5 Car Carrier Trailer for Pickup Truck Reviews: Find the Right Pick

Hauling extra gear with your pickup truck can be a challenge, especially when the bed is full. A hitch-mounted cargo carrier is a smart solution, giving you more space without a full trailer.

This guide reviews five top-rated carriers, from steel baskets to folding ramps, helping you pick the one that matches your truck and your hauling needs. We’ll break down each product’s strengths so you can make an informed choice.

MaxxHaul 70107 Steel Cargo Carrier – Heavy-Duty Hauling

The MaxxHaul 70107 is a robust steel cargo carrier designed for serious hauling. Its 53 x 19-inch basket provides ample space for coolers, camping gear, or luggage, and the high side rails keep everything secure during transit. With a 500-pound distributed weight capacity, you can confidently load up for long trips without worrying about overloading your hitch.

Installation is straightforward on any standard 2-inch receiver, and the black powder-coated finish resists rust and wear. While it’s not foldable, its solid construction ensures reliable performance over time. If you need a no-nonsense, heavy-duty carrier for your pickup truck, this model delivers dependable extra storage space.

View all product features

• Impressive Weight Capacity: With a maximum distributed weight capacity of 500 pounds, this hitch cargo carrier confidently supports your cargo needs, ensuring secure transportation
• Generous Basket Dimensions: The outer basket dimensions measure 53 x 19 x 5 inches, while the inner basket provides ample space at 51 x 17-1/2 x 4-1/2 inches. This spacious design accommodates various cargo types and sizes
• Sturdy Steel Construction: Crafted from heavy-duty steel, this cargo carrier is built to withstand demanding loads and rugged conditions, delivering reliable performance over time
• Fits Standard Hitch Receivers: Designed to fit 2 x 2 inch hitch receivers, this carrier is compatible with common hitch sizes, ensuring easy installation and a secure attachment to your vehicle
• Explore More: To delve into further details about this product, please scroll down and explore our A plus pages. There, you'll find comprehensive information to assist you in making an informed choice
• Explore More: To discover additional details about this product, please scroll down and explore our A plus pages. There, you'll find comprehensive information to help you make an informed decision

---

MaxxHaul 70108 Aluminum Carrier – Lightweight & Rust-Free

The MaxxHaul 70108 offers a smart alternative with its extruded aluminum construction, making it lighter and resistant to rust. The basket measures 49 x 22.5 inches, providing a generous platform for your gear, and the high side rails help prevent items from shifting. It also features reflector lenses and red corner accents for added visibility, enhancing safety on the road.

Despite its lighter weight, it still supports up to 500 pounds thanks to a heavy-duty steel under-support frame. This carrier is ideal for those who want to minimize added weight to their hitch while still gaining substantial cargo space. It’s a great choice for camping trips or everyday use where rust resistance is a priority.

View all product features

• Robust Aluminum Construction: Crafted from extruded aluminum, this basket-style cargo carrier offers a blend of durability, lightweight design, and resistance to rust. Easy to install, clean, and maintain, it's a reliable choice for your hauling needs.
• Sturdy Under Support Frame: Boasting a heavy-duty steel under support frame, this carrier includes a 2" x 2" hitch shaft compatible with standard Class III and IV hitch receivers, ensuring secure attachment and dependable performance.
• Enhanced Safety Features: Equipped with reflector lenses and red corner accents, this carrier enhances visibility for safer journeys. The high side rails not only keep your cargo secure but also provide multiple tie-down points for added convenience.
• Instant Cargo Space Solution: Ideal for camping trips, long road adventures, or transporting items that you'd rather not place inside your vehicle, this cargo carrier offers instant and versatile storage space on demand.
• Generous Basket Dimensions: Outer basket dimensions measure 49-1/4 x 22-1/2 x 7-1/4 inches, while the inner basket dimensions are 47-1/4 x 20-1/4 x 6 inches, providing ample room for various cargo types and sizes.

---

ECOTRIC Hitch Carrier with Ramp – Easy Loading

The ECOTRIC hitch cargo carrier stands out with its integrated folding ramp, making it perfect for loading wheelchairs, scooters, or snow blowers. The platform measures 46.2 x 26.8 inches, and the ramp extends to 38.7 inches for easy rolling access. When not in use, the ramp locks flat, and the entire carrier folds for compact storage.

It includes a 3-inch safety rail to keep cargo secure and is compatible with all 2-inch receivers (Class III/IV). The heavy-duty folding hitch adds rigidity, and tie-down points help strap down your load. If you need to transport mobility devices or heavy equipment, this carrier’s ramp design is a game-changer for convenience.

View all product features

• Function: This hitch-mounted carrier is designed for easy loading and transportation of wheelchairs, scooters, snow blowers, and similar items. It functions as both a secure cargo platform and a folding ramp, simply attaching to your 2" vehicle hitch receiver.
• Key Specifications: Include a platform size of 26.8 x 46.2 inches, with a total ramp length of 38.7 inches when extended. The trailer carrier weighs 67.3 lbs, and the ramp (gate) weighs 16 lbs. It is designed for easy lifting and can support a weight capacity of up to 500 lbs. The durable black powder-coated finish adds to its longevity
• Design Features: The carrier includes a 3-inch safety rail and is compatible with all 2" receivers, suitable for hitch classes III or IV. The folding ramp can be locked flat when not in use, featuring heavy-duty steel construction and internal spring-loaded pull locks
• Feature: The heavy-duty folding hitch enhances the carrier's rigidity and strength. Tie-down straps can be secured to various tie-down holes located on the sides of the ramp. It offers three positions: closed flat, open L-shape, and open flat. The ramp features a handle for effortless folding and unfolding
• Please note: Mobility devices should not be occupied during loading or unloading, and the rated capacities of your hitch must not be exceeded. A hitch tightener is recommended to minimize wobbling, although an anti-wobble plate is not included

---

VEVOR 60×24 Foldable Carrier – Spacious & Stable

The VEVOR hitch cargo carrier offers a spacious 60 x 24-inch platform, giving you plenty of room for bulky items like luggage or camping gear. Its 14-inch high side rails keep cargo secure, and the 500-pound capacity handles heavy loads. The carrier folds completely flat by adjusting pins and latches, saving space when not in use.

It features an upgraded anti-rattle stabilizer to reduce shaking during travel, ensuring a smoother ride. Installation is universal for any 2-inch receiver, fitting SUVs, trucks, and pickups. If you need maximum cargo space and the convenience of a foldable design, this VEVOR model is a versatile choice for your pickup truck.

View all product features

• Universal Installation: Our hitch cargo carrier is applicable to all models with standard 2" hitch receiver, such as off-road vehicles, SUVs, trucks and pickups.
• 500lbs Extra Storage Space: Our hitch cargo carrier measures 60 x 24 x 14 in/1525 x 610 x 355 mm, which can be used to load different sizes of cargo. Save storage space for your car transport.
• Foldable: When you don't use our hitch cargo carrier,, the luggage frame can be completely flattened and folded 90°by adjusting the pins and latches, lowering the need for repeated disassembly and taking up no extra space.
• Anti-Rattle & Shake: Our hitch cargo carrier upgrades the hook-up stabilizer to strengthen the fixation, lower shaking and rattling. Fix it on the rear connector of the car for more stably.
• Heavy Duty Steel: This hitch cargo carrier is made of heavy duty steel. Powder coated is rust and corrosion-resistant. Thickened support rods and mesh base effectively carry heavy loads. It is not easy to deform and break.

---

MaxxHaul 70231 Bed Extender – For Long Loads

The MaxxHaul 70231 is a hitch-mounted truck bed extender, designed to carry longer payloads like ladders, kayaks, or lumber. It fits 2-inch hitch receivers and features adjustable length and width for versatility. The four quick-release clevis pins allow for fast assembly and disassembly, making it easy to switch between uses.

It includes a red flag and reflective tape for added visibility and safety, which is crucial when hauling long items that extend beyond your truck. While it’s not a traditional cargo basket, it’s perfect for extending your truck bed’s capacity. If you frequently transport long or awkward items, this extender is a practical and affordable solution.

View all product features

• Extends your truck bed for carrying longer payloads, designed to fit 2-Inch hitch receivers
• Adjustable length and width gives versatility for use in many different applications
• Features 4 quick release clevis pins for quick assembly and disassembly
• Red flag and reflective tape on the product adds further visibility and safety
• Side arms can be folded down creating the supports for a portable work area

---

Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider

Consider hitch class, weight capacity, material, and folding features when choosing a carrier. This guide helps you match your pickup truck’s needs.

• Hitch Compatibility: Ensure your truck has a 2-inch receiver (Class III/IV) to fit most carriers. Check your vehicle's hitch class before buying.
• Weight Capacity: Match the carrier's load limit to your cargo. Most carriers support 500 lbs, but always account for the carrier's own weight.
• Material: Steel is strong and affordable but heavy; aluminum is lighter and rust-resistant. Choose based on your need for durability versus ease of handling.
• Foldability: Foldable carriers save storage space when not in use. Look for quick-release pins or latches for easy folding and setup.
• Safety Features: High side rails or safety rails keep cargo secure. Reflectors or flags improve visibility for safer towing, especially at night.

Conclusion

Choosing the right car carrier trailer for your pickup truck comes down to your specific needs. For general cargo, the MaxxHaul 70107 offers sturdy steel construction, while the ECOTRIC model excels with its integrated ramp for heavy items.

If you need to extend your truck bed for long loads, the MaxxHaul 70231 is a practical choice. Consider your typical cargo and storage space to find the best fit for your adventures.