I remember it vividly: a family trip to the national parks, our SUV packed to the absolute gills. Every square inch of the cargo area was a complex puzzle of coolers, tents, and duffel bags. The back seat was a fortress of pillows, snack bags, and electronics, with the kids wedged in between. I couldn’t see out the rearview mirror, and every stop meant a 15-minute unpacking and repacking ordeal just to find a single water bottle. That trip, we swore we’d find a better way. The freedom of the open road is quickly diminished when your cabin feels more like a cluttered storage unit. This is the exact problem that sends thousands of families, campers, and adventurers searching for a solution—a way to expand their vehicle’s capacity without upgrading to a massive truck or van. The answer often lies in a simple, effective piece of equipment: a hitch-mounted cargo carrier.
- Super Strong Structure: Heavy-duty square tube steel frame, durable and capable of bearing up to 500 pounds. The surface is treated with high-strength black epoxy powder coating, which is rust-proof...
- Spacious Storage Space: Easily accommodate multiple suitcases, camping gear, or other bulky items, freeing up valuable room inside your vehicle. Designed with a sturdy for reliable hauling, this...
- Convenient Cargo Carriers: : 5.5” raised steel tube guardrails form a three-dimensional protective frame that effectively secures luggage items from slipping and shifting in transit, while providing...
Before You Buy: Key Considerations for Hitch-Mounted Cargo Baskets
A Cargo Baskets is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking a new level of freedom and convenience for your travels. It transforms the rear of your vehicle into a versatile utility space, perfect for hauling everything from muddy camping gear and bulky luggage to firewood or hardware store finds. The main benefit is freeing up precious interior space, which enhances passenger comfort, improves driver visibility, and keeps dirty items outside the clean cabin. A quality hitch carrier provides a secure, stable platform that effectively increases your vehicle’s hauling capacity without the permanence or expense of a roof rack system or a utility trailer.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a space deficit in their SUV, truck, van, or RV. This includes growing families who need room for strollers and extra luggage, outdoor enthusiasts hauling coolers and camping equipment, or even DIY homeowners who need a way to transport messy items like mulch or building supplies. However, it might not be suitable for those who own vehicles without a 2-inch hitch receiver, or for individuals who primarily carry extremely valuable or weather-sensitive items without a proper waterproof bag. For those without a hitch, a roof-mounted cargo box is a viable alternative, though it can impact fuel economy and be harder to access.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The physical size of the basket determines what you can carry. The ARKSEN 60″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 Lbs Capacity offers a generous 60 x 23-inch platform, which is ample for multiple large coolers, several suitcases, or bulky camping bins. Measure your largest items and ensure they’ll fit comfortably within the carrier’s footprint and the height of its guardrails.
- Capacity/Performance: A 500-pound capacity is the industry standard and a critical benchmark. This is more than enough for typical luggage and gear. However, performance isn’t just about static weight. Consider how the carrier handles that weight on the road—does it sway, rattle, or sag? A sturdy frame and secure mounting are paramount for safe, real-world performance.
- Materials & Durability: Most carriers are made of steel or aluminum. Steel, like the heavy-duty square tube steel used in this ARKSEN model, offers superior strength and rigidity but is heavier. Aluminum is lighter, making it easier to install and remove, but can sometimes feel less robust. A durable powder-coated finish is essential on steel carriers to prevent rust and corrosion from rain, road salt, and general wear.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a folding shank are a massive convenience, allowing you to fold the carrier vertically against the vehicle when not in use, making parking much easier. Assembly should be straightforward, and long-term care typically involves checking bolts for tightness and touching up any scratches in the paint to prevent rust.
Keeping these factors in mind, the ARKSEN 60″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 Lbs Capacity stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the ARKSEN 60″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 Lbs Capacity is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- HEAVY DUTY STEEL CONSTRUCTION: 1 Piece construction with matt black powder coating finish that resists the elements, rust and scratches.
- DURABLE BUILD - Tubular steel in black epoxy powder coating to promote high strength and a lightweight design. and covered in a rust free coating. It is rated for 200 lbs
- 【LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY】Free up space in your vehicle with this roof rack cargo basket that can hold up to 200 Lbs. Overall dimensions include: 46"(L) x 36"(W) x 5"(H)
Unboxing the ARKSEN: First Impressions and Assembly
The ARKSEN 60″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 Lbs Capacity arrived in a surprisingly robust package. As confirmed by many users, the manufacturer puts effort into packaging, with double-layered cardboard and protective corner pieces that ensure the heavy steel components don’t arrive bent or damaged from transit. Pulling the pieces out of the box, the first thing we noticed was the sheer heft. At over 42 pounds, this is not a flimsy piece of metal. The heavy-duty square tube steel feels substantial, and the black epoxy powder coating gives it a sleek, utilitarian look. The welds, while not perfectly uniform like you’d find on a premium automotive part, appeared solid and functional for the task at hand. The kit is simple: two main basket halves, the folding shank, and a small bag of hardware. There are no confusing small parts, which immediately suggested a straightforward assembly process, a welcome sight for anyone eager to get on the road.
What We Like
- Robust Steel Construction: The heavy-duty square tube steel frame feels incredibly solid and inspires confidence when loaded.
- Generous 500 Lbs Capacity: Handles heavy loads like coolers, camping gear, and luggage with ease.
- Convenient Folding Design: The pull-pin mechanism makes it easy to fold the carrier vertically, saving space in garages and parking lots.
- Extremely Simple Assembly: With just eight bolts connecting the two halves, setup is fast and can be done by one person in under 30 minutes.
Potential Drawbacks
- Tendency to Wobble: Like many carriers in this class, it can rattle in the hitch receiver without a separate anti-rattle stabilizer.
- Finish Lacks Durability: The powder coating can be scratched easily, requiring touch-ups to prevent rust over time.
Putting the ARKSEN Carrier to the Test: A Deep Dive into Performance
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. The true measure of a cargo carrier is how it performs under duress—loaded down, traveling at highway speeds, and enduring thousands of miles of varied terrain. We didn’t just assemble the ARKSEN 60″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 Lbs Capacity in the driveway; we integrated it into our life, using it for everything from cross-state camping trips to mundane tasks like hauling trash to the dump. Our findings mirror the epic journey of one user who took this carrier over 4,000 miles from Boston to Alaska, proving its mettle across rugged mountains. It is, in short, a workhorse.
Assembly and Installation: A True 30-Minute Job
Our experience with the assembly process was overwhelmingly positive, confirming reports that it’s a quick and painless affair. As one user noted, “Eight bolts, easy directions, hard to mess up.” That perfectly encapsulates the process. The carrier comes in two symmetrical halves that bolt together in the middle. The holes lined up perfectly on our unit, requiring no forcing or drilling. Using a simple ratchet and wrench, we had the main basket assembled in less than 15 minutes. Attaching the folding shank assembly was equally straightforward. From opening the box to having it fully assembled and ready to slide into the hitch was, as another user reported, a 30-minute task at a leisurely pace. Even for someone working alone, the process is manageable. We were particularly impressed by the adjustable shank, which features three different pin holes. This allows you to fine-tune how far the carrier sits from your bumper, a crucial feature for ensuring you can still open your tailgate or rear hatch, a detail that many other carriers overlook.
On-the-Road Durability and Real-World Load Capacity
With a 500-pound capacity, the ARKSEN carrier is built to haul serious gear. We decided to put it to a real-world test on a 400-mile camping trip, loading it with two heavy coolers, a large tent, firewood, and several storage bins—a load we estimated at around 350-400 pounds. The carrier didn’t flinch. The heavy-duty steel frame showed no signs of flexing or sagging, and the mesh base provided excellent support, preventing smaller items from slipping through. The 5.5-inch raised guardrails are a critical feature, providing a secure perimeter that works beautifully with ratchet straps or a cargo net to keep everything locked in place. During our drive, which included highways and bumpy back roads, the load remained stable and secure.
However, we must address a common point of feedback: wobble. Out of the box, with just the standard hitch pin, there is noticeable play between the carrier’s shank and the vehicle’s receiver. This causes some side-to-side and up-and-down movement. While it didn’t feel unsafe, the rattling can be unnerving. We strongly concur with veteran hitch owners: an anti-rattle hitch tightener is an essential, albeit separate, purchase. Once we installed a tightener, the carrier became rock-solid, eliminating virtually all noise and movement. It transformed the experience from good to great. For anyone serious about using this carrier for long distances, consider a stabilizer a mandatory accessory.
The Folding Mechanism and Everyday Convenience
The “folding” aspect of the ARKSEN 60″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 Lbs Capacity is arguably one of its best features for daily usability. When the carrier is empty, simply removing a pin and clip allows you to pivot the entire basket up 90 degrees into a vertical position against the rear of your vehicle. This is a game-changer. It dramatically reduces the overall length of your vehicle, making it infinitely easier to navigate tight parking lots or fit into a standard garage. The mechanism is simple and robust, and we had no issues with its operation. For those who may not need this feature, one clever user noted they installed the carrier without the folding joint to gain a few extra inches of ground clearance, showcasing the unit’s versatility. However, for most users, the ability to quickly fold it out of the way is a major selling point that adds significant value and convenience, preventing you from having to remove the entire 42-pound assembly after every use.
Finish, Longevity, and Weather Resistance
The black epoxy powder coating provides a good initial layer of protection and gives the carrier a clean look. However, we found, as did other users, that the finish is susceptible to scratches. Loading and unloading gear, or using bungee cords with uncoated metal hooks, will inevitably scrape the paint. Once the steel is exposed, rust is inevitable. We took a proactive approach based on user feedback and invested in a cheap can of black rust-preventing spray paint before our first major trip. We gave the entire carrier, especially the joints and bolt heads, an extra coat. This small, inexpensive step is a fantastic piece of insurance against the elements. We also followed the advice to clean the designated areas with an alcohol swab before applying the included reflective stickers, which helped them adhere much better. While the provided stickers are adequate, adding more high-visibility reflective tape is a wise and cheap safety upgrade for enhancing nighttime visibility, ensuring your extended load is unmistakable to drivers behind you.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring feedback from a wide range of buyers, a clear picture of the ARKSEN 60″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 Lbs Capacity emerges. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with users praising it as a fantastic value. One woman, who described herself as 5’0″, highlighted how easy it was for her to assemble alone, a testament to its straightforward design. Another user shared an incredible story of driving it “over 4,000 miles across rugged mountains and terrains” on a trip from Massachusetts to Alaska, stating it “held up perfectly.” This kind of real-world torture test speaks volumes about its fundamental durability.
On the critical side, the most common complaints are consistent and manageable. Several users pointed out the wobble in the hitch, with one stating, “I foresee this to be a problem.” This is almost universally solved by purchasing a hitch tightener. Other critiques focus on the less-than-durable reflector stickers that “fell off on first day” and the potential for scraping on steep driveways, especially on vehicles with lower ground clearance. These criticisms are valid but are common for this category of product and can be mitigated with inexpensive aftermarket solutions like better tape and a hitch stabilizer.
How the ARKSEN Carrier Compares to the Competition
The ARKSEN 60″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 Lbs Capacity operates in a crowded market, but its combination of size, strength, and price makes it a formidable contender. When making a final decision, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against some popular alternatives.
1. MAXXHAUL 70107 53″ Hitch Cargo Carrier
- 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...
- 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
The MAXXHAUL 70107 is another heavy-duty steel carrier with the same 500-pound capacity. Its primary difference is its more compact footprint, measuring 53 inches wide compared to ARKSEN’s 60 inches. This could be an advantage for users with smaller vehicles or those who don’t need the extra width. It also features high side rails for security. However, it lacks the folding feature of the ARKSEN model, meaning it must be removed from the hitch when not in use to facilitate parking. This makes the MAXXHAUL 70107 a better choice for someone who prioritizes a slightly smaller size over the convenience of a folding design.
2. MAXXHAUL 70108 Aluminum Cargo Carrier 500-lb Capacity
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
The MAXXHAUL 70108 offers a compelling alternative by switching materials from steel to aluminum. It maintains the 500-pound capacity but is significantly lighter, making it much easier to install, remove, and store. The aluminum construction also means it is naturally rust-proof, eliminating the need for paint touch-ups. The trade-off is that some users may find the aluminum construction to have more flex than its steel counterparts. This carrier is the ideal choice for individuals who frequently attach and detach their carrier and for whom ease of handling and rust prevention are top priorities.
3. Mockins XXL 70″x30″ Cargo Carrier w/ 500 Lbs Cap
- STURDY & SAFE CARGO HITCH CARRIER : Built for tough jobs, this cargo carrier hitch mount basket is ideal for hauling oversized items. The Mockins Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier features a 70"x30"x6" XXL...
- WATERPROOF CAR HITCH & TRUCK BED CARGO BAG : With 40 cubic ft. of space, this 70"x30"x33" XXL tow hitch cargo carrier bag is built with full waterproof zippers for reliable cargo trailer hitch storage...
- UPGRADE WITH LICENSE PLATE BRACKET: Engineered for rugged terrain, this folding luggage rack for car hitch comes with a 2" raised shank & stabilizer to improve clearance & reduce sway. With a built-in...
For those who believe bigger is always better, the Mockins XXL carrier is the answer. It dwarfs the ARKSEN with its massive 70″x30″ platform, providing a substantial increase in hauling space. This model is a complete package, often coming bundled with a waterproof cargo bag and all necessary accessories, including a hitch stabilizer. While it also features a 500 lb capacity and a folding design, its sheer size makes it better suited for larger vehicles like full-size SUVs and trucks. This is the perfect option for the maximalist packer or large family that needs every possible inch of cargo space and wants an all-in-one solution right out of the box.
The Final Verdict: Is the ARKSEN 60″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier Right for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the ARKSEN 60″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 Lbs Capacity as a top-tier choice for anyone seeking a durable, spacious, and affordable hauling solution. Its robust steel construction, generous dimensions, and convenient folding mechanism provide a blend of strength and usability that is hard to beat at its price point. It’s a true workhorse ready for epic road trips, weekend camping adventures, or simple utility tasks around town.
While it’s not without its minor flaws—namely the need for a separate hitch stabilizer to eliminate wobble and the recommendation for an extra coat of paint to ensure long-term rust prevention—these are small, inexpensive fixes that elevate a great product to an excellent one. For the traveler, the camper, the homeowner, and the adventurer who has simply run out of room, this carrier is a simple, effective, and highly valuable investment. It delivers on its promise of expanding your vehicle’s capacity, allowing you to reclaim your interior and travel with more comfort and freedom.
If you’ve decided the ARKSEN 60″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 Lbs Capacity is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API