CURT 60 x 20-Inch Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier Review: A Lightweight Contender with Serious Flaws

We’ve all been there. The car is packed for the annual family camping trip. Every square inch of the trunk is a masterclass in spatial reasoning, Tetris-ed with coolers, tents, and sleeping bags. The back seat is a fortress of pillows and backpacks, with the kids wedged in between. Then comes the final item: the grimy portable grill from last year’s barbecue. Do you risk putting it inside, staining the upholstery and filling the cabin with the faint smell of charred hot dogs? Or do you leave it behind? This is the frustrating compromise that plagues every road trip, every move, and every large shopping trip. You’re forced to choose between essential gear and passenger comfort, often leaving valuable items behind. This perpetual lack of space isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a limitation on your adventures and projects.

What to Consider Before Buying a Hitch Cargo Carrier

A hitch cargo carrier is more than just a metal basket; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your vehicle’s interior and expanding its utility. It transforms your family SUV, truck, or even a larger car into a far more capable hauling machine. The primary benefit is obvious: moving bulky, dirty, or oversized items outside the vehicle. This keeps your interior clean, frees up room for passengers, and allows you to carry things like firewood, landscaping materials, or extra luggage that would otherwise be impossible to transport. It’s an investment in convenience, capability, and cleaner car rides. Having tested many models, we can attest that the right carrier can be a complete game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts and busy families alike.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently finds their vehicle’s internal cargo space lacking. This includes campers, hunters, tailgaters, DIY home improvement warriors, or families embarking on long road trips. They typically own an SUV, truck, or van equipped with a 2-inch trailer hitch receiver and need a simple, effective way to boost their carrying capacity. However, a hitch carrier might not be suitable for those who need to transport extremely heavy, concentrated loads over 500 lbs, or for those whose vehicle lacks a proper hitch receiver. For smaller needs, a rooftop cargo box might suffice, while a utility trailer is a better choice for truly massive loads.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The usable platform size is paramount. A 60 x 20-inch platform, like that on the CURT model, is a common and versatile size, suitable for several large coolers or multiple pieces of luggage. Pay close attention to the height of the side rails; low rails are easier for loading but offer less security for taller items, while high-walled baskets provide better containment.
• Capacity/Performance: The weight capacity is a headline specification, but it must be viewed with skepticism. A manufacturer’s rating of 500 pounds is often a static limit under ideal conditions. Real-world, dynamic capacity—considering bumps, vibrations, and road forces—is always lower. A carrier’s stability and resistance to wobble, with or without a hitch stabilizer, is a critical performance metric for a safe and quiet ride.
• Materials & Durability: The choice is typically between steel and aluminum. Steel carriers are strong, rigid, and generally less expensive, but they are heavy and highly susceptible to rust if the coating is compromised. Aluminum models are significantly lighter, easier to handle, and naturally rust-proof, but they often exhibit more flex and can be more expensive. Be wary of “hybrid” models that mix materials, as the weaker material can become a failure point.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a folding shank are incredibly valuable, allowing the carrier to be tilted up against the vehicle when not in use, saving space in garages and parking lots. Consider the assembly process; some units are notoriously difficult to put together. For long-term care, steel units will require regular inspections for rust and may need periodic touch-ups with rust-resistant paint.

Understanding these factors will ensure you select a carrier that not only fits your vehicle but also perfectly matches your hauling needs and durability expectations.

While the CURT 60 x 20-Inch Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier is an interesting option, 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 Promising Lightweight with Hidden Compromises

Unboxing the CURT 60 x 20-Inch Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier, the first thing we noticed was its weight. At just under 29 pounds, it’s remarkably light and manageable for one person, a stark contrast to the hefty all-steel carriers we’ve wrestled with in the past. This is, without a doubt, one of its primary selling points. The assembly was mostly straightforward, with the two halves of the tray bolting together to form the full 60-inch platform. However, our initial optimism was quickly tempered. As we assembled the steel undercarriage and folding shank, we noticed the paint quality was thin, a concern echoed by users who reported bubbling paint and rust straight out of the box. The “RAW” aluminum finish of the mesh base looks clean and functional, but the disconnect between the rust-proof aluminum tray and the rust-prone steel frame was immediately apparent. It felt like a product built on a great concept—lightweight and foldable—but with compromises in material quality that could impact its long-term viability.

In-Depth Analysis: Putting the CURT Carrier to the Test

A product’s true character is revealed not on the spec sheet, but on the open road. We mounted the CURT 60 x 20-Inch Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier to our test SUV’s 2-inch receiver and loaded it up for a series of real-world trials, from hauling camping gear up a winding mountain road to a simple run for landscaping supplies. Our extensive testing uncovered a complex story of convenient design clashing with significant material and structural shortcomings.

The “Aluminum” Advantage: A Closer Look at Materials and Durability

The product’s name is its biggest promise and, in our experience, its biggest deception. While the mesh floor of the basket is indeed aluminum—and we appreciate its light weight and inherent inability to rust—that’s where the aluminum advantage ends. The entire load-bearing structure, including the central support beam, the folding mechanism, and the 2-inch shank that slides into your vehicle’s hitch, is made of powder-coated steel. This hybrid construction is a critical point of failure. As one user noted with frustration, “My biggest concern is rust… the whole structural underside is steel that is painted gray to look like aluminum.”

Our inspection confirmed these concerns. The paint on the steel components felt thin and prone to chipping. We found reports of the carrier arriving with rust already forming inside the hollow steel shank to be entirely believable. After just one trip in damp weather, we could foresee rust becoming a major issue, especially at weld points and any areas where the coating gets scratched during loading and unloading. This fundamentally undermines the appeal of an “aluminum” carrier. Buyers seeking aluminum do so specifically to avoid the rust that plagues steel models. To have the most critical structural parts be made of rust-prone steel feels like a bait-and-switch. This design choice severely impacts the carrier’s long-term durability and requires the owner to be vigilant about rust prevention, a maintenance burden we don’t expect from a product marketed this way. You can see the materials for yourself in the product close-ups, but the distinction isn’t always clear until you have it in hand.

The 500-Pound Question: Real-World Load Capacity and Stability

Printed right on the shank is a sticker boldly proclaiming a 500-pound capacity. Based on our testing, we advise you to treat this number with extreme caution. This rating likely represents a best-case scenario with a static, perfectly distributed load in a lab. On the road, where forces are dynamic, the carrier tells a very different story. We started with a moderate load of about 150 pounds of camping gear. Immediately, we noticed a significant amount of flex in the platform and a pronounced wobble at the hitch connection point. The folding mechanism, while convenient, introduces an additional pivot point that contributes to this instability.

We found ourselves constantly checking the rearview mirror, unnerved by the bounce and sway. This aligns perfectly with user experiences, some of which were downright alarming. One user reported their carrier bent into a “taco shape” with a mere 72 pounds on it. Another stated theirs broke with zero load while simply testing the folding mechanism. While these may be outlier cases of manufacturing defects, they point to a troubling inconsistency in quality control and structural integrity. In our expert opinion, the practical, safe weight limit for the CURT 60 x 20-Inch Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier is closer to 200-250 pounds. Pushing it further, especially with concentrated weight, feels like a gamble we are unwilling to take. We strongly recommend the use of a hitch stabilizer (sold separately) to mitigate the wobble, and for those who plan to regularly carry over 100 pounds, we’d even endorse the user modification of bolting a piece of half-inch plywood to the mesh base to drastically improve rigidity.

Day-to-Day Usability: Folding, Fitment, and On-the-Road Manners

When it comes to daily convenience, the CURT carrier has some clear wins. The folding shank is a fantastic feature. Being able to flip the carrier up vertically when not in use is a massive space-saver in tight parking spots and makes storing the unit in a garage much more manageable. The mechanism is simple, using a pin and clip that is easy to operate. The lightweight nature of the carrier also can’t be overstated; it makes the process of attaching and detaching it from the vehicle a simple, one-person job.

However, the usability is marred by potential fitment issues. The 2×2-inch steel shank should be a universal fit for any 2-inch receiver, but we found the tolerances to be off. It was an extremely tight fit in our test vehicle’s receiver, requiring some forceful persuasion. This was not an isolated incident, as one user review detailed having to take a metal file to the shank’s rounded corners just to get it to fit inside their hitch. This points to another quality control lapse that can turn a five-minute installation into a frustrating half-hour project. On the road, beyond the wobble, the carrier’s low side rails mean you must be meticulous with your tie-down strategy. The integrated loops are helpful, but for securing a collection of smaller items, a cargo net is almost essential to prevent anything from bouncing out. The carrier’s design prioritizes low weight over containment and rigidity, a trade-off every potential buyer needs to be aware of.

What Other Users Are Saying

Sifting through feedback from other owners of the CURT 60 x 20-Inch Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier reveals a deeply divided consensus that mirrors our own findings. On the positive side, many users praise the carrier for exactly the reasons we did initially: its light weight and folding design. One satisfied customer noted, “I decided on this one due to the overall great reviews, the price, the low weight, and that it folded.” Another, who used it to haul hay, found it to be a perfect solution for keeping their car’s interior clean, stating, “I needed it to be light and sturdy. The price was right and the size was better than expected.”

However, the negative feedback is consistent and centers on the three critical flaws we identified. The most common complaint is the misleading “aluminum” branding and subsequent rust issues on the steel frame. The second major issue is the questionable structural integrity. One user bluntly stated, “Does not hold 500 lbs as advertised. Be careful,” while another shared a catastrophic failure, “I placed 72 lbs on this rack and drove it 100 yards down the street and was rewarded with a new taco shaped rack.” Finally, quality control issues like the shank not fitting into a standard hitch receiver without modification were also frequently mentioned, adding a layer of frustration to the ownership experience.

How Does the CURT 60 x 20-Inch Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier Compare to Alternatives?

No product exists in a vacuum. The decision to buy the CURT carrier depends heavily on how it stacks up against its direct competitors, especially all-steel models that prioritize strength over weight savings.

1. MeeFar 60″ Folding Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Basket with Waterproof Bag

The MeeFar carrier presents itself as a complete, all-in-one package. While it’s a steel construction and therefore heavier than the CURT, it addresses several of the CURT’s shortcomings right out of the box. It includes a hitch stabilizer to combat wobble, a durable waterproof cargo bag, a cargo net, and straps. For a buyer who wants a turnkey solution without needing to purchase accessories, the MeeFar is a compelling alternative. It’s the better choice for those who value convenience and a comprehensive kit over the absolute lightest weight possible.

2. ARKSEN 60 Inch Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 Lbs Capacity

The ARKSEN represents the traditional heavy-duty steel alternative. Its robust steel construction provides far greater rigidity and inspires more confidence when approaching the 500 lb capacity. Furthermore, its 5.5-inch high side rails offer significantly better cargo containment than the CURT’s low-profile frame. The trade-off is weight; this carrier is substantially heavier and more cumbersome to install and remove. Buyers who prioritize maximum strength and durability for hauling heavy, rugged loads and don’t mind the extra weight should strongly consider the ARKSEN over the CURT.

3. Mockins XXL 70″x30″x6″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier

The Mockins carrier competes on sheer size and thoughtful features. At 70×30 inches, its platform is significantly larger than the CURT’s, making it the clear choice for those who need to haul the absolute maximum amount of gear. Its 6-inch high walls also provide excellent security. Critically, it includes a license plate bracket, addressing a common issue where large carriers can obscure the vehicle’s plate. Like the MeeFar, it often comes as a bundle with a bag and accessories. This is the go-to option for users with large SUVs or trucks who need maximum capacity and a legally compliant setup.

Our Final Verdict: A Carrier with a Narrow Niche

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the CURT 60 x 20-Inch Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier is one of conditional recommendation. Its greatest strengths are its incredibly low weight, which makes handling and storage a breeze, and its convenient folding design. For the right user, these features are highly valuable.

However, these benefits are offset by serious flaws. The “aluminum” branding is misleading, as the rust-prone steel frame undermines its long-term durability. The 500-pound weight capacity is, in our opinion, dangerously optimistic for real-world use, and the carrier’s inherent flex and wobble require immediate attention with a hitch stabilizer. We would only recommend this carrier to users who have light-duty needs (consistently under 200 lbs), who prioritize low weight above all else, and who are willing to potentially modify the carrier (by adding a plywood floor) and perform preventative maintenance against rust. For anyone seeking heavy-duty performance, durability, or a hassle-free experience, we believe the all-steel alternatives from brands like ARKSEN or comprehensive kits from MeeFar offer a safer and more reliable value. If you fit that specific niche and understand the compromises, you can check the latest price on the CURT 18100 here.