Best Hitch Cargo Carrier for Camping
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In this guide (6 sections)
Top picks at a glance
Best overallThule Arcos PlatformView on Amazon
Best swing-awayYakima EXO SwingBaseView on Amazon
Best valueCURT Basket Hitch Cargo CarrierView on Amazon
Budget pickMaxxHaul 70107 Steel Cargo CarrierView on Amazon
A hitch cargo carrier adds space at the back of your vehicle for coolers, firewood, generators and bins — gear you do not want inside the car. Unlike a roof box, it keeps heavy items low and easy to reach.
Quick answer: our top pick is the Thule Arcos Platform, a 23.5 lb aluminum platform that folds up when empty and pairs with Thule's Arcos cargo box. If you need to open the rear hatch while loaded, choose the swing-away Yakima EXO SwingBase.
Quick picks
| Carrier | Type | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Arcos Platform | Platform | Best overall | Check price |
| Yakima EXO SwingBase system | Swing-away | Rear hatch access | Check price |
| CURT Basket Hitch Cargo Carrier | Basket | Value | Check price |
| MaxxHaul 70107 Steel Cargo Carrier | Basket | Budget heavy-duty | Check price |
The best hitch cargo carriers
Thule Arcos Platform
Best for: Campers who want a premium platform that pairs with Thule cargo boxes.
- Material
- Aluminum
- Item dimensions L x W x H
- 35 x 27 x 11 inches
- Item Weight
- 23.5 pounds
- Mounting Type
- Hitch Mount
The Arcos Platform is Thule's 23.5 lb aluminum hitch platform. It is the base the Thule Arcos cargo box needs, and it lets one person attach the box. It is easy to mount and folds up when empty.
Pros
- Light aluminum build at 23.5 lb
- One-person mounting of the Arcos box
- Folds up when not in use
- Thule build quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Designed around Thule's Arcos box
Yakima EXO SwingBase
Best for: SUVs where rear hatch access matters.
- Material
- Aluminium, Plastic
- Water Resistance Level
- Water Repellent
- Mounting Type
- Hitch
- Volume
- 10 cubic feet
- Shell Type
- Hard
- Automotive Fit Type
- Universal Fit
EXO SwingBase turns a 2-inch hitch into a platform that swings away from the vehicle in one motion, even when loaded. This bundle includes the 10 cu ft EXO GearLocker box (up to 100 lb), plus HitchLock and SKS locks.
Pros
- Swings away for full hatch access
- Includes a 10 cu ft GearLocker box
- Tool-free EXO Cleat accessory system
- Locks included
Cons
- Expensive system
- GearLocker is water repellent, not waterproof
CURT Basket Hitch Cargo Carrier
Best for: Simple, sturdy cargo carrying.
- Vehicle Service Type
- Car, Trailer
- Material
- Steel
- Item dimensions L x W x H
- 60 x 24 x 6 inches
- Item Weight
- 70 pounds
- Load Capacity
- 500 pounds
- Mounting Type
- Hitch
The CURT 18153 is a 60 x 24-inch tubular steel basket rated for 500 lb, with 6-inch sides to keep gear in place. Its folding shank lets you tilt it up when empty.
Pros
- 500 lb capacity
- Large 60 x 24-inch deck
- Folds up when not in use
- Low price
Cons
- Heavy at 70 lb
- Blocks the rear hatch when loaded
MaxxHaul 70107 Steel Cargo Carrier
Best for: Occasional trips on a tight budget.
- Item Weight
- 22.3 pounds
- Vehicle Service Type
- Truck, Van, SUV
- Material
- Alloy Steel
- Finish Type
- Powder Coated
- Pull Force
- 500 pounds
- Automotive Fit Type
- Universal Fit
MaxxHaul's 70107 is a 53 x 19.5-inch steel hitch carrier with high side rails, made for trucks, SUVs, vans and RVs. It is the cheapest way to free up space inside the car.
Pros
- Low cost
- High side rails hold gear in
- Fits 2-inch receivers
Cons
- Basic powder-coat finish
- Smaller deck than the CURT
Keep cargo dry and secure
- Use a waterproof cargo bag or lidded bins.
- Use ratchet straps or a cargo net.
- Add a hitch lock and an anti-rattle device.
- Check for a light/license plate kit if the carrier blocks them.
Stay within your hitch's tongue weight rating, including the carrier itself. Carriers that block tail lights or plates can get you a ticket.
Hitch cargo carrier FAQ
How much weight can a hitch cargo carrier hold?
The limit is the lowest of three numbers: the carrier's rating, your hitch's tongue weight rating and the vehicle's limit. Add the carrier's own weight to your cargo when you check.
Do I need extra lights if the carrier blocks my taillights?
If the load hides your taillights or license plate, you may need a light kit or a plate relocation bracket. Lighting rules vary by state, so check before a long trip.
How do I keep gear dry in an open basket?
Use a waterproof cargo bag with a tight cinch, or pack hard-sided bins. Strap the load with ratchet straps or a cargo net so nothing can shift at highway speeds.
Bottom line
The Thule Arcos Platform is the best hitch carrier for most campers. Choose the CURT basket for simple, strong value.
Sources
Official sources for the standards, safety rules and products in this guide. Specifications change between model years, so confirm current specs and fitment on the manufacturer's site before you buy.
- SAE J684 — Trailer couplings, hitches and safety chains — SAE International
- 49 CFR 571.108 — Lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment (FMVSS 108) — eCFR
- CURT — official site — current product specifications
- Yakima — official site — current product specifications
