Hitch Trailer for Car: Cargo Carriers vs Trailer Hitches Explained
“Hitch trailer for car” can mean three different things: an actual towed trailer, the trailer hitch hardware bolted to your bumper, or a hitch-mounted cargo carrier basket that adds storage without towing anything. This guide covers the hitch hardware and cargo carrier options, with real weight ratings and fitment details so you buy the right one.
Most people searching this phrase are not actually shopping for a full towed trailer — they want either a trailer hitch installed so they can tow something later, or a hitch-mounted cargo carrier (a basket or platform that clips onto the hitch receiver and rides behind the car without wheels of its own). Below we break down both, with three specific, in-stock products: a heavy-duty cargo carrier, a vehicle-specific trailer hitch, and a budget-friendly cargo carrier.
Trailer Hitch vs. Hitch Cargo Carrier vs. Towed Trailer
BEST UNIVERSAL FIT — FITS ANY 2” RECEIVER
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MaxxHaul 70107 Hitch Cargo Carrier – $61.99 If you just want extra hauling space and don’t already own a hitch, this is the lowest-cost way to get one — it fits any standard 2” receiver, car or SUV.
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All three products below use the same 2-inch receiver that comes standard on most SUVs and trucks, and on cars once a hitch is installed. The receiver is the square tube bolted under the rear bumper; a trailer hitch is the whole assembly that creates that receiver, while a cargo carrier or trailer is whatever you plug into it afterward. A cargo carrier has no wheels and is rated for its own basket weight limit; an actual trailer has its own wheels, its own VIN in some states, and is rated by the tow vehicle’s separate towing capacity — check your owner’s manual before towing anything, since that number is usually lower than the hitch’s own rating.
If you already have a hitch and just need more room for luggage or camping gear, jump to the cargo carriers below. If your car has no hitch at all yet, start with the CURT trailer hitch review. And if you’re looking to actually tow a car trailer behind your vehicle rather than just carry gear, see our guides on car hauler trailer dimensions and what it costs to rent a car trailer instead — those are full towed trailers, not the hitch accessories covered here.
OKLEAD 500 Lbs Heavy Duty Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier
The OKLEAD 500 Lbs Heavy Duty Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier is built for camping and road-trip gear that will not fit inside the car. It measures 60″ x 24″ x 14.4″ and fits any 2” receiver, so it works on most SUVs, trucks, and cars with an aftermarket hitch installed.
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel construction rated for up to 500 lbs.
- Folding design so it tucks flat when not hauling gear.
- Universal fit for any 2” receiver.
Cons
- At roughly 40 lbs, a second person makes installation easier.
- No built-in lighting, so add reflective tape or a light kit for night driving in most states.
For a deeper side-by-side of similar hitch cargo racks, see our full cargo rack for car roundup. Check current price on Amazon.
CURT 13485 Class 3 Trailer Hitch (Hyundai Tucson & Kia Sportage)
The CURT 13485 Class 3 Trailer Hitch is a vehicle-specific hitch built for the 2022–2025 Hyundai Tucson and 2023–2025 Kia Sportage. Unlike the universal cargo carriers above, this is the actual hitch hardware — the piece that bolts to the frame and creates a 2” receiver where you can later attach a cargo carrier, bike rack, or a real trailer.
Pros
- No-drill, custom-fit installation designed specifically for these two models.
- Rated 3,500 lbs gross trailer weight (GTW) and 525 lbs tongue weight per CURT’s published specs.
- Concealed main body and black powder-coat finish for a factory-look install.
Cons
- Fits only the specific Tucson and Sportage model years listed — not a universal hitch.
- 3,500 lb GTW is a Class 3 hitch, not a heavy-duty Class 4/5 rating — fine for a small utility trailer or cargo carrier, not a large camper.
Always confirm your specific trim and model year on CURT’s fitment page before ordering, and remember the vehicle manufacturer’s own towing capacity (in your owner’s manual) can be lower than the hitch’s 3,500 lb rating — the lower of the two numbers is what you should never exceed. For more hitch options across other vehicles, see our hitch for car comparison. Check current price on Amazon.
MaxxHaul 70107 Hitch Cargo Carrier
The MaxxHaul 70107 is a straightforward, budget-friendly steel cargo carrier. Its outer basket measures 53″ x 19″ x 5″, with an inner usable area of about 51″ x 17.5″ x 4.5″, and it’s rated for up to 500 lbs distributed weight on any 2” hitch receiver.
Pros
- Lowest price of the three products reviewed here.
- High side rails help keep loose items from sliding off in transit.
- Includes reflectors for visibility.
Cons
- Smaller basket footprint than the OKLEAD, so it suits lighter loads better than bulky camping gear for a family of four.
- As with any hitch accessory, double-check your specific receiver size before ordering.
Check current price on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The OKLEAD 500 Lbs Cargo Carrier?
The OKLEAD 500 Lbs Cargo Carrier is a heavy-duty hitch mount rack measuring 60″ x 24″ x 14.4″. It fits any 2-inch receiver and folds flat when not in use, making it a good pick for camping and travel gear.
Does The CURT 13485 Hitch Fit My Vehicle?
The CURT 13485 is built specifically for the 2022–2025 Hyundai Tucson and 2023–2025 Kia Sportage. It will not fit other models or years. Always verify your exact trim and model year against CURT’s fitment listing before buying.
How Much Can The CURT 13485 Hitch Tow?
CURT rates the 13485 for 3,500 lbs gross trailer weight (GTW) and 525 lbs tongue weight, tested to SAE J684. That is a Class 3 rating — enough for a small utility trailer or cargo carrier, but check your Tucson or Sportage owner’s manual too, since the vehicle’s own towing capacity can be lower than the hitch’s rating, and the lower number is your real limit.
Whats The Difference Between A Trailer Hitch And A Hitch Cargo Carrier?
A trailer hitch is the hardware bolted to your vehicle’s frame that creates a receiver opening. A hitch cargo carrier is an accessory — usually a basket or platform with no wheels — that plugs into that receiver to add storage space. A hitch carrier does not tow anything; it just rides along behind the car.
Are These Hitches And Carriers Easy To Install?
The OKLEAD and MaxxHaul cargo carriers simply slide into an existing 2” receiver and lock with a hitch pin — no tools needed. The CURT 13485 trailer hitch is a no-drill, custom-fit install for its listed models, typically requiring basic hand tools and roughly one to two hours of work.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Hitch Cargo Carrier?
A hitch cargo carrier adds outdoor storage space without towing anything, so it keeps luggage, coolers, or camping gear out of the passenger cabin. It attaches and removes in minutes and works with almost any vehicle that already has a 2” receiver.
Conclusion
If your car does not have a hitch yet and you drive a 2022–2025 Tucson or 2023–2025 Sportage, start with the CURT 13485. If you already have a receiver and just need more cargo room, the OKLEAD offers the largest basket while the MaxxHaul 70107 is the more budget-friendly option. Whichever you pick, confirm your vehicle’s actual towing or load capacity before hauling anything close to the rated limit.
