It’s happened to most of us – you’re packing for a road trip, a camping adventure, or even just hauling stuff for a project, and realize your vehicle simply doesn’t have enough space. That cramped feeling, the inability to bring everything you need, or worse, having to cram things unsafely inside, is incredibly frustrating. I faced this exact problem, and the thought of leaving essential gear behind or being uncomfortable on a long drive was enough to make me seek a better solution. Solving this storage deficit was crucial, as failure to do so meant either sacrificing necessary items or risking damage to my vehicle’s interior, not to mention potential safety hazards from an overloaded cabin. Finding an external storage solution became a priority.
When you find yourself consistently running out of interior space, a dedicated external cargo carrier is often the answer. This product category is designed specifically to free up room inside your vehicle, allowing you to comfortably transport luggage, sports equipment, camping gear, tools, or anything else that won’t fit or that you prefer to keep outside. The ideal customer for a hitch mount cargo carrier is someone who frequently travels or hauls items that exceed their vehicle’s internal capacity, especially those with SUVs, trucks, or vans equipped with a standard 2-inch receiver hitch. They value convenience, extra space, and often, a more secure way to transport bulky or dirty items.
However, this type of carrier isn’t for everyone. If you primarily transport very lightweight items, rarely travel with a full load, or if your vehicle lacks a 2-inch hitch receiver, a different solution like a rooftop carrier (if your vehicle has roof rails) or even a small utility trailer might be more suitable. Those concerned about adding length to their vehicle, limiting access to their rear cargo area, or needing to park in tight spaces should also consider the implications of a hitch-mounted unit. Before buying, you absolutely need to check your vehicle’s hitch receiver size (this carrier requires a 2-inch), confirm its tongue weight capacity (this carrier has a 500 lbs capacity, but your hitch might be less), and consider how the carrier will affect your vehicle’s overall length and ground clearance. Also, think about the types of items you’ll be carrying and whether an open basket or a fully enclosed box is better.
- ✅ WEIZE hitch mount cargo carrier is designed to fit a 2" receiver hitch at the rear of your vehicle. It is specifically intended for installation on the back of your car. Please ensure your vehicle...
- ✅ Extra Storage Capacity: Get an extra storage space behind your vehicle with Weize hitch-mounted cargo carrier, allowing you to carry more luggage, gear, and items with ease. Perfect for long...
- ✅ 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 from rust and...
Introducing the WEIZE Carrier
The WEIZE Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket 60″ x 20″ x 6″ is designed to be a straightforward and effective way to add significant storage space to the rear of your vehicle. It promises extra capacity for trips, camping, and hauling, aiming to make packing easier and your travels more comfortable. When you purchase this particular model, you get the steel basket itself, designed to fit a standard 2″ receiver hitch, plus several useful accessories: a waterproof cargo bag, a cargo net, and a couple of tie-down straps. While I can’t directly compare it to every market leader or previous WEIZE versions without specific details, its inclusion of the bag and net right in the box sets it apart from some competitors who sell these as separate add-ons, providing a more complete package from the start. This specific WEIZE cargo carrier is best suited for those needing a substantial amount of extra space and appreciate having the essential tie-down and weather protection accessories included. It might not be ideal for someone looking for the absolute lightest or most premium-finish carrier on the market, but for practical hauling, it’s a strong contender.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons I’ve found:
Pros:
* Provides significant extra storage capacity.
* Heavy-duty steel construction offers a high 500 lbs load capacity.
* Folding shank allows it to be folded up when not in use.
* Includes valuable accessories: waterproof bag, cargo net, and tie-down straps.
* Excellent value for the price point.
Cons:
* Assembly can sometimes involve slightly misaligned holes.
* The included cargo bag’s material durability has received mixed feedback.
* Pointed bolt ends inside the basket can potentially damage cargo if not protected.
* May add noticeable noise while driving, especially when empty.
- 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.
Deep Dive into Capabilities
Having used this hitch mounted cargo carrier for some time, I’ve gotten a real feel for its performance across various trips and hauling tasks. Let’s break down the specific features and how they translate into real-world benefits.
Hitch Mount Compatibility (2″ Receiver)
The primary function relies on fitting into a standard 2-inch receiver hitch. Installation is straightforward in this regard – you simply slide the folding shank into your vehicle’s hitch receiver and secure it with the included hardware, typically a hitch pin and clip (ensure you have these, or that they are included, as sometimes this standard item isn’t explicitly listed but is necessary for use). This standard compatibility is a major plus, meaning it should fit a wide range of SUVs, trucks, and vans without needing special adapters, provided your vehicle has the correct hitch size and capacity. The benefit here is obvious: it’s a simple, secure mounting method that distributes the load directly to your vehicle’s frame, unlike rooftop carriers that rely on roof strength and crossbars.
Extra Storage Capacity (60″ x 20″ x 6″ Basket, 500 lbs)
The basket itself measures a generous 60 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 6 inches deep. This size offers a substantial amount of extra space, more than enough for several medium-sized suitcases, coolers, camping crates, or bulky sports gear. The 6-inch depth of the basket provides a secure base, preventing items from easily sliding off the sides before they are tied down. Crucially, it boasts a hefty 500 lbs load capacity. This high weight limit means you’re not just limited to bulky but light items; you can confidently load heavier gear like tools, firewood, or multiple heavy suitcases. The benefit of this capacity is the sheer volume and weight of cargo you can offload from your vehicle’s interior, making long trips significantly more comfortable and freeing up trunk or seating space for passengers or items you need easily accessible. It genuinely transforms your vehicle’s carrying potential.
Folding Design
A standout feature is the folding shank. This allows the cargo basket to be folded upwards when it’s empty and not in use. This is incredibly convenient for parking in tighter spots, navigating garages, or simply reducing the overall length of your vehicle when you don’t need the carrier extended. It means you don’t have to completely remove the carrier every time you’re done using it, which is a significant time and effort saver, especially given its weight (around 66.5 lbs). The folding mechanism is sturdy, and while it adds a pivot point, I haven’t found it compromises stability when the carrier is in the horizontal, loaded position.
Durability (Heavy-Duty Steel, Powder Coating)
The construction is heavy-duty steel, which is essential for handling the 500 lbs load capacity. The steel provides the necessary strength and rigidity. It’s finished with a black powder coating, which is intended to protect the metal from rust and corrosion. In practice, the steel feels solid and capable of handling significant weight. The powder coating provides a decent initial layer of protection, but based on my experience and common advice for this type of product, it’s true that supplementary rustproofing, like using a truck bed liner paint on the joints and welds, is a good idea for long-term durability, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather or use it frequently in wet conditions. Despite the recommendation for extra care, the underlying steel structure is robust and gives confidence in its ability to carry heavy loads safely.
Included Accessories (Waterproof Bag, Net, Straps)
This WEIZE hitch rack comes with a suite of accessories that add significant value. The waterproof cargo bag is a major bonus. It’s large enough to hold a considerable amount of gear and protects items from rain, road grime, and sun exposure. While some users have reported issues with the bag’s long-term durability or absolute waterproofing in extreme conditions, I’ve found it sufficient for typical rain and road spray, provided it’s packed carefully and not overloaded to the point of stressing seams or zippers. The included cargo net is great for quickly securing oddly shaped items or holding down loads, offering flexibility beyond just using the bag. The tie-down straps (rated at 2200 lbs) are heavy-duty and essential for securing the cargo bag or other items firmly to the basket, preventing shifting during transit. Having these included means you don’t have to make separate purchases to start using the carrier safely and effectively, saving you time and money.
Assembly and Design Considerations
Assembly is generally straightforward, involving bolting the basket sections together and attaching the folding shank. Instructions are usually included, and for the most part, it’s a task manageable with basic tools. However, as with many bolted steel assemblies, there can be instances where bolt holes don’t align perfectly, requiring a bit of maneuvering or minor adjustments to get everything lined up. While not a major hurdle, it’s something to be aware of during setup. A minor design point that comes up in user feedback is the nature of the bolts used to secure the mesh floor to the frame. The ends of these bolts protrude upwards inside the basket. If you’re using the included cargo bag, or any soft luggage, these bolt ends can potentially rub and cause wear or even tears, especially if the bag shifts during transit or is packed tightly over the bolts. A simple fix, like covering the bolt ends with tape or padding, is recommended to prevent this.
Another practical design aspect is the 2-inch upward rise of the shank. This slight elevation helps improve ground clearance, which is particularly useful when driving over uneven terrain, entering or exiting driveways, or going over speed bumps. It helps reduce the risk of the carrier scraping the ground when loaded, a common concern with hitch-mounted accessories.
Despite minor assembly quirks and the bolt issue, the overall structure feels solid once assembled and properly mounted. The WEIZE cargo carrier performs its core function of providing extra, secure space reliably.
Hearing from Users
After spending time with the carrier myself, I browsed feedback from others who’ve purchased this specific model, and the general sentiment is quite positive, especially considering the price. Many users echo my experience that the basket is sturdy and provides much-needed extra space, easily accommodating multiple suitcases or bulky gear for trips. The inclusion of the waterproof bag and tie-downs is frequently mentioned as a great value-add, though some note that the bag’s material might not be the most durable for rigorous long-term abuse or extreme weather, occasionally showing wear or letting some moisture through. Assembly is sometimes noted as slightly challenging due to occasional hole alignment issues, but most found it manageable. The folding feature is appreciated for convenience. Overall, people feel they got a great deal for the utility provided by this hitch cargo carrier.
Final Thoughts
Running out of space in your vehicle is more than just inconvenient; it can compromise safety and make travel uncomfortable. Having a reliable external storage solution like a hitch mount cargo carrier is a practical necessity for many. The WEIZE Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket stands out as a great fit for solving this problem for a few key reasons: it offers substantial load capacity (500 lbs) and volume to haul all your extra gear, its folding design adds valuable convenience for storage and parking when not in use, and the inclusion of essential accessories like the waterproof bag and straps right in the box makes it a fantastic value. If you’re tired of cramped car rides and need a robust, budget-friendly way to expand your hauling capabilities, this carrier is definitely worth considering. Click here to check out the product .
Last update on 2025-08-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API