If you’ve ever packed your vehicle for a road trip, camping adventure, or even just a visit to the hardware store, you know the struggle of fitting everything inside. Luggage, coolers, camping gear, bikes – it all adds up quickly, leaving your passengers cramped and your rear visibility blocked. I’ve certainly been there, staring at a pile of stuff wondering how it would all fit. Dealing with an overloaded vehicle isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be unsafe, affecting handling and making it harder to see around you. Solving this space crunch is essential for a smooth and stress-free journey.
- EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY: With dimensions of 66"x24"x14", max loading of 500 lbs., this trailer hitch cargo carrier offers ample space for transporting bulky items such as camping gear, bicycles, or...
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Made from high-quality materials, this cargo hitch carrier offers exceptional strength and stability, providing reliable support for all your gear and bicycles during transport
- VERSATILE USE: This 2-IN-1 design allows you to seamlessly switch between a spacious cargo carrier and a sturdy hitch bike rack, accommodating different travel needs with ease, providing additional...
Things to Ponder Before Getting a Cargo Solution
When your vehicle’s interior space just isn’t cutting it, turning to external solutions like a hitch cargo carrier basket becomes a necessity. These handy accessories attach to your vehicle’s receiver hitch, providing a platform to haul everything from bulky coolers and suitcases to firewood and even bicycles. The primary benefit, of course, is freeing up precious internal space, making trips more comfortable for everyone inside and allowing you to bring along all the gear you need without making tough choices about what to leave behind.
So, who is the ideal person looking for a hitch-mounted cargo carrier? It’s someone who frequently travels with a lot of gear, whether for camping, sports, family vacations, or even moving items. They likely own an SUV, truck, RV, or van equipped with a standard 2-inch hitch receiver. This person values convenience, wants to keep their vehicle’s interior clean and spacious, and might also need a way to transport bikes. On the other hand, someone who rarely travels with extra gear, only needs to carry very light items, or whose vehicle lacks a 2-inch hitch receiver might not need a heavy-duty solution like this. If you only need space for small items, a rooftop carrier might be a better fit, provided you don’t mind dealing with roof access and potential aerodynamic drag. If you only need to carry bikes, a dedicated hitch bike rack might be simpler, though you’d miss out on the cargo-carrying versatility.
Before you buy, think about a few key things: What’s the maximum weight you expect to carry? Make sure the carrier’s load capacity and your vehicle’s hitch capacity are sufficient. How large are the items you’ll be hauling? Check the carrier’s dimensions to ensure your bulky items will fit. Do you need to carry bikes too, or just cargo? Look for versatile designs if bike transport is also a requirement. Does your vehicle have the correct size receiver hitch (most common is 2 inches)? Consider storage – will you need a folding carrier for easier storage when not in use? Finally, read reviews to get a sense of assembly difficulty, build quality, and customer support.
- DURABLE BUILD - Tubular steel in black epoxy powder coating to promote high strength and a lightweight design. It is rated for 500 lbs.
- HEAVY DUTY STEEL CONSTRUCTION: 1 Piece construction with matt black powder coating finish that resists the elements, rust and scratches.
- HEAVY DUTY STEEL CONSTRUCTION: 1 Piece construction with matt black powder coating finish that resists the elements, rust and scratches.
Introducing the MERCARS Hitch Cargo Carrier Basket
Stepping into the world of external cargo solutions, one product that caught my eye, and that I’ve since become quite familiar with, is the MERCARS 66″x24″x14″ Hitch Cargo Carrier Basket. This robust hitch-mounted carrier promises to expand your hauling capabilities significantly. It’s designed as a heavy-duty basket that attaches to vehicles with a 2-inch receiver, offering a large platform for your gear. What sets it apart, and a major selling point, is its 2-in-1 functionality, designed to serve as both a spacious cargo carrier and a hitch bike rack.
With external dimensions of 66″x24″x14″ and a substantial 500 lbs load capacity, this MERCARS carrier is clearly aimed at those with serious hauling needs. It’s compatible with a wide range of vehicles, including SUVs, trucks, RVs, cars, and vans, provided they have the necessary 2″ receiver. The inclusion of bike rack attachments means you don’t necessarily need to purchase a separate rack if you also plan on bringing bikes along. It’s built from high-quality materials, specifically alloy steel, suggesting durability and strength for handling heavy loads over long distances.
This specific cargo basket is ideal for the family heading out on a long vacation, the camper needing to transport bulky tents and coolers, or the homeowner moving large items. It’s not for those needing less than 500 lbs capacity, or who don’t have a 2-inch receiver hitch. Compared to simpler cargo trays, the 14-inch walls of this basket offer greater security for your items, preventing them from sliding off the sides. Its 2-in-1 design provides versatility that many basic cargo carriers lack. Included with the purchase are the cargo basket, bike rack components, a hitch stabilizer, and lashing straps, giving you everything you need to get started.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons I’ve observed:
Pros:
- Extra-large capacity (66″x24″x14″, 500 lbs) provides ample space.
- Versatile 2-in-1 design serves as both cargo carrier and bike rack.
- Heavy-duty alloy steel construction feels robust and durable.
- Folding design makes storage easier when not in use.
- Compatible with a wide range of vehicles having a 2″ receiver.
- Includes necessary accessories like stabilizer and straps.
Cons:
- Assembly can be somewhat time-consuming and instructions might be basic.
- Initial quality control issues (welds, paint, mesh) have been reported by some users, though often resolved by customer service.
- Bike fit can be challenging for certain larger or uniquely shaped bikes, despite advertised compatibility.
- The unit itself is quite heavy (around 70 lbs), making installation and removal a two-person job for some.
- Welding on internal bike rack components needed filing by one user for proper function.
Features & Benefits in Detail
Extra Large Capacity: More Room for Adventure
The standout feature of the MERCARS 66″x24″x14″ Hitch Cargo Carrier Basket is undoubtedly its sheer size. Measuring 66 inches long, 24 inches wide, and featuring substantial 14-inch high walls, this basket offers a massive amount of usable space. Combine this with a robust 500-pound load capacity, and you have a solution capable of handling a serious loadout. When you’re planning a camping trip for the family, loading up for a tailgate party, or even just transporting bulky items that won’t fit inside your vehicle, this extra-large capacity becomes invaluable. Think about it: you can pack coolers, tents, sleeping bags, folding chairs, luggage, and much more, all on the back of your vehicle. The benefit here is immediate – your vehicle’s interior remains free for passengers and small items, making the journey far more comfortable and organized. No more tripping over gear or having your view obstructed. This expansive cargo carrier is designed for those who simply need *more* space than their vehicle provides, making it perfect for extended trips or hauling large, awkward items that standard trunks or cargo areas can’t accommodate.
Durable Construction: Built to Haul
A hitch cargo carrier needs to be tough, capable of handling not just the weight of your gear but also the stresses of being exposed to the elements and the vibrations of the road. The MERCARS carrier is constructed from high-quality alloy steel, giving it a substantial, heavy-duty feel. Weighing in at around 69-70 pounds itself, its weight is a direct reflection of the materials used to achieve that 500-pound capacity. While its weight can make it a bit cumbersome for one person to install or remove, it instills confidence in its ability to support heavy loads securely. This durable construction means you can trust it to perform reliably trip after trip, providing stable support for all your belongings. The steel mesh bottom is designed to hold items securely, and the overall structure feels solid when attached to the hitch, especially with the included stabilizer. This feature is critical because transporting valuable or heavy items requires a platform you can absolutely rely on not to buckle or fail under load.
Versatile 2-in-1 Design: Cargo and Bikes, Sorted
One of the most appealing aspects of this MERCARS product is its intelligent 2-in-1 design. It functions seamlessly as a spacious cargo carrier basket, but it also includes components that allow it to be used as a hitch bike rack. This versatility is a significant benefit, especially for outdoor enthusiasts or families with varied needs. Instead of needing to buy and store both a cargo carrier and a separate bike rack, you get both functionalities in one unit. This saves money, space, and hassle. The bike rack component typically involves wheel wells or trays and a center bar with hooks or clamps to secure bikes. The process of converting between cargo and bike modes is designed to be straightforward, accommodating different travel requirements with ease. This means you can use the basket for a camping trip one weekend and then attach the bike components to carry bicycles for a trail ride the next, all with the same hitch rack. However, based on user feedback, it’s worth noting that while the bike carrying feature is a great addition, compatibility can sometimes be an issue for very large or heavy electric bikes, or those with long wheelbases close to the stated maximum. Some users have needed to use extra straps or modify parts for a perfect fit, and there were initial reports of the bike bar’s durability, although the manufacturer seems to have addressed this with updated parts and excellent customer service.
Folding Design: Easy Storage
Let’s be honest, cargo carriers are large accessories. Storing them when not in use can be a challenge, especially if you have limited garage or shed space. The innovative folding feature of the MERCARS hitch rack is a welcome solution to this problem. The carrier is designed to fold upwards, towards the back of the vehicle, when it’s empty. This significantly reduces the amount of space it occupies when parked or stored. The benefit is obvious: it makes parking easier in tight spots, prevents the carrier from sticking out unnecessarily when empty, and allows for more compact storage in your garage. While some initial units reportedly had alignment issues preventing the folding mechanism from working smoothly, customer service has been noted for resolving these problems. This feature adds a layer of practicality to the heavy-duty design, acknowledging that you won’t always be using the carrier to haul gear and need a convenient way to tuck it away.
Vehicle Compatibility: Fits Most Adventures
The MERCARS 66″x24″x14″ Hitch Cargo Carrier Basket is designed with broad compatibility in mind. It’s specifically built to work with any vehicle equipped with a standard 2-inch receiver hitch. This is a very common size found on many SUVs, trucks, RVs, cars with tow packages, and vans. This wide compatibility means that if your vehicle has this standard hitch size, you can likely use this carrier, making it a versatile choice for households with multiple vehicles or for someone who might upgrade vehicles in the future. The benefit is that you’re not locked into a carrier that only fits one specific type of vehicle. It’s ready to go on your SUV for a weekend trip or on your truck for hauling supplies. The included hitch stabilizer helps minimize wobble and play in the receiver, providing a more secure and stable ride for your cargo. This wide-ranging compatibility, combined with its large capacity and dual functionality, positions this cargo basket as a solid choice for a variety of adventure-seekers and haulers.
Hearing from Others
Having spent time with this carrier, I also looked online to see what other users were saying, and it seems my experience aligns with much of the feedback. Many users praised the large size and robust build of the MERCARS cargo carrier, noting its ability to handle heavy loads and its usefulness for freeing up vehicle space. Several commented on the ease of loading and unloading bikes when they fit correctly. While some initial reviews mentioned issues with quality control, such as misaligned holes, paint chips, or welding problems, multiple users updated their reviews positively after contacting customer service, highlighting the company’s proactive approach in sending replacement parts and even offering refunds or rebates to resolve issues. It’s clear that while some initial units might have had manufacturing hiccups, the company appears committed to making things right, which is reassuring.
Wrapping Things Up
Ultimately, the problem of limited vehicle space is a common headache for anyone looking to travel with more than just the basics. The complications range from uncomfortable rides and reduced visibility to having to leave essential gear behind. The MERCARS 66″x24″x14″ Hitch Cargo Carrier Basket offers a compelling solution to this challenge. It’s a great fit for solving that problem because of its impressive cargo capacity, its versatile 2-in-1 design that handles both gear and bikes, and its heavy-duty construction built for the long haul. Despite some initial quality control concerns reported by early adopters, the company’s responsive customer service seems to stand behind the product, often resolving issues effectively. If you’re ready to reclaim your vehicle’s interior space and haul your gear or bikes with confidence, Click here to check it out and see if it’s the right fit for your next adventure.
Last update on 2025-08-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API