8 Best Hitch Cargo Carriers for SUVs (October 2026)
The best hitch cargo carriers for SUVs include the Mockins XXL Folding Steel Hitch Carrier for extra-wide loads, the ARKSEN 60x23 Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier for a broad, lower basket, and the CURT 18145 46-Inch Hitch Cargo Basket for a smaller receiver.
On this page (6 sections)
The Mockins XXL Folding Steel Hitch Carrier is the best hitch cargo carrier for most SUVs when you need a broad platform for bulky luggage or camping gear. For a smaller receiver, pick the CURT; for gear that needs a cover, consider the VEVOR with its included bag.
A hitch basket moves cargo outside the cabin, leaving more room for passengers and bags. Before choosing one, match the receiver, platform size and load limit to your SUV.
For more options by frame material, see our best aluminum hitch cargo carriers. If you want a covered load, compare the best hitch cargo carriers with bags.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for a broad, lower basketARKSEN 60x23 Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier
8.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Check itVEVOR 60x24x14 Hitch Carrier with Bag
Best for covered cargo - 5
Check itOKLEAD 60x24x14 Folding Hitch Carrier
Best for tall side rails - 6Check it
KAIRAY 60x24x14 Folding Hitch Carrier
Best for a simple tall basket - 7
Check itMaxxHaul 70103 Folding Steel Mesh Basket
Best for a lower-profile basket - 8
Check itOUTPRIZE 60x24x14 Folding Hitch Rack
Best for high rails that fold
How we chose hitch cargo carriers for SUVs
We compared platform dimensions, receiver fit, stated capacity, folding features and included accessories. Our score weighs specs and features against what you're shopping for, including the practical difference between a compact basket, a wide platform and a bag bundle.
A carrier's capacity is only one part of the fit. The SUV's hitch and vehicle limits may be lower, so confirm those before loading.
Compare these SUV hitch cargo carriers
The Mockins has the largest platform, while the CURT covers a smaller receiver size. The VEVOR includes a bag, and the other tall-sided baskets offer different frame and rail details.
| Product | Best for | Platform | Receiver | Capacity | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mockins XXL Folding Steel Hitch Carrier | extra-wide loads | 70 x 30 x 6 in | 2 in | 500 lb | 8.4 |
| ARKSEN 60x23 Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier | a broad, lower basket | 60 x 23 x 5.5 in | 2 in | 500 lb | 8.0 |
| CURT 18145 46-Inch Hitch Cargo Basket | a smaller receiver | 1.25 or 2 in | 500 lb | 8.0 | |
| VEVOR 60x24x14 Hitch Carrier with Bag | covered cargo | 2 in | 500 lb | 7.9 | |
| OKLEAD 60x24x14 Folding Hitch Carrier | tall side rails | 60 x 24 x 14 in | 2 in | 500 lb | 7.8 |
| KAIRAY 60x24x14 Folding Hitch Carrier | a simple tall basket | 60 x 24 x 14.4 in | 2 in | 500 lb | 7.7 |
| MaxxHaul 70103 Folding Steel Mesh Basket | a lower-profile basket | 2 in | 500 lb | 7.6 | |
| OUTPRIZE 60x24x14 Folding Hitch Rack | high rails that fold | 2 in Class III or IV | 500 lb | 7.2 |
Best hitch cargo carriers for SUVs
These picks are listed from highest score to lowest. Choose by the load you plan to carry and the hitch setup on your SUV.
Mockins XXL Folding Steel Hitch Carrier: Best for extra-wide loads
- 70 x 30 x 6 in platform
- Folds when not in use
- Fits standard 2 in receivers
- 500 lb capacity
The widest platform here gives bulky luggage and gear room to spread out. It folds for storage and includes a hitch lock, stabilizer, license plate bracket, reflectors and ratchet straps.
Pros
- Largest platform in this group
- Folding frame
- Hitch lock and stabilizer included
Cons
- Steel frame weighs about 58 lb
- Needs a 2 in receiver
Mockins gives you a 70 x 30 in platform, the broadest and longest in this group. The 6 in sides create a low boundary around cargo, while the raised 2 in arm is designed to provide more ground clearance.
The steel carrier folds when not in use and fits standard 2 in receivers. Mockins includes a hitch lock, stabilizer, license plate bracket, reflectors and three ratchet straps, so the bundle covers several setup needs.
The stated capacity is 500 lb, but your SUV and hitch may have a lower limit. Count the carrier's own weight as part of the load calculation, and place cargo evenly.
Choose it for wide or bulky gear when your SUV has a 2 in receiver and enough rated capacity. Its roughly 58 lb frame is also worth considering if you expect to remove and store the carrier often.
ARKSEN 60x23 Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier: Best for a broad, lower basket
- 60 x 23 x 5.5 in platform
- Folds upright
- Fits standard 2 in receivers
- 500 lb capacity
A 60 x 23 in platform offers a broad load area with lower side rails than the tall-sided baskets. The folding shank and reflectors suit regular travel use.
Pros
- 500 lb capacity
- Folds upright
- Steel mesh base
Cons
- Only fits 2 in receivers
- No bag or straps included
ARKSEN offers a 60 x 23 in steel mesh platform with 5.5 in side rails. That makes it a broad but relatively low basket for boxes, coolers and luggage that do not need tall sides.
The folding shank lets the carrier fold upright when empty, and reflectors add visibility. It fits standard 2 in receivers and has a stated 500 lb capacity.
There is no bag or strap bundle here, so plan how you'll secure and cover your cargo. The mesh base can help keep smaller items from slipping through, but loose pieces still need suitable containment.
Choose ARKSEN for a wide, lower basket if you prefer to source your own straps and cargo cover. It weighs about 42.3 lb, less than several of the tall-sided options here.
CURT 18145 46-Inch Hitch Cargo Basket: Best for a smaller receiver
- Fits 1.25 or 2 in receivers with adapter sleeve
- 500 lb capacity
- 6 in side rails
- Built-in reflectors
The adapter sleeve allows use with either 1.25 or 2 in receiver tubes. Its smaller basket footprint suits loads that do not need a full-width platform.
Pros
- Works with 1.25 or 2 in receivers
- Tubular steel construction
- Built-in reflectors
Cons
- Smaller platform than the 60 in baskets
- No folding feature stated
The CURT 18145 is the one pick here with a stated fit for either a 1.25 or 2 in receiver, using its adapter sleeve. Its smaller basket is 46.5 x 17.5 in, with 6 in sides and a 500 lb capacity.
Tubular steel construction forms the basket, and built-in reflectors add visibility. The compact footprint may suit an SUV owner who needs room for a few bags rather than a full-width load.
Check your receiver and vehicle ratings before attaching it. A 500 lb carrier rating does not raise the hitch or SUV limit, and cargo still needs to be secured for the trip.
Choose CURT when receiver compatibility is the priority or when a 60 in platform would be more basket than you need. It is not listed as a folding model, so account for storage when it is off the SUV.
VEVOR 60x24x14 Hitch Carrier with Bag: Best for covered cargo
- 60 x 24 x 14 in frame
- Waterproof cargo bag included
- Cargo net and straps included
- 500 lb capacity
The included cargo bag, net and ratchet straps provide a bundled way to carry and cover gear. The frame folds 90 degrees when not in use.
Pros
- Cargo bag and net included
- Folding frame
- Reflective panels
Cons
- Carrier weighs about 69.6 lb
- Fits standard 2 in connectors
VEVOR combines a 60 x 24 x 14 in frame with a waterproof cargo bag, cargo net and ratchet straps. The bag measures 60.2 x 23.6 x 25.6 in and has a combination lock.
The frame fits standard 2 in connectors and folds 90 degrees when empty. It also has reflective panels and a bottom reflective sticker, plus an upgraded hitch stabilizer.
At about 69.6 lb, the carrier itself is heavy to lift and store. Keep the load within the lowest applicable SUV, hitch and carrier limit, even though the carrier's stated capacity is 500 lb.
Choose VEVOR if the included bag matters and you want the net and straps in the same bundle. For other bag-equipped choices, see our hitch cargo carrier with bag guide.
OKLEAD 60x24x14 Folding Hitch Carrier: Best for tall side rails
- 60 x 24 x 14 in platform
- 14.4 in raised rails
- Fits 2 in receivers
- 500 lb capacity
Its tall rails and mesh surface create a contained area for luggage and camping gear. The folding design and two reflectors add useful travel details.
Pros
- Tall side rails
- Mesh surface
- Hitch stabilizer included
Cons
- Carrier weighs about 64 lb
- Requires a 2 in receiver
OKLEAD has a 60 x 24 in mesh platform with 14.4 in raised rails, useful when you want a taller boundary around cargo. Its 2 in receiver fit and 500 lb capacity match the common setup among these baskets.
The one-piece steel frame has a powder-coated finish, and the package includes a hitch stabilizer and bolt kit. Two red reflectors provide added visibility, while the mesh surface is designed to keep smaller objects from falling through.
The 64 lb carrier weight matters if you'll take it off between trips. Secure loose cargo separately, since high rails do not replace straps or a cover.
Choose OKLEAD for a tall-sided basket with a mesh floor and included stabilizer. It has no cargo bag in the listed components.
KAIRAY 60x24x14 Folding Hitch Carrier: Best for a simple tall basket
- 60 x 24 x 14.4 in platform
- 14.4 in raised rails
- Fits 2 in receivers
- 500 lb capacity
This tall-sided steel basket has a mesh floor, folding frame and included hitch stabilizer. Its core layout is similar to the OKLEAD, so compare bundle details and fit.
Pros
- Tall side rails
- Folding frame
- Hitch stabilizer included
Cons
- Carrier weighs about 60 lb
- No cargo bag included
KAIRAY uses a 60 x 24 in mesh platform with 14.4 in raised rails and a folding frame. It fits a 2 in receiver and has a 500 lb stated capacity.
The package includes a hitch stabilizer, and the carrier has two red reflectors. Its layout is close to the OKLEAD, so compare what comes with each and decide whether the roughly 60 lb frame weight works for your storage routine.
Distribute cargo evenly across the platform and secure it against shifting. The high rails help contain the load but do not keep loose items from bouncing out by themselves.
Choose KAIRAY for a tall, folding basket when you do not need an included bag or straps. Its 1-year warranty is stated by the brand.
MaxxHaul 70103 Folding Steel Mesh Basket: Best for a lower-profile basket
- 60 x 21 x 6.5 in outer basket
- Folds when not in use
- Fits 2 in receivers
- 500 lb capacity
The lower 6.5 in sides make this a simpler basket for luggage and gear that does not need tall rails. It folds and includes reflectors.
Pros
- Lower side rails
- Folding frame
- Mesh basket
Cons
- Narrower than 24 in baskets
- 90-day warranty
MaxxHaul's outer basket measures 60 x 21 x 6.5 in, giving it lower sides than the 14 in rail options. It fits a 2 x 2 in receiver and is rated for 500 lb distributed weight.
The all-steel mesh basket folds when not in use and includes reflectors. Its 6.5 in rails suit cargo that is already contained in cases or bags and does not need a tall boundary.
The narrower 21 in width may be useful where a 24 in basket is more than you need. Confirm the hitch and SUV limits, and secure each item so it cannot slide across the mesh.
Choose MaxxHaul for a simpler low-sided basket with a folding frame. Its warranty is 90 days, shorter than the one-year terms stated for some other options.
OUTPRIZE 60x24x14 Folding Hitch Rack: Best for high rails that fold
- 60 x 24 x 14 in frame
- Folding side rails
- Fits 2 in Class III or IV receivers
- 500 lb capacity
The folding high rails provide a tall cargo boundary that can fold away for storage. A hitch tightener and three reflectors are included.
Pros
- Side rails fold away
- Hitch tightener included
- Three reflectors
Cons
- Carrier weighs about 74 lb
- Maker recommends indoor storage
OUTPRIZE is a 60 x 24 x 14 in steel carrier with folding side rails. The rails can be folded away for storage, while a hitch tightener is included to reduce wobble and rattling.
It fits 2 in Class III or IV receivers and has a 500 lb distributed capacity. Three red reflectors add visibility, and the brand states a 1-year guarantee for quality issues.
At about 74 lb, it is the heaviest carrier in this group. OUTPRIZE recommends indoor storage and suggests extra protection at rust-prone joints, so consider where you'll keep it between trips.
Choose OUTPRIZE if folding high rails suit your storage needs and the carrier weight is manageable. The receiver class and SUV's own limits still need to match your setup.
What should you check before fitting a cargo carrier to an SUV?
Check the receiver size, vehicle and hitch limits, hatch clearance, ground clearance and cargo security before you buy. These details can rule out a carrier that looks right by platform dimensions alone.
Start by measuring your hitch size so you know whether the receiver is 1.25 or 2 in. The CURT fits either size with its adapter sleeve; the other options here call for 2 in receivers.
Next, check the hitch and vehicle owner's guidance for tongue weight. Include the carrier's weight and all cargo in your calculations, then stay under the lowest limit.
Also check how the basket sits behind your bumper. A long platform can affect driveway angles, steep ramps, backup sensors or hatch access, depending on the SUV and carrier position.
How do you choose the right basket size and rail height?
Choose a platform that fits the cargo you actually carry, with rail height that suits how you secure it. A wide, low basket works for packed bags, while tall rails can help contain a bulkier load.
The Mockins measures 70 x 30 in, the largest platform here. ARKSEN and MaxxHaul have lower rails at 5.5 and 6.5 in, while the OKLEAD, KAIRAY, VEVOR and OUTPRIZE frames reach about 14 in high.
Measure the biggest bag or box you expect to bring, then allow room for straps and access to tie-down points. Do not stack cargo so high that it blocks lights, a license plate or the driver's rear view.
If you are comparing basket and cover styles, our guide to hitch-mounted cargo carriers explains the main choices. For a small car rather than an SUV, see whether a small car can use a hitch cargo carrier.
Which hitch cargo carrier is best for your SUV?
Pick the Mockins if you need the largest platform, the CURT if receiver size flexibility matters, or the VEVOR if you want a bag included. For a lower basket, compare the ARKSEN and MaxxHaul.
Before loading, confirm the SUV and hitch limits, measure clearance, and secure cargo. Those checks matter more than choosing the basket with the highest stated capacity.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for a broad, lower basket
ARKSEN 60x23 Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier
8.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
What size hitch cargo carrier fits an SUV?
Start with the receiver size and the vehicle's tongue weight limit, then compare the carrier's dimensions with your intended load. Most picks here fit a 2 in receiver, while the CURT includes an adapter sleeve for 1.25 or 2 in receivers.
The receiver opening alone does not tell you the SUV's safe carrying limit.
Can an SUV carry 500 lb on a hitch basket?
A carrier's 500 lb rating does not mean every SUV can carry that much behind the hitch. Check the vehicle and hitch limits, and include the carrier's own weight when working out the load.
Keep cargo within the lowest applicable limit and distribute it evenly.
Does a hitch cargo carrier block an SUV's tailgate?
A loaded basket can block access to the rear hatch, and a tall load may obstruct lights or the license plate. Check the carrier position with the hatch open before loading, and keep required lights and plate visible.
The Mockins includes a license plate bracket and reflectors.
Should I get a folding hitch cargo carrier?
A folding carrier can tilt upright when empty, which may make parking easier. Check the folded position against your SUV's hatch, bumper and backup sensors before choosing one.
Folding does not make the loaded carrier smaller, so remove cargo before raising it.
