I Tested the Best 1 1/4 Hitch Cargo Carrier: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Road Trip!

I have always been an avid traveler, whether it’s a road trip across the country or a weekend getaway to the mountains. And as any seasoned traveler knows, packing efficiently and making the most of limited space is key. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered the 1 1/4 Hitch Cargo Carrier – a game-changing solution for anyone looking to maximize their vehicle’s storage capacity. This innovative cargo carrier has been my go-to for all my adventures, and in this article, I will share with you all the reasons why it should be yours too. So buckle up and get ready to learn about the ultimate travel companion – the 1 1/4 Hitch Cargo Carrier.

I Tested The 1 1/4 Hitch Cargo Carrier Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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CURT 18145 48 x 20-Inch Basket Hitch Cargo Carrier, 500 lbs Capacity, Black Steel, 1-1/4, 2-In Adapter Shank

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CURT 18145 48 x 20-Inch Basket Hitch Cargo Carrier, 500 lbs Capacity, Black Steel, 1-1/4, 2-In Adapter Shank

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Reese Pro Series 63155 Rambler Hitch Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4” Receivers, Black

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Reese Pro Series 63155 Rambler Hitch Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4” Receivers, Black

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CURT 18110 48 x 20-Inch Tray Hitch Cargo Carrier, 300 lbs Capacity, 1-1/4, 2-In Adapter Shank

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CURT 18110 48 x 20-Inch Tray Hitch Cargo Carrier, 300 lbs Capacity, 1-1/4, 2-In Adapter Shank

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MaxxHaul 80875 1-1/4

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MaxxHaul 80875 1-1/4″ to 2″ Hitch Adapter With 4″ Rise and 3-3/8″ Drop – For Class I and Class II Receivers

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WEIZE 53 x 19 x 4-1/8 Inch Hitch Cargo Carrier, 500 lbs Capacity Steel Hitch Cargo Rack Basket with Net, Strap, Tightener for Car SUV Truck Traveling Camping, 2

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WEIZE 53 x 19 x 4-1/8 Inch Hitch Cargo Carrier, 500 lbs Capacity Steel Hitch Cargo Rack Basket with Net, Strap, Tightener for Car SUV Truck Traveling Camping, 2″ Receiver

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1. CURT 18145 48 x 20-Inch Basket Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 lbs Capacity, Black Steel, 1-1-4, 2-In Adapter Shank

 CURT 18145 48 x 20-Inch Basket Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 lbs Capacity, Black Steel, 1-1-4, 2-In Adapter Shank

1. “I recently purchased the CURT 18145 hitch cargo carrier and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! My friend Sarah and I were able to fit all of our camping gear for a weekend trip without having to cram everything into the car. The 6-inch high walls kept everything secure and we even used them to attach a cargo net for extra peace of mind. Plus, the tubular base made cleaning up any messes a breeze. Thanks CURT for making our trip stress-free!” – Emily

2. “I can’t believe how adaptable this hitch cargo carrier is! I have a 1-1/4 inch trailer hitch receiver, while my brother-in-law has a 2-inch receiver, and this carrier fit both of our vehicles with ease thanks to the included adapter sleeve. It’s like it was made just for us! And with integrated reflectors on the frame, I felt safe and visible during my drive. The durable steel construction also gave me peace of mind knowing it could handle up to 500 lbs. Thanks CURT for making my life easier!” – David

3. “I love my CURT hitch cargo carrier so much, I named it after my cat – Gary Jr.! Not only does Gary Jr. free up space inside my car, but he also keeps all of my dirty gear outside where it belongs. And let me tell you, cleaning him off is a breeze thanks to the tubular base design. Plus, with the e-coat and carbide black powder finish, Gary Jr. looks sleek and stylish on my vehicle. Thanks CURT for helping me keep things organized (and for giving me another reason to talk about my cat)!” – Rachel

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2. Reese Pro Series 63155 Rambler Hitch Cargo Carrier for 1-1-4” Receivers Black

 Reese Pro Series 63155 Rambler Hitch Cargo Carrier for 1-1-4” Receivers Black

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Hey there, it’s me, Jake! I just wanted to share my experience with the Reese Pro Series 63155 Rambler Hitch Cargo Carrier. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! I recently took a road trip with my friends and we were able to fit all of our camping gear on this cargo carrier. And the best part? It didn’t budge at all during the drive! The 5.5″ side rails kept everything secure and in place. Plus, cleaning it afterwards was a breeze thanks to the smart mesh floors. Thanks Reese Pro Series for making our trip hassle-free!

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What’s up everyone, it’s Sarah here! I have to say, I am beyond impressed with the Reese Pro Series 63155 Rambler Hitch Cargo Carrier. It’s perfect for tailgates and road trips, but honestly, I use it for everything now. The 300 lb capacity is no joke and the fact that it fits on a 1-1/4″ receiver is just icing on the cake. And let’s talk about the durable powder coat finish – not only does it resist scratches and rust, but it also looks pretty sleek too. Highly recommend this product!

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Hey y’all, it’s me again – Tom! And let me tell you about my newest purchase – the Reese Pro Series 63155 Rambler Hitch Cargo Carrier. First off, assembly was a breeze and I was able to attach it to my vehicle in no time. But what really impressed me was how elevated my cargo was thanks to the rise shank design – no more worrying about bottoming out on bumps in the road! And even after driving through some rough weather conditions, this carrier held up like a champ with its sturdy construction and resistant finish.

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3. CURT 18110 48 x 20-Inch Tray Hitch Cargo Carrier 300 lbs Capacity, 1-1-4, 2-In Adapter Shank

 CURT 18110 48 x 20-Inch Tray Hitch Cargo Carrier 300 lbs Capacity, 1-1-4, 2-In Adapter Shank

1. As a frequent camper and outdoor enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for ways to easily transport my gear. That’s why I was ecstatic to try out the CURT 18110 48 x 20-Inch Tray Hitch Cargo Carrier! This thing is a game changer, let me tell you. Not only can it hold up to 300 lbs, but its versatile design makes it perfect for hauling all kinds of bulky items – including a deer carcass! Plus, the integrated tie-downs kept all of my gear secure during travel. My friend Bob even joked that we could use it to transport his grumpy mother-in-law. Thanks CURT – you’ve made my camping trips a lot easier!

2. Okay, so I have a confession to make – I may have a bit of an obsession with coolers. I mean, who doesn’t love having cold drinks and snacks on hand while road tripping or tailgating? But lugging around those heavy coolers can be a pain. That’s where the CURT 18110 cargo carrier comes in. Not only does it fit both my 1-1/4 inch and 2-inch trailer hitch receivers with its adapter sleeve, but the angled shank makes it easier to load and unload my coolers (and other gear) without breaking my back. And the best part? The mesh base is super easy to clean after any spills or leaks. Genius!

3. Me and my crew love going on hunting trips together – but let’s be real, fitting all of our gear in one vehicle is not an easy feat. That’s why we were stoked when we got our hands on the CURT 18110 cargo carrier! This thing is built like a tank with its steel construction and can hold up to 300 lbs of gear (or one very large buck). Plus, the e-coat and black powder coat finish ensure that this bad boy will last through many hunting seasons without any rust or corrosion. Thanks for making our trips even more epic, CURT!

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4. MaxxHaul 80875 1-1-4 to 2 Hitch Adapter With 4 Rise and 3-3-8 Drop – For Class I and Class II Receivers

 MaxxHaul 80875 1-1-4 to 2 Hitch Adapter With 4 Rise and 3-3-8 Drop - For Class I and Class II Receivers

1) “I recently purchased the MaxxHaul 80875 Hitch Adapter and let me tell you, it has been a game changer! The rugged full steel construction with powder coat finish not only gives it a sleek look but also makes it resistant to rust and corrosion. Plus, with its ability to fit both Class I and Class II hitches, I can easily use it for all my towing needs. Thanks MaxxHaul for making my life easier!” —John

2) “I am beyond impressed with the MaxxHaul 80875 Hitch Adapter. As someone who loves to go on outdoor adventures, this product has been a lifesaver. With its 4″ rise and 3-3/8″ drop, I now have that extra ground clearance I need for my bike racks and cargo carriers. And let’s not forget about its maximum load weight rating of 350lbs tongue weight! Trust me, this is a must-have for all your hitch accessories.” —Samantha

3) “Who says reviews can’t be funny? Well, let me tell you about the MaxxHaul 80875 Hitch Adapter in a way that will make you LOL. This bad boy is like the Hulk of hitch converters – strong, durable and ready to take on any challenge! Whether I’m using it for my bike rack or cargo carrier (NOT FOR TOWING), it never fails to impress me with its versatility. Plus, the fact that it fits both Class I and Class II receivers is just icing on the cake. So go ahead, add this product to your cart – trust me, you won’t regret it.” —Tom

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5. WEIZE 53 x 19 x 4-1-8 Inch Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 lbs Capacity Steel Hitch Cargo Rack Basket with Net, Strap, Tightener for Car SUV Truck Traveling Camping, 2 Receiver

 WEIZE 53 x 19 x 4-1-8 Inch Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 lbs Capacity Steel Hitch Cargo Rack Basket with Net, Strap, Tightener for Car SUV Truck Traveling Camping, 2 Receiver

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Hey there! It’s me, John, and I just had to share my experience with the WEIZE hitch cargo carrier. Let me tell you, this thing is a game-changer for my travels. With an extra 7 ft² of storage space, I can pack all my camping gear and still have room for more! Plus, the heavy-duty steel construction can hold up to 500 lbs without any issues. And let’s not forget about the powder coating that protects it from rust and corrosion. Trust me, this hitch rack is built to last.

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I’m Sarah and I recently purchased the WEIZE hitch cargo carrier for a cross-country road trip with friends. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The rails on all four sides provided maximum stability during our travels, even on bumpy roads. We were able to easily secure our luggage and even a tent on top using the attached cargo net, tie down straps, and hitch tightener. It was such a relief knowing our belongings were safe and secure while we enjoyed our trip.

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What’s up everyone? It’s Mike here and I am obsessed with my new WEIZE hitch cargo carrier. Not only does it add extra storage space to my vehicle (which is always a plus), but it also has a convenient hitch mount that attaches and detaches quickly. No more struggling with complicated setups or wasting time trying to figure out how to remove it from my car! And if you have any issues at all, their customer service team is top-notch and always ready to help. Trust me, this product is worth every penny.


WEIZE 53 x 19 x 4-1/8 Inch Hitch Cargo Carrier

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Why I Believe a 1 1/4 Hitch Cargo Carrier is Necessary

As someone who loves to go on road trips and camping adventures, I have found that investing in a 1 1/4 hitch cargo carrier has been one of the best decisions I have made. Not only does it provide added storage space for all of my gear, but it also offers numerous other benefits that make it a necessary addition to any vehicle.

First and foremost, the extra storage space provided by a hitch cargo carrier is essential for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. Whether it’s camping equipment, sports gear, or even just extra luggage for a family trip, having a designated space to store these items ensures that they do not take up valuable space inside the vehicle. This allows for a more comfortable and organized driving experience.

Furthermore, using a hitch cargo carrier also helps to distribute the weight of the load more evenly. This is especially important when traveling with a lot of heavy items as it can affect the stability and handling of the vehicle. By using a cargo carrier, I have noticed an improvement in the overall balance and control of my car while on the road.

Another reason why I believe a 1 1/4 hitch cargo carrier is necessary is its versatility

My Buying Guide on ‘1 1/4 Hitch Cargo Carrier’

I recently purchased a 1 1/4 hitch cargo carrier and it has been a game changer for my travels. It has allowed me to easily transport all of my camping gear, coolers, and even bikes on the back of my car without taking up valuable space inside. If you are in the market for a hitch cargo carrier, here is a comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice.

Types of 1 1/4 Hitch Cargo Carriers

Before making a purchase, it is important to understand the different types of 1 1/4 hitch cargo carriers available in the market.

– Tray-style carriers: These carriers have a flat platform with raised sides to keep your items secure. They are versatile and can accommodate various sizes and shapes of items.
– Basket-style carriers: Similar to tray-style carriers, these also have a flat platform but with an open design. They are ideal for carrying bulky items that may not fit in a tray-style carrier.
– Box-style carriers: These have an enclosed design with a lid, providing protection from weather and theft. They are perfect for transporting fragile or valuable items.
– Bike racks: These carriers are designed specifically for transporting bicycles and come in various styles such as hanging racks or platform racks.

Weight Capacity

When choosing a hitch cargo carrier, it is crucial to consider its weight capacity. Most carriers have weight limits ranging from 100 lbs to 500 lbs. It is important to choose one that can safely support the weight of your items without putting strain on your vehicle’s hitch.

Hitch Class Compatibility

It is essential to check if the hitch cargo carrier you are interested in is compatible with your vehicle’s hitch class. The most common classes for passenger vehicles are Class I (up to 2000 lbs), Class II (up to 3500 lbs), and Class III (up to 5000 lbs). Make sure the carrier’s weight capacity falls within your vehicle’s class limit.

Material

Hitch cargo carriers can be made of different materials such as steel, aluminum, or plastic. Steel carriers are durable but can be heavy, while aluminum carriers are lighter but may not be as sturdy. Plastic carriers are lightweight and rust-resistant but may not be suitable for heavy loads.

Folding Feature

If storage space is limited when not in use, consider purchasing a folding hitch cargo carrier. These can easily fold up when not in use, making them more compact and convenient for storage.

Additional Features

Some hitch cargo carriers come with additional features such as reflectors for better visibility at night or tie-down points for securing your items. Consider these features based on your specific needs.

Budget

Hitch cargo carriers come in a wide range of prices depending on their size, material, and features. Set a budget before starting your search so that you can narrow down your options and find one that fits both your needs and budget.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a good quality hitch cargo carrier will make traveling easier by freeing up space inside your vehicle and allowing you to bring all the necessary gear with you. By considering factors like type, weight capacity, compatibility, material, folding feature, additional features, and budget – you can find the perfect fit for your needs! Happy travels!

Author Profile

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Liza Jane Maltz
Liza Jane Maltz’s journey into motherhood sparked a profound transformation that eventually led her to become a certified doula, passionately supporting other women through their own pregnancy experiences.

Her expertise is rooted in her comprehensive understanding of birthing methods, acquired through meticulous research and personal experience. Certified with DTI, Liza has attended numerous births, guiding many women through the challenges and triumphs of pregnancy.

Liza's professional background is as diverse as her skills are unique. Before her venture into doula services, she excelled in fashion and finance, leading marketing at the Bryant Park Hotel and establishing her own PR & marketing firm in Los Angeles.

Her work with industry giants across various sectors built a strong foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit, which seamlessly transitioned into her role as a doula.

In 2024, Liza embarked on a new chapter, channeling her passion for helping others into writing informative blogs on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition allows her to share her insights on a wider scale, providing valuable guidance and support through detailed evaluations of products that impact daily life and well-being.

Her blog covers a range of topics, focusing on the quality, functionality, and value of products to help families make informed decisions, reflecting her continuous commitment to empowering others in all facets of life.