A folding hitch cargo carrier can add room for luggage, camping gear, or bulky equipment while keeping those items out of your vehicle’s cabin. The right choice depends on more than its stated weight capacity: compare the basket’s size and side height, check your hitch and vehicle limits, and consider how the carrier folds when it is not in use.
These five options include straightforward mesh baskets, taller retaining rails, and extras such as a cargo bag or reflectors. The specifications below can help you narrow the field, but always check your vehicle and hitch manuals before loading a carrier.
Quick Comparison
| Carrier | Size | Stated Capacity | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| VEVOR Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier | 60 × 24 × 6 in. | 500 lb | Includes cargo net, ratchet straps, waterproof bag, lock, and storage bag |
| OUTPRIZE Folding Hitch Cargo Rack | 60 × 24 × 14 in. | 500 lb | High rails that fold away, hitch tightener, and reflectors |
| Leader Accessories Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier | 60 × 24 × 6 in. | 500 lb | Galvanized steel, mesh base, folding shank, and reflective strips |
| CURT 18153 Folding Hitch Basket | 60 × 24 in.; 6-in. sides | 500 lb | Tubular steel, folding shank, and angled shank for added ground clearance |
| Ultra-Tow Steel Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier | 60 × 19 × 3 in. | 450 lb with Class 3; 750 lb with Class 4 | Steel mesh floor and folding design |
Our Picks: Best Hitch Cargo Carriers With Folding Design reviews
VEVOR Folding Carrier: A Well-Equipped Choice for Covered Cargo
The VEVOR is a 60-by-24-inch steel basket with 6-inch sides and a stated capacity of 500 pounds. Its 2-inch receiver fit is listed for cars, SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks with a compatible receiver. Reinforced support tubes and a hook stabilizer are intended to help keep the carrier steady over rough roads.
Its main distinction is the included accessory set: a cargo net, ratchet straps, a waterproof cargo bag, a lock, and a storage bag for the cargo bag. That bundle may suit road trips where you want a way to cover and secure your belongings without sourcing every accessory separately. The frame also folds when it is not being used, and reflectors are included for added visibility.
The trade-off is that the product information does not give a separate weight rating for each accessory or clarify how the lock secures the cargo. The basket’s 6-inch sides are also lower than the OUTPRIZE’s 14-inch rails, so tall or loose items need careful tie-downs. As with any steel carrier, protect the load from road spray even when using the supplied bag.
Pros:
- Includes a waterproof cargo bag, cargo net, ratchet straps, and storage bag
- Offers a 60-by-24-inch loading area and 500-pound stated capacity
- Has a folding design and frame reflectors
- Designed for compatible 2-inch hitch receivers
Cons:
- Its 6-inch sides provide less containment than a high-rail basket
- The supplied details do not explain the lock’s exact security arrangement
Verdict: Choose the VEVOR if the included weather-covering and tie-down accessories matter more to you than taller basket rails.
OUTPRIZE Folding Cargo Rack: High Rails for Taller Loads
The OUTPRIZE provides a 60-by-24-inch platform with 14-inch-high side rails. The taller sides can help contain bulky items, though they do not replace proper straps. The rails have a folding design for storage, giving this rack a different space-saving approach from models that fold their shank upward.
It is made from heavy-duty steel and has a stated distributed capacity of 500 pounds. The package also includes a hitch tightener intended to reduce wobble and rattling, plus three red reflectors. It is listed for 2-inch Class III or Class IV receivers, but the hitch and vehicle limits still apply and may be lower than the rack’s rating.
The manufacturer recommends indoor storage and suggests extra protection at rust-prone joints, so the powder coating should not be treated as a guarantee against corrosion. Its taller rails may also make loading certain wide or awkward items less convenient than on a low-sided basket. This is the most rail-focused choice in the group, while the VEVOR stands out for its included cargo-covering accessories.
Pros:
- 14-inch side rails offer more containment than the 6-inch-sided options
- Rails fold away for storage
- Includes a hitch tightener and three red reflectors
- Provides a 60-by-24-inch platform with a stated 500-pound capacity
Cons:
- Manufacturer recommends indoor storage and extra attention to rust-prone joints
- Tall rails may be less convenient for some oversized or awkward loads
Verdict: The OUTPRIZE is a strong fit if you want tall retaining rails and a folding rail design, and you can store the rack with corrosion protection in mind.
Leader Accessories Folding Carrier: A Mesh-Base Everyday Option
This Leader Accessories carrier has a 60-by-24-inch platform, 6-inch sides, and a stated 500-pound capacity. Its mesh base gives the load a broad support surface, and the product description says the mesh helps keep smaller objects from falling through. Small loose items should still be placed in a box or bag and tied down.
The frame uses galvanized steel tubing with a black powder coating, and the product description notes reinforced welded joints. Its folding shank lets you raise the carrier when it is not in use, which can save space compared with leaving a basket extended behind the vehicle. Reflective strips are fitted along the rear and sides. A 5/8-inch hitch pin is included, and the carrier is listed for standard 2-inch receivers.
Compared with the VEVOR, this model does not list a cargo bag or tie-down accessories in the supplied product details. It also has lower sides than the OUTPRIZE. Its appeal is a conventional basket layout with a mesh platform and folding shank, rather than a larger accessory bundle or unusually tall rails.
Pros:
- Mesh base supports a range of cargo sizes
- Folding shank can be raised when the carrier is not in use
- Galvanized steel construction, powder coating, and reinforced welded joints
- Includes a 5/8-inch hitch pin and reflective strips
Cons:
- Does not list a cargo bag or tie-down accessories
- Its 6-inch sides are shorter than the OUTPRIZE’s rails
Verdict: Consider the Leader Accessories model if you want a mesh-base basket with a folding shank and reflective strips, without needing the VEVOR’s listed accessory bundle.
CURT 18153 Folding Basket: Simple Tubular-Steel Construction
The CURT 18153 is a 60-by-24-inch folding basket with 6-inch sides and a stated 500-pound capacity. Its tubular-steel construction gives it a straightforward open-basket layout for freeing up space inside a vehicle. The sides provide a boundary around the load, but straps are still important for keeping cargo secure.
The folding shank lets the carrier tilt up when it is not in use. CURT also specifies an angled shank intended to provide more ground clearance. That geometry may be useful when comparing carriers, but the actual clearance depends on your vehicle, hitch height, load, and road conditions. The product is listed for 2-inch receivers.
Unlike the VEVOR and OUTPRIZE, the supplied description does not list a cargo bag, hitch tightener, or reflectors. It is a more basic choice if you already have suitable tie-downs and want a folding steel basket. The stated capacity is not a reason to overlook the lower limit of your vehicle or hitch system.
Pros:
- 60-by-24-inch basket with 6-inch sides
- Folding shank tilts up when the carrier is not in use
- Angled shank is designed to add ground clearance
- Heavy-duty tubular-steel construction with a stated 500-pound capacity
Cons:
- Supplied product details do not list included tie-down or weather-covering accessories
- Does not list reflectors or a hitch tightener
Verdict: The CURT is worth considering if you want a simple folding basket with an angled shank and already have your own cargo-securing gear.
Ultra-Tow Folding Carrier: Capacity Depends on Receiver Class
The Ultra-Tow is a steel carrier with a mesh floor and folding design. At 60 inches long and 19 inches wide, it is narrower than the 24-inch-wide baskets in this group. Its 3-inch height is also lower than the 6-inch-sided models, so the open platform leaves more of the load exposed and calls for careful restraint.
Its stated capacity depends on the receiver class: 450 pounds with a 2-inch Class 3 receiver or 750 pounds with a 2-inch Class 4 receiver. Do not assume the larger figure applies to your setup. The carrier’s description makes the rating conditional, and the vehicle, hitch, and any other applicable limits may further restrict how much you can carry.
The powder-coated steel finish is intended to help prevent rust and corrosion. This model may suit someone who values a narrower footprint or needs to match the carrier to a compatible Class 3 or Class 4 receiver. It has a lower platform edge than the other baskets here, but the supplied information does not list reflectors, a hitch tightener, or included tie-downs.
Pros:
- Folds when not in use
- Mesh floor provides a platform for cargo
- 60-inch length with a narrower 19-inch width
- Capacity is specified for both Class 3 and Class 4 receivers
Cons:
- Stated capacity changes with receiver class and should not be treated as a universal rating
- Its 3-inch height provides less side containment than taller baskets
Verdict: Pick the Ultra-Tow only after confirming your receiver class and applicable load limits; its narrower platform may be useful if a 24-inch-wide basket is not the right fit.
How to Choose a Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier
Confirm Your Receiver Size and Class
Start with the hitch, not the basket. Several choices here are listed for 2-inch receivers, but receiver size alone does not tell you the maximum load your vehicle can carry. Check your vehicle and hitch manuals for their limits and confirm the carrier’s fit and any required hitch pin or hardware before ordering.
Compare the Carrier Rating With Your Vehicle’s Limits
A carrier’s stated capacity is not automatically the safe load for your complete setup. The vehicle, hitch, receiver, and carrier can each have limits, and the lowest applicable limit is the one to respect. Also account for the carrier’s own weight when checking the load allowed by your vehicle and hitch documentation.
Choose a Platform Size and Side Height
Most of these baskets measure 60 inches long and 24 inches wide. The Ultra-Tow is 19 inches wide, which may better suit a narrower load or available space. Side height matters, too: the OUTPRIZE has 14-inch rails, while the VEVOR, Leader Accessories, and CURT have 6-inch sides, and the Ultra-Tow is listed at 3 inches high. Taller sides can help contain items, but they do not replace straps or a cargo net.
Understand What Folds
Folding designs are not all identical. The VEVOR, Leader Accessories, CURT, and Ultra-Tow descriptions refer to a folding carrier or shank; the OUTPRIZE highlights rails that fold away. Check the product’s assembly instructions and your vehicle’s clearance before assuming a folded carrier will clear the ground, bumper, or hatch. Consider how much room you have for storage when the rack is removed.
Plan How You Will Secure and Protect Cargo
Match the basket to the gear you carry. The VEVOR lists a cargo net, ratchet straps, and waterproof bag among its included accessories. The other product descriptions do not list the same bundle, so you may need to supply appropriate tie-downs or a cover. Secure every item against shifting, and protect cargo from rain, road spray, and dust when needed.
Consider Stability and Visibility
A loaded carrier sits behind your vehicle, where it can affect visibility and handling. OUTPRIZE includes a hitch tightener, while VEVOR and OUTPRIZE list reflectors and Leader Accessories lists reflective strips. Check that your load does not block required lights or the license plate, and verify that the carrier and cargo remain secure before driving and during stops.
Account for Ground Clearance and Storage
Hitch height, vehicle shape, and the carrier’s position affect how close the basket sits to the road. CURT describes an angled shank intended to add ground clearance, but actual clearance depends on your setup. Think through steep driveways and uneven roads, and make sure you have a safe place to store the carrier when it is not attached. OUTPRIZE also recommends indoor storage and extra protection at rust-prone joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all folding hitch cargo carriers fit the same receiver?
No. Several models here are listed for 2-inch receivers, but you should confirm the exact receiver size, class, and fit requirements for the carrier and your vehicle. A compatible receiver does not by itself establish the load limit.
Can I load a carrier to its full stated capacity?
Only if the vehicle, hitch, receiver, and carrier limits all allow it. The applicable limit may be lower than the carrier’s rating. For the Ultra-Tow, the stated rating also depends on whether it is used with a compatible Class 3 or Class 4 receiver.
Will a folding carrier let me open my vehicle’s hatch?
Not necessarily. Folding mechanisms and vehicle layouts vary, and the supplied product details do not confirm hatch clearance for every vehicle. Check the carrier’s fit information and instructions, and consider how the basket may affect access before loading it.
Are tall side rails enough to keep cargo secure?
No. Side rails can help contain items, but you should still use suitable straps or a net and make sure each item is secured against movement. The OUTPRIZE’s 14-inch rails are taller than the sides on the other listed baskets, but restraint is still important.
Does a powder-coated steel carrier need care?
Protective coatings can help resist corrosion, but they do not eliminate the need for care. Follow the manufacturer’s storage guidance, inspect the finish and joints, and keep the carrier clean and dry when practical. OUTPRIZE specifically recommends indoor storage and extra attention to rust-prone joints.
Which carrier includes a cargo bag?
The VEVOR product description lists a waterproof cargo bag, along with a cargo net, ratchet straps, a lock, and a storage bag for the cargo bag. Confirm the listing details before purchase in case package contents change.
Final Recommendation
For a standard 60-by-24-inch basket with a folding shank and mesh base, the Leader Accessories carrier is a balanced option. Choose the OUTPRIZE if taller rails are your priority, or the VEVOR if its listed cargo bag and tie-down accessories better match your trip needs. Whichever you select, verify the fit and load limits for your vehicle and hitch, and secure cargo before driving.