The practical way to add storage without adding a trailer.
If your SUV is bursting at the seams, or your road trip gear doesn’t quite fit in the trunk, you’re not alone. One of the easiest, most flexible ways to expand your vehicle’s carrying capacity—without touching the roof or buying a trailer—is a hitch-mounted cargo carrier.
But what are they exactly? How do they work? And how do you know if you’re buying the right one?
This guide breaks it all down. Whether you’re researching your first rack or trying to find the best long-term solution for your gear, this article is the starting point for everything cargo-carrier related here on Rackfaction. Expect no fluff—just real-world insight, and smart next steps.
Key Takeaways:
- Hitch cargo carriers mount to your vehicle’s tow hitch and carry extra gear behind your car.
- They’re either open (basket-style) or enclosed (weatherproof box or bag).
- Your vehicle’s hitch class and tongue weight rating determine what you can safely carry.
- Ideal for camping, road trips, dirty gear, bulky items, or overflow luggage.
- Far easier to use than rooftop boxes and don’t require towing anything.
Hitch Cargo Carriers, Explained Simply
A hitch cargo carrier is an external platform that attaches to the rear of your vehicle using a standard trailer hitch. Think of it as a flat, durable shelf that rides outside the car—and doesn’t eat up interior space.
Most people use them to carry coolers, camping equipment, suitcases, or oddly shaped gear that would otherwise crowd their trunk or back seats. They’re incredibly popular with road trippers, outdoorsy families, hunters, overlanders, and anyone who packs heavy or messy.
There are no wheels, no motors, and no registration. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it solution that stays out of the way when you don’t need it—and hauls like a workhorse when you do.
Two Main Types of Hitch Cargo Carriers
Every hitch-mounted carrier falls into one of two camps: open or enclosed. Both have their strengths, and choosing the right one depends entirely on what you plan to carry.
Open Basket-Style Carriers
These are exactly what they sound like: metal baskets with raised side rails and an open top. You strap your gear down using tie-downs or bungee cords. They’re ideal for hauling dirty, large, or odd-shaped items like firewood, camp chairs, or toolboxes. There’s no weather protection—but for rough-and-ready hauling, they’re tough to beat.
Enclosed Carriers (Hard or Soft)
These keep your gear sealed off from dust, rain, and prying eyes. Hard plastic models are weatherproof and lockable, while soft-sided bags (when used with a basket) give you some flexibility without the bulk. Perfect for luggage, dry goods, or longer trips where you want everything zipped up and clean.
Some carriers even fold up vertically against the vehicle when not in use, or tilt down for trunk access—especially useful for SUVs.
Why People Choose Hitch Carriers Over Rooftop Boxes or Trailers
Rooftop boxes work, but they’re awkward to load and can mess with fuel efficiency. Small trailers? Great if you have one, but they require storage, licensing, and a different mindset altogether.
Hitch cargo carriers hit a sweet spot:
- They’re accessible—no climbing onto your bumper to reach gear.
- They’re modular—easy to add or remove as needed.
- They’re aerodynamically smarter—less wind drag than rooftop boxes.
- And they’re cheaper and easier than towing a trailer.
Once you’ve used one, especially for travel or gear-heavy activities, it’s hard to go back.
The Most Common Use Cases (and Why They Matter)
You’ll find hitch carriers across all types of vehicles—from compact crossovers to full-size trucks—and their usefulness tends to spike around a few very specific needs:
- Overflow road trip gear that doesn’t fit in the trunk.
- Camping and overlanding equipment like tents, grills, or coolers.
- Wet, muddy, or dirty items you don’t want inside your car.
- Tools or jobsite gear that needs to ride outside.
- Pet owners who want to save interior space for dogs or crates.
In each of these cases, a hitch carrier becomes more than just storage—it’s a way to tailor your vehicle to your lifestyle.
What You Need to Know Before Buying One
Buying a hitch carrier isn’t rocket science, but there are a few things you can’t afford to overlook. Most problems people run into could have been avoided with one glance at their hitch rating or a tape measure.
Hitch Class and Weight Capacity
Your first step is checking which hitch class your vehicle has:
- Class I (1¼”) — max 200 lbs
- Class II (1¼”) — max 350 lbs
- Class III (2″) — up to 500 lbs
- Class IV–V — 500+ lbs for heavy-duty trucks
Just as important is your vehicle’s tongue weight rating, which limits how much weight you can hang off the back (including the weight of the carrier itself). If your vehicle is rated for 400 lbs tongue weight, and your carrier weighs 60 lbs, you’ve only got 340 lbs of cargo capacity left. Overloading it could damage your hitch—or worse, your suspension.
Know What You’re Carrying (and How Often)
A heavy-duty carrier might sound appealing, but if you’re only loading a couple of sleeping bags and a small cooler once a year, it’s overkill. The goal is to match the carrier to the job:
- Light-duty enclosed carriers are great for luggage.
- Basket-style racks are better for gear you don’t mind exposing to the elements.
- Fold-up models are convenient for daily drivers.
- Tilting options are a must for SUVs with swing-open tailgates.
Clearance, Lights, and Legal Details
Some carriers sit low to the ground—especially when fully loaded—which can be a problem on steep driveways or uneven trails. Consider using a hitch riser if ground clearance looks tight.
Also, in many regions, your carrier must not obscure brake lights or your license plate. Look for models with built-in reflectors or light kits. It’s not just about legality—it’s about safety too.
A Quick Heads-Up: Storage and Access Matter More Than You Think
Plenty of people think only about the cargo space a hitch carrier adds—but forget to think about where it lives when it’s not in use. Some models fold vertically, others don’t. Some take up an entire corner of your garage. If you’re someone who values a clean setup or swaps gear between multiple vehicles, don’t skip this part of the decision.
And one more thing: if your SUV’s tailgate or rear door swings open sideways, make sure the carrier won’t block your access—or that it can tilt out of the way.
Final Thoughts
A hitch-mounted cargo carrier doesn’t just give you more room—it changes how you travel, how you pack, and how versatile your vehicle becomes. Whether you’re heading into the wild or just freeing up trunk space on the school run, it’s a no-nonsense solution that makes your life easier—when chosen wisely.
Just remember: it’s not about the biggest or most expensive option. It’s about compatibility, practicality, and the right fit for how you roll.