Last Updated on May 3, 2023 by Will Sabel
If you love traveling on your Jeep like me, chances are you have already done some camping or, even better – go on extreme trips like rafting! A vehicle like a Jeep Wrangler is perfect for these kinds of trips.
The only bad thing is the lack of space for all your stuff. I had the same problem when I wanted to go mountain biking with my friends but didn’t want to leave anything behind. The solution is to buy the best hitch cargo carrier for jeep wrangler.
This article will review the top hitch cargo carrier for jeep wrangler on the market, giving you several different options for anyone who needs to haul cargo or things around.
What to Look for in Jeep Wrangler Hitch Cargo Carrier
A hitch-mounted cargo carrier is an easy-to-install accessory that allows you to transport more oversized items in the back of your Jeep. They come in all shapes and sizes, so finding one that fits your needs can be challenging. Here are some things to look for.
Built Quality
The first thing you should look at when buying a hitch carrier is its built quality. You want something that is going to hold up for years to come and not fall apart after just a few uses.
Make sure that it is made of high-quality materials such as heavy-duty steel or aluminum so that it can withstand rough use and weather conditions. Also, check if there are any visible signs of rust or corrosion on the product before making your purchase.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of your cargo carrier will determine how much weight it can carry safely. However, some models may offer more or less depending on the size of the cargo rack. You should never exceed this limit because doing so can cause damage to your vehicle and may even be dangerous for you and others on the road.
When choosing a hitch cargo carrier for your Jeep Wrangler, ensure that it has a maximum weight capacity of at least 500 pounds. This will ensure that you can safely transport any items you need to haul around with ease. Otherwise, you might have to return it later down the road because it doesn’t meet your needs adequately!
Size
Your truck’s size will determine which hitch carrier you should buy, so make sure that the carrier can fit on your vehicle and expand cargo space. If you have a large family or want to carry lots of camping gear, go with a larger model that can hold more weight or other items.
Smaller models may not be able to handle heavy loads very well and could cause damage to your vehicle or trailer hitch if overloaded.
Ease of Assembly and Installation
Some hitch carriers require assembly before installing the receiver hitch on your vehicle.
Others come pre-assembled and ready for use right out of the box. If you don’t have time to put together complicated parts or tools that are not readily available, consider choosing an easy-to-install product that requires no additional setup before use.
Additional Accessories
The best cargo carriers come with additional accessories that make them easier to use and more versatile than other types of carriers.
These include straps for securing items inside the carrier, reflectors for increased visibility at night, a cargo bag for carrying smaller things (like groceries), a cargo net, and a hitch stabilizer for reducing swaying when driving down the road.
Top Rated Jeep Wrangler Hitch Cargo Carrier
There are plenty of different models and styles to choose from, but most cargo carriers couldn’t meet our expectations. Here are my top 5 picks for the best hitch cargo carrier for your jeep wrangler that I’ve selected after testing and collecting reviews.
1. Mockins Folding Cargo Basket – Top Pick
If you are planning long car trips or just want to keep your car tidy, grab the Mockins carrier hitch. It is a sturdy cargo basket that can make your vehicle more versatile for travel and other purposes.
Its spacious design measures 60 inches long by 20 inches wide by 6 inches high, but you can fold it up and put it inside your car. This makes it easy to get to when you need it.
Not only that but the carrier is also made with heavy-duty steel that has the ability to last for a long while, ensuring that it serves you well on your trips. Thanks to the anti-rust coating on its surface, you can rest assured that it won’t rust.
The Mockins folding cargo has a maximum cargo load of 500 lbs. That makes it perfect for hauling building supplies, tools, firewood, camping gear, sports equipment, groceries, etc.
This hitch rack has a mesh floor that makes it easy to clean. You can simply hose out the basket after a trip or give this product a good wipe with a sponge and soapy water.
Most importantly, it comes with a hitch hauler that offers a 2-inch rise resulting in excellent ground clearance. It fits any vehicle with a 2-inch hitch receiver, which means it will work with your car, SUV, van, or truck.
It holds a lot of stuff and can easily be secured to almost any vehicle with the 6mm heavy-duty cargo net, two rainproof ratchet straps, rack bag, and hitch stabilizer.
Moreover, there’re reflectors at the rear to maximize night visibility. You’ll find it a breeze to assemble by following its clear instructions. And since you have the proper tools, the installation will be as easy as ABC.
Pros
- It offers plenty of space to haul almost anything
- Robust steel construction to make it durable
- Resist rust with the anti-rust coating
- Effortless to clean due to the mesh surface
- Provides excellent ground clearance through a 2-inch rise
- Assembly and installation are simply following the instructions
Cons
- The included bag is pretty small
- If your car has a spare tire on the rear door, you can’t use this cargo carrier
2. ROLA 59502 Steel Vortex Cargo Carrier
For jeep wrangler owners who want a cargo carrier that’s not just easy to install but also super easy to use, the 59592 Vortex from ROLA is for them.
You can install your cargo carrier in seconds. All you have to do is put the two pieces together, attach them to your license plate, and then you’re ready to go! Yes, it also has holes so that you can easily link your plate. That way, it’ll stay secure while your stuff gets hauled around.
Besides, when assembled, it’s 56 inches wide by 23 inches deep by 5 inches tall. This is the perfect way to add some extra storage space to your vehicle.
This product is made from high-quality steel that is strong and durable so you can count on it to last. Plus, its enduring black powder coating resists rust and scratches, so you can be sure that your cargo will be safe for years to come.
With its one-of-a-kind rise-shank design, you’ll get more ground clearance, and the loading and unloading will be much simpler. You can use it on cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and other large vehicles with 2-inch square receivers.
Pros
- Installation won’t take long, thanks to its two-piece system assembly
- The weight limit is 600lbs. perfect for carrying camping gear and equipment
- Enduring due to being made of steel
- It comes with a black powder coat to resist rust
- Delivers excellent clearance from the ground by the rise-shank
Cons
- Reportedly too big bolts holes
3. OKLEAD RS03B-1 Heavy Duty Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier
If you’re going to be traveling around with a lot of luggage, the last thing you need is a flimsy hitch mount cargo carrier that will fall apart when you’re on the highway. No worries, get yourself the OxLad RS03B-1 Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier to save yourself on the road.
This carrier is constructed out of heavy-strength steel, which is exceptionally strong and will last a very long time. Besides, the maximum weight capacity is 400 lbs, making it ideal for storing additional luggage.
As a bonus, the side rails on this carrier are 14.4 inches taller than most other carriers. Thanks to the high-side rails, you’ll be able to load and unload heavier things without them falling off or becoming snagged between the carrier and your vehicle.
Moreover, it has a mesh surface, ensuring that smaller things can’t fall through so that your belongings stay safe during your journey. Furthermore, it includes two red reflectors to ensure you’re always visible in bad weather.
Another essential thing to mention about this product is its compact and slim design, which features a receiver tube that you can fold up for extra convenience when it is not in use.
Pros
- Steel construction for ensuring longevity
- High sides rail to conveniently load and unload your stuff
- Its mesh surface secures your bags from falling
- 2 red reflectors to keep you safe on the road
- Easy to store owing to the receiver tube
Cons
- It doesn’t provide any instruction
4. MaxxHaul 70107
Are you looking for a cheap carrier that will give you more storage capacity? As a Jeep owner, you can’t go wrong with the MaxxHaul 70107 cargo carrier. It will provide you with excellent storage without draining your bank account.
It offers distributed weight capacity of 500 lbs. that can support several goods and materials. The outer basket has a 53-inch x 19-inch x 5-inch size, while the inner basket has a 51-inch x 17-1/2-inches x 4 -1/2-inch size. This means that you can easily fit most types of boats into this organizer without worrying about them being too small or too large.
Besides, it boasts a tubular steel frame that provides the strength needed to hold up to anything you put on it, even if you’re hauling your horse trailer, boat, or other heavy loads.
Plus, the MaxxHaul is coated with black powder, so it’ll weather any storm and keep on truckin’. This product has high side rails that are designed to help keep your cargo secure and safe during transport.
In order to utilize this hitch on any vehicle, you will need a 2-inch by 2-inch Class III or Class IV receiver hitch.
And to properly secure the smaller top bars, you just need a 12 mm opening, but for the larger hex nuts, you should use a socket wrench with a 16 mm opening.
Pros
- 500 lbs. weight capacity for hauling a good amount of items
- Frame made of tubular steel to assure endurance
- Black powder coat for withstanding corrosion
- Provides safety by the high side rails
- Painless to install
Cons
- Build quality is not so adequate
5. CURT 18153 Hitch Cargo Carrier
Cargo carriers can be installed either on the roof or at the rear of the vehicle. With that in mind, the 18153 CURT cargo carrier is an excellent choice if you choose to use a rear-mounted carrier. There are other features that’ll win your heart as well.
The tubular steel used in this cargo carrier means it is both strong and lightweight, so it will not add unnecessary weight to your vehicle. Moreover, it comes with an e-coat and carbide black powder coat finish, so you can rest assured it won’t rust or corrode.
Because it has a capacity of up to 500 lbs. you can safely transport everything from a few bags of groceries to a whole set of tires with it.
There is no need to worry about spills and trash because of the sturdy mesh base made of steel that couples up with the bolt-together design. Cleaning up the mess after returning from the trip won’t feel like hell with this curt cargo carrier.
This hitch cargo carrier gives you peace of mind with its 6-inch-high walls that’ll keep your items safe while you drive. You can use these walls to secure a cargo net or cargo bag, giving you the perfect solution for keeping all your belongings in one place.
The frame of this carrier has built-in reflectors that make both the carrier and your car easier to see at night. That way, you can stay safe while driving with your cargo on top of your vehicle.
Pros
- Tubular steel construction for longevity and lightweight
- Prevents erosion by the e-coat
- Painless to clean up the debris
- 6-inch wall to secure your items
- Provides safety on the road with the inbuilt reflectors
Cons
- It doesn’t offer good ground clearance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to install a cargo carrier on a Jeep Wrangler?
Yes, you can put a cargo carrier on your Jeep Wrangler. But it’s not as simple as just buying one, strapping it on, and driving off. You’ll need to do some research to ensure that the carrier will fit and that it will be safe to drive with. You can usually attach cargo box or racks to the front or rear of your vehicle.
Are hitch cargo carriers safe?
Hitch carriers are as safe as they are convenient. The best thing about hitch cargo carriers is that they allow you to carry your stuff with you wherever you go.
With a hitch cargo carrier, you can take along all the things that matter to you—your bike, kayak, or whatever else — without worrying about them getting damaged or lost on the road.
How do I choose a hitch for my carrier?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a hitch for your carrier.
- Make sure the hitch is compatible with the carrier you have.
- Then, ensure that you know what kind of weight capacity your vehicle can handle.
- Think about what kind of terrain you’ll be driving in and how much sway you want your trailer to have in that terrain.
- Consider whether or not you want extra features such as lights or brakes on your trailer.
- Finally, think about how much money you’re willing to spend on this purchase!
Final Verdict
Ultimately, I thought there was no clear choice for the best hitch carrier. Each contender had its virtues and its own set of problems.
However, one thing is for sure when looking for the best hitch cargo carrier for jeep wrangler; it’s important to consider aesthetics as well as functionality. After all, you’ll be seeing it in your car every day.
If you’re looking for a reliable option that will hold up well over time and keep your gear secure on the road, I recommend the Mockins Folding Cargo Carrier. I love its durable construction and easy installation process.
It folds up and rolls away when you’re not using it. You can use the cover to shield your items from the rain, or you can use it for storage. The cargo net is thick, keeps things in place, and the straps are super strong.
