Trailer hitch cargo carriers are useful truck accessories to have, but many vehicles can use them, including SUVs, crossovers, minivans, and some cars. The main purpose of hitch cargo carriers is to free up space in your trunk or truck bed. You may also need them to carry lawn equipment or motorized scooters, which means you'll want the style that comes with a ramp.

What Kind of Cargo Carrier Do You Need?

The answer to this question depends on what you need to carry. For example, if you want to carry things like coolers, luggage, or other large storage items, then a basket or tray-style carrier might work fine. Most carriers are rated between 300 and 500 pounds, so you'll also need to find out what kind of hitch you have and how much it and your vehicle is rated for.

Motorized equipment is also a common reason to get a cargo carrier. This might include lawn or landscape equipment, or a motorized mobility scooter. For these items, it's best to get a carrier with a ramp to make loading and unloading easier.

Action Trucks carries six types of cargo carriers, which include the types mentioned above. Most cargo carriers are easy to install but look for the wrench indicator to see if we install them at our stores.

CURT Black Steel Basket Cargo Carrier

This receiver hitch-mounted cargo carrier comes at an affordable price point of under $200. It can be installed on the rear or front of the vehicle and installation is quick and easy. The basket design is bolted together with heavy-duty carbide steel and tubular construction.

One of the top advantages of the basket-style cargo carrier is the six-inch high sides, which provide more security and peace of mind while you're driving. This basket can carry up to 500 pounds of cargo and can easily carry a hitch basket cargo bag, cargo net, or bungee cords.

CURT Black Steel Tray Cargo Carrier

At just under $200, this tray-style cargo carrier can be mounted to a front or rear receiver hitch. The tray-style offers a lightweight aluminum design to put less stress on your vehicle. It can hold up to 300 pounds of cargo, so it's ultimately a lighter carrying device than the basket style also by CURT. Holes along the outer edges of this carrier allow for mounting a cargo net or bungee cords. The two-piece design bolts together quickly and easily, and the angled shank elevates the carrier for more ground clearance. This is a great affordable option for a lightweight cargo carrier.

Erickson Aluminum Cargo Carrier

This aluminum cargo carrier by Erickson is another basket-style carrier and it retails for just under $300. The sturdy construction and high sides are great for carrying bulky items like suitcases, coolers, and more. The wide spaces and rails also make it easy to use a cargo net or bungee cords to secure your cargo. This carrier can carry up to 500 pounds and it includes reflector lights for added safety.

CURT Black Steel Basket/Tray Cargo Carrier

This CURT cargo carrier is somewhat of a combination of a tray and basket style. It has a mesh-style bottom, but higher side rails like a basket. The carrier is made of black powder-coated steel and can carry up to 500 pounds. The retail price for this carrier is $332, and it comes with built-in reflectors, space for cargo nets or bungees, and a folding shank to tilt the carrier up when not in use.

Enthuze Aluminum Cargo Carrier 50" x 30"

This is a hitch cargo carrier with a ramp and is one of the higher-priced models at $550, but it does have many benefits over the other cargo carriers. It can carry up to 500 pounds, but it also includes a ramp for easy loading of cargo.

It can fold up when not in use and has an anti-rattle design. This style of cargo carrier is a good fit for carrying a motorized scooter or wheeled-lawn equipment due to the ramp that makes it easy to get the item on and off the carrier.

Enthuze Aluminum Cargo Carrier 60" x 30"

This is the same type of carrier as the above product with the addition of 10 inches in length. It's a one-piece welded aluminum cargo basket with a ramp to easily load wheeled items on and off. At a slightly larger size, this cargo carrier costs just under $600. It's easy to install and just as easy to fold up when not in use.

Rely on Action Trucks for a wide range of truck accessories, including basket and tray-style cargo carriers. You can find what you need on our website or stop in at any of our local stores for a great selection and the option for professional installation.