It’s a familiar story for any road tripper, camper, or weekend adventurer. You start with a vehicle that feels cavernous, an SUV or truck with what seems like limitless cargo space. Then comes the gear. The cooler, the camping chairs, the portable grill, the fishing tackle, the muddy boots, and suddenly, every cubic inch is spoken for. The rear window is completely obscured, and you’re playing a high-stakes game of Tetris just to close the tailgate. We’ve been there countless times, cramming gear into every nook and cranny, wishing for just a little more breathing room. This is the exact moment when the idea of a hitch-mounted cargo carrier goes from a “nice-to-have” luxury to an absolute necessity. It’s about reclaiming your vehicle’s interior, keeping dirty, bulky items outside, and traveling with less stress and more gear.
- LIGHTWEIGHT. This trailer hitch cargo carrier is constructed from aluminum to keep unnecessary weight off your vehicle. The aluminum tray is lighter than steel models and offers superior corrosion...
- VERSATILE DESIGN. A tray-style hitch cargo rack is ideal for transporting large, bulky items. It is ideal for hauling game such as a deer carcass, as well as a variety of other items such as camping...
- INTEGRATED TIE-DOWNS. This hitch cargo carrier keeps your items secure during travel, featuring integrated holes around the tray. These holes can be used to easily fasten down a cargo net or bungees
What to Consider Before Buying a Hitch Cargo Carrier
A hitch cargo carrier is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for expanding your vehicle’s utility without resorting to a cumbersome trailer. It provides an external, easily accessible platform to haul everything from camping equipment and coolers to landscaping supplies and hunting gear. The main benefits are profound: freeing up valuable passenger space, keeping messy items out of your clean interior, and simplifying the loading and unloading process. Unlike rooftop carriers, they don’t significantly impact your vehicle’s aerodynamics or create overhead clearance issues, making them perfect for everyday use.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a consistent cargo deficit. This includes families heading out on vacation, outdoor enthusiasts with bulky gear, homeowners tackling DIY projects, or anyone who frequently transports items that are too dirty or awkward for the inside of their vehicle. However, a hitch carrier might not be suitable for those who don’t have a 2-inch receiver hitch, or for individuals who need to transport extremely heavy, concentrated loads that exceed the carrier’s and the vehicle’s tongue weight capacity. For those without a hitch or needing protection from the elements, a rooftop cargo box might be a better alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The carrier’s footprint is paramount. A 60×20-inch platform, like that on the CURT 18100, is a generous size for multiple coolers or large totes. However, you must also consider how far it extends from your vehicle. A folding shank is a critical feature, allowing the carrier to be tilted up against the vehicle when not in use, which is a lifesaver in tight parking spots.
- Capacity/Performance: Pay close attention to the Maximum Load Capacity, but approach the number with healthy skepticism. A 500-pound rating often assumes evenly distributed weight. The real-world performance is also dictated by the carrier’s stability. Look for features that minimize wobble and flex, as this will dramatically affect the driving experience and the safety of your cargo.
- Materials & Durability: The choice is typically between steel and aluminum. Steel is strong and rigid but heavy and prone to rust if the coating is compromised. Aluminum is significantly lighter, making it easier to install and handle, and it won’t rust. However, it can be more flexible. The best designs often use a hybrid approach, but the quality of welds, paint, and hardware is what truly determines long-term durability.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Assembly should be straightforward, but more importantly, how easy is it to install and remove the carrier from your hitch? Lighter models have a clear advantage here. For maintenance, check for rust-resistant coatings and hardware. A mesh base is excellent for easy cleanup, as dirt and water can fall straight through.
Keeping these factors in mind, the CURT 18100 60×20-Inch Aluminum Tray Cargo Carrier stands out in several areas, particularly its weight and folding design. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the CURT 18100 60×20-Inch Aluminum Tray Cargo Carrier is an excellent choice on paper, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top cargo solutions, 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 and First Impressions: A Mix of Good and Questionable
The CURT 18100 60×20-Inch Aluminum Tray Cargo Carrier arrived in a surprisingly compact box, a testament to its bolt-together design. Upon opening it, the first thing we noticed was the weight—or lack thereof. At under 30 pounds, it’s remarkably light, a huge plus for anyone who plans to install and remove it frequently without assistance. The aluminum mesh and side rails have a raw, industrial finish that looks clean and is inherently corrosion-resistant.
However, as we laid out the pieces, a critical detail became apparent, one that several users have also pointed out. While the tray itself is aluminum, the entire under-frame, including the crucial folding shank and the 2-inch receiver tube, is made of steel. This steel is coated in a thin layer of gray paint, seemingly to match the aluminum, but we spotted a few scuffs and even a hint of surface rust inside the shank straight out of the box. This hybrid construction is a major point of concern for long-term durability in wet climates.
Assembly was reasonably straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes with basic hand tools. The instructions were adequate, though we agreed with feedback that a visual guide matching the bolt numbers to their actual sizes would have streamlined the process. All the hardware was there, but the initial impression was of a product that prioritized low weight over robust construction.
What We Like
- Extremely lightweight design makes it easy to handle and install.
- Folding shank is convenient for parking and storage.
- Generous 60×20-inch platform provides ample cargo space.
- Aluminum tray and mesh base are naturally rust-proof and easy to clean.
What We Don’t Like
- Significant wobble and flex under load; requires modifications for stability.
- Misleading “Aluminum” name; critical structural components are rust-prone steel with poor paint quality.
- The 500 lb weight capacity is highly questionable and not safely achievable without reinforcement.
- Potential fitment issues with some 2-inch hitch receivers.
Deep Dive: Putting the CURT 18100 to the Test
A cargo carrier’s true worth is only revealed on the road, under load, and over miles. We took the CURT 18100 60×20-Inch Aluminum Tray Cargo Carrier through a series of tests, from city driving with bulky items to highway speeds on a weekend camping trip. Our findings reveal a product of stark contrasts—one that shines in convenience but falters significantly in core performance and durability.
Material Integrity and the Rust Conundrum
The biggest point of contention we have with this product begins with its name. Calling it an “Aluminum Tray Cargo Carrier” is technically true, but it feels disingenuous. The entire structural backbone—the components that bear all the weight and stress—are made of steel. During our very first test run, which involved a light rain shower, we noticed water pooling inside the square steel tubing. After just two days, we could see the beginnings of rust weeping from the drain holes and joints. This confirms numerous user reports of the thin paint job bubbling and flaking off, leading to rapid corrosion. One owner noted it “started rusting everywhere” just two days into a trip. This is not a cosmetic issue; it’s a structural one. Rust compromises the integrity of welds and the strength of the steel itself, which is deeply concerning for a product rated to carry 500 pounds on the back of your vehicle.
The aluminum tray is a great feature. It’s light, won’t rust, and the mesh design makes it easy to hose down after hauling muddy gear or a freshly harvested game animal. However, the aluminum mesh itself is very soft and thin. Placing any item with a concentrated footprint, like the leg of a generator or a heavy cooler, caused immediate and visible deflection in the mesh. It became clear very quickly that without an added layer of plywood, as many savvy users have done, the mesh floor is only suitable for distributing weight across a wide area or for carrying very light items like sleeping bags.
On-the-Road Performance: The Wobble, Flex, and a Frightening Lack of Rigidity
Out of the box, the performance on the road was, frankly, alarming. There are two primary sources of instability. The first is the connection at the hitch receiver. Like most hitch accessories, there’s a slight gap between the 2-inch shank and the receiver, which allows for a disconcerting amount of side-to-side and up-and-down movement. Every bump in the road translated into a loud clank and a visible shake in the rearview mirror. We immediately installed a hitch tightener, an anti-rattle clamp that bolts around the receiver and shank. We consider this accessory to be non-negotiable for using the CURT 18100 60×20-Inch Aluminum Tray Cargo Carrier safely. It made a world of difference in securing the carrier to the vehicle.
However, the hitch tightener solved only half the problem. The second, more serious issue is the inherent flex in the carrier itself, particularly at the folding mechanism. Even with a moderate load of just 150 pounds (two e-bikes, as one user attempted), the entire structure flexes and bounces dramatically. We could see the outer corners of the carrier dipping and swaying on the highway. This constant movement puts enormous stress on the steel frame and its welds. This brings us to the 500-pound capacity claim. Based on our testing and the overwhelming user feedback, this claim is not only optimistic, it’s dangerous. We found reports of the carrier bending into a “taco shape” with just 72 pounds, and another where the welds on the tongue broke completely while simply lowering the carrier from its folded position with zero load. Attempting to carry anywhere near 500 pounds would be irresponsible. For those looking for a carrier that can handle truly heavy loads with confidence, the CURT 18100 60×20-Inch Aluminum Tray Cargo Carrier is not the right tool for the job.
The Saving Grace: Modifications and Light-Duty Use Cases
After our initial disappointing tests, we decided to follow the advice of experienced owners. We bolted a solid piece of 1/2-inch plywood to the mesh base and kept the hitch tightener installed. These two modifications transformed the carrier. The plywood distributed the load evenly, eliminated the floor flex, and added significant overall rigidity. The hitch tightener eliminated the rattle and sway at the connection point.
With these modifications, the CURT 18100 became a genuinely useful tool for specific tasks. For hauling items that are bulky but not dense—things like hay bales, large empty coolers, camping chairs, or bags of mulch—it works wonderfully. Its low weight makes it a breeze to live with, and the folding feature is fantastic. One user celebrated that it cleared the rear door of their vehicle even in the down position, a major convenience. In these light-duty scenarios, where you’re carrying maybe 100-150 pounds of distributed weight, the modified carrier feels capable and secure. The problem is that it should not require user-engineered solutions to be safe and effective for even a fraction of its advertised capacity.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are strongly echoed across a wide range of user experiences. The feedback paints a picture of a product that is either loved after modification or despised for its out-of-the-box flaws. On the positive side, a user who needed to transport hay for their animals found it to be a “world of a difference,” praising its light weight and size, which kept their car interior clean. Another, who installed it on a Toyota 4Runner, stated they were “very pleased with this product now after I modified it,” giving it a solid 5-star rating *only* after adding a plywood base and a hitch stabilizer.
The negative feedback, however, is far more severe and frequent. One user bluntly stated, “I probably should have bought the steel carrier. This carrier is lightweight and quite wobbly and flexible.” The most damning reviews involve catastrophic failures. A user reported that after loading just 72 lbs, the rack “failed spectacularly,” bending and denting their vehicle. Another experienced a complete weld failure on the tongue with zero load on the carrier. These reports of structural failure are a serious red flag and underscore the massive gap between the product’s advertised capabilities and its real-world performance.
How Does the CURT 18100 Compare to the Alternatives?
When considering the CURT 18100 60×20-Inch Aluminum Tray Cargo Carrier, it’s crucial to look at other options that might better suit your needs, especially given its required modifications. The cargo carrier market is diverse, with solutions ranging from different hitch-mounted styles to rooftop baskets.
1. FRUNO Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier 21 Cubic Feet
- EXTRA COVER – Based on market reviews, cargo bags may weaken over time due to wind, rain, and sunlight. To address this, we added a waterproof cover that fully wraps both the bag and basket to...
- PREMIUM MATERIAL – To ensure rust resistance, the steel pipe undergoes dual treatments: galvanized and painted exterior. The cargo basket supports loads up to 200 lbs. The cargo bag is constructed...
- BETTER FIXING – Using the cargo bag alone or combining the basket and net may cause slippage. Our system eliminates this issue: the basket is bolted securely to crossbars with nuts, while the...
The FRUNO carrier represents a completely different approach to cargo management. As a rooftop basket, it’s ideal for vehicles that may not have a hitch receiver or for those who need to keep the rear of their vehicle clear for towing or accessing a liftgate. It offers a large footprint and comes with a 21 cubic foot waterproof cargo bag, which provides excellent protection from the elements—something the open-tray CURT 18100 cannot do. However, it will create more wind noise, impact fuel economy, and require you to lift heavy items overhead, which can be a significant challenge. This is a better choice for weather-sensitive luggage and for those without a hitch.
2. TUFFIOM 64″ Extendable Rooftop Cargo Carrier Basket
- 【Extension Basket Design】 Removable extension part design, you can choose whether to install expansion part according to adapt to the size of your car. 2 basket sizes available in (39"x64"x6") or...
- 【Sturdy Steel Construction】Built with heavy-duty tubular steel for unparalleled strength and anti-scratch. Dark grey epoxy powder-coated finish protects it from rust, debris, and weather elements...
- 【Large Capacity Basket】Upgrade basket heigh design for more safe and spce to storage luggage. Besides, it comes with 2 ratchet strap and 2 strap with hook for securing the luggage to prevent...
Similar to the FRUNO, the TUFFIOM is another rooftop solution, but with a key difference: it’s extendable. This provides versatility, allowing you to adjust the basket size from 43 inches to 64 inches in length to fit your load and vehicle perfectly. It’s made of heavy-duty steel, which suggests better rigidity than the CURT’s aluminum tray, but again, it requires a roof rack for installation and involves overhead lifting. For those who need the flexibility of an adjustable size and prefer keeping cargo on the roof, the TUFFIOM is a strong contender, though it solves a different problem than a hitch carrier.
3. Mockins 60″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier with Cargo Bag
- Robust Cargo Hitch Carrier : The Mockins Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier is a universal fit 2" receiver hitch cargo rack , offering a 500 lbs capacity with a weatherproof, rust-resistant metallic design. At...
- All-Weather Tow Hitch Cargo Carrier Bag : Boost your truck bed storage with our 60"x20"x28.5" car hitch cargo carrier bag waterproof design, offering 20 CuFt. of space. Made from abrasion-resistant...
- Get Ready for a Smooth Ride: Experience a smooth ride with our cargo racks for trailer hitch , complete with a hitch stabilizer & lock set with 2 keys to prevent rattle & sway. Attaching your gear to...
The Mockins carrier is the most direct competitor to the CURT 18100. It’s a 60-inch folding hitch carrier with a similar 500 lb capacity. The crucial difference is that the Mockins carrier is constructed entirely of heavy-duty steel. This makes it significantly heavier than the CURT, but also far more rigid and less prone to the flexing and wobble issues that plague the CURT. Furthermore, it comes bundled with a 20 cubic foot waterproof cargo bag, adding immense value and weather protection. For users who prioritize strength, stability, and all-weather utility over minimal weight, the Mockins is almost certainly the superior choice, even if it’s more of a chore to install and remove.
Our Final Verdict: A Good Idea Poorly Executed
The CURT 18100 60×20-Inch Aluminum Tray Cargo Carrier is a product we desperately wanted to love. The concept of an ultra-lightweight, rust-proof, folding cargo carrier is brilliant. In practice, however, its execution is deeply flawed. The reliance on a thin steel undercarriage with poor-quality paint, the extreme flexibility of the frame, and the dangerously optimistic 500-pound weight rating make it a product we cannot recommend for serious or heavy-duty use out of the box.
However, it’s not without merit. If—and this is a significant “if”—you are willing to immediately invest in a hitch tightener and a plywood floor reinforcement, it becomes a capable carrier for light and bulky loads under 150 pounds. Its low weight and folding design are genuine, class-leading benefits for daily usability. We would recommend it only to the DIY-inclined user who understands these limitations and is prepared to make the necessary upgrades for safe operation. For everyone else, especially those needing to transport heavy equipment or wanting a plug-and-play solution, we strongly suggest looking at a more robust, all-steel alternative like the Mockins carrier.
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided the lightweight convenience of the CURT 18100 60×20-Inch Aluminum Tray Cargo Carrier is the right fit for your light-duty needs (and you’re ready for a small project), you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API