Mockins 60″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Cargo Bag Review: The Ultimate Road Trip Workhorse Tested

I remember it vividly. A sweltering July afternoon, somewhere in the middle of Nebraska, on day three of a cross-country move. Our SUV, a vehicle we once thought cavernous, had become a high-stakes game of Tetris. Every square inch was occupied. Suitcases were jammed between the seats, coolers blocked the rear-view mirror, and the dog was relegated to a tiny sliver of space, looking utterly betrayed. The mood was tense, the legroom was non-existent, and every stop meant unpacking half the car just to find a single snack. It was on that trip we swore: never again. The freedom of the open road shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort and sanity inside your vehicle. This common frustration is the very reason products like the Mockins 60″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Cargo Bag exist—to liberate your cabin and transform your travel experience.

What to Consider Before Buying a Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier

A Vehicle Cargo Basket is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for expanding your vehicle’s hauling capacity without resorting to a cumbersome trailer or an aerodynamically disruptive roof box. It’s about reclaiming your interior space for passengers, pets, and peace of mind. For families embarking on long vacations, campers hauling bulky gear, or anyone moving across the country, a hitch carrier provides a secure, accessible, and efficient way to transport everything from luggage and coolers to camping equipment and sports gear. The main benefits are significant: improved passenger comfort, better visibility by keeping the cabin clear, and easier access to your items compared to a rooftop carrier.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently finds their vehicle’s cargo space lacking. Think SUV and minivan owners with growing families, outdoor enthusiasts, or even small business owners who need to transport tools and equipment. They value practicality and efficiency. However, it might not be suitable for those who primarily drive in dense urban environments with tight parking, own a vehicle without a 2-inch hitch receiver, or only occasionally need extra space. For the latter, a simple rooftop bag might suffice, though it comes with its own set of compromises like wind noise and reduced fuel economy.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The physical footprint of the carrier matters. A 60″x20″ basket, like the Mockins model, offers a substantial platform. Consider how this will affect your ability to park and maneuver. Also, look at the height of the side rails—the Mockins carrier’s 6-inch rails provide a secure boundary to keep your gear contained, which is a critical safety feature.
• Capacity/Performance: Weight capacity is paramount. A 500-pound limit, as seen on the Mockins 60″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Cargo Bag, is the industry standard and robust enough for most non-commercial needs. Also, consider features that enhance performance, such as a folding shank that allows you to fold the carrier up against the vehicle when not in use, and a hitch stabilizer, which is essential for preventing rattling and swaying on the highway.
• Materials & Durability: Look for carriers made from heavy-duty, powder-coated or e-coated alloy steel. This provides the best defense against rust and corrosion from road salt, rain, and grime. Pay attention to the welds; clean, consistent welds are a sign of good manufacturing. The included cargo bag should be made from thick, abrasion-resistant vinyl with weather-protected zippers.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: An all-in-one kit that includes the carrier, bag, straps, net, and locks saves you time and money. Assembly should be straightforward, though having a second person and a good socket set always helps. For long-term care, plan to periodically check the bolts for tightness and touch up any scratches in the paint to prevent rust from taking hold.

This careful consideration ensures you get a product that not only meets your needs but will also serve you reliably for countless journeys to come.

While the Mockins 60″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Cargo 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:

First Impressions: An Entire Hauling Ecosystem in a Single Box

The arrival of the Mockins kit was an event in itself. The box is substantial, weighing in at over 50 pounds, hinting at the robust nature of the contents. While some users have noted that shipping can be rough on the packaging, our contents arrived intact and well-organized. Laying everything out on the garage floor, we were immediately struck by the sheer completeness of the package. This isn’t just a cargo basket; it’s a comprehensive hauling system. You get the heavy steel carrier, a massive 20 cubic foot cargo bag, a hitch stabilizer, a locking hitch pin, a cargo net, ratchet straps, buckle straps, and even a storage bag for the cargo bag. It’s rare to find a package this complete, and you can see its full feature set and user reviews online. The steel components have a solid, durable powder-coat finish, and as one user aptly noted, the welds are clean and look professionally done. The cargo bag feels thick and rugged, made from a heavy vinyl material that promises serious weather resistance. It immediately gives the impression of a well-thought-out product designed to get you on the road with minimal fuss.

Putting the Mockins Carrier Through Its Paces: A Road Trip Torture Test

A product’s true character is revealed not on a spec sheet, but on the unforgiving blacktop of a multi-state road trip. To truly test the Mockins 60″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Cargo Bag, we loaded it onto our trusty Honda Pilot, packed it to the brim with camping gear and luggage, and embarked on a 1,800-mile round trip from the humid plains of Texas to the mountains of Colorado. This journey would subject it to everything: blistering heat, torrential downpours, high-speed interstates, and winding mountain passes.

Assembly and Installation: A Straightforward, if Brawny, Affair

The assembly process is a one-person job, but a second set of hands makes it quicker. As one user noted, you’ll want a good-sized crescent wrench or, even better, a socket set to make quick work of the nuts and bolts. The instructions are clear enough, and the two main halves of the basket bolt together to form the 60-inch platform, which then attaches to the folding shank. We did encounter one of the minor alignment issues a user mentioned, where one bolt hole was slightly off. A little bit of leverage and pressure was all it took to align it, but it’s a point worth noting. The entire assembly took us about 30 minutes at a relaxed pace.

The most critical part of the installation is the included hitch stabilizer. This U-bolt contraption clamps over the hitch shank and the receiver, and when tightened, it completely locks the carrier in place. This small piece of hardware is the unsung hero of the entire system. Before tightening it, the carrier had the typical wobble of any hitch-mounted accessory. After tightening, it felt like an integral part of the vehicle’s frame. It’s an absolutely essential component that transforms the driving experience from nerve-wracking to confident.

On-the-Road Performance: Rock-Solid and Rattle-Free

Once on the road, our initial impressions of sturdiness were immediately validated. We joined the flow of traffic on I-35, cruising at 75-80 mph, and the carrier was perfectly behaved. There was no unnerving sway, no bouncing, and no rattling. This sentiment was echoed by countless users, one of whom completed a 3,600-mile journey through deserts and mountains with the same flawless result. The Mockins 60″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Cargo Bag simply does its job without drama. We loaded it with two large coolers, three duffel bags, and a tent—likely pushing 200-250 lbs—and it didn’t flinch. This rock-solid performance is a testament to its design, and you can check the latest pricing and user feedback here.

However, the most frequently cited design critique is the straight shank. Unlike some competitors that feature an angled shank to raise the basket, the Mockins carrier sits parallel to the ground. For our Honda Pilot, this wasn’t an issue. But for vehicles with lower hitch receivers or for those navigating steep driveways or mild off-road trails, this can lead to scraping. One user unfortunately bent their carrier on an ORV trail. This isn’t a flaw in its strength but a design choice to be aware of. We recommend measuring your hitch height and considering your typical driving routes before purchasing.

The 20 Cubic Foot Cargo Bag: A Truly Cavernous and Weatherproof Fortress

The cargo bag is arguably the star of this package. Twenty cubic feet is an enormous amount of space. To put it in perspective, it easily swallowed our large hockey bag, a pack-n-play, and several smaller bags with room to spare, just as another user reported. We confirmed that the best way to use it is to place it in the basket empty, load your gear into it, and then zip it up. The material is a thick, abrasion-resistant vinyl that feels incredibly durable.

Its biggest test came on the return trip through Oklahoma, where we hit a classic plains thunderstorm. For over an hour, we drove through a relentless downpour. We were anxious, but upon arrival, we were thrilled to find the contents were bone dry. The secret is the zipper design: it’s a heavy-duty zipper protected by a generous 2-inch flap that secures with a 5.5-inch wide strip of Velcro running its entire length. As one user stated, if you “follow the instructions and seal it up correctly,” it is “waterproof to the max.” This provides incredible peace of mind when traveling. The peace of mind this waterproof bag provides is worth the investment alone; see what other travelers have packed in it. A minor point of caution came from one review where a handle on the bag tore; we suggest lifting the bag by its body rather than relying solely on the handles when it’s heavily loaded.

Design Nuances and Everyday Livability

Beyond the core performance, Mockins included several thoughtful features that enhance the user experience. The folding mechanism is simple and effective. By removing a single pin, the carrier folds up vertically against the back of the vehicle, dramatically reducing its footprint for easier parking. This is a must-have feature for anyone who plans to leave the carrier on their vehicle between trips.

The 6-inch side rails work in tandem with the included straps and cargo net to create a very secure load, even if you choose not to use the big cargo bag. Safety is further enhanced by included reflector stickers for the back and sides. A particularly smart addition is the dedicated license plate relocation bracket. In many states, obstructing the license plate is illegal, and this simple bracket provides a clear, legal solution. It’s a small detail that shows Mockins was thinking about the real-world legalities of using their product.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience is strongly mirrored in the feedback from other drivers. The overwhelming sentiment is one of surprise and satisfaction, particularly concerning the carrier’s durability on long-haul trips. One user recounted a 2,000+ mile cross-country journey through “80mph freeways, mountain roads, dirt roads, poorly paved roads,” concluding that it worked great. Another was impressed right out of the box, stating, “This item is well built and made with strong materials… the welds look great because they are clean.”

The constructive criticism is also consistent. The most common point, which we also identified, is the straight shank and potential for reduced ground clearance. A user noted, “it would also be nice if instead of being parallel to the ground, the tube was bent to incline a little for better ground clearance.” On rare occasions, users have reported missing hardware upon delivery. However, this seems to be the exception, and one user who experienced this updated their review to praise Mockins’ customer service, who promptly sent the missing parts and instructions, calling the service “wonderful.”

How Does the Mockins Carrier Stack Up Against the Competition?

While these are solid alternatives, the all-in-one value of the Mockins 60″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Cargo Bag is hard to beat. It provides a complete, road-ready system right out of the box, which is a significant advantage for those who want a simple, one-purchase solution.

1. MeeFar 60″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier with Bag

The MeeFar carrier is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Mockins. It offers a very similar all-in-one package, including a folding shank, 500 lbs capacity, hitch stabilizer, net, and straps. The primary difference lies in the cargo bag, which at 16 cubic feet is slightly smaller than the Mockins’ massive 20 cubic foot bag. For users who value the complete kit approach but don’t necessarily need the absolute maximum cargo volume, the MeeFar presents a compelling and closely matched alternative. The choice between the two may simply come down to current pricing and the user’s specific space requirements.

2. CURT 18153 60×24-Inch Basket Hitch Cargo Carrier

CURT is a well-respected name in the towing and hauling industry, and their 18153 carrier reflects that reputation. This is a carrier-only option, meaning it does not include a cargo bag, straps, or a stabilizer—those must be purchased separately. Its key advantage is its larger platform, measuring 24 inches wide compared to the 20-inch width of the Mockins. This makes it better suited for carrying wider items. This is the ideal choice for someone who already owns a quality cargo bag or prefers the flexibility of buying accessories a la carte from a trusted brand, and who needs a bit more width for their gear.

3. Goplus Folding Wheelchair Carrier 500 LBS with Ramp

The Goplus carrier serves a much more specialized purpose. While it shares the 500 lbs capacity and hitch-mounted design, it is specifically engineered to transport mobility scooters and wheelchairs. The integrated 42-inch ramp is its defining feature, allowing for easy loading and unloading of wheeled devices without heavy lifting. Its wider and shorter platform (50″ x 29.5″) is optimized for this task. This is not a direct competitor for general luggage hauling but is the superior choice for users who need to transport mobility aids safely and conveniently.

The Final Verdict: Is the Mockins Hitch Carrier the Ultimate Hauling Solution?

After extensive testing, long miles on the road, and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict is clear. The Mockins 60″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Cargo Bag represents one of the best values in the vehicle cargo market today. Its true strength lies in being a complete, cohesive system. You don’t have to waste time and money piecing together a carrier, a bag, straps, and locks; it’s all included and designed to work together seamlessly. The build quality is solid, the stability on the road is exceptional thanks to the included stabilizer, and the waterproof cargo bag is both enormous and effective.

Its only significant drawback is the straight shank design, which could pose a ground clearance issue for some vehicles. However, for most standard SUVs, minivans, and trucks, this will not be a problem. For families, adventurers, and anyone tired of a cramped car interior, this carrier is a game-changer. It’s a robust, reliable, and incredibly practical solution that delivers on its promises. For an unbeatable combination of space, security, and value, we wholeheartedly recommend you check out the Mockins 60″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Cargo Bag for your next adventure.