Best RV Cargo Carriers and Hitch Baskets

By Jake Morris — RV Gear Expert & Contributing Editor· June 11, 2026· 8 min read

Written by Jake Morris Senior RV Gear Writer at ShopRVGear

RV accessories solar power systems backup cameras water filtration

Jake has spent 8 years full-timing in a Class A motorhome and has personally tested hundreds of RV products across North America. He is the lead gear reviewer at Shop RV Gear, covering solar setups, backup safety syst…

8 yrs experience·Last updated: Jun 11, 2026

Short answer

If you want the best all-around RV cargo carrier, start with a hitch-mounted platform that matches your receiver size, keeps weight low, and is built for the loads you actually carry—not the marketing number on the box. Hitch carriers are popular because they mount to the rear receiver, are easier to load than roof storage, and usually have less impact on fuel economy than rooftop options.[1][10]

For most RV owners, the smartest buy is a sturdy hitch basket with a real capacity you can use, not the biggest basket available. If you travel with coolers, camp chairs, firewood, or bulky overflow gear, a basket-style carrier is often the most practical choice.[1][4] If you want locked, weather-sheltered storage and spend more time on the road than at the campsite, a premium enclosed carrier like a StowAway-style unit may be worth the extra cost.[4][6]

Advertisement

Product comparison table

Best RV cargo carriers and hitch baskets at a glance

• Best overall: StowAway2-style enclosed hitch carrier for secure, clean storage and easy access at stops.[4][6]
• Best open basket: A heavy-duty platform carrier for the best mix of price, strength, and flexibility.[1][10]
• Best for premium RVers: Torklift-style high-end carrier setups for serious gear hauling and better build quality.[3][6]
• Best budget pick: A basic steel basket carrier if you only need occasional extra space and can live with more exposure to weather.[7][9]

What to know before you buy

A hitch cargo carrier mounts to the rear receiver hitch and creates a flat platform or basket behind the RV or tow vehicle.[1][10] Compared with roof boxes, hitch carriers are generally easier to load and unload, and they avoid lifting heavy gear overhead.[1]

That said, not every RV can use one safely. Before buying, check these basics:

• Receiver rating: Your hitch receiver must be rated for the carrier and the load.
• Tongue weight: The carrier, gear, and any accessories count against your rear hitch’s tongue-weight limit.
• Departure angle: A long carrier can drag on steep driveways, dips, and ferry ramps.
• Rear visibility: Cargo can block tail lights, cameras, or the rear view.
• Bumper vs. frame mounting: Some trailer bumpers are not built for heavy cargo carriers; frame-mounted receivers are the safer setup when available.

Camping World notes that hitch-mounted cargo carriers are common because they are easy to install and use, but they still require the right hitch receiver and pin setup.[10] That sounds obvious until you see how many owners buy the basket first and figure out the weight math later.

Our top picks

1. Best overall: StowAway2-style enclosed hitch carrier

If you want the most polished solution, an enclosed carrier is hard to beat. StowAway’s hitch cargo carrier guide positions its carriers as purpose-built hitch storage solutions, and RVLifestyle specifically highlights the StowAway2 Cargo Carrier as a high-end option they have tested.[4][6]

Why it wins:

• Keeps gear cleaner and more protected than an open basket.[4]
• Acts more like an external trunk than a loose platform.[1]
• Better for bags, camping supplies, and items you do not want exposed to rain and road grime.

Pros

• Better weather protection than open baskets[1][4]
• Cleaner look and more secure feel
• Easier to organize soft-sided gear

Cons

• More expensive than open baskets[6]
• Heavier than many open carriers
• Less flexible for oversized or dirty items like firewood

Best for: RVers who want a semi-permanent storage solution and are willing to pay for convenience.

2. Best open basket: heavy-duty platform hitch carrier

For most travelers, an open basket is the practical sweet spot. LetsGoAero describes hitch platform carriers as flat surfaces mounted to the rear receiver, and notes they are generally easier to load than roof storage.[1] That makes them a strong choice for bulky but durable gear.

Why it works:

• Simple, versatile, and usually more affordable than enclosed options.
• Great for coolers, totes, firewood, generators, or folding chairs.
• Easy to strap down and adapt to different trips.[1][10]

Pros

• Best value for most RV owners[1][10]
• Easy to load and unload[1]
• Works with odd-shaped cargo

Cons

• Cargo is exposed to weather and road spray
• Requires good tie-downs
• Can attract theft if you leave gear unattended

Best for: Weekend campers, boondockers, and anyone hauling dirty or bulky gear.

3. Best premium build: Torklift-style hitch cargo carrier

RVLifeStyle references the Torklift Lock and Load as a best-hitch-cargo-carrier contender, which is a good sign if you care about rugged construction and premium hardware.[3] Even without cherry-picked specs, the brand’s reputation in the RV space points to a more serious build than bargain-bin steel baskets.[3]

Why it stands out:

• Designed for RV use rather than just generic vehicle hauling.
• Typically better for owners who want confidence on longer trips.
• Good fit if you routinely carry expensive gear or heavy items.

Pros

• Strong RV-focused reputation[3]
• Better fit for demanding travel use
• Usually more robust than budget carriers

Cons

• Usually costs more than basic baskets
• May be overkill for light-duty use
• Premium price does not help if your receiver or tongue weight is the real limit

Best for: Full-timers, heavy travelers, and owners who want to buy once and cry once.

4. Best budget option: basic steel hitch basket

If you only need occasional extra storage, a basic basket is still a legitimate choice. PartsVia’s buyer guide and GARVEE’s guide both treat hitch cargo carriers as a standard category of practical hauling gear, which is exactly what budget baskets are meant to be: functional, not fancy.[7][9]

Why it’s worth considering:

• Lowest entry cost.
• Good for occasional use.
• Easy to replace if it gets beat up.

Pros

• Affordable[7][9]
• Simple design
• Easy to find in multiple sizes

Cons

• More wobble and flex on cheap models
• Often weaker coating and weld quality
• Can rust faster if left out in the weather

Best for: Light-duty users who just need more room for a few trips a year.

What to skip and why

Not every cargo carrier deserves a spot on your RV.

• Skip flimsy bumper-mounted carriers if the trailer bumper is not specifically rated for the load. A weak bumper is not the place to test your luck.
• Skip oversized carriers that look impressive but push you too close to your hitch limit or hurt departure angle.
• Skip bargain carriers with thin steel and vague capacity claims if you plan to haul real weight.
• Skip roof-only storage for heavy items when a hitch carrier would be easier and safer to load.[1][10]

How to choose the right carrier

1. Match the carrier to your hitch

Your receiver size and rating matter more than the basket style. A carrier is only as good as the hardware it rides on.

2. Think about what you actually haul

• Soft bags and camp gear: enclosed carrier or basket with a weatherproof cover
• Dirty or awkward gear: open basket
• High-value items: enclosed carrier with lockable storage
• Heavy gear: only if the carrier and hitch are rated for it

3. Measure your rear clearance

Long carriers can drag when entering gas stations, crossing steep driveways, or backing into campsites. If your RV already sits low in the rear, this matters a lot.

4. Check whether you need folding or swing-away access

If you need rear storage access often, a design that tilts, folds, or swings out of the way can be worth paying for.

5. Plan for tie-downs

Open baskets need good straps, a cargo net, or both. A carrier is not secure just because the box says “heavy duty.”

Real-world buying advice from camping use

After enough campground miles, one pattern becomes obvious: most people do not need the biggest carrier, they need the one that fits the way they travel.

• If you bring one cooler and a few totes, a mid-size basket is enough.
• If you carry firewood, muddy gear, or propane accessories, open storage is easier to live with.
• If you want clean, locked storage for road trips, spend up for an enclosed carrier.
• If you are already close to your rear weight limit, do not add a carrier just because you found a sale.

That last point is the one people skip right before they regret it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hitch cargo carriers safe for RVs?

Yes, if your hitch receiver, tongue weight, and carrier capacity are all rated for the load and the carrier is installed correctly.[10] The problem is usually not the idea of the carrier; it is overloading the rear end or using a bumper that was never meant to carry cargo.

Is an enclosed carrier better than a basket?

An enclosed carrier is better if you want weather protection and more security, while a basket is better if you want lower cost and more flexibility for bulky gear.[1][4] Most RV owners who haul dirty or oversized items are happier with a basket.

Can I put a hitch cargo carrier on the back of a travel trailer?

Sometimes, but only if the trailer has a receiver or bumper setup rated for that load. Do not assume a standard bumper is safe for cargo just because the carrier fits.

What is the biggest mistake RV owners make with cargo carriers?

Buying a carrier that is too heavy, too long, or too large for the RV’s rear weight and clearance limits. A carrier that looks impressive in a product photo can be a headache in real campsites.

Do cargo carriers hurt fuel economy?

They can, especially when loaded and when the cargo sticks out into the wind. Hitch carriers are still often more practical than roof storage for many RVers because they are easier to load and typically have less impact than roof-mounted options.[1]

Final buying recommendation

For most RV owners, the best RV cargo carrier and hitch basket is a solid, mid-size hitch platform with a real-world weight rating, simple tie-down points, and enough clearance to survive campground terrain. If you want maximum convenience and protection, spend more on an enclosed premium carrier.[1][4][6][10]

If you only buy one thing from this guide, buy the carrier that fits your hitch and your travel style—not the one with the loudest capacity claim.

All Picks & Comparison

#		Product	Price	Rating
#1		CURT 18153 Cargo Basket Hitch Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier, 500 lbs. Capacity, 60-Inch x 23-1/2-Inch x 5-1/2-Inch, Fits 2-Inch Receiver	$220.99	★★★★★ (3,840)	View on Amazon
#2		MaxxHaul 70108 Aluminum Cargo Carrier With High Side Rails- Trailer Hitch Mount For RV's, Trucks, SUV's, Vans, Cars With 2" Hitch Receiver - 500-lb Load Capacity, Grey, 49" x 22.5"	$109.99	★★★★★ (3,544)	View on Amazon
#3		ARKSEN 60" x 23" x 5.5" Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier Basket, 500 Lbs Heavy Duty Rear Trailer Hitch Cargo Rack Fits 2" Receiver for SUV, Truck & Van, Ideal for Camping & Travel	$149.96	★★★★★ (1,651)	View on Amazon
#4		WEIZE Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier 60" x 20" x 6", 500 lbs Capacity Hitch Cargo Rack with Waterproof Bag, Hitch Stabilizer,Net and Straps for SUV Pickup Camping Traveling	$149.99	★★★★★ (1,279)	View on Amazon
#5		Mockins 60"x20"x6" Folding Luggage Rack for Car Hitch & 20 Cu Ft Waterproof Cargo Bag | 500 lbs Cap Steel Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier for 2" Receivers w/License Plate Holder, Stabilizer, Net & Straps	$249.99	★★★★★ (1,880)	View on Amazon