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You bought the SUV for the space, but once the family, the cooler, the camping chairs, and the luggage are all in, there’s zero room left. A 2 inch hitch cargo carrier gives you a second deck — a steel or aluminum platform that plugs right into your trailer hitch and instantly adds hauling room on the outside so the inside stays comfortable. Whether it is a folding basket for weekend getaways or a heavy-duty rack for long road trips, the right pick frees the cabin without blocking your rear view.
I’m Min Islam — the founder and writer behind Trending Car. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Below is a carefully matched set of curb-side racks — from aluminum featherweights to steel workhorses — to help you choose the best 2 inch hitch cargo carrier for your vehicle and your adventure style.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best 2 Inch Hitch Cargo Carrier
Before you add a basket to your hitch, there are a few decisions that separate a convenient travel partner from a noisy, wobbly headache. Here is what matters most.
Receiver Size: Why Only 2 Inches Works
The receiver opening on your vehicle’s hitch must match the carrier’s shank. All carriers on this list fit a 2 inch receiver (commonly found on Class III and Class IV hitches on trucks, SUVs, and larger crossovers). If your vehicle has a smaller 1.25 inch opening, these will not fit without an adapter.
Weight Capacity: The 500-Pound Standard
Nearly every carrier in this category is rated for 500 pounds of distributed weight. That number represents the total load the basket can hold when weight is spread evenly — but your vehicle’s own hitch rating and tongue weight limit may be lower, so always check the sticker inside your receiver first.
Folding vs. Fixed
A folding shank lets you tilt the basket upright against the back of your vehicle when you are not carrying anything, which saves garage space and keeps the carrier out of the way in parking lots. Fixed carriers are simpler and often slightly stiffer, but they stick out 5-6 inches past the hitch pin when empty.
Material: Steel vs. Aluminum
Steel carriers (alloy or carbon steel) are heavier but generally cost less and carry the standard 500-pound rating without flex. Aluminum carriers weigh significantly less — a key advantage if you install and remove the rack frequently by yourself — but can cost more and may require extra care to avoid scraping on steep driveways.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Basket Size | Load Capacity | Foldable | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CURT 18152★ Best Overall | Top Performer | 60 x 24 x 6 in | 500 lb | No | Amazon |
| Donext 53″Best Value | Best Value | 53 x 19 x 5 in | 500 lb | No | Amazon |
| KUAFU 60″ | Folding Pick | 60 x 19.5 x 5.5 in | 550 lb | Yes | Amazon |
| Camco 48475 | Budget Pick | 51.5 x 17.5 x 3.25 in | 500 lb | No | Amazon |
| MaxxHaul 70103 | Best Steel Folding | 60 x 21 x 6.5 in | 500 lb | Yes | Amazon |
| MaxxHaul 50149 | Lightest Carry | 50 x 22 x 5 in | 500 lb | Yes | Amazon |
| ARKSEN 60″ | Premium Steel | 60 x 23 x 5.5 in | 500 lb | No | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. CURT 18152 Cargo Basket
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 900+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The wide steel basket that swallows two large totes and still leaves room for more.
You get the largest cargo floor here — 60 inches long by 24 inches wide — so two big cooler chests sit side by side without overhang. The 6-inch tall mesh side rails keep suitcases and bins from sliding off around corners. A big bonus is the angled shank (the tube that slides into your receiver) that tilts the basket up for better ground clearance, so you do not scrape on driveway lips. One reviewer noted the carrier held a 100-pound propane tank upright plus a 40-gallon sewage tote, all strapped tightly. Assembly takes about 10 minutes with three wrenches if you tighten every bolt only after they are all started. The basket does not fold, so it sticks out 60 inches behind the bumper at all times. Some owners upgrade the included hardware to class 10 bolts for extra confidence at highway speed, with one reviewer calling the stock bolts unsafe for a full 500-pound load.
Why This One Wins
- Widest basket (60 x 24 inches) fits two large totes side by side
- Angled shank raises the platform for better driveway clearance
- Welds and powder-coat finish earn high marks for build quality
Things to Know
- No tie-down loops — buy straps with hooks or thread through the mesh
- No folding option; carrier stays extended when not in use
- Bolts may need upgrading for heavy highway loads
Grab it if: you need maximum deck space (it is the biggest 2-inch receiver carrier here) and you plan to keep the rack on the vehicle during long trips.
Look elsewhere if: you need a folding carrier for compact storage, or you want anchor loops for securing odd-shaped cargo.
2. Donext 53″ Hitch Cargo Carrier
A budget-friendly carbon-steel carrier that includes the net and straps you would normally buy separately.
It arrives with a cargo net, ratchet straps, and a hitch tightener (a clamp that stops wobble) — so you can load up right from the start. One buyer who hauled a cooler and chairs on a camping trip reported no issues at all and said installation was super easy. The 53-inch length versus the CURT’s 60-inch length, meaning less overhang behind the bumper and less chance of scraping on steep slopes. The trade-off is the 19-inch width: two large totes may not fit side by side. A few owners noted that some brace holes were drilled to the wrong spacing, requiring small workarounds during assembly.
Package Deal
- Includes cargo net, ratchet straps, and hitch tightener — no extra purchases needed
- Reflective frame reflectors boost nighttime visibility
- Carbon steel build feels sturdy per multiple buyer reports
Trade-Offs
- Holes may have slight alignment issues during assembly
- Shorter and narrower than the CURT — max capacity is smaller totes
- Non-folding; stays extended when not in use
Reach for this if: you want a complete ready-to-haul kit (carrier + tie-downs + tightener) at a moderate price.
skip it if: you need the widest possible platform for oversized boxes or totes.
3. KUAFU 60″ Folding Carrier
The only carrier on this list rated for 550 pounds that folds flush when you do not need it.
KUAFU’s basket edges past the standard 500-pound rating by an extra 50 pounds — a 550-pound total limit — giving you more safety margin for dense loads like firewood or sandbags. The folding shank (a pivoting tube) lets you tilt the whole basket upright against the back of the vehicle when empty, so you can park in tight spots without taking the rack off. It also includes three red reflective strips for rear visibility at night. At 60 inches long and 19.5 inches wide, it handles bulky items well, and the steel frame uses a thickened receiver tube for stability. Quality control is uneven, though. One buyer received a unit with L brackets that were not square and misaligned mounting holes, calling it defective; another owner said the holes aligned perfectly. The common assembly tip from buyers is to never tighten any bolt until every bolt is inserted — that trick helps when holes are slightly off.
What Stands Out
- 550-pound capacity — compared to the 500-pound rating on most carriers
- Folding shank saves space behind the bumper
- Includes 3 reflective strips for night safety
What to Watch
- Some units have misaligned mounting holes — check assembly before you tighten
- Folding mechanism adds a small amount of play when extended
- Not as wide as the CURT; 19.5 inches may feel narrow for wide cargo
Buy it for: the extra 50-pound rating and the folding shank that keeps the carrier out of the way between trips.
Pass if: you want a guaranteed perfect fit on the first try — inspect the unit promptly for any L-bracket defects.
4. Camco 48475 Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier
A compact, no-frills steel basket that has been on the market for years — and Jeep and trailer owners love it.
Camco’s 48475 is the smallest basket at 51.5 by 17.5 inches with side rails just 3.25 inches tall, but that small size fits specific setups perfectly. Buyers report using it on a jet ski trailer tongue to hold two gas jugs and two coolers, and one owner cut the top rail to create a custom e-bike carrier. The heavy-duty steel construction with powder-coated finish feels solid and wobble-free when loaded lightly. Assembly is required — one buyer mentioned holes only align if you assemble in the correct order, while another had to drill slightly to match them up. At this size, it is not for bulk camping gear; the CURT or ARKSEN offer much more surface area. For the price, though, it is a workhorse that multiple owners call a perfect solution for small trailers. One owner noted rust started after storing it near pool chlorine in a shed.
Small Footprint Perks
- Compact size fits small trailers, jet ski tongues, and tight garages
- 500-pound rating in a lighter, easier-to-handle package
- Proven long-term design with over 650 ratings
Small Footprint Limits
- Holes may not align for every unit — some drilling required
- Shallow 3.25-inch side rails mean less containment for tall items
- Not wide enough for two large totes side by side
Ideal for: jet ski trailers, light RV duty, or a custom e-bike rack — owners find creative uses for the compact size.
Not for: hauling two full-size coolers or tall gear that needs deeper side support.
5. MaxxHaul 70103 Folding Carrier
A folding steel basket with deep 6.5-inch side rails that keep suitcases and yard waste secure.
The MaxxHaul 70103 solves two things: it takes up no garage space when folded, and its 6.5-inch side rails are the tallest here — that extra inch compared to the KUAFU’s 5.5 inches keeps loose items like trash bags or firewood from flying out. The inner basket is 59 by 20 inches with 5.5 inches of interior depth, and the powder-coated alloy steel frame carries a 500-pound load. One buyer in Hawaii praised the packaging because the carrier arrived undamaged and fit a 4Runner with minimal wobble after adding a hitch stabilizer (anti-rattle clamp). Assembly takes about an hour. One owner reported the parts bag arrived torn and missing four lock washers for the reflectors, though extra washers were included. A 2014 GMC Acadia owner confirmed the tall sides kept suitcases secure and the basket did not drag on driveways when paired with a hitch tightener.
Deep Sides
- 6.5-inch side rails — tallest of any carrier here — contain loose cargo well
- Folding shank allows upright storage when empty
- 60-inch length fits two large totes with room to spare
Assembly Notes
- Parts bag can tear in shipping; check for missing lock washers
- Gap between vehicle and platform is noticeable — hitch tightener recommended
- Heavier steel build may be tiring for one person to install frequently
Choose this for: deep side rails that keep odd-shaped or loose items from bouncing out, plus the space-saving folding shank.
Consider another if: you need a lighter carrier for frequent on/off use, or you have a Subaru or smaller crossover where the extra overhang might scrape.
6. MaxxHaul 50149 Aluminum Carrier
The aluminum carrier that one smaller female reviewer could handle alone — no grunting required.
Weighing significantly less than a comparable steel rack, the MaxxHaul 50149 is the pick if you install and remove the carrier yourself. The extruded aluminum platform is 50 by 22 inches with 5-inch side rails, and it folds for storage. The basket arrives pre-assembled — you only attach the steel frame support and the hitch shaft, so you can have it on your vehicle in under 20 minutes. Multiple owners reported it pairs perfectly with four Home Depot HDX 16-gallon latching totes. The low weight comes with a ride-height catch: owners mention the aluminum carrier leans down at the back and can scrape on driveways unless you add a 4-inch riser (some owners spent extra on risers, a plywood base, and a cargo net). The anodized aluminum will never rust, which matters for beach trips, but it scratches more easily than powder-coated steel.
Why Light Matters
- Light enough for one person to lift on and off — verified by solo female reviewer
- Rust-proof aluminum; ideal for saltwater beach or snow environments
- Basket is pre-assembled; final install takes minutes
Watch the Clearance
- Leans down at the rear — may scrape on moderate slopes without a riser
- Lack of anchor tie-down points requires bundling straps through side rails
- Aluminum is softer than steel; minor scratches and dents can occur in shipping
Perfect for: anyone who needs a rust-proof, lightweight carrier for frequent install/removal — especially beach goers and solo travelers.
Think twice if: your driveway is steep and you do not want to buy a separate hitch riser.
7. ARKSEN 60″ Hitch Cargo Carrier
A wide, non-folding steel basket that one buyer sat in to test — and it held 200 pounds without a sound.
The ARKSEN 60 by 23-inch carrier is one of the widest non-folding options — 23 inches wide compared to the CURT’s 24, so it fits wide coolers that would overhang a 19-inch platform. The side walls stand 5.5 inches tall and use independently framed steel tube rails for vertical support. The heavy-duty mesh keeps small items from dropping through while letting water drain. One California-to-Texas mover strapped on two ice chests and three suitcases and said it was a best purchase ever. Another buyer proved the build by sitting in the basket (200-pound load) and reported zero bending or noise. A catch: one unit shipped without nuts and bolts (the buyer spent at Lowe’s for hardware since the maker’s credit never arrived). Most units come fully stocked, so inspect the hardware bag right away. On steep driveways, the long 60-inch nose will scrape unless you enter at an angle — multiple owners noted that.
The Width Advantage
- 23 inches wide — narrower than the CURT’s 24 inches but wider than most other steel picks
- Welds are excellent per owner reports — withstood a 200-pound seated test
- Independent steel tube rails add vertical load support
Watch For
- Missing hardware reported on some units — check the bolts bag immediately
- Non-folding — will stick out 60 inches behind the bumper at all times
- Long nose may scrape on steep driveway aprons unless you approach at an angle
Pick this for: wide cargo like two large ice chests or a mobility scooter — the 23-inch platform gives you the extra width.
Look elsewhere if: you want a folding carrier for easy storage, or you are worried about missing hardware on delivery.
Understanding the Specs
Basket Size (L x W x H)
The length, width, and side-rail height of the carrier determine what fits. A 60-inch-long basket can hold two full-size cooler chests end-to-end, while a 19-inch-wide platform may only fit one tote across. Deeper side rails (5.5 to 6.5 inches) keep loose gear from falling out on sharp turns, but baskets shorter than 20 inches wide make it hard to fit wide luggage side by side.
500-Pound Capacity vs. Your Hitch Rating
Nearly every carrier in this category is rated for 500 pounds of distributed cargo. But your vehicle’s hitch receiver has its own maximum tongue weight — typically stamped on a label near the receiver opening. If your hitch is rated for only 350 pounds (common on some unibody crossovers), overloading the carrier is unsafe even if the basket itself is stronger. Always follow the lower number between the carrier and the vehicle hitch.
Folding Shank
A folding shank lets you swing the basket upright against the back of your vehicle using a pivot just behind the hitch pin. This is useful if you leave the rack mounted but need to back into a parking spot without blocking the entire space. The pivot also means the carrier can be stored flat against a garage wall when removed. The trade-off is a slightly looser feel on the hitch compared to a solid one-piece shank.
Material: Steel vs. Aluminum
Steel (alloy or carbon steel) with a black powder-coat finish is the most common — it resists rust well but can weigh 30-40 pounds, making it a two-person install job for some. Aluminum baskets weigh roughly half as much and never rust, so they are easier to handle solo, but they cost more and can scrape or dent more easily on curbs. For most people, the choice depends on if you want to save weight or save money.
FAQ
Will a 2 inch hitch cargo carrier fit my vehicle?
How much weight can a 2 inch hitch cargo carrier hold?
Can I open my trunk or tailgate with a cargo carrier installed?
Does a cargo carrier block my license plate or rear lights?
What is the difference between a folding and non-folding carrier?
Will the carrier scrape on steep driveways or speed bumps?
Can I use a cargo carrier for a motorcycle or e-bike?
How do I keep cargo secure on the carrier?
Will a cargo carrier affect my fuel economy?
How do I install a 2 inch hitch cargo carrier?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the 2 inch hitch cargo carrier winner is the CURT 18152 because its 60-by-24-inch deck is the largest and its angled shank provides the best ground clearance of any non-folding steel carrier here. If you want a folding carrier for easy storage, grab the MaxxHaul 70103 with its deep 6.5-inch side rails. And for a lightweight, rust-proof option that one person can handle alone, the standout is the MaxxHaul 50149 aluminum carrier.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Trending Car earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.