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Quick Picks
| Product | Best For | Published Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| StowAway Max Hitch Cargo Box with Swingaway Frame | Ivory | The largest enclosed volume here | 16 cubic feet, 200 lb load rating | Check Price on Amazon |
| StowAway Standard Cargo Carrier with SwingAway Frame for 2" Hitch- Black | A lockable hard box with a long stated warranty | 12.5 cubic feet, 200 lbs | Check Price on Amazon |
| CURT 18153 Folding Hitch Basket Cargo Carrier | Heavy, dirty, awkward loads | 500 lb, 60 x 24 inches | Check Price on Amazon |
| Yakima EXO SwingBase Hitch Base Rack with GearLocker Cargo Box, Black | Tool-free setup with included locks | 10 cu. ft. box, 100 lbs on the base | Check Price on Amazon |
| Buyers Products 1707020 Poly Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier | Tools and job-site gear | 200 lbs, fits a 2 inch receiver | Check Price on Amazon |
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As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.Last Updated: September 2026
A roof box puts your luggage above the roofline. If your garage door, apartment parking structure or carport is the thing that dictates what you can own, that is exactly the wrong place for it. Hitch-mounted gear moves the load behind the bumper, where overhead height stops being the limiting factor and three other things take over: the carrier's own load rating, your ability to still open the tailgate, and whether your license plate and lights stay visible.
This page is a specifications read, not a hands-on review. Every number below comes from the product's own Amazon listing record retrieved on 2026-09-11, and every recommendation is an argument from those published figures. Where a listing is thin, this article says so rather than guessing.
One honesty note up front: not every product here bolts straight into a receiver tube. Two of the ten mount differently, and their sections say so plainly, because a low-clearance shopper needs to know that before clicking.
- MAXIMUM STORAGE & CAPACITY – 16 cubic feet of enclosed cargo space and a 200 lb load rating provide plenty of room for luggage, camping gear, or tools while keeping your vehicle
- FULL REAR ACCESS WITH SWINGAWAY FRAME – The StowAway Swingaway frame pivots completely to the side, giving unobstructed access to your rear doors, hatch, or tailgate without
- Frame swings out for clear access to the back of your vehicle
- Holds up to 12.5 cubic feet and 200 lbs of gear; measures 49 x 21 x 24 inches
- 6" tall sides keep items more secure during travel
- Frees up space inside the vehicle for passengers and cargo
- Extended Vehicle Storage: EXO SwingBase converts your 2-inch hitch into a foldable cargo platform with included 10 cu. ft. GearLocker, ideal for luggage, camping gear, tools, and
- Easy Rear Vehicle Access: Swing the loaded EXO SwingBase away from your vehicle with one motion, providing convenient access to the trunk, hatch, or rear cargo area without
- LARGE POLY CARGO BOX FOR TRUCK BED STORAGE: Dent-resistant, high density polyethylene construction with double-walled lid offers secure, waterproof tool box and organizer bin for
- DURABLE POWDER-COATED STEEL FRAME: Pre-drilled for easy assembly, corrosion-resistant black powder-coated steel frame ensures long-lasting outdoor storage box performance for job
- Extra Storage Capacity: Get an extra roomy 10 square ft. of space behind your vehicle with Weize hitch-mounted cargo carrier! The 2" shank works great with any vehicle that has a
- Ultra-Durable: This trailer hitch cargo carrier is constructed of heavy-duty steel which can haul up to 500 lbs of cargo, gear, and equipment, the powder coating also protects it
- [PVC CONSTRUCTION] Made of PVC with polyester reinforcement and UV coating for use on a hitch mount cargo carrier
- [WELDED SEAMS AND ZIPPER] Features welded seams and a heavy-duty zipper positioned around three sides of the bag for convenient loading and unloading
- Premium hard-shell cargo box for your premium Thule rear-mounted bike-carrier
- Fits on Thule Epos and Thule EasyFold XT. Fits both 2-bike and 3-bike versions, and can be used together with a bike on Thule Epos 3B
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Mounting described in the listing | Published load figure | Enclosed or open |
|---|---|---|---|
| StowAway Standard Cargo Carrier with SwingAway Frame for 2" Hitch- Black | Swingaway frame for a 2 inch hitch | 200 lbs | Enclosed hard box |
| StowAway Max Hitch Cargo Box with Swingaway Frame | Ivory | Swingaway frame that pivots to the side | 200 lb load rating | Enclosed hard box |
| CURT 18153 Folding Hitch Basket Cargo Carrier | Folding, angled shank | 500 lb | Open basket |
| Let's Go Aero GearSpace Slideout Hitch Cargo Carrier -Dark Gray | Listed only as a vehicle cargo carrier | 150 Pounds listed without a stated definition | Not stated in the supplied record |
| MaxxHaul Soft Shell Cargo Carrier Bag for Hitch Mount Cargo Rack | Straps onto a separate hitch cargo carrier | Not stated in the supplied record | Soft, zippered |
| Buyers Products 1707020 Poly Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier | Slides into a 2 inch receiver hitch | 200 lbs | Enclosed poly chest |
| WEIZE Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket | 2 inch folding shank | 500 lbs | Open basket plus included bag |
| ROAM Rugged Cargo Box | Roof racks, truck beds and similar setups | Not stated in the supplied record | Enclosed hard case |
| Yakima EXO SwingBase Hitch Base Rack with GearLocker Cargo Box, Black | 2-inch hitch, foldable platform | 100 lbs supported on the SwingBase | Enclosed hard box |
| Thule Santu Hitch Cargo Box | Fits Thule Epos and Thule EasyFold XT bike carriers | 99lb weight capacity | Enclosed hard-shell box |
The Picks
StowAway Max Hitch Cargo Box with Swingaway Frame | Ivory — Best for the largest enclosed volume in this group
If volume is the thing you are shopping for, this is the pick, and the reason is a single published number: the listing states 16 cubic feet of enclosed cargo space and a 200 lb load rating. That is more stated volume than any other enclosed box covered on this page, including its own smaller sibling.
The construction claim is unusually specific for a listing bullet. The listing says the Max Cargo Box is molded from the same impact-resistant polymer used in whitewater kayaks. Read that as a materials statement from the seller rather than an independent durability test; it tells you the family of plastic, not a verified impact rating.
For rear access, the listing says the Swingaway frame pivots completely to the side, giving unobstructed access to rear doors, hatch or tailgate without removing the carrier. Practically, that is the difference between a box you tolerate for one road trip and one you leave on all summer. The listing also states it features a keyed locking latch, hitch tightener, reflectors and LED taillights, and that it is assembled in the Pacific Northwest using American-made components.
Pros
- Highest stated enclosed volume here at 16 cubic feet
- Swingaway frame pivots fully to the side for rear access without removal
- Keyed locking latch plus LED taillights and reflectors per the listing
- Hitch tightener included, which addresses receiver play
- The 200 lb figure is the box's load rating, not your vehicle's tongue-weight allowance; those are separate limits and the carrier's own installed weight counts against the hitch
- The supplied listing record does not state the assembled weight or the exterior dimensions
Verdict: Buy this if you want the most enclosed, lockable cubic feet available in this roundup and your hitch and vehicle documentation confirm they can carry the box plus 200 lb of gear.
StowAway Standard Cargo Carrier with SwingAway Frame for 2" Hitch- Black — Best for a lockable hard box with a long stated warranty
The Standard is the Max's smaller brother, and the listing gives you the trade in plain numbers: it holds up to 12.5 cubic feet and 200 lbs of gear and measures 49 x 21 x 24 inches. Same load rating, 3.5 fewer cubic feet, a box whose footprint you can actually check against your parking spot before you buy.
What earns it a place here is the feature list. The listing states the box includes a locking latch, taillights, a license plate bracket and a drain plug for cleaning. That license plate bracket matters more than it sounds: a box hanging off the back of a sedan can obscure the plate, and a bracket is the manufacturer's answer to that. The drain plug is a small tell that the box is expected to be hosed out after muddy gear.
The listing also states the carrier is made in the USA with a ten year warranty. Treat that as the seller's published warranty term and confirm the coverage details with StowAway before you rely on it.
Pros
- 12.5 cubic feet and 200 lbs of gear per the listing, with published box dimensions of 49 x 21 x 24 inches
- Locking latch, taillights and license plate bracket are included rather than extra
- Drain plug makes cleanup after wet or muddy loads straightforward
- Ten year warranty stated on the listing
- 12.5 cubic feet is less enclosed volume than the 16 cubic feet claimed for the StowAway Max
- The supplied record does not state the carrier's own weight, so you cannot yet subtract it from a hitch tongue rating
Verdict: The right StowAway for someone who wants the swingaway hard-box format and the stated ten year warranty without committing to the Max's larger footprint.
CURT 18153 Folding Hitch Basket Cargo Carrier — Best for heavy, dirty and awkward loads
Here's the thing about baskets: they do not pretend to protect anything. What they do is carry weight, and this one is rated at 500 lb across a 60" x 24" platform. That is the highest published load figure in this roundup, matched only by the WEIZE basket.
The listing describes 6-inch tall sides to keep items more secure during travel and heavy-duty tubular steel construction. Six inches of side wall is enough to corral firewood, coolers and tote bins; it is not enough to retain loose gear on its own, which is why straps and a net are non-negotiable with any open basket.
Two details separate this from a plain shelf. The listing says the folding shank allows the carrier to be tilted up when not in use, and that the angled shank elevates the carrier for more ground clearance. The first saves you from a permanent shin-height obstacle in the garage; the second is a direct answer to steep driveways and ramp angles, though the listing does not state how many inches of lift it provides.
Pros
- 500 lb rating on a 60" x 24" platform
- 6-inch tall sides help keep items more secure during travel
- Folding shank tilts the carrier up when it is not in use
- Angled shank raises the carrier for more ground clearance per the listing
- Open steel basket with no enclosure, lock or weather protection stated in the listing
- The 500 lb rating is the carrier's own limit; your hitch class and vehicle documentation may permit far less, and gear plus carrier weight both count
Verdict: Get this if you haul heavy and messy rather than delicate, and you are happy adding your own bag, net and straps.
WEIZE Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket — Best for a basket that arrives with the accessories already in the box
The WEIZE takes the same basic idea as the CURT and bundles the parts most basket buyers end up ordering separately. The listing states 500 lbs of capacity on a 60" x 20" x 6" steel basket with a 2-inch folding shank, plus two 12ft 2200lbs tie down straps and one 36"x60" cargo net.
That bundle is the argument. The listing also says a waterproof cargo bag is included to protect items from road grit, sun damage and rain. Notice the wording carefully: the bag is described as waterproof, the basket is described as powder coated steel. Those are two separate claims about two separate items.
Credit where it is due for candour on the corrosion question. The listing itself recommends parking the car indoors and using truck bedliner paint to make the entire rack rustproof. That is the seller telling you the powder coat alone is not the end of the story, and it is worth factoring in if the carrier lives outside year round.
Pros
- 500 lbs capacity on a heavy-duty steel basket with powder coating
- Two 12ft 2200lbs tie down straps and a 36"x60" cargo net included
- Waterproof cargo bag included to protect items from road grit, sun damage and rain
- 2" shank works with vehicles that have a 2" receiver, and the folding design lets it fold up when not in use
- The listing recommends indoor parking and bedliner paint for full rustproofing, which implies the factory finish alone may not be enough in harsh climates
- The welded frame comes in four sections, so this is an assembly job, not an unbox-and-mount product
- The listing gives basket dimensions of 60" x 20" x 6" while also describing 10 square ft. of space; confirm usable area with WEIZE before planning a load around it
Verdict: Best value route into an open carrier if you want the straps, net and bag included and you will store the rig under cover.
Buyers Products 1707020 Poly Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier — Best for tools and job-site gear
This one is not styled for a family road trip and does not need to be. The listing describes dent-resistant, high density polyethylene construction with a double-walled lid, a corrosion-resistant black powder-coated steel frame, and a chest that slides into a 2 inch receiver hitch. Buyers Products is a truck-equipment brand and the bullet copy reads like it.
Security is handled with hardware rather than a proprietary key. The listing states the double-walled lid features two pad-lockable hasps, with padlocks sold separately. If you already stock a particular padlock across a job site, that is a feature, not a compromise. The listing also states it holds up to 200 lbs.
One thing to resolve before ordering: the product title gives dimensions of 23x51x26 while a bullet describes 17 cubic feet of functional space. Overall dimensions are not the same as confirmed internal space, so if you are sizing this around specific cases or tool boxes, ask Buyers Products for the internal measurements rather than working backwards from the outside.
Pros
- High density polyethylene chest with a double-walled lid, described as dent-resistant and waterproof in the listing
- Two pad-lockable hasps let you use your own padlocks
- Powder-coated steel frame is pre-drilled for assembly
- Holds up to 200 lbs and fits a 2 in receiver, with a 5/8in. hitch pin included
- Padlocks are sold separately
- The 17 cubic feet figure is described as functional space while the title lists 23x51x26 dimensions; treat internal capacity as unconfirmed until the manufacturer clarifies
- No taillights or license plate bracket are mentioned in the supplied listing record, so check plate and lamp visibility on your vehicle
Verdict: The utility choice for contractors and RV owners who want a lockable, waterproof chest on the receiver and already own padlocks.
Yakima EXO SwingBase Hitch Base Rack with GearLocker Cargo Box, Black — Best for tool-free setup with locks included
The EXO approach is modular. The listing describes the SwingBase as converting a 2-inch hitch into a foldable cargo platform, supplied here with the 10 cu. ft. GearLocker box. That pairing is what you are buying: base plus box, rather than a single moulded unit.
The number to plan around is the load figure. The listing states the GearLocker supports up to 100 lbs. on the SwingBase. That is the lowest stated capacity among the enclosed hitch boxes on this page, and it is a real constraint if you pack tools or camping water. For clothes, sleeping bags, tents and bulky soft luggage, 100 lbs is rarely the binding limit. For anything dense, it is.
Setup and security read well on paper. The listing says EXO accessories attach using the EXO Cleat system and locking SpeedKnobs, that installation is tool-free, and that HitchLock and SKS locks are included to help secure gear during travel. Rear access is handled by swinging the loaded base away from the vehicle in one motion.
Pros
- 10 cu. ft. GearLocker included with the SwingBase platform
- Swings away loaded in one motion for trunk or hatch access
- Tool-free attachment via EXO Cleat and locking SpeedKnobs
- HitchLock and SKS locks included rather than sold separately
- 100 lbs. supported on the SwingBase is the lowest stated enclosed-box capacity in this roundup, below the 200 lb ratings published for the two StowAway boxes and the Buyers Products chest
- 10 cu. ft. is less enclosed volume than the 12.5 and 16 cubic feet stated for the StowAway boxes
Verdict: Choose this if your loads are bulky but light, you want locks in the box, and you would rather not own tools to install a rack.
MaxxHaul Soft Shell Cargo Carrier Bag for Hitch Mount Cargo Rack — Best for adding weather protection to a basket you already own
Be clear on what this is. It is a bag, not a carrier. The listing describes it as made of PVC with polyester reinforcement and a UV coating for use on a hitch mount cargo carrier, which means you need a basket like the CURT or WEIZE underneath it.
The build details are the reason to consider it over a generic duffel. The listing states it features welded seams and a heavy-duty zipper positioned around three sides of the bag, with the zipper covered by hook and loop flaps for added water resistance. A three-sided zipper turns the whole top into a lid, which is the difference between packing a bag and stuffing one. Six 1-inch-wide polypropylene straps help secure it to the carrier.
On size, the listing gives approximately 47 x 20 x 20 inches in use with up to 11 cubic feet of storage capacity, and says it folds for compact storage when not in use. Note the exact language on weather: the product is described as heavy duty water resistant, and the flaps add water resistance. That is not the same as a sealed waterproof claim, so pack anything critical in dry bags regardless.
Pros
- Up to 11 cubic feet in a bag that folds down for storage
- Welded seams and a three-sided heavy-duty zipper for easy loading
- Zipper openings accommodate padlocks for added security
- Six 1-inch-wide polypropylene straps included for attachment
- Requires a separate hitch mount cargo carrier; it does not mount to a receiver by itself
- Described as water resistant rather than waterproof, with hook and loop flaps adding water resistance at the zipper
- The supplied listing record does not state a weight capacity for the bag
Verdict: The sensible companion purchase for anyone buying an open basket, provided you treat it as weather resistance rather than a dry box.
Thule Santu Hitch Cargo Box — Best for owners of a compatible Thule bike carrier
Read the compatibility line before anything else. The listing states the Santu fits on Thule Epos and Thule EasyFold XT, in both 2-bike and 3-bike versions, and can be used together with a bike on Thule Epos 3B. This is a hard-shell box designed for a Thule rear-mounted bike carrier, not a box you drop into a bare receiver tube. If you do not own one of those carriers, this is not your product.
If you do own one, the ergonomics argument is strong. The listing states the box sits low to the ground, making it ergonomic and easy to load and unload, and that a grab handle and wheels let you roll the box out to the car. Loading at waist height instead of overhead is the entire reason people abandon roof boxes in the first place.
Capacity is modest and stated clearly: 9 cu ft internal volume with a 99lb weight capacity. That suits a family's soft luggage and a cooler, not a garage worth of tools.
Pros
- 9 cu ft internal volume with a stated 99lb weight capacity
- Sits low to the ground for easier loading than an overhead box
- Grab handle and wheels let one person roll it out to the vehicle
- One person attachment of the cargo box per the listing
- Requires a Thule Epos or Thule EasyFold XT bike carrier; it is not a standalone receiver-mounted box
- 9 cu ft is the smallest stated enclosed volume in this roundup
- 99lb weight capacity rules out dense loads such as tools or bulk water
Verdict: An easy yes for an existing Epos or EasyFold XT owner who wants luggage space at knee height, and irrelevant to everyone else.
Let's Go Aero GearSpace Slideout Hitch Cargo Carrier -Dark Gray — Best for buyers willing to verify specs with the manufacturer first
I am going to be straight with you about this one. The supplied listing record for the GearSpace is unusually thin: the feature bullets read VEHICLE_CARGO_CARRIER, Item Package Quantity - 1, base_product, 150 Pounds, and 68 x 33 x 40 inches. Those last two entries are the only quantitative content, and the listing does not say whether 150 Pounds is a load rating or a product weight, or whether 68 x 33 x 40 inches is the carrier itself or the shipping carton.
That matters more here than it would for a t-shirt. If 150 Pounds is the shipping weight, it is not the installed weight and it is certainly not a cargo allowance; if it is a capacity, it sits below the 200 lb ratings published for the StowAway boxes and the Buyers Products chest. You cannot responsibly plan a load around an ambiguous figure.
The product name describes a slideout design, which is the same problem the swingaway boxes solve from a different direction, but the supplied record does not explain the mechanism, the receiver size, or whether lights and a plate bracket are included.
Cons and limits
- The supplied listing record does not define whether the 150 Pounds figure is a capacity or a weight
- The 68 x 33 x 40 inches entry is not identified as carrier dimensions or package dimensions
- Receiver size, locking, lighting and license plate provisions are not stated in the supplied listing record
Verdict: Only worth pursuing if you contact Let's Go Aero and get the capacity, receiver size and installed weight confirmed in writing first; the listing as supplied does not give you enough to plan a safe load.
ROAM Rugged Cargo Box — Best for truck bed and roof rack storage rather than hitch mounting
This is in the roundup because it shows up constantly in cargo searches, and it deserves a clear label: the listing describes mounting using Rugged Mounts, Rigid Mounts or Cinch Straps on roof racks, truck beds or other setups. It does not describe a hitch receiver mount. For a low-clearance garage shopper, a roof-rack mount is the problem you came here to avoid, so read this section as a truck bed and overlanding recommendation.
On its own terms the case is well specified. The listing states a military-grade weatherproof seal against rain, dust and extreme conditions, lid lift gas struts for effortless opening and secure positioning, tie-down channels, lockable latches, and threaded inserts that allow customization with lid organizers or molle panels. Gas struts on a storage case are a genuinely useful detail: they keep the lid up while both your hands are busy.
What you do not get from the supplied record is size or weight data. The listing references different sizes and different mount types without stating volume, dimensions or a load rating, so pin those down with ROAM before ordering.
Pros
- Military-grade weatherproof seal claimed against rain, dust and extreme conditions
- Lid lift gas struts hold the lid open hands-free
- Lockable latches and tie-down channels included
- Threaded inserts accept lid organizers or molle panels
- Listing describes roof rack, truck bed and strap mounting, not a hitch receiver mount
- The supplied listing record does not state volume, dimensions or a weight capacity
- Mount type depends on size, so the correct Rugged Mounts, Rigid Mounts or Cinch Straps must be confirmed for your setup
Verdict: Buy it as a sealed, lockable truck bed or roof rack case for overlanding, not as a solution to a low garage door.
What to Look For in a Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Receiver size, stated explicitly. Several products here name the fit directly: the Buyers Products chest slides into a 2 inch receiver hitch, the WEIZE shank is a 2" shank, and the Yakima EXO SwingBase converts a 2-inch hitch into a cargo platform. If a listing does not name the receiver size, treat it as unknown.
- Every applicable weight limit, not just the carrier's. A carrier's rating is one limit. Your hitch's tongue-weight rating, your vehicle's payload and the carrier's own installed weight are separate limits, and the equipment plus the cargo counts under the ones that include them. A 500 lb basket does not authorise 500 lb on a light-duty receiver.
- Rear access. Swing and slide designs exist because a loaded box in front of a tailgate is miserable. The StowAway Swingaway frame pivots completely to the side without removing the carrier, and the EXO SwingBase swings away loaded in one motion.
- Enclosure and weather language. Read the exact wording. The MaxxHaul bag is described as water resistant with hook and loop flaps adding water resistance, while the Buyers Products chest is described as waterproof. Those are different claims.
- Security you can actually use. The StowAway Max lists a keyed locking latch, the Yakima includes HitchLock and SKS locks, and the Buyers chest uses two pad-lockable hasps with padlocks sold separately.
- Plate and lighting visibility. The StowAway Standard listing includes a license plate bracket and taillights; most baskets do not mention either. Check your local requirements before you obscure a plate.
- Ground clearance and driveway angle. The CURT 18153's angled shank elevates the carrier for more ground clearance, which is the spec that matters on steep driveway aprons. Related reading: how to measure hitch height and departure angle.
How We Research
No one at this website drives, loads, mounts or lives with these carriers. What this page does is read the Amazon Creators API verified product record and the product listing feature bullets for each ASIN, retrieved on 2026-09-11, and compare only like-for-like published attributes: stated cubic feet against stated cubic feet, stated pounds against stated pounds, stated mounting method against stated mounting method.
Where a listing publishes a number, that number is attributed to the listing. Where a listing is silent, this page says the supplied record does not state it rather than filling the gap. That approach catches things a quick scroll misses, such as the Yakima's 100 lbs. figure sitting well under the 200 lb ratings published for the two StowAway boxes, and the ROAM case being described for roof racks and truck beds rather than a receiver.
Recommendation by Use Case
- Maximum enclosed space: StowAway Max Hitch Cargo Box with Swingaway Frame | Ivory, on the strength of its stated 16 cubic feet and 200 lb load rating.
- Enclosed space with a published long warranty: StowAway Standard Cargo Carrier with SwingAway Frame for 2" Hitch- Black, at 12.5 cubic feet, 200 lbs and a stated ten year warranty.
- Heaviest stated capacity: CURT 18153 Folding Hitch Basket Cargo Carrier or WEIZE Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket, both published at 500 lb, with the WEIZE adding a net, two straps and a bag.
- Tools and lockable job-site storage: Buyers Products 1707020 Poly Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier, for its high density polyethylene chest, two pad-lockable hasps and 2 inch receiver fit.
- Bulky but light gear with locks included: Yakima EXO SwingBase Hitch Base Rack with GearLocker Cargo Box, Black, at 10 cu. ft. and 100 lbs. on the base.
- Existing Thule bike-carrier owners: Thule Santu Hitch Cargo Box, at 9 cu ft and 99lb, fitting Thule Epos and Thule EasyFold XT.
- Adding weather protection to a basket: MaxxHaul Soft Shell Cargo Carrier Bag for Hitch Mount Cargo Rack, at up to 11 cubic feet.
Final Verdict
If you want one answer: the StowAway Max Hitch Cargo Box with Swingaway Frame | Ivory is the strongest enclosed pick on published specifications, because 16 cubic feet with a 200 lb load rating, a keyed locking latch, LED taillights and a frame that pivots fully to the side covers the actual failure points of hitch cargo — space, security, visibility and tailgate access — in one product.
If your loads are heavy rather than bulky, ignore all the boxes and buy a basket. The CURT 18153 Folding Hitch Basket Cargo Carrier's 500 lb rating on a 60" x 24" deck with 6-inch sides and a folding shank does a job no enclosed box on this page claims to do, and the WEIZE Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket matches that 500 lbs figure while including the straps, net and bag.
And if the number that decides your purchase is missing, walk away until the manufacturer supplies it. That is the honest verdict on the Let's Go Aero GearSpace Slideout Hitch Cargo Carrier -Dark Gray, whose supplied record leaves the 150 Pounds entry undefined. See also: hitch cargo bag versus hard box.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can a hitch cargo carrier hold? It depends entirely on the product and on your vehicle. Published figures here range from 99lb on the Thule Santu and 100 lbs. on the Yakima EXO SwingBase, to 200 lbs on both StowAway boxes and the Buyers Products chest, to 500 lb on the CURT 18153 and 500 lbs on the WEIZE basket. Those are the carriers' own ratings; your hitch's tongue-weight rating and vehicle payload are separate limits that must also be respected, and the carrier's weight counts against them.
Which hitch cargo box has the most space? Of the products covered here, the StowAway Max Hitch Cargo Box states the largest enclosed volume at 16 cubic feet, ahead of the StowAway Standard at 12.5 cubic feet, the Yakima GearLocker at 10 cu. ft. and the Thule Santu at 9 cu ft.
Is a hitch cargo bag actually waterproof? Read the wording rather than the marketing. The MaxxHaul bag is described as heavy duty water resistant, with a zipper covered by hook and loop flaps for added water resistance, which is not the same as a sealed waterproof rating. The WEIZE listing describes its included cargo bag as waterproof, protecting items from road grit, sun damage and rain. Either way, dry bags for electronics and sleeping gear are cheap insurance.
Can I still open my tailgate with a cargo box installed? With a swing-away design, yes, according to the listings. The StowAway Swingaway frame pivots completely to the side for unobstructed access to rear doors, hatch or tailgate without removing the carrier, and the Yakima EXO SwingBase swings away loaded in one motion. Fixed baskets and chests generally block the rear, so verify clearance for your specific vehicle.
Will a hitch carrier hide my license plate? It can, which is why some products address it. The StowAway Standard listing includes a license plate bracket and taillights, and the StowAway Max lists reflectors and LED taillights. Products without those provisions may require you to relocate the plate or add auxiliary lighting to stay legal where you drive.
Do I need a lock, or is the box secure on its own? Security is spelled out per product. The StowAway Max lists a keyed locking latch, the Yakima EXO package includes HitchLock and SKS locks, the Buyers Products lid has two pad-lockable hasps with padlocks sold separately, and the MaxxHaul bag's zipper openings accommodate padlocks. A lock is a deterrent, not a guarantee; do not leave valuables in any external carrier overnight.
Sources & Methodology
Nothing on this page was physically loaded, driven, weighed or lab-rated by this website, and we do not operate a test facility. Every capacity, dimension, material and locking claim above was pulled from each product's Amazon Creators API verified product record and its listing feature bullets on 2026-09-11, then compared attribute by attribute so the numbers line up against each other rather than against marketing language. For hitch cargo specifically, that kind of reading gets you a long way — volume, load rating, receiver size, rear access method and lighting provisions are exactly the things manufacturers publish — but it cannot tell you how a given carrier behaves on your vehicle, so treat every recommendation here as conditional on confirming fit, tongue-weight limits and securement with the manufacturer and your vehicle documentation.