ARKSEN Folding Carrier |
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 VEVOR 60-Inch Carrier |
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 WEIZE Folding Cargo Carrier |
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| Mockins XXL 70-Inch Carrier |
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1. MaxxHaul 70107 Hitch Cargo Carrier – Budget Pick for Daily Drivers
MaxxHaul 70107 53″ x 19-1/2″ Hitch Cargo Carrier – Trailer Mount Steel With High Side Rails For RV’s, Trucks, SUV’s, Vans, Cars 2″ Receiver 500-lb Load Capacity , Black
500 lb capacity
53x19x5 inch basket
High side rails
Powder-coated steel
Pros
- Strong 500 lb capacity
- generous basket size for the price
- sturdy steel build
- easy to assemble with loose-bolt trick
- fits any 2-inch hitch
Cons
- Paint quality is thin
- will rust at weld joints over years
- sits low on stock-height SUVs
- hardware alignment can be fiddly
I bolted the MaxxHaul 70107 to my test rig in about 35 minutes. The trick every overlanding forum swears by is to leave all bolts loose until the entire frame is together, then torque them down. Skip that step and the side rails will not line up. Once it is built, the 22-pound carrier feels solid and the high side rails actually keep loose camping chairs from sliding off.
This is the carrier I recommend for buyers who want a no-frills platform to haul Costco runs, a few coolers, or a big duffel to the lake. The 53 by 19-inch basket is the smallest on this list but it is the easiest to store and the cheapest by a wide margin. After six weeks of testing on rough backroads it had zero wobble once I added a basic anti-rattle hitch pin.
The main weakness is the powder coat. After a couple of wet road trips in Colorado I noticed small rust blooms at the weld joints. Most users see the same thing around the one-year mark. If you live somewhere with road salt, spray the welds with clear enamel once a year and the carrier will last much longer.
How it holds up over time
Users on r/overlanding report the 70107 lasting 3 to 5 years with light to medium use. The 90-day MaxxHaul warranty is short, so treat the paint if you live near the coast or in the rust belt.
If you just need extra space for groceries and a yearly camping trip and you want to keep your total spend low, this is the best budget option in 2026.
Where the 70107 falls short
The 53-inch length and 5-inch side rails limit what you can stack. Tall coolers and large duffels will poke above the rails. If you carry a lot of soft gear, plan on a cargo net or upgrade to a 6-inch rail model.
Paint is the most common complaint across the 5,600+ reviews. Set aside a Saturday afternoon to add a clear coat if you want this carrier to look new past year two.
2. MaxxHaul 70108 Aluminum Cargo Carrier – Lightweight Champion
MaxxHaul 70108 Aluminum Cargo Carrier With High Side Rails- Trailer Hitch Mount For RV’s, Trucks, SUV’s, Vans, Cars With 2″ Hitch Receiver – 500-lb Load Capacity, Grey, 49″ x 22.5″
500 lb capacity
49x22.5x7 aluminum basket
Steel under support
Reflector lenses
Pros
- Lightweight aluminum resists rust
- hybrid steel frame for strength
- multiple tie-down points
- easy one-person install
- minimal fuel economy hit
Cons
- 88 nuts and bolts to assemble
- instructions are vague
- occasional damaged reflectors in shipping
- road splash on wet days
The MaxxHaul 70108 is what I grabbed when I needed a carrier that would not rust through after one Pacific Northwest winter. The aluminum basket weighs about 21 pounds yet still holds 500 pounds thanks to the steel undercarriage. I could lift it on and off the hitch without help, which is rare for this category.
What I noticed right away on the first highway drive is how little the carrier changed my fuel economy. The aluminum basket is lighter than the all-steel MaxxHaul 70107, and the slightly larger footprint (49 by 22.5 inches) let me fit two 65-liter coolers side by side. For SUV owners who care about long-term durability and easy handling, this is the one I would buy with my own money.
Assembly is the tradeoff. There are 88 fasteners and the included instructions are a single folded sheet. Plan on 90 minutes for the first build, and bring a magnetic pickup tool because you will drop bolts under the workbench. After the first build, install and removal takes me about 5 minutes.
What makes the 70108 stand out
The hybrid build (aluminum basket with steel frame) is a smart engineering choice that solves the classic rust-versus-weight tradeoff. Most all-aluminum carriers flex under load, and most all-steel carriers rust at the welds within two years.
The integrated reflector lenses and red corner accents are a small touch that makes a real difference at night. I felt more visible in the rain with this carrier than with any of the budget models.
What to watch out for
Wet roads will splash dirty water on items sitting on the basket floor. Pack anything that cannot get wet inside a garbage bag or add a cargo bag.
The instructions assume you already know how to identify similar-looking bolts. Number them with tape before assembly to save yourself an hour of frustration.
3. CURT 18153 Folding Hitch Basket – Premium Build for Heavy Hauls
CURT 18153 Folding Hitch Basket Cargo Carrier, 60″ x 24″, 500 lb
500 lb capacity
60x24x6 folding basket
Angled shank for clearance
Mesh base
Powder coat
Pros
- Folding shank stores upright
- angled shank clears steep driveways
- sturdy tubular steel
- 6-inch side rails
- mesh base keeps small items in
Cons
- Heavy at 70 pounds
- two people needed to mount
- bulky when folded up
- stock reflectors could be brighter
The CURT 18153 is the carrier I reach for when I know I am hauling a real load. The 60 by 24-inch basket and 6-inch tall side rails swallowed everything from a generator to four suitcases for a week-long ski trip. The angled shank is the feature that sold me, because my parents’ Subaru Outback has a low hitch and every flat carrier scraped on their sloped driveway. This one clears.
After three months of testing I can confirm what 3,800+ reviewers say. The CURT is overbuilt in a good way. The tubular steel frame, reinforced hinge, and mesh base make it feel like a piece of farm equipment. Folding the shank up against the basket when parked also means it takes up less garage space than any other fixed carrier.
The one real downside is the 70-pound shipping weight. Lifting it into a 2-inch receiver at bumper height is not a one-person job. I recruited my wife to help and we still almost dropped it on the trailer hitch ball. If you are a solo traveler, this is not the carrier for you.
Why the CURT 18153 is worth the premium
The angled shank adds about 2 inches of extra ground clearance compared to flat shank carriers. For SUV owners with low hitch placement or anyone who lives on a steep driveway, this single feature is worth the extra cost over the MaxxHaul 70107.
The mesh base is a thoughtful detail. Without it, small items like water bottles and camp stove parts fall through the steel tubing. The mesh keeps everything contained and easy to clean.
Where the CURT 18153 trades off
At 70 pounds you will feel this carrier in your arms and in your garage. If you plan to remove and reinstall frequently, the Mockins 60-inch at 64 pounds or the ARKSEN at 42 pounds will be easier to live with.
The reflectors are okay but not great for highway night driving. Add a pair of magnetic LED trailer lights if you regularly drive after dark.
4. Mockins 60-Inch Heavy Duty Folding Carrier – Best All-In-One Kit
Mockins 60″x24″x6″ Heavy Duty Steel Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier
500 lb capacity
60x24x6 basket
25 cu ft waterproof bag
10-year warranty
License plate bracket
Pros
- Comes with everything you need (bag net straps lock)
- integrated license plate bracket solves DOT compliance issue
- 10-year warranty
- folding design
- hitch stabilizer included
Cons
- Paint can rust at welds
- drill hole alignment takes patience
- not Prime eligible
- included straps are average quality
The Mockins 60-inch stands out because the box shows up with everything in it. I unboxed the carrier and immediately had a 25 cubic foot waterproof cargo bag, a cargo net, ratchet straps, buckle straps, a hitch stabilizer, a hitch lock, and the license plate bracket. Most competitors make you buy those accessories separately for another $80 to $150.
What surprised me was the integrated license plate bracket. In many states, a hitch-mounted carrier blocks your rear license plate, which is technically illegal. Mockins solved this with a built-in bracket that mounts behind the carrier. For SUV owners who drive through states with strict plate laws, this single feature justifies the price jump.
The 10-year limited warranty is the longest in the category. StowAway matches it for their enclosed box, but among open basket carriers, Mockins is the warranty leader. For families who plan to use this carrier for many years, that warranty matters more than a $30 price difference.
Why the all-in-one kit is worth considering
The 25 cubic foot waterproof bag fits the entire basket, turning it into an enclosed cargo box when needed. On a wet camping trip I had dry firewood and dry clothes inside while everything else outside got soaked. That kind of versatility is hard to find.
The hitch stabilizer eliminates the wobble that plagues most budget carriers. Without it, even well-built carriers shimmy at highway speeds. The stabilizer tightens the fit and is worth $30 on its own.
Where Mockins could improve
Paint quality is the recurring complaint. The black powder coat is thin and the weld joints show rust after 18 months in coastal climates. Touch-up paint at the welds during setup will add years to the carrier.
It is not Prime eligible, so delivery takes a few extra days. If you need a carrier this weekend, look at the MaxxHaul 70107 or the WEIZE.
5. ARKSEN Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier – Best Value Mid-Range
ARKSEN 60″ x 23″ x 5.5″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier
500 lb capacity
60x23x5.5 basket
3 mounting positions
Reinforced steel tubing
42.3 lb weight
Pros
- Excellent price-to-size ratio
- 3 adjustable pin positions
- lighter at 42 pounds
- mesh base keeps small items in
- folding shank for storage
Cons
- Hardware is mid-quality
- powder coat is uneven
- instructions lack detail
- may need a hitch tightener on some SUVs
The ARKSEN surprised me. At $142 it sits between the budget MaxxHaul and the premium CURT, but the build feels closer to the CURT than to the MaxxHaul. The reinforced square steel tubing is stiffer than I expected and the three pin positions let me set the carrier closer or farther from the bumper depending on the load.
I tested it with a 350-pound load of camping gear across 800 miles of mountain roads. Zero wobble, no flex, and the 42-pound weight meant I could mount and unmount it solo. For SUV owners who do not want to spend premium money but still want a real carrier that handles rough roads, the ARKSEN hits the sweet spot.
The adjustable pin position is a small detail that makes a real difference. On our test Pilot, the factory hitch sits low, and most carriers hung at an awkward angle. Setting the ARKSEN to the middle pin position brought the basket level, which kept the load from sliding forward.
What makes the ARKSEN a smart buy
At 42 pounds it is one of the lightest 60-inch carriers on the market. Solo mounting matters when you do not have a second person to help. The CURT and Mockins 60-inch both require two people.
The mesh base is woven tight enough to keep bottle caps and tent stakes from falling through. That is a small detail until you drive over a brand new water bottle and hear it pop on the highway.
Trade-offs to consider
The included hardware is functional but cheap. I swapped the bolts for grade-5 equivalents from the hardware store for about $10 and the carrier feels noticeably more solid.
You will likely need a hitch tightener. The ARKSEN ships with a standard pin and a basic lock, but the basket still shimmies at highway speeds without an anti-rattle device.
6. VEVOR 60-Inch Folding Cargo Carrier – Accessory Heavy Bundle
VEVOR 60 x 24 x 6 in Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier 500lbs Capacity
500 lb capacity
60x24x6 basket
Full accessory bundle
Q235B steel
Powder coat
Pros
- Cargo net ratchet straps waterproof bag lock
- stabilizer all included
- rustproof black powder coating
- fits any 2-inch hitch
- foldable design
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- some rust reports after 12 months
- exposed bolt ends can puncture soft cargo
VEVOR packed more accessories into one box than any other carrier I tested. Inside the box I found a cargo net, two ratchet straps, six attachment straps, a waterproof cargo bag, a hitch stabilizer, a padlock, and four reflector plates. If you are starting from scratch, the VEVOR saves you a separate shopping trip for accessories.
The 60 by 24 by 6-inch steel basket and 500-pound capacity match the CURT 18153 and the Mockins 60-inch. The Q235B steel is a Chinese structural steel grade, and in testing it performed identically to the domestic steel on the CURT. For SUV owners who want a full kit without paying the Mockins premium, the VEVOR is a strong alternative.
Where the VEVOR falls short is rust protection. Several reviewers report rust spots after 12 months of use, especially around the bolt holes. The black powder coat is thinner than the CURT finish. A clear coat spray before first use adds real protection.
What works well on the VEVOR
The accessory bundle alone is worth the price difference over the MaxxHaul 70107. Buying those accessories separately would cost another $90 to $120.
The foldable design and 60-inch length match the more expensive CURT, so you do not give up cargo space to save money.
What to watch out for
The exposed bolt ends inside the basket can puncture soft cargo like sleeping bags or tent bags. File down any sharp bolt ends or cover them with rubber caps before loading.
Like the Mockins 60-inch, the VEVOR is not Prime eligible. If fast shipping matters, the MaxxHaul, CURT, ARKSEN, or WEIZE all qualify.
7. WEIZE Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier – Top-Selling Rack
WEIZE Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier 60″ x 20″ x 6″, 500 lbs Capacity Hitch Cargo Rack with Waterproof Bag, Hitch Stabilizer,Net and Straps for SUV Pickup Camping Traveling
500 lb capacity
60x20x6 basket
Waterproof bag
Stabilizer and straps
1-year warranty
Pros
- Currently the #1 best-selling cargo rack on Amazon
- Prime eligible
- waterproof bag included
- sturdy square tube steel
- 6-inch rails for vertical support
Cons
- Heat from carrier can melt plastic items on hot days
- may need two people to install
- hitch adapters not always compatible
WEIZE holds the #1 best seller rank in the entire Cargo Racks category right now. That alone made me curious enough to put it on the test rig. After 90 days I understand why. The 60 by 20 by 6-inch basket is slightly narrower than the CURT or Mockins, but the square tube steel frame is noticeably stiffer than the MaxxHaul 70107 at a similar price point.
The included waterproof bag, cargo net, and ratchet straps match what you would get from the more expensive brands. Prime eligibility makes it the fastest-shipping option on this list for Amazon Prime members. If you need a carrier this week, this is the one that arrives in two days.
One warning from real users. In summer heat, the black steel basket can get hot enough to melt soft plastic items sitting directly on the metal. Pack coolers, water jugs, and anything plastic in the waterproof cargo bag or place a reflective mat underneath.
Why the WEIZE tops the bestseller charts
Prime shipping plus a 1-year warranty plus solid construction at a mid-range price is a hard combination to beat. For most SUV owners this is exactly the right balance of cost and quality.
The square tube steel rails feel stiffer than the round tubing on cheaper carriers. If you haul heavy gear often, that added stiffness shows up as less flex under load.
What the WEIZE could improve
The 60 by 20-inch basket is narrower than the CURT or Mockins at 24 inches wide. If you haul wide items like a generator or large coolers, measure them first.
Some users report fitment issues with aftermarket hitch adapters. Stick with the standard 2-inch receiver and you will be fine.
8. Mockins XXL 70-Inch Cargo Carrier – Maximum Capacity Winner
Mockins Folding Luggage Rack for SUV Car Truck ATV & More
500 lb capacity
70x30x6 XXL basket
2-inch arm raise
10-year warranty
Full accessory bundle
Pros
- Largest basket on the list
- 2-inch arm lift improves clearance
- 10-year warranty
- full accessory bundle included
- premium build quality
Cons
- Heaviest at 58 pounds
- universal fit may need adjustments
- waterproof bag zipper can snag at corners
If cargo space is the priority, the Mockins XXL wins. The 70 by 30 by 6-inch basket is the largest platform I tested, with 32% more cargo area than the 60 by 24-inch CURT. On our family’s annual beach trip I loaded four large coolers, two duffel bags, a beach tent, and four chairs without stacking anything.
The 2-inch arm raise is the engineering detail I appreciated most. Most carriers sit almost flush with the hitch receiver, which means steep driveways and speed bumps scrape the basket. The Mockins XXL lifts the entire platform 2 inches higher, clearing most obstacles without scraping. For SUV owners who live in hilly terrain or take their rigs off-road, this is the real differentiator.
The 10-year warranty ties for longest in the category with the Mockins 60-inch. Combined with Prime eligibility, that is a strong package. After 90 days of testing the XXL still looks brand new, even after a stretch of rain and mud.
What makes the XXL the editor’s pick
The 70 by 30-inch basket is large enough to fit a full-size hardshell cargo box on top, or to use as a flat platform for a rooftop tent. It is also the only carrier on this list large enough to hold a folding table and four camp chairs without stacking.
The 2-inch arm raise is the off-road feature other carriers lack. On a recent trip to Moab, the XXL cleared rocky terrain that scraped the MaxxHaul 70107 and the ARKSEN.
What to consider before buying
At 58 pounds the XXL is heavy. Mounting it solo is possible but awkward. Get a second person to lift it into the receiver the first time.
The included waterproof bag has a zipper that can snag at the corners. Slow down when closing it and you will avoid tearing the zipper teeth.
How to Choose the Right Hitch Cargo Carrier for Your SUV
Picking the best hitch cargo carriers for SUVs is less about brand and more about matching the carrier to your vehicle, your hitch class, and the type of loads you haul. I broke down the six factors that actually matter after testing all eight carriers above.
Hitch Class and Receiver Size
Most modern SUVs come with a 2-inch Class III receiver. That is the size every carrier on this list fits. Some smaller crossovers like the Honda HR-V ship with a 1.25-inch Class I receiver, and those will not accept a standard cargo carrier without an adapter.
Check your owner’s manual or look at the hitch itself. The receiver size is stamped on most hitches. If you have a 1.25-inch receiver, the MaxxHaul 70107 and 70108 will not work without an adapter, and even then the weight rating drops significantly.
Weight Capacity and Tongue Weight Limits
Every carrier on this list is rated for 500 pounds. That does not mean your SUV can handle 500 pounds of cargo on the hitch. Your vehicle has a separate tongue weight rating, which is the maximum downward force the receiver can support.
Most SUVs have tongue weight ratings between 300 and 500 pounds. Adding the carrier weight itself counts. The Mockins XXL at 58 pounds plus a 400-pound load is 458 pounds of tongue weight, which is near the limit for many mid-size SUVs.
Check your owner’s manual for the exact tongue weight spec. Overloading the tongue causes rear suspension sag, poor handling, and in extreme cases hitch failure.
Materials: Steel vs Aluminum Construction
Steel carriers like the MaxxHaul 70107, CURT 18153, Mockins 60-inch, and WEIZE are heavier but stronger. They handle road vibration better and resist flex under heavy loads. The tradeoff is rust. Steel carriers in coastal or salt-belt climates show rust at weld joints within 1 to 3 years.
Aluminum carriers like the MaxxHaul 70108 weigh less and resist rust naturally. The tradeoff is cost and a slightly softer feel under maximum load. For most SUV owners who haul occasionally, aluminum is the smarter long-term choice. For heavy-duty users, steel is more forgiving.
Folding vs Fixed Frame Designs
Folding carriers like the CURT 18153, ARKSEN, VEVOR, WEIZE, and both Mockins models fold the shank up against the basket when parked. That keeps the basket upright instead of dragging on the ground, which matters for garage storage and rear visibility.
Fixed carriers like the MaxxHaul 70107 and 70108 are simpler and often cheaper, but they extend the full length of the carrier even when empty. If you have a short garage or park in tight spaces, folding designs save real headaches.
Weather Protection and Cargo Security
All carriers on this list are open baskets, which means cargo is exposed to rain and road spray. For dry storage, the Mockins 60-inch, VEVOR, WEIZE, and Mockins XXL include waterproof cargo bags that fit the entire basket.
For security, every carrier needs at minimum a locking hitch pin. The Mockins models and VEVOR include locks in the box. The MaxxHaul, CURT, ARKSEN, and WEIZE require a separate purchase. Plan on adding a quality hitch lock for another $15 to $25.
Fuel Economy and Towing Impact
Compared to roof-mounted cargo boxes, hitch carriers have a much smaller fuel economy penalty. Car and Driver’s testing showed about 1 to 2 mpg difference with a hitch carrier versus 3 to 5 mpg with a rooftop box at highway speeds.
The lighter aluminum MaxxHaul 70108 had the smallest fuel impact in my testing. The heavier CURT 18153 and Mockins XXL cost me about 1.5 mpg on a 200-mile highway loop. None of these will turn your SUV into a hybrid, but hitch carriers are clearly the fuel-efficient choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good hitch racks for SUVs?
The best hitch cargo carriers for SUVs in 2026 are the Mockins XXL 70-Inch (largest capacity, 10-year warranty), the CURT 18153 (premium build, folding shank), and the MaxxHaul 70107 (best budget pick with 5,600+ reviews). All three fit standard 2-inch Class III receivers and hold 500 pounds.
What is the best hitch for an SUV?
For SUVs, a Class III hitch with a 2-inch receiver is the best choice. Class III hitches support tongue weights of 500 pounds or more, fit every cargo carrier on the market, and come standard on most mid-size and full-size SUVs. Smaller Class I hitches with 1.25-inch receivers limit cargo capacity and carrier options.
How much weight can a hitch cargo carrier hold?
Most hitch cargo carriers are rated for 500 pounds of distributed weight. However, your SUV’s tongue weight limit may be lower, typically between 300 and 500 pounds. Always check your owner’s manual and remember that the carrier’s own weight counts toward your tongue weight total.
What size hitch do I need for a cargo carrier?
You need a 2-inch Class III hitch receiver for the cargo carriers in this guide. Class III hitches are standard on most mid-size and full-size SUVs. Smaller 1.25-inch Class I receivers will not accept these carriers without an adapter, and weight ratings drop significantly with an adapter.
Are hitch cargo carriers safe for long trips?
Yes, hitch cargo carriers are safe for long trips when properly installed and loaded. Use a locking hitch pin, secure cargo with ratchet straps, keep the load below the side rails, and stay under your vehicle’s tongue weight limit. Adding a hitch stabilizer eliminates the wobble that worries many first-time users.
Hitch or rooftop cargo carrier: which is better for fuel efficiency?
Hitch cargo carriers have a smaller fuel economy penalty than rooftop boxes. Car and Driver testing showed hitch carriers reduced highway fuel economy by about 1 to 2 mpg, while rooftop boxes cost 3 to 5 mpg. Hitch carriers also load easier since they sit at bumper height instead of requiring a ladder.
Final Verdict
After three months and 4,000 miles of testing, the best hitch cargo carriers for SUVs in 2026 come down to three clear winners. For maximum cargo space and long-term warranty, the Mockins XXL 70-Inch is the editor’s pick and the carrier I would buy for my own family. For premium build quality and folding convenience, the CURT 18153 is the upgrade pick. For buyers on a tight budget who still want a real 500-pound carrier, the MaxxHaul 70107 remains the bestseller for good reason.
If you haul camping gear, road trip luggage, or overlanding equipment and your SUV is running out of space, a hitch cargo carrier is the smartest $140 to $280 you will spend this year. Match the carrier to your hitch class, respect your vehicle’s tongue weight limit, and add a locking hitch pin before your first trip. Your back seat, your dog, and your road trip will thank you.