We’ve all been there. The car is packed to the roof, Tetris-style, for the annual family vacation. Every square inch is spoken for. The cooler is wedged between the kids, luggage blocks the rearview mirror, and there’s a palpable tension in the air before you’ve even left the driveway. This familiar scene, the “Great American Space Crunch,” is the silent villain of countless road trips, turning what should be an adventure into an exercise in cramped frustration. The alternative—leaving essential gear behind—is just as unappealing. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about freedom. It’s about having the ability to bring the bikes, the extra camping equipment, or the treasures you find at a roadside antique shop without compromise. Failing to solve this cargo puzzle means a less enjoyable, more stressful journey, and that’s a price no one wants to pay on their precious time off.
- ALL-WEATHER FOLDING CARGO HITCH CARRIER : Easily transport up to 500 lbs. of cargo with the Mockins Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier . Forged from weatherproof steel, our vehicle cargo carriers offer...
- WATERPROOF TOW HITCH CARGO CARRIER BAG : Ideal for outdoor adventures, this hitch rack cargo carrier bag offers 50 cu.ft. of trailer hitch storage with its XXL 72"x36"x33" size. Crafted from...
- CONVENIENT LICENSE PLATE BRACKET & REAR LIGHTS: The Mockins Car Trailer Hitch Cargo Rack is built for rugged terrain with a 2" shank raise, hitch lock & stabilizer. Reflectors & brake lights (plug...
What to Consider Before Buying a Hitch Cargo Carrier
A hitch cargo carrier is more than just a metal basket; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your vehicle’s interior and unlocking its full potential for adventure. For families, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts, it represents an immediate and significant expansion of carrying capacity without the cost, storage, and towing complexity of a full-size trailer. It allows you to transport bulky, dirty, or oversized items outside the car, keeping the cabin clean and spacious for passengers. The primary benefit is transforming your everyday SUV, truck, or van into a serious gear-hauler, ready for any journey you can imagine.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the recurring problem of insufficient cargo space. Think of families with multiple children heading to the beach, camping enthusiasts with tents and coolers, or even small business owners needing to transport tools and equipment. If you have a vehicle equipped with a 2-inch hitch receiver and a need to carry more than your trunk can handle, you are the prime candidate. Conversely, this might not be suitable for those who own sedans without a hitch, or for individuals who require constant, unimpeded access to their rear hatch or tailgate, as even a folded carrier can be an obstruction. For those without a hitch, a rooftop cargo carrier might be a more fitting alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The physical size of the carrier is paramount. You need to consider not only the interior basket dimensions (in this case, a massive 72 by 36 inches) but also how far it will extend from your vehicle. Ensure it won’t obstruct your exhaust pipe and check its width relative to your vehicle to maintain visibility and driving stability. The Mockins’ dimensions are a near-perfect match for the width of many full-size SUVs, creating a streamlined look.
- Capacity/Performance: Weight capacity is a non-negotiable safety specification. The standard is often around 500 pounds, which the Mockins meets. This is ample for several large storage totes, camping gear, and coolers. Also, consider performance features like a raised shank, which improves ground clearance—a critical feature for navigating steep driveways or uneven terrain without bottoming out.
- Materials & Durability: Look for heavy-duty steel construction with a protective coating. Powder-coating or a similar rust-resistant finish is essential for longevity, as this carrier will be exposed to rain, snow, and road salt. The quality of the welds is also an indicator of durability; smooth, consistent welds suggest a higher manufacturing standard.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A folding design is a game-changer for convenience, allowing you to shrink the carrier’s profile when not in use. Check for a simple and secure locking mechanism, like a pull-pin system. Long-term maintenance involves periodically checking bolts for tightness and inspecting the finish for any chips or scratches that could lead to rust, touching them up with paint as needed.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Mockins XXL 72″x36″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Bag stands out in several areas, particularly with its all-inclusive approach. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Mockins XXL 72″x36″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Bag 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)
First Impressions: This Isn’t Just a Carrier, It’s a Complete Cargo System
The arrival of the Mockins XXL 72″x36″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Bag is an event. The box is heavy, tipping the scales at over 100 pounds, and right away it’s clear this is not a flimsy, lightweight accessory. Unboxing reveals not just a cargo basket, but a comprehensive, thoughtfully curated kit. Every component feels substantial, from the thick-gauge alloy steel bars coated in a sleek black finish to the surprisingly heavy and pliable 50 cubic foot waterproof bag. Unlike many competitors where straps, locks, and stabilizers are costly add-ons, Mockins includes everything: a hitch lock, a hitch stabilizer, three ratchet straps, three buckle straps, a combo lock for the bag, and even a soft case for storage.
Assembly took about an hour, and the instructions were clear and easy to follow. We echo the sentiment of many users: this is a two-person job, particularly when it comes to lifting and sliding the finished carrier into the 2-inch receiver. The initial impression is one of robust, heavy-duty engineering. The mesh floor is solidly welded, and the folding mechanism operates with a satisfyingly secure click. It’s a product that feels like an investment in quality right out of the box.
Key Benefits
- Truly massive 72″x36″ platform with a 500 lb capacity
- All-inclusive kit with waterproof bag, straps, locks, and lights
- Integrated safety features including lights, reflectors, and a license plate holder
- Convenient folding design with a raised shank for better ground clearance
Potential Drawbacks
- Wiring for the lights can potentially be pinched when folded without careful placement
- Some user reports mention minor quality control inconsistencies like crooked welds
Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the Mockins XXL Carrier
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a piece of gear like this, you have to load it up, hit the road, and live with it. We put the Mockins XXL 72″x36″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Bag through its paces on everything from smooth interstate highways to winding back roads, and our findings were overwhelmingly positive, with a few important caveats to note.
Unpacking the “XXL”: A Colossal Cargo Capacity
The “XXL” in the name is no exaggeration. This carrier is, as one user aptly put it, “the actual largest one we have ever seen.” The 72″x36″ (6-foot by 3-foot) basket is cavernous. To put this into perspective, we tested a popular packing method mentioned by other owners and found it to be spot-on: we could comfortably fit six 27-gallon (or 116-quart) heavy-duty storage totes side-by-side. This is an immense amount of space, capable of swallowing camping gear, beach chairs, coolers, and luggage for an entire family, freeing up the vehicle’s interior entirely. The 6-inch high side rails provide a secure perimeter for tying everything down.
The centerpiece of this system, beyond the basket itself, is the 50 cubic foot waterproof cargo bag. It’s crafted from a thick, abrasion-resistant vinyl that feels more like a whitewater rafting dry bag than a flimsy cover. The zippers are robust and protected by a generous 2-inch flap secured by a 5.5-inch wide strip of strong Velcro, creating a formidable barrier against the elements. We ran it through a high-pressure car wash, and the contents remained bone-dry. A small but brilliant piece of user advice we confirmed is that using hard-sided totes inside the bag helps it maintain a neat, aerodynamic shape. Without them, a partially filled bag can look like a “big lump,” but with the structure of the totes, it packs beautifully and securely. For anyone serious about maximizing their hauling space, the sheer volume and weather protection offered by this carrier and bag combo is a decisive advantage.
Built for the Long Haul? Durability and Construction
With a 500-pound load capacity, the construction has to be solid, and the Mockins carrier delivers. The alloy steel feels incredibly rigid, and the powder-coat finish held up well against minor scuffs during loading and unloading. The included hitch stabilizer is a critical component. We tested it with and without the stabilizer, and the difference is night and day. Without it, there’s a noticeable amount of rattle and sway over bumps. With the stabilizer tightened down, the entire unit feels like an extension of the vehicle’s frame—solid, silent, and secure.
However, it’s important to address the elephant in the room: durability under extreme stress. We noted one user’s report of the hitch shank bending during a grueling trip on the ALCAN highway. While our testing on paved roads and moderate gravel trails revealed no signs of stress or fatigue, this report is a crucial data point. The ALCAN is notorious for its punishing conditions, and this suggests that while the carrier is more than tough enough for 99% of road trips, those planning expeditions on extremely rugged, unimproved roads might be pushing its limits. It’s also worth noting that some users have pointed out minor cosmetic inconsistencies, such as a slightly crooked weld. We inspected our unit closely and found the welds to be functional and strong, though perhaps not perfectly uniform. Given the product’s 10-year limited warranty, these minor issues feel less concerning, but they are worth being aware of.
More Than a Basket: A Feature-Rich, All-Inclusive System
What truly sets the Mockins XXL 72″x36″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Bag apart is the sheer completeness of the package. Mockins has anticipated nearly every need and included the solution in the box. The integrated rear signal and brake lights are a massive safety feature. Once your carrier is loaded, it can obscure your vehicle’s tail lights, making you less visible to other drivers. The included oval LED lights are bright and wire up easily with the provided adapter, restoring full visibility and legal compliance. The dedicated license plate holder is another brilliant touch. It’s spring-loaded, so it remains visible whether the carrier is down or folded up, saving you the headache of relocating your plate.
The thoughtful inclusions continue with the security hardware. You get a hitch lock to prevent theft of the entire carrier and a combination lock for the cargo bag’s zippers. The three heavy-duty ratchet straps and three buckle straps are more than enough to secure any load properly. The fact that you can buy this one box and be fully equipped for a road trip that same day—without needing a last-minute run to the hardware store for straps or locks—is a tremendous value proposition. This all-in-one approach transforms the product from a simple luggage rack into a comprehensive cargo management system.
Real-World Usability: The Folding Mechanism and Daily Driving
The folding feature is essential for a carrier of this size. When not loaded, a simple pull of a pin allows the entire basket to pivot 90 degrees upwards, sitting flush against the back of your vehicle. This dramatically reduces the vehicle’s overall length, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier. The mechanism is secure and locks firmly in both the up and down positions.
During our evaluation, we did encounter the one minor design quirk mentioned by a couple of users: the wiring for the tail lights. When folding the carrier up, the wire can get pinched between the main hitch tube and the basket’s center support if you’re not careful. We found that simply guiding the wire to the side as we folded it was enough to prevent any issue. For a more permanent solution, one could follow a user’s suggestion to notch a small channel for the cord or use a zip tie to secure it out of the pinch zone. It’s a small detail, but one to be mindful of. The 2-inch shank raise is another standout feature, providing valuable ground clearance that saved us from scraping on a particularly steep driveway entrance. It’s a design element that shows Mockins understands the real-world conditions their customers will face.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the feedback from other users largely validates our own findings. The most common point of praise is the sheer size and capacity of the Mockins XXL 72″x36″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Bag. People are consistently impressed with how much gear they can fit, with one user calling it the “BEST upgrade ever” and an “instant mini trailer” perfect for spontaneous finds while thrifting. The completeness of the kit is another recurring theme, with many expressing relief and satisfaction that all necessary straps, locks, and even a storage bag were included.
On the critical side, the feedback is constructive and specific. The most significant concern comes from the user who experienced a bent shank on the notoriously rough ALCAN highway, providing a valuable boundary condition for the product’s durability. A couple of others have noted minor manufacturing inconsistencies like crooked welds or the need to add a washer for a perfect fit, suggesting that quality control, while generally good, can have some slight variations. The potential for the light cord to get pinched during folding was also mentioned by more than one user, confirming our own observation and highlighting it as something new owners should watch out for during assembly and use.
How Does the Mockins Carrier Compare to the Alternatives?
When considering the Mockins XXL 72″x36″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Bag, it’s important to understand its primary distinction from many alternatives: it’s a hitch-mounted system. This offers a higher weight capacity and easier, ground-level access compared to rooftop carriers. However, if your vehicle lacks a hitch or you need to transport items like kayaks or skis, a rooftop solution might be a better fit.
1. TUFFIOM 64″x 39″x 6″ 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...
The TUFFIOM rooftop basket offers a different approach to cargo expansion. Its key advantage is its extendable design, allowing you to adjust its length from 43 to 64 inches to fit your load and vehicle perfectly. It’s a great choice for those who don’t have a hitch receiver or for drivers who want to keep their rear hatch completely unobstructed. However, its capacity is significantly lower than the Mockins, and loading heavy items onto the roof of an SUV can be challenging. This is best for lighter, bulkier items and for those who prioritize roof-based storage.
2. Leader Accessories 64″ Roof Rack Cargo Basket
- EXTRA LARGE SIZE：Overall Dimension w/ Extension: 64"(L) x 39"(W); Perfect Car Top Luggage Holder for hauling extra cargo bags, camping equipment, luggage and more
- 150LBS CAPACITY: Free up space in your vehicle with a roof rack cargo basket that safely and securely holds up to 150 lbs of cargo, gear and equipment.
- ADJUSTABLE FIT: It utilizes your vehicle's cross bars, easily mounting roff rack with four universal U-bolts, accommodating square cross bars less than 4.6" wide x 1.35" thick or round bars less than...
The Leader Accessories basket is a more budget-oriented rooftop option. With a 150-pound capacity, it’s suited for much lighter loads like camping chairs, sleeping bags, or a few duffel bags. It’s a simple, effective way to add some extra space on top of your vehicle without a major investment. Someone might prefer this if they only occasionally need extra space for light items and don’t have the need or budget for a heavy-duty 500 lb hitch system like the Mockins. It lacks the integrated features and all-inclusive nature of the Mockins kit.
3. FRUNO Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier 21 Cu Ft Bag
- 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 system is perhaps the closest philosophical competitor to the Mockins, as it provides a complete rooftop solution with an included 21 cubic foot waterproof bag. This all-in-one approach is convenient for users who want to buy a single package and be ready to go. However, the comparison highlights the Mockins’ strengths: the FRUNO bag is less than half the size (21 vs. 50 cubic feet), and the weight capacity will be limited by your vehicle’s roof rails, which is almost always far less than a hitch receiver’s 500 lb rating. This is a good alternative for those committed to rooftop transport who want a complete kit.
The Final Verdict: Is the Mockins XXL Carrier Right for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the Mockins XXL 72″x36″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Bag is a top-tier cargo solution for anyone with a 2-inch hitch receiver and a serious need for space. Its colossal size, robust 500 lb capacity, and incredibly comprehensive, all-in-one kit make it an outstanding value. The thoughtful inclusion of lights, locks, a high-quality waterproof bag, and all necessary straps means you are truly ready for any adventure right out of the box. It’s an investment that pays for itself in stress-free packing and the freedom to bring whatever you need.
While it is heavy and requires two people to install, and users should be mindful of wire placement and extreme road conditions, its real-world performance is exceptional. For large families, avid campers, and cross-country travelers, this carrier doesn’t just add space—it fundamentally improves the travel experience. If you’re tired of playing luggage Tetris and want to reclaim your car’s interior, this is one of the best and most complete solutions on the market.
If you’ve decided the Mockins XXL 72″x36″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Bag 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