CURT Cargo Baskets: 8 Picks Ranked by Specs

Quick picks

Our 8 picks

1 Best overall

CURT 60x24 Folding Hitch Basket

Best for: drivers needing 500 lb folding hitch cargo space

Weight Capacity

500 lb

Basket Dimensions

60 x 24 x 6 in

Material

Steel

Side Rail Height

6 in

Size

500 lbs. Capacity,

Mount Type

Hitch Mount

View on Amazon: CURT 60x24 Folding Hitch Basket

This CURT folding hitch basket adds 60 by 24 inches of steel cargo space with 6-inch sides to keep gear in place. It carries up to 500 lb and uses an angled shank for extra ground clearance. The folding shank tilts the basket up when you are not using it, which suits drivers who want cargo capacity without permanently blocking the hitch.

Pros

• 500 lb weight capacity
• 60 x 24 x 6 in basket dimensions
• 6 in side rails help secure cargo
• Folding shank tilts up when not in use
• Angled shank increases ground clearance

Cons

• Weighs 70 lb, so it is heavy to handle
• Hitch mount only; receiver not included

Good fit if

• You need 60 x 24 inches of cargo space
• You want a 500 lb capacity hitch-mounted carrier
• You want to fold the carrier up when the hitch is empty

Skip if

• You need a carrier that mounts to the trunk or roof
• You want a lighter unit that is easy to lift on and off

Verdict: CURT 60x24 Folding Hitch Basket Cargo Carrier is a high-capacity steel basket with a useful folding shank and ground clearance, making it a strong all-around hitch cargo choice.

2 Best 300 lb

CURT 48 x 20 in 300 lb Steel Tray Cargo Carrier

Best for: budget-minded buyers with light cargo needs

Mount Type

Hitch-mount (1-1/4 or 2-inch receiver)

Weight Capacity

300 lb

Basket Dimensions

48 x 20 in

Material

Steel

Receiver Size

1-1/4 or 2-inch

Dimensions

29.5 × 20.8 × 3.5 inches

View on Amazon: CURT 48 x 20 in 300 lb Steel Tray Cargo Carrier

The CURT 18110 is a compact steel tray cargo carrier that measures 48 by 20 inches and supports up to 300 pounds. It uses a two-piece bolted design and includes an adapter to fit both 1-1/4 and 2-inch receivers. This carrier suits you if you need a smaller, budget-friendly platform for lighter loads like coolers and camping gear.

Pros

• 300-pound weight capacity for medium loads
• Includes sleeve adapter for 1-1/4 and 2-inch receivers
• E-coat and carbide black powder coat for outdoor durability
• Integrated tie-down openings for straps or cargo nets
• Two-piece steel tray bolts together with supplied hardware

Cons

• Smaller 48x20-inch platform limits bulky cargo
• Needs assembly of two steel sections
• No folding design for compact storage when not in use

Good fit if

• You want a budget-friendly steel cargo carrier for a compact vehicle
• You need a hitch-mounted tray for lighter items like coolers or luggage
• You prefer a simple two-piece assembly over a folding model

Skip if

• You need a carrier with a 500-pound capacity for heavier gear
• You require a folding basket for easier storage when not in use
• You want a larger platform wider than 20 inches

Verdict: CURT 18110 Steel Tray Cargo Carrier, 48x20 in, 300 lb is a solid budget pick for light to medium loads, but its smaller size and lower capacity mean it is not for heavy or oversized cargo.

3 Best budget

CURT Compact 46-1/2 in Hitch Cargo Basket

Best for: compact 500 lb hitch cargo needs

Mount Type

Hitch-mount (1-1/4 or 2-inch receiver)

Weight Capacity

500 lb

Basket Dimensions

46-1/2 x 17-1/2 x 5-1/2 in

Material

Steel

Side Rail Height

6 in

Receiver Size

1-1/4 or 2-inch

View on Amazon: CURT Compact 46-1/2 in Hitch Cargo Basket

This CURT cargo basket mounts to a 1-1/4-inch or 2-inch receiver and carries up to 500 pounds. The 46-1/2 by 17-1/2 inch steel tray has 6-inch tall sides to help keep gear in place. Built-in reflectors add visibility. It frees up interior space for passengers and is a good fit for smaller vehicles or lighter loads.

Pros

• 500 lb weight capacity
• 6-inch tall sides help secure cargo
• Adapter sleeve fits both 1-1/4-inch and 2-inch receivers
• Built-in reflectors increase visibility
• Heavy-duty tubular steel construction

Cons

• Compact 46-1/2 x 17-1/2 inch basket suits smaller loads
• No folding mechanism listed in the specs

Good fit if

• You want a compact hitch basket for lighter, smaller cargo
• You have either a 1-1/4-inch or 2-inch receiver and want one carrier to fit both
• You want built-in reflectors for extra visibility

Skip if

• You need a larger basket for bulky items like coolers or camp gear
• You expect a folding design for easy storage

Verdict: CURT Compact 46-1/2 in Hitch Cargo Basket is a solid, compact 500-pound carrier with 6-inch sides, dual receiver fit, and built-in reflectors for smaller loads.

4 Best premium

CURT 18100 Tray-Style Aluminum Carrier

Best for: lightweight rust-free folding tray with 500 lb load

Mount Type

Hitch-mount (2-inch receiver)

Weight Capacity

500 lb

Basket Dimensions

60 x 19 in

Material

Aluminum

Receiver Size

2-inch

Size

500 lbs. Capacity,

View on Amazon: CURT 18100 Tray-Style Aluminum Carrier

The CURT 18100 is a 60 x 19-inch aluminum tray-style cargo carrier that mounts to a 2-inch receiver. It holds up to 500 lb and weighs only 28.9 pounds. The mesh base makes cleanup easy, and the folding design lets you tilt it up when not in use. This carrier suits you if you want a lightweight, corrosion-resistant tray that assembles quickly and stows out of the way.

Pros

• Aluminum construction resists rust and keeps weight low at 28.9 lb
• 500 lb capacity matches the highest rating in this guide
• Folding design tilts up when not in use, saving rear access
• Mesh base allows dirt and debris to fall through for easy cleaning
• Bolts together for quick assembly with no welding required

Cons

• 19-inch width is narrower than some other CURT trays in this guide
• No raised side rails or basket walls to contain loose items
• Assembly of multiple sections is required out of the box

Good fit if

• You want a lightweight aluminum tray that won't rust
• You need a 500 lb capacity in a folding design
• You prefer a flat tray for easy loading of boxes or coolers

Skip if

• You need a basket with raised sides to keep gear from sliding off
• You want the widest possible tray (other models offer 24-inch width)
• You require a pre-assembled carrier with no bolt-together setup

Verdict: CURT 18100 Tray-Style Aluminum Carrier is a lightweight, folding aluminum tray with a full 500 lb capacity, ideal if you prioritize corrosion resistance and easy stowage over side walls or maximum width.

5 Best aluminum

CURT 50" x 30.5" Aluminum Hitch Carrier with Ramp

Best for: loading heavy gear with a built-in ramp

Mount Type

Hitch-mount (2-inch receiver)

Basket Dimensions

50" x 30-1/2" x 7"

Material

Aluminum

Receiver Size

2"

Dimensions

55 × 36 × 7 inches

Weight

63 pounds

View on Amazon: CURT 50" x 30.5" Aluminum Hitch Carrier with Ramp

The CURT 18112 is a 50 by 30-1/2 inch aluminum hitch cargo carrier with a built-in ramp. It mounts to a 2-inch receiver and weighs 63 pounds. The ramp has three positions: extended, folded vertically, or stowed flat in the carrier. The shank folds up for parking. This carrier suits you if you need to load heavy items like a scooter or mower without lifting.

Pros

• Built-in ramp for loading scooters, mowers, and snow blowers
• Aluminum construction resists rust and weighs 63 pounds
• Three-position ramp: extended, vertical, or stowed flat
• Folding shank for compact storage when not in use
• Basket dimensions of 50 x 30-1/2 x 7 inches

Cons

• Requires a 2-inch receiver, not compatible with 1-1/4 inch hitches
• No integrated lighting or license plate holder listed
• Assembly of ramp and carrier sections needed before use

Good fit if

• You need a ramp to roll heavy equipment onto the carrier
• You want an aluminum carrier to avoid rust
• You have a 2-inch receiver hitch on your vehicle

Skip if

• You need a carrier that fits a 1-1/4 inch receiver
• You prefer a fixed, non-folding carrier for maximum rigidity
• You want a carrier with built-in lights for nighttime use

Verdict: CURT 18112 Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier with Ramp is a practical choice for loading heavy items without lifting, thanks to its built-in ramp and rust-resistant aluminum build.

6 Also great

CURT 18109 Tray-Style Cargo Carrier, 60 x 19-1/4 in

Best for: narrow, long loads with tilt-up convenience

Mount Type

Hitch-mount (2-inch receiver)

Weight Capacity

500 lb

Basket Dimensions

60 x 19-1/4 in

Receiver Size

2 in

Size

500 lbs. Capacity,

Dimensions

32 × 21 × 4 inches

View on Amazon: CURT 18109 Tray-Style Cargo Carrier, 60 x 19-1/4 in

The CURT 18109 is a tray-style hitch cargo carrier with a 500 lb capacity and a 60 x 19-1/4 inch mesh basket. Its two-piece design bolts together for quick assembly, and the folding shank lets you tilt it up when not in use. It fits a 2-inch receiver and has mounting holes for a cargo net or bungees. This carrier suits you if you need a long, narrow platform for gear and want the convenience of tilting it out of the way.

Pros

• 500 lb weight capacity handles heavy loads
• 60 x 19-1/4 inch mesh basket provides a long, narrow platform
• Folding shank tilts carrier up when not in use
• Two-piece design bolts together for quick assembly
• Mounting holes for cargo net or bungees included

Cons

• 19-1/4 inch width is narrower than some other CURT trays
• No integrated lights or license plate holder listed
• Requires assembly of two sections

Good fit if

• You want a tray-style carrier with a 500 lb capacity and a long, narrow basket
• You need the ability to tilt the carrier up when not in use
• You prefer a mesh base for easy cleanup

Skip if

• You need a wider basket for bulky items like coolers or luggage
• You want a carrier with integrated lights or a license plate mount
• You prefer a one-piece design with no assembly required

Verdict: CURT 18109 Tray-Style Cargo Carrier, 60 x 19-1/4 in is a solid choice if you need a long, narrow hitch tray with a 500 lb capacity and a folding shank, but its narrower width may limit what you can haul compared to wider models.

7 Also great

CURT 18150 59.5" Hitch Cargo Carrier

Best for: secure, high-capacity hauling with a 2-inch hitch

Mount Type

Hitch-mount (2-inch receiver)

Weight Capacity

500 lb

Basket Dimensions

59-1/2 x 20-1/4 x 5-1/2 in

Material

Steel

Side Rail Height

6 in

Receiver Size

2 in

View on Amazon: CURT 18150 59.5" Hitch Cargo Carrier

The CURT 18150 is a steel hitch-mount cargo carrier with a 500 lb capacity and a 59.5 x 20.25-inch basket. Its 6-inch tall sides help keep gear secure, and the angled shank provides extra ground clearance. This carrier suits you if you need a durable, high-capacity basket for a 2-inch receiver and want to free up interior space.

Pros

• 500 lb weight capacity handles heavy loads
• 6-inch tall sides keep items more secure during travel
• Angled shank elevates carrier for more ground clearance
• Mesh base allows for easy cleanup

Cons

• Requires a 2-inch receiver, not compatible with 1.25-inch hitches
• Heavier than some aluminum options at 54 pounds
• No folding design for compact storage

Good fit if

• You need a high-capacity cargo carrier for a 2-inch hitch receiver
• You want tall sides and a mesh base for secure, easy-to-clean hauling
• You prefer extra ground clearance from an angled shank

Skip if

• You have a 1.25-inch receiver and need a carrier that fits directly
• You prioritize a lightweight carrier for easy handling
• You want a folding carrier for compact storage when not in use

Verdict: CURT 18150 59.5" Hitch Cargo Carrier is a solid steel basket with a 500 lb capacity, 6-inch sides, and an angled shank for ground clearance, making it a practical choice for secure cargo hauling.

8 Also great

CURT 18151 Folding Hitch Cargo Basket

Best for: drivers wanting a secure, folding steel cargo basket

Mount Type

Hitch-mount (2-inch receiver)

Weight Capacity

500 lb

Basket Dimensions

60 x 20 x 6 in

Material

Steel

Side Rail Height

6 in

Receiver Size

2 in

View on Amazon: CURT 18151 Folding Hitch Cargo Basket

This CURT 18151 is a folding steel hitch basket with a 500-pound capacity and a 60 x 20 x 6-inch basket. The 6-inch side rails help keep gear contained, and the folding shank lets you tilt the carrier up when it is not in use. It suits drivers who want a secure, heavy-duty cargo carrier for a 2-inch receiver.

Pros

• 500-pound load capacity
• 6-inch side rails keep items more secure
• Folding shank tilts up when not in use
• Heavy-duty tubular steel construction
• Mesh base for easy cleanup

Cons

• Requires a 2-inch receiver, so it will not fit 1-1/4-inch hitches
• Weighs 58 pounds, adding noticeable bulk when handling

Good fit if

• You have a 2-inch receiver hitch
• You want tall side rails to help hold cargo in place
• You want a folding shank for easy storage when the carrier is empty

Skip if

• You have a 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch
• You need a wider basket than 20 inches
• You prefer a fixed, non-folding shank

Verdict: CURT 18151 Folding Hitch Cargo Basket is a premium steel carrier with a 500-pound capacity, 6-inch side rails, and a folding shank, making it a secure and convenient choice for 2-inch receiver hitches.

Specifications side by side

CURT Cargo Baskets Ranked by Specs

The CURT lineup offers eight hitch-mounted cargo carriers, primarily divided into steel baskets and aluminum trays. Steel models like the CURT 60x24 Folding Hitch Basket and the CURT 18150 59.5" Hitch Cargo Carrier provide robust 500 lb capacities with deep sides for secure hauling. These are ideal for heavy, loose items that require containment.

Aluminum options, such as the CURT 18100 Tray-Style Aluminum Carrier and the CURT 50" x 30.5" Aluminum Hitch Carrier with Ramp, prioritize rust resistance and lighter weight. The aluminum tray suits buyers seeking corrosion-free durability, while the ramp-equipped model aids in loading bulky gear. Choose steel for maximum strength and aluminum for easy maintenance and lighter lifting.

Where CURT fits your needs

CURT covers a practical range of hitch carriers. You can choose from compact steel baskets like the 46-inch model or long aluminum trays up to 60 inches. Most models offer 500 lb capacity, with one 300 lb option for lighter loads. Shapes vary from deep baskets with high sides to low-profile trays. All listed products mount to 2-inch receivers, except one 1.25-inch fit. None of these carriers include built-in lighting systems. You also will not find roof-mounted or bike-specific options in this lineup. Focus on steel for durability or aluminum for rust resistance.

Choosing the right hitch basket

1. Check load capacity needs

   Most models in this list support 500 lb. You only need the 300 lb option if you carry light gear. The CURT 48 x 20 in 300 lb Steel Tray Cargo Carrier fits budget buyers with light loads. Heavier items require the higher capacity steel baskets. Always verify your vehicle’s hitch rating before loading. Exceeding limits risks damage. Choose the capacity that matches your heaviest expected load.

2. Consider folding shanks

   Folding shanks help when you need ground clearance or easy storage. The CURT 60x24 Folding Hitch Basket and CURT 18151 Folding Hitch Cargo Basket both feature this design. They allow you to tilt the basket up. This clears driveways or garages. Fixed shanks are simpler but stay in place. If you frequently park low or store the carrier indoors, a folding mechanism is practical. Check the shank type in the specs.

3. Match receiver size

   Most carriers fit 2-inch receivers. Some, like the CURT 48 x 20 in 300 lb Steel Tray Cargo Carrier, fit 1.25-inch hitches. Verify your vehicle’s receiver size first. Using the wrong adapter can be unsafe. The CURT Compact 46-1/2 in Hitch Cargo Basket also specifies a 2-inch fit. Ensure the carrier matches your hitch class. Mismatched sizes prevent proper installation. Check the receiver size in the product attributes before buying.

4. Evaluate tray vs basket

   Baskets have deep sides for containment. The CURT 18150 59.5" Hitch Cargo Carrier has 10.3-inch sides. Trays have low walls. The CURT 18100 Tray-Style Aluminum Carrier is only 4 inches high. Baskets keep loose items from falling. Trays are easier to load heavy gear. Choose baskets for general cargo. Choose trays for equipment like bikes or tools. Your cargo type dictates the best style.

5. Assess ramp convenience

   Some carriers include a built-in ramp. The CURT 50" x 30.5" Aluminum Hitch Carrier with Ramp has this feature. It helps load heavy items without lifting. You can roll gear onto the tray. Other models require manual lifting. If you haul heavy boxes or equipment, a ramp saves effort. Check if the ramp is fixed or removable. This feature adds weight but improves usability for specific tasks.

6. Review dimensions carefully

   Length and width vary significantly. The CURT 60x24 Folding Hitch Basket is 60 inches long. The CURT 18100 is 31 inches long. Ensure the carrier fits your vehicle’s rear bumper clearance. Long carriers may obstruct taillights or license plates. Width affects stability. Wider bases hold more items. Measure your vehicle’s available space. Compare these measurements to the carrier’s length and width specs. Proper fit prevents interference while driving.

7. Check material durability

   Steel offers high strength but can rust. Aluminum resists corrosion but costs more. The CURT 18100 Tray-Style Aluminum Carrier is rust-free. Steel models like the CURT 18151 are durable but need care. Consider your local climate. If you live near salt water or rain, aluminum is practical. Steel is fine for dry areas. Material choice affects longevity. Match the material to your environmental exposure for best results.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best roof cargo boxes under 150
• best roof cargo boxes under 300