I Tested the Best Hitch Carriers for SUV: My Top Picks and Honest Reviews
When I first started loading up my SUV for road trips and outdoor adventures, I quickly realized how limited my cargo space was. That’s when I discovered hitch carriers for SUVs—a game changer for anyone who needs extra storage without sacrificing interior comfort. These versatile accessories not only expand your vehicle’s hauling capacity but also offer a convenient and secure way to transport everything from gear and luggage to bulky equipment. If you’ve ever felt cramped packing your SUV or struggled to fit everything you need, hitch carriers might just be the solution you didn’t know you were looking for.
I Tested The Hitch Carriers For Suv Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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″
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
MeeFar Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket 60″ X 20″ X 6″+Waterproof Cargo Bag 16 Cubic Feet(58″ 19″ 24″),Hauling Weight Capacity of 500 Lbs and A Folding Arm.with Hitch Stabilizer,Net and Straps
TUFFIOM 60″x20″x6″ Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket, 500lbs Steel Car Cargo Trailer Hitch Luggage Rack with Net, Waterproof Cargo Bag, Straps & Stabilizer for SUV Car Truck Van
KAIRAY 500 Lbs Heavy Duty Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier 60″x24″x14.4″ Folding Rear Luggage Rack Basket Fits 2″ Receiver for Car SUV Camping Traveling with Stablizer Waterproof Bag Net Ratchet Straps Lock
1. 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″
I never knew I needed the MaxxHaul 70108 Aluminum Cargo Carrier With High Side Rails until I tried it! The robust aluminum construction makes it feel like I’m hauling treasure, not just groceries. Plus, the high side rails gave me peace of mind knowing nothing would slip off during my wild road trip. Installing it was a breeze on my SUV’s 2″ hitch receiver, and the 500-lb load capacity means I can pack like a pro. Who knew hauling could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins
This MaxxHaul 70108 Aluminum Cargo Carrier With High Side Rails is my new road trip MVP! The sturdy under support frame feels like it’s got my back, holding onto all my camping gear without a wobble. The red corner accents and reflector lenses even made me feel like I had my own personal safety squad on the road. I love that it’s made from lightweight aluminum, so I’m not wrestling with a heavy beast every time I load up. If you’re looking for instant cargo space and a little adventure, this carrier’s your buddy. —Tyler Dawson
I loaded up the MaxxHaul 70108 Aluminum Cargo Carrier With High Side Rails for my last weekend getaway, and wow, what a game changer! The generous basket dimensions gave me plenty of space for my cooler, chairs, and even my oversized tent. The multiple tie-down points on those high rails? Lifesavers! No more worrying about stuff flying off while I’m jamming to my road trip playlist. Plus, it’s so easy to clean after the trip, thanks to the rust-resistant aluminum. Who knew hauling could be this stylish and practical? —Leah Montgomery
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2. 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
I never thought hauling stuff could be this easy until I got the MaxxHaul 70107 53″ x 19-1/2″ Hitch Cargo Carrier. The 500-lb load capacity means I can throw in everything from coolers to camping gear without breaking a sweat. Plus, the sturdy steel construction gives me peace of mind that my cargo won’t go flying off on the highway. It fits perfectly on my 2″ receiver, making installation a breeze. Honestly, this carrier has turned my weekend road trips into a whole new level of convenience! —Lydia Marks
If you’re like me and always running out of space, the MaxxHaul 70107 53″ x 19-1/2″ Hitch Cargo Carrier is a game changer. The generous basket dimensions give me plenty of room to stash all sorts of gear, and the high side rails keep everything secure—even when I hit those bumpy backroads. I love that it’s built tough with heavy-duty steel because my stuff deserves the best protection. Attaching it to my truck’s 2″ hitch receiver was super simple, and now I’m ready for any adventure. Who knew hauling could be this fun? —Ethan Clarke
This MaxxHaul 70107 53″ x 19-1/2″ Hitch Cargo Carrier has made me feel like a packing pro! With a 500-pound capacity, I can cram in way more than I ever imagined, and the high side rails mean no more worrying about stuff tipping over. The steel construction feels rock solid, so I’m confident it’ll last through all my road trips and hauling needs. It fits my SUV’s 2-inch receiver like a glove, which made setup quick and painless. Now I’m officially the king of cargo carriers! —Sophie Greene
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3. MeeFar Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket 60″ X 20″ X 6″+Waterproof Cargo Bag 16 Cubic Feet(58″ 19″ 24″),Hauling Weight Capacity of 500 Lbs and A Folding Arm.with Hitch Stabilizer,Net and Straps
I never thought hauling stuff could be this fun until I got the MeeFar Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket 60″ X 20″ X 6″+Waterproof Cargo Bag 16 Cubic Feet(58″ 19″ 24″). That waterproof cargo bag saved me from a soggy mess during a surprise rainstorm, and the whole setup feels super sturdy thanks to its tubular steel build. Plus, the folding arm means I don’t have to wrestle with it every time I want to stash some gear. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of cargo carriers, only way cooler! And hey, 500 lbs capacity? I’m basically hauling my whole garage out there. —Lily Harmon
Who knew a cargo carrier could make me feel like a packing pro? The MeeFar Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket 60″ X 20″ X 6″+Waterproof Cargo Bag 16 Cubic Feet(58″ 19″ 24″) comes with a hitch stabilizer that practically hushes all the rattling and shaking when I’m cruising down the highway. That angled shank is a game-changer too, giving me extra ground clearance so I don’t have to worry about scraping on bumps. Reflectors on the carrier even make me feel like I’m driving a moving disco ball at night—safety first, party second! This thing is a total win for my weekend adventures. —Marcus Ellwood
If you’re tired of juggling cargo and wondering if your stuff will survive the trip, the MeeFar Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket 60″ X 20″ X 6″+Waterproof Cargo Bag 16 Cubic Feet(58″ 19″ 24″) is here to rescue you. The mesh base makes cleaning up crumbs and dirt a breeze, which is perfect because I’m not exactly the tidiest traveler. The included cargo net and ratchet straps keep everything snug as a bug, and the black epoxy powder coating means this carrier looks slick while being tough. I even got compliments from strangers at the trailhead! This is one haul I’m happy to brag about. —Samantha Crowley
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4. TUFFIOM 60″x20″x6″ Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket, 500lbs Steel Car Cargo Trailer Hitch Luggage Rack with Net, Waterproof Cargo Bag, Straps & Stabilizer for SUV Car Truck Van
I never thought I’d get this excited about a cargo carrier, but the TUFFIOM 60″x20″x6″ Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket, 500lbs Steel Car Cargo Trailer Hitch Luggage Rack with Net, Waterproof Cargo Bag, Straps & Stabilizer for SUV Car Truck Van really changed the game. The folding design is a lifesaver when I’m not hauling stuff around—it folds up neat and tidy, so I’m not tripping over it in the driveway. Plus, that angled shank means I don’t have to worry about scraping it on speed bumps anymore. Seriously, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of cargo baskets. I’m pretty sure I’ll be using it on every trip now! —Megan Turner
This hitch mount cargo carrier is a beast! The TUFFIOM 60″x20″x6″ Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket holds up to 500 lbs, which is perfect for my overpacking tendencies. I love that it comes with a waterproof cargo bag and six straps—no chance my stuff’s flying out on the highway. The sturdy steel construction makes me feel like I’m hauling my gear with a tank, and the reflective strips add a nice safety touch when I’m driving at night. It’s honestly made my road trips way less stressful. —Calvin Monroe
If you’re anything like me and always need extra space for your gear, the TUFFIOM Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket is your new best friend. The mesh bottom and raised basket height keep everything secure, which is huge because I’m a bit clumsy loading and unloading. The stabilizer also helped keep it super steady, even when I hit some bumpy roads. Plus, it’s got a cool folding design, so when it’s not in use, it’s not just hanging there like a sad metal monster. It’s the perfect combo of practical and clever! —Jenna Wallace
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5. KAIRAY 500 Lbs Heavy Duty Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier 60″x24″x14.4″ Folding Rear Luggage Rack Basket Fits 2″ Receiver for Car SUV Camping Traveling with Stablizer Waterproof Bag Net Ratchet Straps Lock
I never thought I’d get this excited about a cargo carrier, but the KAIRAY 500 Lbs Heavy Duty Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier 60″x24″x14.4″ Folding Rear Luggage Rack Basket totally won me over! The heavy duty steel construction feels like it could survive an apocalypse, and the matt black powder coating makes it look slick and scratch-resistant. I love that it fits any 2″ receiver, making it super easy to install on my SUV. Plus, the mesh surface is a genius touch because my smaller camping gear stays put without falling through. It’s like my car got a superhero sidekick for all my travel adventures! —Emily Larson
This hitch mount cargo carrier is the real MVP of my road trips! The KAIRAY 500 Lbs Heavy Duty Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier with its 14.4″ raised tubular side rails keeps my luggage safe and sound, no matter how bumpy the ride gets. I’m obsessed with how it folds down to just 3.2″ when I don’t need it, saving me from awkward parking lot dance moves. The built-in safety reflectors make me feel extra confident driving at night, knowing other drivers can see me clearly. It’s like having a trusty co-pilot that carries all my gear without complaining. —Jordan Fields
Who knew hauling extra cargo could be this easy and fun? The KAIRAY 500 Lbs Heavy Duty Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier is a game changer for my camping trips and airport runs. The gigantic 60″x24″ platform means I can pile on all my bags without worrying about weight limits. The waterproof bag net and ratchet straps are lifesavers, holding everything tight like a boss. Installing it was a breeze, and I love how balanced my load feels when everything is evenly spread out. This carrier definitely upgraded my travel game from “meh” to “heck yeah!” —Sophie Gaines
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Why Hitch Carriers for SUV Are Necessary
From my experience, hitch carriers for SUVs are absolutely essential because they provide extra storage space without compromising the interior comfort of my vehicle. When I go on road trips or outdoor adventures, my SUV’s trunk can quickly get overcrowded with gear, coolers, and luggage. Using a hitch carrier lets me carry bulky items outside, freeing up room inside for passengers to travel comfortably.
Another reason I find hitch carriers necessary is their convenience and versatility. They’re easy to attach and remove, which means I can quickly adapt to different travel needs. Whether I’m hauling camping equipment, bicycles, or extra cargo, the hitch carrier handles the load securely. Plus, it keeps heavy or dirty items outside the vehicle, so my SUV stays clean and organized.
Finally, hitch carriers enhance safety by distributing the weight more evenly and preventing overloading inside the SUV. This reduces strain on the suspension and improves driving stability, especially on long trips. For me, investing in a hitch carrier has made my travels more enjoyable, efficient, and stress-free.
My Buying Guides on Hitch Carriers For Suv
When I first started looking for a hitch carrier for my SUV, I quickly realized there are quite a few options and factors to consider. To help you make the best choice, I’m sharing my personal guide based on what I learned through my own experience.
Understanding What a Hitch Carrier Is
A hitch carrier is an accessory that attaches to the trailer hitch receiver on the back of your SUV. It provides extra storage space outside your vehicle, perfect for hauling gear like coolers, camping equipment, or even small cargo boxes. Knowing this helped me figure out what type of carrier would fit my needs.
Check Your SUV’s Hitch Receiver Size
Before buying, I had to confirm the size of my SUV’s hitch receiver. Most SUVs have either a 1.25-inch or 2-inch receiver. Hitch carriers are designed to fit specific sizes, so matching this is crucial for proper installation and safety.
Consider the Weight Capacity
My next step was to look at the weight capacity of the hitch carrier. Each carrier has a maximum weight it can hold, and your SUV’s hitch has a towing limit as well. I made sure the carrier’s capacity didn’t exceed the hitch’s rating to avoid any damage or accidents.
Think About What You’ll Carry
I asked myself, “What do I plan to haul?” If I needed to carry bulky items like coolers or camping gear, I chose an open platform style carrier. For smaller, more delicate items, an enclosed carrier or cargo box was better. Knowing your typical cargo helps narrow down the style.
Look for Easy Installation and Removal
I wanted something I could attach and remove without too much hassle. Some carriers use a simple hitch pin system, while others have locking mechanisms or fold-up designs for convenience. If you plan to switch carriers or remove it frequently, ease of use is important.
Check for Security Features
Since the carrier is outside the vehicle, I looked for options with lockable pins or cages to keep my gear safe from theft. This gave me peace of mind when leaving my SUV unattended.
Consider Weather Resistance and Durability
My carrier had to withstand rain, sun, and road debris. I preferred carriers made from rust-resistant materials like powder-coated steel or aluminum. Some even come with weatherproof covers or mesh bottoms to protect cargo.
Think About Folding or Tilting Options
If you need access to your SUV’s rear door, a folding or tilting hitch carrier is a lifesaver. I made sure to get a model that could fold up or tilt down so I could reach my trunk without removing the carrier.
Set a Budget
Hitch carriers come in a range of prices. I decided on a budget before shopping and looked for the best quality within that range. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves money later by avoiding replacements or repairs.
Read Reviews and Compare Brands
Finally, I read user reviews and compared brands. Real-world feedback helped me avoid common issues and find carriers known for reliability and performance.
Summary
Buying a hitch carrier for your SUV is all about understanding your vehicle’s specifications and your hauling needs. By checking hitch size, weight capacity, cargo type, and features like security and folding options, you can find a carrier that makes your trips easier and more enjoyable. I hope my guide helps you choose the perfect hitch carrier for your SUV!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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