Towbar Cargo Carriers
Unlock extra storage without climbing onto the roof. Our Towbar Cargo Carriers mount to your vehicle’s receiver hitch (towbar) to haul coolers, camping gear, luggage, and work tools with confidence. Whether you need a compact basket for weekend trips or a Heavy duty Hitch Cargo Carrier for jobsite loads, this collection brings together durable, easy-to-use options that protect your gear and your vehicle.
What is a Towbar Cargo Carrier?
A towbar (hitch) cargo carrier is a platform or enclosed box that slides into your vehicle’s receiver hitch. It rides low and behind the vehicle for easy loading, better aerodynamics than most roof setups, and excellent access to heavy items. In this collection you’ll find:
- Open basket and platform carriers for oversized or irregular gear
- Enclosed, weather-resistant boxes that keep cargo clean and dry
- Folding and tilting frames to maintain parking and hatch access
- Ramp-equipped options for wheeled items and heavy equipment
Common materials include powder-coated steel for maximum strength and aluminum for lighter weight and corrosion resistance. Most carriers are finished in black for a clean, OEM-like look; select aluminum models feature raw or anodized finishes.
Why choose our Heavy duty Hitch Cargo Carrier options?
Every product in this collection is curated for real-world strength, stability, and simplicity. The result is a smoother drive, faster setup, and gear that arrives exactly as you packed it. Here’s what sets our selection apart:
Materials and finish built to last
Our steel towbar cargo carriers use thick-gauge tubing and mesh floors with a durable black powder coat to resist chips, road salt, and rust. If you prefer a lighter setup, aluminum platforms cut weight while maintaining impressive capacity—great for staying within your vehicle’s tongue rating. Many models include molded end caps and sealed hardware to keep water out and your carrier looking new season after season.
Smart fitment and real capacity
Fitment is straightforward: most carriers in this collection are designed for 2-inch, Class III/IV receivers commonly found on SUVs, trucks, vans, and many crossovers. Select models work with 1.25-inch, Class II hitches when used with the manufacturer’s adapter (note that adapters often reduce rated capacity). Payload ratings typically range from 300 to 500 pounds; always check your vehicle’s tongue weight limit and subtract the carrier’s own weight to determine safe cargo capacity.
Need clearance around a spare tire or a low bumper? Look for carriers with rise shanks or extended shanks. Want easier parking? Choose fold-up frames that tuck close to the bumper when empty. For frequent cargo area access, select a tilt-away design to angle the platform down while the carrier remains installed.
Features that matter on the road
Raised side walls, multiple tie-down points, and welded mesh floors keep your load planted and easy to secure with straps or a cargo net. Anti-rattle devices reduce wobble at the hitch, while reflectors add visibility at night. When cargo blocks your tail lights or plate, choose carriers with integrated light kits or plate mounts for legal visibility. For weather-sensitive gear, enclosed boxes with gasketed lids and locking latches keep dust and rain out. If you regularly move wheeled equipment, a ramp-equipped platform simplifies rolling loads on and off without heavy lifting.
How to choose the right Towbar Cargo Carrier
Match the carrier to your vehicle, cargo, and routine:
- Family road trips: A mid-size basket with 300–400 lb rating plus a cargo bag keeps luggage clean and frees up cabin space.
- Overlanding and camping: Heavy-duty steel baskets with tall rails and anti-rattle hardware excel on long, mixed-terrain drives.
- Trades and DIY: A high-capacity platform with tie-down points and a rise shank handles tools and materials while clearing curbs and driveways.
- EVs and crossovers: Lightweight aluminum carriers preserve precious tongue weight while boosting storage.
- Hatch access: Tilt or swing-away compatible setups allow you to open the rear door with the carrier installed and loaded within rating.
Pro tip: Load heavy items closest to the vehicle, distribute weight evenly left to right, and use at least two cam straps in an X pattern. This keeps the center of mass near the hitch for better handling and reduces stress on the shank.
Installation and care
Installation is quick: slide the shank into your receiver, insert the hitch pin or lock, then tighten the included anti-rattle or clamp if equipped. Before each trip, torque hardware to spec, check your tie-downs, and confirm that your brake lights and license plate remain visible. If they’re obscured, use a light kit or plate relocation bracket.
After travel, rinse road grime and salt, especially from steel carriers. Inspect welds, floors, and hardware at regular intervals. A quick wipe-down and occasional touch-up on a powder-coated finish will extend service life. For enclosed boxes, clean seals and latches to maintain water resistance.
Frequently asked questions
What size hitch do I need for a towbar cargo carrier?
Most carriers are designed for 2-inch, Class III/IV receivers. Some models fit 1.25-inch, Class II hitches with an adapter, but capacity may be reduced. Always confirm the receiver size and class on your vehicle.
How much weight can a Heavy duty Hitch Cargo Carrier hold?
Typical ratings range from 300 to 500 pounds. Your safe load is the lower of the carrier’s rating or your vehicle’s remaining tongue weight after subtracting the carrier’s own weight. Never exceed either limit.
Will a hitch cargo carrier block my tail lights or license plate?
It can, depending on carrier height and cargo size. If lights or the plate are obscured, use a carrier with an integrated light kit or add an auxiliary kit and plate bracket to remain legal and visible.
Can I open my rear hatch with the carrier installed?
Many carriers fold up when empty, and some tilt down to provide access with lighter loads. For full access with heavy cargo, consider a tilt-away or swing-away compatible setup designed for your vehicle’s door swing.
Is steel or aluminum better for a towbar cargo carrier?
Steel offers maximum rigidity and is ideal for heavy, frequent use. Aluminum is lighter and resists corrosion, helpful for lower tongue-weight vehicles and coastal climates. Choose based on your capacity needs and environment.
Do I need an anti-rattle device?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. Anti-rattle clamps or wedges reduce movement at the hitch, improving ride quality and minimizing wear on the receiver and carrier.
How do I secure cargo on an open basket?
Use quality cam straps or ratchet straps attached to multiple tie-down points; cross straps in an X pattern to prevent shifting. A cargo net over soft bags adds stability and wind resistance.
Will a towbar cargo carrier affect fuel economy?
Compared to roof racks, hitch-mounted carriers usually have a smaller aero penalty. Actual impact varies with vehicle, speed, and load shape. Packing items low and using an enclosed box can improve efficiency.
Shop Towbar Cargo Carriers
Explore the best-selling platforms, baskets, and enclosed boxes in our Towbar Cargo Carriers collection. Filter by material (steel or aluminum), receiver size, capacity, color, and features like fold-up frames, tilting bases, ramps, and integrated lighting. Our product pages include detailed specs, measurements, and installation guidance so you can buy with confidence.
Need help choosing? Our in-house team has hands-on experience with the most common vehicle and hitch combinations. Contact us for tailored recommendations, fitment checks, and practical loading tips. When you’re ready, shop the collection here: /collections/towbar-cargo-carriers.
Note: Always verify local regulations regarding load overhang, lighting, and license plate visibility. Recheck torque and tie-downs periodically on long trips.