Mockins 60×20 Heavy Duty Folding Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Bag Review: The Ultimate Road Trip Upgrade?

We’ve all been there. The car is packed to the roof, the kids have just enough legroom to avoid a full-scale mutiny, and you’re staring at three more bags, a cooler, and a portable grill that simply will not fit. It’s that sinking feeling just before a long-awaited family vacation, the moment you realize your SUV’s “cavernous” cargo space is, in fact, quite finite. For years, our team faced this exact dilemma, resorting to creative (and sometimes questionable) packing strategies, leaving essential gear behind, or cramming the cabin until it felt like a sardine can. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it compromises comfort, safety, and the overall enjoyment of the journey. That’s the problem that drives people to seek a better solution—a way to reclaim their vehicle’s interior and travel without compromise. The promise of a hitch-mounted cargo carrier is the promise of a stress-free departure.

What to Consider Before Buying a Vehicle Cargo Basket

A vehicle cargo basket is more than just a metal rack; it’s a key solution for expanding your vehicle’s hauling capacity for everything from family road trips to hauling messy gear for a weekend project. It liberates interior space, ensuring passengers travel in comfort and safety, free from precariously stacked luggage. The main benefit is straightforward: you can carry more, more securely, and more conveniently. By moving bulky, dirty, or awkwardly shaped items outside the vehicle, you keep your interior clean and uncluttered. This simple addition can transform a cramped family sedan or SUV into a capable long-haul vessel, making it an indispensable tool for adventurers, large families, and anyone who refuses to pack light.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a consistent cargo deficit—think families with multiple children, outdoor enthusiasts with camping or fishing gear, or even small business owners who need to transport tools and materials. If you have a vehicle equipped with a 2-inch hitch receiver and frequently find yourself wishing for a “trunk extension,” this is for you. However, it might not be suitable for those who primarily drive in tight urban environments where the extra length could be a parking nightmare, or for those whose vehicles lack a compatible hitch. For those without a hitch, a rooftop cargo box like the ARKSEN 150LB Heavy Duty Roof Rack could be a better alternative, though it comes with its own considerations regarding aerodynamics and accessibility.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure the back of your vehicle. A carrier should be wide enough to be useful but not so wide that it becomes a hazard. The 60×20 inch platform of the Mockins model is a common sweet spot, offering substantial real estate without excessively extending the vehicle’s footprint. Also consider the wall height—the 6-inch walls on this model provide a secure perimeter for your load.
• Capacity/Performance: A 500-pound capacity is the industry standard for heavy-duty steel carriers and is more than enough for luggage, coolers, and camping equipment. Crucially, check your vehicle’s tongue weight capacity; you must not exceed it. Performance also includes features like a folding shank, which allows the carrier to tilt up when not in use, and a raised shank, which improves ground clearance over steep driveways and bumps.
• Materials & Durability: Look for powder-coated or rust-resistant alloy steel. This is the material of choice for its strength and weather resistance. Pay attention to the quality of the welds, as this is a common failure point on cheaper models. A robust build is non-negotiable for something carrying 500 pounds of gear at highway speeds.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: An “all-in-one” kit can save significant time and money. Look for packages that include essentials like a hitch stabilizer (to prevent rattling), straps, and a waterproof bag. For long-term care, plan to periodically check bolts for tightness and touch up any scratches in the paint to prevent rust, especially if you live in a region with harsh winters.

While the Mockins 60×20 Heavy Duty Folding Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Bag is a fantastic all-inclusive 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: A Comprehensive Kit That Means Business

The box that arrived was, to put it mildly, substantial. At 56 pounds, the weight itself is the first indicator of the heavy-duty nature of the Mockins 60×20 Heavy Duty Folding Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Bag. Unpacking it revealed a true “everything but the kitchen sink” collection of parts and accessories. Unlike basic carriers that are just a basket and a shank, this kit includes the carrier itself (in two halves), a massive 20 cubic foot waterproof bag, a cargo net, ratchet straps, buckle straps, a hitch stabilizer, a hitch lock, and a full lighting kit with a license plate holder. The powder-coated alloy steel felt robust, with a textured finish that seemed ready to shrug off abuse. The sheer volume of included hardware was initially daunting, confirming what some users noted: this is not a snap-together affair. It requires tools and a bit of patience. However, the completeness of the package is its primary value proposition; you are not left needing to buy another $100 worth of accessories just to make it road-ready. This all-in-one approach is what sets it apart from many competitors right out of the box.

A Deep Dive into the Mockins Carrier’s On-Road Performance

A cargo carrier’s true worth is only revealed on the open road, loaded down and facing hundreds of miles of bumps, crosswinds, and changing weather. We put the Mockins 60×20 Heavy Duty Folding Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Bag through its paces on a long weekend trip, and our experience was largely positive, though not without a few important learning curves that echoed the feedback from other users.

Assembly and Build Quality: A Test of Patience

Let’s be upfront: assembling this carrier requires some mechanical aptitude and, ideally, a second set of hands. As one user aptly put it, “Some (more than you think) assembly required.” The carrier arrives in two halves that must be bolted to a central support beam, which then connects to the folding hitch shank. Our test unit went together reasonably well, but we can easily see how the “significant misalignment” another user reported could turn the process into a frustrating ordeal. We recommend loosely fitting all bolts first before tightening everything down to give yourself some wiggle room. The instructions are adequate, but the diagrams could be clearer.

Once assembled, the carrier feels incredibly solid. The steel is thick, and the overall structure is rigid. However, we did notice what others have pointed out: the quality of the welds can be inconsistent. While the main structural welds on our unit seemed strong, some of the welds for accessory brackets were slightly crooked. One user even reported their nameplate was scratched and a side support was bent upon arrival. While these are often cosmetic blemishes on a utilitarian item, it does point to areas where quality control could be improved. The powder coating is thick and seems durable, which is crucial for preventing rust on a piece of equipment that will live its life in the elements.

Capacity, Stability, and Ground Clearance in the Real World

This is where the Mockins 60×20 Heavy Duty Folding Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Bag truly shines. The 60″ x 20″ basket is enormous. We were able to fit four large suitcases, a full-size cooler, and several smaller bags with room to spare. One user confirmed our findings, stating they could fit six 27-gallon tubs, while another fit six 116-quart containers. The 500 lbs capacity feels legitimate; we loaded it with approximately 350 lbs of gear, and the carrier didn’t flinch.

Stability is paramount, and the included anti-rattle hitch stabilizer is not an optional accessory—it’s essential. Without it, the carrier will rock and sway. With it installed and tightened correctly, the carrier becomes a solid extension of the vehicle’s frame, eliminating virtually all noise and movement. This was a point of praise for one user who noted it “doesn’t wiggle or move about.” However, proper loading is key. Some users reported sagging, especially when weight wasn’t distributed evenly. We found it best to place the heaviest items in the center, closest to the vehicle. The 2-inch shank rise is designed to improve ground clearance, but this is highly dependent on your vehicle’s hitch height. On our test SUV, clearance was excellent, but a user with a lower vehicle reported their loaded cargo couldn’t clear the ground. It’s critical to measure your hitch height and consider how much it might drop under load before purchasing.

The All-Star Accessory Package: Bag, Lights, and Straps

The included accessory bundle elevates this product from a simple carrier to a complete cargo solution. The centerpiece is the 20 cubic foot waterproof cargo bag. This thing is immense, with dimensions that perfectly match the carrier basket and a height of 29 inches. The material is a thick, abrasion-resistant vinyl, similar to what you’d find on commercial rafts. The waterproof zipper is protected by a wide 2-inch Velcro flap, which we found to be highly effective. We drove through a brief but intense rainstorm, and upon arrival, everything inside was bone dry. This is a premium bag, not a cheap afterthought, and its value cannot be overstated. The quality of this included bag alone justifies a significant portion of the cost.

The integrated lighting system is another standout feature. Having brake lights and turn signals on the carrier itself is a massive safety upgrade, especially at night. It plugs directly into a standard 4-pin trailer connector. However, as one meticulous user pointed out, the wiring connectors on the back of the lights themselves are not weatherproof. We highly recommend applying dielectric grease or wrapping them in electrical tape to prevent corrosion. The flip-up license plate holder is another clever design touch, ensuring you remain street-legal when your plate is obscured by the carrier. The included ratchet straps and cargo net are of decent quality and more than capable of securing the load within the basket, providing peace of mind at 70 mph.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring user feedback reveals a consistent narrative. The vast majority of owners are thrilled with the sheer size and all-inclusive nature of the Mockins 60×20 Heavy Duty Folding Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Bag. One happy customer, who bought it for a 14-hour family vacation in their Expedition Max, said it “did not disappoint.” Another praised it as the “BEST upgrade ever!!” likening it to an “instant mini trailer.” The massive capacity and the quality of the waterproof bag are recurring points of celebration.

However, the praise is often tempered with critiques of the assembly process and quality control. The most common complaint revolves around misaligned bolt holes and parts being slightly bent out of the box. As one handy individual noted, “I would consider myself pretty handy and I thought this product very difficult to assemble.” Another significant concern, though less common, involves weld quality and durability, particularly for RV use. One user explicitly warned against using it on an RV, stating that after six months, “the carrier is drooping on both sides and the welds appear to be failing.” This is critical information, as the forces exerted on a hitch at the back of a long RV or trailer are significantly more violent than on an SUV.

How Does the Mockins Carrier Stack Up Against Alternatives?

While the Mockins package is compelling, it exists in a crowded market. Understanding how it compares to other options is key to making the right choice for your specific needs.

1. ARKSEN 150LB Heavy Duty Extra Wide Extended Roof Rack Cargo Basket

This ARKSEN model represents a completely different approach to cargo management. As a roof rack, it’s an excellent choice for vehicles without a hitch receiver or for those who need to carry long items like skis or kayaks. Its main advantage is that it doesn’t increase the vehicle’s length, making parking and maneuvering easier. However, it has a much lower weight capacity (150 lbs vs. Mockins’ 500 lbs), can create significant wind noise, and negatively impact fuel economy. Loading and unloading heavy items from the roof is also far more difficult than using a waist-level hitch carrier. The ARKSEN is for a different user—one prioritizing length over load capacity.

2. Mockins XL Heavy Duty Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 Lbs

This is the big brother to the model we’re reviewing. The primary difference is size, with the XL version measuring 60″x24″ versus 60″x20″. Those extra four inches of depth can make a difference if you’re trying to fit specific coolers or containers side-by-side. However, this model as listed does not include the premium waterproof bag or the integrated lighting system, making it a more à la carte option. If you already own straps and a bag, or don’t need the lights, this could be a more cost-effective choice for pure basket space. For most users, however, the all-in-one value of the fully-equipped 60×20 model is superior.

3. MeeFar 60″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier Bag

The MeeFar carrier is perhaps the most direct competitor. It offers the same 60″x20″ dimensions, a 500 lbs capacity, a folding design, and comes bundled with a cargo bag, net, stabilizer, and straps. The key differences lie in the details. The MeeFar’s included cargo bag is smaller at 16 cubic feet (compared to Mockins’ 20 cu ft), and it lacks the integrated lighting and license plate holder. For users who prioritize safety and want the largest possible protected storage space, the Mockins carrier holds a distinct advantage. If those features aren’t critical, the MeeFar presents a very similar, often slightly more budget-friendly, alternative.

The Final Verdict: Is the Mockins Carrier the Right Choice for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Mockins 60×20 Heavy Duty Folding Cargo Carrier w/ Waterproof Bag is overwhelmingly positive, with a few important caveats. This is not just a cargo carrier; it’s a complete, road-trip-ready system in a box. The sheer value packed into this kit is its greatest strength. The combination of a robust 500 lbs capacity basket, an enormous and genuinely waterproof 20 cubic foot bag, and essential safety features like integrated lights makes it a standout choice. It effectively solves the problem of vehicle space limitation for families, adventurers, and anyone who needs to haul extra gear without compromise.

The primary drawbacks are potential frustrations during assembly and inconsistencies in manufacturing quality control. If you’re willing to patiently work through a setup that may require some minor adjustments and you aren’t planning to use it on the back of an RV, the rewards are immense. For the vast majority of SUV, truck, and van owners, this carrier offers an unbeatable combination of features, capacity, and security for the price. If you’re tired of playing luggage Tetris and want to unlock a new level of hauling capability for your vehicle, this is the solution you’ve been looking for. You can check the latest price and see the complete feature list to confirm if it’s the right fit for your next adventure.