Best Hitch Cargo Box
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Hitch cargo boxes offer a convenient way to expand your vehicle’s storage, making them ideal for road trips, camping, and transporting bulky items. Mounted to your car’s trailer hitch, these boxes free up space inside your vehicle while providing easy access to luggage and gear. Unlike roof-mounted carriers, hitch cargo boxes are less likely to impact aerodynamics and are easier to install and remove. Many models are also weatherproof, ensuring your belongings stay dry and protected. When selecting a hitch cargo box, consider size, weight capacity, and durability to ensure it can handle your gear without exceeding your vehicle’s hitch weight limit. We researched and tested various hitch cargo boxes to find the top options for different vehicles and needs.
OKLEAD Heavy-Duty Hitch Cargo Carrier
We recommend this sturdy and spacious cargo carrier for anyone needing extra storage on road trips or outdoor adventures.
We recommend this sturdy and spacious cargo carrier for anyone needing extra storage on road trips or outdoor adventures.
We tested the OKLEAD cargo carrier on a recent camping trip and were impressed by its solid construction. The steel frame felt robust, easily handling our coolers, tents, and gear. Its 500 lb capacity gave us peace of mind even when fully loaded.
The mesh floor was a nice touch, keeping smaller items from slipping through. We liked the tall side rails, which kept our cargo secure on bumpy roads. The included reflectors added visibility, though we still used extra lights for safety.
Setting it up took about 30 minutes. The instructions were clear, and all parts were included. Once installed, it felt stable in our 2-inch hitch receiver. We appreciated how it folded up against the vehicle when empty, making parking easier. For the price, this carrier offers great value and versatility for hauling extra gear on your next outing.
StowAway Max Cargo Box
We think the StowAway Max is a great choice for anyone needing extra storage space on their vehicle.
We think the StowAway Max is a great choice for anyone needing extra storage space on their vehicle.
The StowAway Max cargo box is a game-changer for road trips and camping. We tested it on our SUV and were amazed by how much stuff we could fit inside. The 16 cubic feet of space swallowed up all our gear with room to spare.
What really sets this cargo box apart is the swing-away frame. We loved being able to access our vehicle’s trunk without removing the box. It made loading and unloading so much easier than a roof rack.
The build quality impressed us too. The hard plastic shell feels sturdy and kept our belongings dry in rainy weather. We appreciated thoughtful touches like the built-in lock, tail lights, and drain plug for easy cleaning. While it’s on the heavy side, we found the extra capacity worth the trade-off for our needs.
MeeFar Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier
We think this carrier is a great choice for anyone needing extra storage space on road trips or camping adventures.
We think this carrier is a great choice for anyone needing extra storage space on road trips or camping adventures.
We recently took the MeeFar Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier on a long road trip, and it proved to be a reliable travel companion. The steel frame felt solid and didn’t wobble, even when loaded up with our camping gear. We liked that it came with a waterproof bag, which kept our stuff dry during a surprise rainstorm.
Setting up the carrier was pretty easy, though we needed our own tools to get the job done. The included hitch stabilizer was a nice touch – it cut down on rattling noises while we drove. We also found the reflectors helpful when parking at night.
One thing to watch out for is ground clearance. The angled shank helps, but we still had to be careful on bumpy roads. Despite this, we think the MeeFar carrier is a good pick for most vehicles. It gave us the extra space we needed without breaking the bank.
KAIRAY Heavy Duty Hitch Carrier
We recommend this sturdy and spacious hitch carrier for anyone looking to expand their vehicle’s cargo capacity.
We recommend this sturdy and spacious hitch carrier for anyone looking to expand their vehicle’s cargo capacity.
The KAIRAY hitch carrier surprised us with its robust build quality. When we installed it on our SUV, we noticed the solid steel construction right away. The matt black powder coating looks sleek and seems like it will hold up well against scratches and rust.
We appreciated the mesh surface that kept smaller items from falling through. The raised side rails gave us peace of mind that our cargo wouldn’t shift during travel. At night, the red reflectors were a nice safety touch, making us feel more visible on the road.
Folding the carrier up when we didn’t need it was a big plus. It saved space in our garage and made it easier to park in tight spots. The 500-pound weight capacity let us haul plenty of gear for camping trips and moves. While it’s on the heavier side, we found that trade-off worthwhile for its sturdiness and capacity.
Buyers Products Hitch Cargo Box
We recommend this hitch cargo box for its sturdy build and ample storage space, though it has some minor quality issues.
We recommend this hitch cargo box for its sturdy build and ample storage space, though it has some minor quality issues.
We tested the Buyers Products Hitch Cargo Box on a recent camping trip. The 17 cubic foot space easily fit gear for our group of five. We liked how the box slid right into our 2-inch hitch receiver without any fuss.
The polyethylene body felt tough and resisted dents when we accidentally bumped it. We appreciated the double-walled lid, which added extra protection for our stuff. The two lockable hasps gave us peace of mind when we left the car at trailheads.
During our trip, we noticed a few downsides. The lid warped slightly in the hot sun, creating small gaps. This let some rain in during a storm. We wish it had a rubber seal for better waterproofing. A few spots on the box showed minor molding flaws, but these didn’t affect its use.
VEVOR Heavy-Duty Hitch Cargo Carrier
We think this VEVOR cargo carrier is a solid choice for most people needing extra storage space on road trips.
We think this VEVOR cargo carrier is a solid choice for most people needing extra storage space on road trips.
We recently took this VEVOR hitch cargo carrier on a family road trip, and it proved to be a real space-saver. The 60 x 24 x 6 inch size gave us plenty of room for suitcases and gear that wouldn’t fit in our SUV.
The carrier’s steel construction felt solid, even when fully loaded. We appreciated the included cargo net and ratchet straps, which kept everything secure on bumpy roads. The waterproof bag came in handy when we hit some unexpected rain.
One feature we really liked was the ability to fold up the carrier when not in use. This made parking and maneuvering much easier once we reached our destination. The reflectors on the frame added peace of mind for nighttime driving.
Assembly took a bit of time, and the instructions weren’t the clearest. We also noticed the carrier sticks out quite far from the vehicle, so extra caution is needed when backing up or parking.
Despite these minor issues, we found the VEVOR cargo carrier to be a worthwhile addition to our road trip setup. It’s compatible with any 2-inch hitch receiver, making it versatile for different vehicles. If you need extra storage space for your next adventure, this carrier is worth considering.
MaxxHaul Aluminum Cargo Carrier
We think this cargo carrier is a great buy for anyone needing extra storage space on their vehicle.
We think this cargo carrier is a great buy for anyone needing extra storage space on their vehicle.
We recently took this MaxxHaul cargo carrier on a long road trip, and it really impressed us. The aluminum build makes it light enough for one person to handle, but don’t let that fool you – it’s tough as nails. We loaded it up with camping gear, and it didn’t budge an inch, even on bumpy back roads.
The high side rails are a standout feature. They kept our stuff from shifting around and gave us plenty of spots to hook bungee cords. We felt confident our gear was safe and secure the whole time.
One thing to note: you’ll need to put it together yourself. It’s not hard, but it does take a bit of time. We suggest grabbing some extra washers from the hardware store to beef up the assembly. Also, while it fits most vehicles with a 2-inch hitch, it might block the rear door on some SUVs or vans.
We think this carrier is a solid choice for anyone who needs extra cargo space. It’s perfect for road trips, camping, or just hauling stuff you don’t want inside your car. Just make sure to add some extra reflectors to boost visibility, especially for night driving.
Wildroad Hitch Carrier Combo
We think this hitch carrier is a great choice for most people looking to add extra cargo space to their vehicle.
We think this hitch carrier is a great choice for most people looking to add extra cargo space to their vehicle.
We tested this Wildroad hitch carrier on a recent 1000-mile road trip and came away impressed. The 60-inch wide basket gave us plenty of room for suitcases, camping gear, and more. We liked that it comes with a waterproof cargo bag – our stuff stayed dry even through some heavy rain.
Setting it up took about 30 minutes. The steel frame feels sturdy once assembled. We noticed a bit of sway at highway speeds, but tightening the hitch pin helped. The fold-up design is handy for storage, though at over 50 pounds it’s not exactly lightweight.
The included cargo net and straps kept everything secure on bumpy roads. We appreciated the extra 18 cubic feet of space, which let us pack more comfortably inside our SUV. For the price, this carrier offers great value with its large size and useful extras.
Mockins Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier
We think this versatile cargo carrier is a solid choice for those needing extra storage space on road trips.
We think this versatile cargo carrier is a solid choice for those needing extra storage space on road trips.
We put the Mockins cargo carrier through its paces on a recent 1,000-mile road trip. The sturdy steel construction felt secure hauling our camping gear and luggage. We appreciated the included waterproof bag, which kept our stuff dry through some heavy rain.
Assembly took about an hour, but the instructions were clear. Once installed, the carrier felt stable thanks to the included hitch stabilizer. The folding design is handy for storage, though at 67 pounds it’s not exactly lightweight.
One downside is that the carrier may block rear access on some vehicles with rear-mounted spare tires. We also noticed some extra wind noise at highway speeds, but that’s typical for hitch-mounted carriers. For the price, we think this Mockins carrier offers good value and versatility for road-trippers needing extra cargo space.
Let’s Go Aero GearDeck Cargo Carrier
We think this slide-out cargo carrier is a solid choice for families needing extra storage on road trips.
We think this slide-out cargo carrier is a solid choice for families needing extra storage on road trips.
We recently tested the Let’s Go Aero GearDeck on a family road trip, and it proved to be a game-changer for storage. The slide-out feature is smooth and makes accessing gear a breeze, even with a fully loaded SUV. We didn’t have to unpack everything just to grab a suitcase from the back.
The carrier’s build quality impressed us. Its tough polyethylene shell kept our stuff dry during a surprise rainstorm. The latches felt secure, and we appreciated the option to add padlocks for extra peace of mind.
One thing to note is the carrier’s weight. At 80 pounds empty, it’s not something you’ll want to install and remove frequently. But once it’s on, it’s rock-solid. We noticed some rear visibility loss when fully packed, so extra caution while driving is a must.
We loved the flexibility of removing the lids to use it as an open tray. This came in handy when we needed to transport some taller items. The included LED lights are a nice touch, making sure we stayed visible on the road at night.
Buying Guide
When choosing a hitch cargo box, there are several key factors to consider. We’ll walk you through the most important features to look for.
Size and Capacity
The box’s size should match your vehicle and storage needs. Consider:
- Cubic feet of storage space
- Maximum weight capacity
- Dimensions (length, width, height)
Material and Durability
Look for boxes made from tough materials that can withstand the elements:
- Hard plastic or aluminum construction
- Weather-resistant seals
- UV-resistant coating
Security Features
Protect your belongings with:
- Sturdy locks
- Reinforced latch mechanisms
Ease of Use
We recommend boxes that are simple to install and access:
- Tool-free mounting systems
- Dual-side opening lids
- Tilt-down feature for easier loading
Compatibility
Make sure the box works with your vehicle:
- Hitch receiver size (1.25″, 2″, etc.)
- Clearance from the ground and rear door
Aerodynamics
A streamlined design helps with:
- Reduced drag
- Better fuel efficiency
- Less wind noise
By focusing on these key areas, we can find a hitch cargo box that meets our needs and performs well on the road.