Hitch cargo carriers provide an easy solution for adding extra storage space to your vehicle during road trips and daily errands. But are hitch cargo racks and carriers safe, reliable, and practical? In this article, we address common questions to help you confidently use this helpful vehicle accessory.

What is a Hitch Cargo Carrier?

A hitch cargo carrier is an external storage platform or box that attaches directly to your vehicle’s hitch receiver. Available in various styles—open metal baskets, enclosed cargo boxes, or tray platforms—they’re a convenient way to carry additional cargo outside your vehicle. Most hitch carriers connect to a 2-inch (Class III) hitch receiver (though some lighter duty are available for 1.25in hitches) and keep your gear secure, stable, and easily accessible.

Are Hitch Cargo Carriers Safe?

Yes, hitch carriers are safe when used properly. Designed to securely attach to your vehicle’s hitch, they provide stable storage behind your car. Their low positioning maintains a balanced center of gravity, significantly safer than rooftop carriers.

Here are some simple tips to ensure safe usage:

• Stick to weight limits: Never exceed your vehicle’s hitch rating or your hitch rack's weight capacity.
• Secure your cargo: Always use straps, cargo nets, or bungee cords even with enclosed boxes to avoid shifting. Use a locking hitch pin to ensure your rack stays safe and secure.
• Use anti-wobble devices: Minimize sway or rattling for safer handling with devices such as a Silent Hitch Pin.

• Drive cautiously: Allow additional braking distance and be mindful of the extended vehicle length.
• Proper vehicle usage: Not all racks are rated for every vehicle. Many racks are not rated for travel trailer and/or fifth wheel RV hitches. Never use a rack that is not rated for your vehicle type.

Proper use ensures that your hitch cargo carrier will securely and safely transport your gear wherever your travels take you.

What are the Weight Limits of Hitch Cargo Carriers?

Most hitch carriers support around 300 pounds of cargo, but how manufacturers report this capacity can vary. Some companies list the cargo weight rating or gear capacity, indicating exactly how much cargo the carrier can hold. Others use a gross weight rating, which includes both the cargo and the weight of the carrier itself. This gross rating can sometimes appear higher, giving the impression that the carrier can handle more weight than competitors when, in reality, the usable cargo capacity might be the same or even lower.

Always double-check if the rating provided is cargo-only storage capacity or gross weight, and subtract the carrier's own weight if needed, ensuring you don't overload.

Additionally, two important factors impact weight limits tongue weight and hitch class:

Does tongue weight matter with a cargo carrier?

Yes—tongue weight, or the downward force exerted on your vehicle’s hitch, is critical. While your cargo carrier’s weight limit indicates how much the carrier itself can safely hold, the tongue weight limit defines the maximum load your vehicle's hitch can safely support. Even if the carrier is strong enough, your vehicle must also be rated to handle that total weight. Always verify your vehicle’s tongue weight rating in the owner’s manual or hitch documentation.

What happens if you exceed tongue weight?

Exceeding your vehicle’s tongue weight limit negatively impacts handling, braking efficiency, and overall stability. It may cause suspension strain, hitch damage, or even dangerous loss of control. Always respect your hitch's rated capacities for safe travel.

What’s the difference between Class 2, Class 3, Class 4, and Class 5 hitches?

Hitch classes determine receiver size and weight capacity:

• Class 2 Hitch: Smaller 1.25-inch receiver, typically rated around 350 lbs tongue weight.
• Class 3 Hitch: Common 2-inch receiver, typically rated around 500–600 lbs tongue weight.
• Class 4 Hitch: Heavy-duty 2-inch receiver, rated around 1,000 lbs tongue weight.
• Class 5 Hitch: Extra heavy-duty 2-inch or 2.5-inch receiver, rated for 1,200 lbs or more of tongue weight.

Always select a cargo carrier compatible with your hitch class, ensuring both carrier and vehicle tongue weight limits are respected for safe hauling. For more information on hitch classes you can read our full run down here.

Is it Legal to Use a Hitch Cargo Carrier?

Generally, using hitch cargo carriers is legal. However, some important legal considerations apply:

• License plate and lights visibility: Your cargo carrier shouldn't obscure taillights or license plates. If visibility is compromised, auxiliary tail lights or relocated license plates are recommended.
• 4-foot extension rule: Loads extending over 4 feet from your vehicle's rear usually require red flags during the day and reflectors or lights at night. Most cargo carriers do not exceed this limit but it's important to keep in mind especially if you use hitch extensions.

Before traveling, confirm specific local or state regulations to remain compliant.

Can You Open a Trunk with a Hitch Cargo Carrier?

While platforms and baskets usually sit low enough to not block access, most standard hitch cargo boxes will restrict rear access if they don't have extra functionality. The box may physically block your trunk, hatch, or tailgate from opening completely. However, there are practical workarounds:

• Slide-out or tilting carriers: Tilting carriers allow partial access when unloaded while slide-outs like those from Let's Go Aero allow full access to rear hatches and van barn doors.
• Swing-away adapters: Enable full rear access by swinging the loaded carrier aside but typically reduce the overall weight capacity of the carrier. They can also add a "twisting" force to the vehicle hitch which may damage lighter duty hitches over time.
• Carrier removal: While it requires more work, quickly detaching the carrier using the hitch pin will obviously free up access to rear vehicle storage.

Evaluate how often you'll need rear access before choosing your carrier style or adapter.

Do Hitch Cargo Carriers Affect Gas Mileage?

Any additional cargo will slightly reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Fortunately, hitch cargo carriers sit behind your vehicle, minimizing wind resistance and aerodynamic drag compared to roof rack cargo solutions. The most noticeable impact on MPG comes from added weight rather than aerodynamic changes.

Typical mileage loss is minor (usually just 1-3 MPG lower). Keeping loads reasonable and removing the carrier when not needed helps maintain optimal gas mileage.

What Can You Use a Hitch Cargo Carrier For?

Hitch cargo carriers are extremely versatile options for adding extra space to your vehicle, suitable for numerous uses:

• Travel and Camping: Transport luggage, tents, sleeping bags, coolers, firewood, water containers, and other outdoor adventure gear.
• Sports Equipment: Carry bicycles, snowboards, skis, golf clubs, and fishing gear securely.
• Work Gear: Ideal for transporting heavy items like toolboxes, propane tanks, lawn equipment, compressors, or gas cans.
• Generators: Safely carry heavy generators externally to avoid noise, fuel fumes, and interior space limitations.
• Smelly or Biohazard Material: Useful for carrying trash bags from camping or hunting trips to avoid interior odors.
• Hunting and Fishing: Transport game animals, coolers filled with ice and meat, hunting stands, or bait buckets.
• RV and Vanlife: Extend RV and Van limited internal storage, useful for gear, generators, portable toilets, and bulky camping furniture.

The possibilities are vast, limited only by carrier size, weight capacity, and your imagination!

Tips for Picking the Right Cargo Carrier for Your Needs

Selecting the best hitch cargo carrier involves several considerations:

• Match your hitch class: Verify hitch receiver size (1.25-inch vs. 2-inch) and tongue weight capacity.
• Know your cargo weight: Choose a carrier with ample capacity for your intended load. Don’t max out your carrier or hitch capacity.
• Size and style: Determine the dimensions and cubic feet needed to carry your gear comfortably. Cargo boxes help contain loose items; hitch racks allow larger bulky items and cargo.
• Slide-out, tilting or swing-away options: Essential if frequent rear access is important.
• Cargo security: Select open carriers with plenty of tie-down points or enclosed carriers with lockable security. Consider water-resistant cargo bags if you plan on driving through heavy rains or other harsh weather.
• Add-on options for Bikes: If you are planning on transporting bikes, consider racks that have attachable bike rack options or interior bike mounts.

Maximize your hauling potential with the GearDeck enclosed cargo carrier. Add the BikeBridge kit to securely transport bikes inside the weatherproof shell—keeping your gear protected, organized, and out of sight. SHOP GEARDECK

A thoughtfully chosen cargo rack ensures reliability, convenience, and safety.

Conclusion: Hitch Cargo Carriers You Can Count On

So, can you trust hitch cargo carriers? Absolutely. With appropriate selection, proper installation, secure loading, and adherence to weight limits and regulations, hitch cargo carriers become trusted companions for countless road adventures.

These carriers provide flexibility and convenience, from hauling camping gear or bikes to transporting work tools or generators. By understanding their practical limitations—like restricted trunk access or slight fuel efficiency impacts—and planning accordingly, you ensure a cargo carrier will enhance your vehicle’s functionality safely.

In short, when used wisely, a hitch cargo carrier is more than an accessory—it’s a reliable extension of your vehicle, making travel easier and stress-free.