MAXXHAUL 70108 Aluminum Cargo Carrier Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It

What stands out

• 500 lb weight capacity for heavy gear
• Extruded aluminum basket resists rust and corrosion
• 2-inch hitch receiver compatibility for secure mounting
• High side rails with multiple tie-down points
• Reflector lenses and red corner accents for visibility

Who it fits

Key specs explained for MaxxHaul 70108

Weight Capacity: 500 lb

This carrier supports up to 500 pounds of cargo. This high limit allows you to transport heavy items like tools, lumber, or bulk supplies without exceeding safe limits. Compare this to standard carriers that often cap at 150 pounds. You benefit from this capacity when moving dense materials that would overload lighter-duty racks.

Basket Dimensions: 49-1/4 x 22-1/2 x 7-1/4 in

The outer basket measures nearly 49 inches long and 22.5 inches wide. This size fits standard vehicles but may extend beyond your car's width. The 7.25-inch height provides vertical space for bulky items. When shopping, check if your garage or parking spot has enough clearance for this footprint and height.

Material: Aluminum

The basket is made from extruded aluminum, which resists rust and stays lightweight. This material does not corrode like steel, making it suitable for outdoor storage. It is easier to clean and maintain. You benefit from a durable surface that handles weather exposure well without adding excessive weight to your vehicle.

Mount Type: Hitch-mount (2-inch receiver)

This unit attaches to a 2-inch hitch receiver, common on trucks and SUVs. It requires a compatible receiver tube on your vehicle. Standard Class III and IV hitches support this mount. Ensure your vehicle has this receiver size before purchasing, as it will not fit smaller 1.25-inch receivers without an adapter.

Design and build details

The listing describes the MaxxHaul 70108 as a basket-style carrier built from extruded aluminum. This material choice aims to keep the unit lightweight while resisting rust. The specific weight is 21.4 pounds, which you can lift and position without excessive strain. The outer basket measures 49-1/4 inches long by 22-1/2 inches wide. The inner usable space is slightly smaller at 47-1/4 by 20-1/4 inches. The side rails stand 7-1/4 inches high, providing a barrier to keep cargo from shifting during transit. You get multiple tie-down points along these rails for securing items.

Underneath the aluminum basket, the listing notes a heavy-duty steel support frame. This frame connects to a 2-inch hitch shaft, designed for standard Class III and IV receivers. The unit is finished in grey. Red corner accents and reflector lenses are included to improve visibility from behind. These features are listed as safety enhancements for your journeys. The overall dimensions are listed as 50.5 inches in length, 24.1 inches in width, and 6.1 inches in height.

According to the listing, this design suits users who need a robust, open-air solution for transporting bulky goods. The high side rails and steel frame suggest it is built for stability rather than aerodynamic efficiency. You can use it for camping gear, tools, or other items that do not fit inside your vehicle. The aluminum construction implies you will need to clean it occasionally to maintain its appearance, though it resists corrosion better than untreated steel.

Setup And Everyday Use

Setting up this MaxxHaul 70108 requires a standard 2-inch hitch receiver. The carrier includes a 2-inch hitch shaft that slides directly into the receiver. You secure it using the included hardware. The listing notes a steel under support frame that adds stability to the aluminum basket. This frame helps distribute the load evenly across your vehicle’s hitch point. The 500-pound weight capacity means you can load substantial items without worrying about structural failure, provided you stay within the limit. The extruded aluminum construction is lightweight at 21.4 pounds, making it manageable to lift onto the hitch bar alone. Daily use involves placing cargo into the 49-1/4 by 22-1/2-inch basket. The 7-1/4-inch side rails help contain items and prevent them from sliding out during transit. You can use the multiple tie-down points on the rails to secure loose gear with straps or bungee cords. The red corner accents and reflector lenses are designed to improve visibility for other drivers, especially at night. This feature adds a layer of safety without requiring additional accessories. The basket’s open design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. You can simply hose it down or wipe it with a damp cloth. The aluminum material resists rust, which is useful for outdoor storage or exposure to rain. The carrier fits cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans with compatible hitches. The high side rails also protect your cargo from shifting during sharp turns or sudden stops. You should always ensure the hitch shaft is fully inserted and locked before driving. This setup process is straightforward and does not require specialized tools beyond what is provided. The design prioritizes durability and ease of use for frequent haulers.

Before You Buy This Carrier

Before adding the MaxxHaul 70108 to your roof, verify your hitch receiver is a standard 2-inch size. The carrier includes a matching shaft, but you must ensure your vehicle’s hitch class supports the 500-pound load. While the aluminum basket resists rust, you should clean it regularly to maintain its finish. Remove salt and road grime after winter drives to prevent premature wear. You may need separate tie-down straps or bungees, as the listing highlights multiple tie-down points but does not include securing hardware. Consider the 7-1/4-inch side rail height for securing bulky items. This model sits among 1 options in our guide. It suits buyers needing high capacity and easy maintenance. If you require enclosed protection from weather, a roof box might be better. For open, heavy hauling, this aluminum carrier is a practical choice. Check your vehicle’s rear clearance before driving, as the 49-inch length extends significantly behind your bumper.

Check before you buy

• Confirm your hitch receiver is a standard 2-inch size.
• Verify your vehicle’s hitch class supports 500 pounds.
• Check rear bumper clearance for the 49-inch length.
• Purchase separate tie-down straps or bungees for security.

The product at a glance

1

MaxxHaul 49" x 22.5" Aluminum Cargo Carrier

Best for: Hauling bulky gear on 2-inch hitch receivers

Mount Type

Hitch-mount (2-inch receiver)

Weight Capacity

500 lb

Basket Dimensions

49-1/4 x 22-1/2 x 7-1/4 in

Material

Aluminum

Side Rail Height

7-1/4 in

Receiver Size

2-inch

View on Amazon: MaxxHaul 49" x 22.5" Aluminum Cargo Carrier Affiliate link

This hitch-mounted carrier provides extra exterior storage using a lightweight 21.4-pound aluminum basket paired with a steel support frame. You get an interior loading area measuring 47-1/4 by 20-1/4 inches with 6-inch side rails and a 500-pound load capacity. It fits vehicles equipped with a standard 2-inch receiver, making it suitable if you need to haul bulky gear outside your vehicle.

Pros

• Weighs 21.4 pounds for manageable handling
• 500-pound load capacity supported by a steel subframe
• Built-in reflector lenses and red corner accents
• 6-inch interior side rails offer integrated tie-down points

Cons

• Requires a 2-inch Class III or IV receiver hitch
• Inner basket length is limited to 47-1/4 inches
• Carrier does not fold upright when empty

Good fit if

• You have a vehicle with a 2-inch Class III or IV hitch receiver.
• You want a lightweight 21.4-pound carrier that handles up to 500 pounds.
• You need high side rails to secure loose luggage or camping equipment.

Skip if

• You have a vehicle with a 1.25-inch hitch receiver.
• You need an interior platform longer than 47-1/4 inches.
• You want a carrier that folds flat against the vehicle when empty.

Verdict: MAXXHAUL 49-Inch Aluminum Cargo Carrier is built for drivers with a 2-inch receiver who need a lightweight 21.4-pound basket rated for 500-pound loads.

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See also

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