A hitch cargo carrier is an open basket or flat platform on an arm that slides into the trailer hitch receiver and pins in place. Steel ones are cheap and strong but heavy and can rust; aluminum ones weigh about half as much and cost more. A carrier that folds up against the back of the vehicle when empty is easier to live with, and one that tilts down lets you open the rear hatch without unloading. Remember that the carrier’s own weight counts against your hitch’s tongue weight rating along with the load.
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Full ranking 17
- VEVOR 60 x 24 Folding Cargo Carrier#1 of 17Full review
A complete budget kit with a full size folding basket, bag and straps, for occasional road trips.
Amazon $150.85$150.85500 lb-Steel - CURT 18100 Aluminum Tray Carrier#2 of 17Full review
A rust proof folding tray for 2 in hitches, for buyers in wet or salted road areas who want aluminum without paying for a ramp model.
Amazon $190.99$190.99500 lb-Aluminum - CURT 18109 Folding Tray Carrier#3 of 17Full review
A budget full width folding tray for 2 in hitches, for buyers who want 500 lb of capacity and do not need tall sides.
Amazon $154.99$154.99500 lb-Steel - CURT 18145 Cargo Basket#4 of 17Full review
A compact railed basket for small cars and crossovers, for anyone who needs one carrier that fits both hitch sizes.
Amazon $118.78$118.78500 lb-Steel - MaxxHaul 50149 Folding Aluminum Carrier#5 of 17Full review
A low cost folding aluminum basket for buyers who want rust resistance and a fold up shank without paying CURT or Elevate prices.
Amazon $148.99$148.99500 lb32.7 lbAluminum - MaxxHaul 70107 Steel Cargo Carrier#6 of 17Full review
A very low cost steel basket for occasional trips, for buyers who want hitch storage for the least money and can live with a short warranty.
Amazon $66.99$66.99500 lb22.3 lbSteel - MaxxHaul 70108 Aluminum Cargo Carrier#7 of 17Full review
A light aluminum basket with tall rails for very little money, for buyers who want easy handling and accept a short warranty.
Amazon $119.99$119.99500 lb21.4 lbAluminum - Stromberg Carlson CC-100 Cargo Caddy#8 of 17Full review
A simple flat platform popular with RV owners for a generator, grill or cooler on a 2 in receiver.
Amazon $131.99$131.99500 lb-Steel - CURT 18153 Folding Cargo Carrier#9 of 17Full review
A full size folding steel basket for 2 in hitches, for anyone who wants to leave the carrier on the vehicle and fold it up between trips.
Amazon $200.27$200.27500 lb-Steel - Leader Accessories Folding Carrier#10 of 17Full review
A full size galvanized folding basket at a budget price, for buyers in wet or salty climates who want steel that resists rust.
Amazon $151.99$151.99500 lb44.7 lbSteel - Elevate Outdoor Folding Aluminum 60#11 of 17Full review
A full width folding aluminum tray with anti-rattle hardware included, for buyers who want rust resistance and a quiet carrier that can stay on.
Amazon $219.99 Discount Ramps $184.99$184.99500 lb40 lbAluminum - VEVOR Aluminum Carrier with Ramp#12 of 17Full review
A low cost aluminum ramp carrier for moving a mobility scooter or small equipment on a 2 in hitch.
Amazon $216.90$216.90500 lb42 lbAluminum - MaxxHaul 70103 Folding Cargo Carrier#13 of 17Full review
A budget full size folding steel basket for buyers who want 60 in of space and a fold up shank for the lowest price.
Amazon $124.99$124.99500 lb-Steel - CURT 18113 Aluminum Cargo Carrier#14 of 17Full review
A light, rust proof basket for people who take the carrier on and off often and want the easiest lift.
Amazon $253.78$253.78500 lb25 lbAluminum - Reese Explore Rambler 63153#15 of 17Full review
A full size railed steel basket from a long running hitch brand, for buyers who want the biggest deck and do not need it to fold.
Amazon $181.50$181.50500 lb-- - CURT 18112 Aluminum Carrier with Ramp#16 of 17Full review
A ramp carrier for hauling a mobility scooter or small wheeled equipment on a 2 in hitch without lifting it.
Amazon $479.99$479.99500 lb-Aluminum - CURT 18110 Steel Tray Carrier#17 of 17Full review
A small, inexpensive tray for cars and crossovers with a 1-1/4 in hitch, for light loads like a cooler or a duffel.
Amazon $126.98$126.98300 lb-Steel
