Reese Explore 63153 Rambler Cargo Carrier 60×24 Inch Review: Our In-Depth Road Test Verdict

We’ve all been there. The night before a big family road trip, the driveway lit by a single porch light, playing a real-life game of Tetris with coolers, suitcases, and camping gear. You triumphantly close the trunk, only to turn around and see a deflating pile of “essentials” still sitting on the pavement. It’s that sinking feeling that your spacious SUV has somehow shrunk overnight. For years, our solution was cramming items into every conceivable interior nook, sacrificing rear visibility and passenger comfort. This wasn’t just an inconvenience; it was a compromise on safety and sanity. The search for a better way, a method to reclaim our cabin space and travel without compromise, led us directly to the world of hitch-mounted cargo solutions, and specifically, to a contender known for its raw simplicity and strength: the Reese Explore 63153 Rambler Cargo Carrier 60×24 Inch.

What to Know Before You Commit to a Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier

A Vehicle Cargo Basket is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your vehicle’s interior and unlocking new travel possibilities. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure, heading out for a weekend camping trip, or simply need to haul bulky items that won’t fit inside, a hitch carrier transforms your family car, truck, or SUV into a much more capable hauler. The main benefit is external storage—freeing up precious cabin space for passengers, improving driver visibility, and keeping dirty or wet gear (like muddy hiking boots or sandy beach chairs) outside of your clean interior. It’s an investment in more comfortable, organized, and ambitious travel.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a recurring cargo deficit. This includes growing families who find their vehicle’s capacity strained on vacation, outdoor enthusiasts with bulky gear like coolers and tents, and even homeowners who need an occasional solution for hauling landscaping supplies or moving boxes. However, a fixed hitch carrier might not be suitable for those who live in apartments with limited storage space, as this non-folding unit requires a dedicated spot in a garage or shed. It’s also less ideal for individuals who may struggle with lifting a heavy object, as installation can be challenging for one person. For those needing a rooftop solution, other types of vehicle cargo baskets might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The 60 x 24-inch platform of the Reese Rambler provides 10 square feet of storage. Before buying, measure your largest common items, like coolers or storage tubs, to ensure they’ll fit comfortably. Also, remember that this adds significant length to your vehicle, which will impact parking, maneuvering in tight spaces, and garage clearance.
• Capacity/Performance: A 500-pound load capacity is substantial, but it’s meaningless if your vehicle can’t handle it. You must check your vehicle’s tongue weight rating, which is the maximum downward force your hitch can support. Exceeding this is dangerous. Also, consider performance accessories like a hitch stabilizer to eliminate rattle and sway, which many users find essential for a quiet and stable ride.
• Materials & Durability: Look for heavy-duty steel construction and a protective finish. The Reese Rambler uses alloy steel with a powder coat finish, a combination designed to resist rust, scratches, and corrosion from road salt and the elements. Cheaper carriers may use thinner steel or simple paint that chips easily, leading to premature rusting.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider assembly, installation weight, and cleaning. The Rambler’s two-piece basket design is straightforward to assemble. However, its robust build means it’s heavy; many users report needing a second person to safely lift and guide it into the hitch receiver. The mesh floor is a key feature for maintenance, as it allows dirt and water to fall through, making cleanup as simple as a quick hose-down.

While a hitch carrier is a game-changer, understanding these factors ensures you choose the one that best fits your vehicle, lifestyle, and physical capabilities. Now, let’s see how the Reese Rambler performed in our hands-on evaluation.

While the Reese Explore 63153 Rambler Cargo Carrier 60×24 Inch is an excellent hitch-mounted choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, including rooftop options. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing and Assembling the Reese Rambler

The Reese Explore 63153 Rambler Cargo Carrier 60×24 Inch arrived in a surprisingly robust package. Many users noted the excellent packaging, and our experience was the same; foam corner protectors and a secondary cardboard sleeve ensured it arrived without a single scratch on the powder coat finish. Upon unboxing, the first thing we noticed was the sheer heft of the components. While the official product specifications list an impossibly low weight, real-world feel and user reports confirm it’s around 60 pounds. This isn’t a lightweight, flimsy carrier; it feels like it was built to withstand a war. The welds are clean and substantial, and the black powder coating is thick and even, inspiring confidence in its long-term durability against the elements.

Assembly was refreshingly simple. The basket comes in two halves that are joined together with eight bolts. A critical piece of advice we gleaned from other users, and confirmed ourselves, is to leave these bolts slightly loose until the entire unit is assembled and attached to the main support shank. This allows for just enough play to ensure perfect alignment. Once the basket is formed, it attaches to the angled shank with just a few more large, sturdy bolts. All told, with a basic wrench and socket set, we had it put together in under 20 minutes. It’s a testament to a design that prioritizes strength and simplicity over complex, potentially weak folding mechanisms.

Putting the Reese Explore 63153 Rambler to the Test: A Deep Dive into Performance

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a piece of gear like this, you have to load it up, hit the road, and live with it. We did just that, subjecting the Reese Explore 63153 Rambler Cargo Carrier 60×24 Inch to everything from short trips to the hardware store to a simulated long-haul journey loaded with cumbersome gear. Our findings mirror those of users who have taken this carrier on multi-thousand-mile odysseys: it is an absolute workhorse.

Real-World Capacity and Load Security

The 60×24 inch platform is a sweet spot for size. It’s large enough to be genuinely useful without extending so far back that it becomes unwieldy. We found it could easily accommodate two large coolers side-by-side, or a combination of four to five large storage tubs, with room to spare for smaller items like folding chairs. This is the kind of capacity that truly liberates your vehicle’s interior. One user reported hauling a massive 150-quart cooler loaded with ice and food—likely pushing 400 pounds—on a trip from Florida to Delaware with no issues. Another packed theirs with tubs for a 5,000-mile cross-country trip and it performed flawlessly. The 500-pound capacity is not just a number on paper; the carrier’s steel frame feels more than capable of handling it, provided your vehicle’s hitch is rated appropriately.

The 5.5-inch side rails are a standout feature. While they may seem modest, they are crucial for load security. They provide a solid perimeter to brace items against and offer countless tie-down points for ratchet straps or a cargo net. During our testing, even when taking sharp turns, our cargo felt locked in place, with no unnerving shifting. The rugged mesh floor further enhances its utility. Unlike solid-floor carriers that can collect rainwater and become a slushy mess, the mesh design lets water, dirt, and sand fall right through, making cleanup effortless after a trip to the beach or a muddy campsite. This practical design is a feature that really sets it apart for all-weather use.

On-the-Road Performance and Ground Clearance

One of the biggest anxieties with a hitch carrier is the dreaded scrape. Pulling out of a steep driveway or navigating an undulating road can easily cause a low-slung carrier to bottom out. This is where the Reese Rambler’s most important design element shines: the angled, rise shank. This clever design elevates the entire cargo platform by several inches, dramatically improving ground clearance. We tested this on several steep commercial driveways and never once heard the sickening sound of metal on concrete. This single feature makes the Rambler a far more versatile and stress-free option than its flat-shank competitors, giving you the confidence to venture off the perfectly paved highway.

Out of the box, like any device inserted into a 2-inch receiver, there is a small amount of play. This can translate to some minor rattling and sway on the road. We followed the advice of numerous seasoned users and installed a simple anti-rattle hitch tightener bracket. This inexpensive accessory, which clamps the shank to the receiver, is a must-have upgrade. It completely eliminated any movement, making the carrier feel like a solid extension of the vehicle’s frame. Once stabilized, the carrier’s road manners were impeccable. We barely noticed it was there, aside from remembering the extra length when backing into a parking spot. Several users who drove thousands of miles confirmed this, stating it performed wonderfully on long interstate journeys behind their Toyota Highlanders and Acura MDXs.

Durability, Construction, and Long-Term Value

This is where the Reese Explore 63153 Rambler Cargo Carrier 60×24 Inch truly earns its reputation. The build quality is exceptional for its price point. One user who completed a 5,000-mile, four-week cross-country trip shared photos of the carrier afterward, and it looked nearly new. This is a direct result of the thick powder coat finish, which effectively shields the steel from rock chips, moisture, and road grime that would quickly lead to rust on lesser products. The heavy-gauge steel tubing and clean, consistent welds speak to a manufacturing process focused on strength and longevity.

Yes, it’s heavy. And no, it doesn’t fold. But these are not design flaws; they are intentional trade-offs for uncompromising strength. Folding mechanisms introduce moving parts and potential failure points. By opting for a fixed, two-piece bolted design, Reese has created a carrier with fewer things to go wrong. For the person who plans to use their carrier for serious hauling over many years, this simplicity is a massive benefit. It’s a tool, not a toy. When you consider its performance and how many years of service it can provide, the Rambler represents outstanding long-term value. It’s a “buy it once, cry once” piece of equipment that will likely outlast the vehicle it’s attached to. For those ready to make a long-term investment in their travel capacity, you can check the latest price and availability online.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the Reese Rambler is overwhelmingly positive, with users frequently praising its brute strength and reliability. One of the most compelling accounts comes from a family that took it on a 5,000-mile cross-country trip. They reported that after four weeks loaded down with storage tubs, the carrier “looks as good as it did when we left,” calling it “STRONG” and highlighting that it doesn’t drag on the ground like other models.

Another common theme is the straightforward assembly, though many echo our advice. As one user wisely put it: “FIRST THINGS FIRST 🙂 Do not fully tighten the 8x nuts for the basket rectangle bracket… until all bolts are in place.” This small tip saves a lot of frustration and ensures a perfect fit. The primary criticisms are consistent and fair. One user bluntly states, “if you can’t carry 60 pounds make sure you get help every time you go to move your unit,” perfectly summarizing the challenge of its weight. The other recurring point is the recommendation to purchase a hitch tightener separately to “guard against bounce and sway,” a small additional investment that users agree transforms the driving experience.

How the Reese Rambler Stacks Up Against the Competition

The Reese Explore 63153 Rambler Cargo Carrier 60×24 Inch offers a specific blend of strength and simplicity, but the market has other options catering to different needs. Here’s how it compares to three notable alternatives.

1. KAIRAY 500 Lb Heavy Duty Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier

The KAIRAY carrier is the “all-in-one” package. It matches the Rambler’s 500 lb capacity and 2-inch receiver compatibility but adds two key features: a folding shank and a complete accessory kit (waterproof bag, cargo net, straps, and stabilizer). This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize convenient storage and want a ready-to-go solution right out of the box. The trade-off is the added complexity of the folding mechanism, which introduces a potential point of wear over time. Someone living in a home with limited storage space would likely prefer the KAIRAY’s ability to fold up against the vehicle when not in use.

2. Goplus 500 LBS Folding Mobility Scooter Carrier with Ramp

The Goplus carrier serves a highly specialized purpose. While it shares the 500 lb capacity, its primary design is for transporting mobility scooters and wheelchairs, featuring a wide platform and an integrated, foldable ramp. This is the ideal choice for individuals or families needing to transport these specific devices. While it could technically be used for general cargo, its ramp and rail system are not optimized for it. The Reese Rambler is the far better choice for hauling general-purpose items like luggage, coolers, and camping gear due to its simpler, more versatile basket design.

3. ARKSEN Universal Roof Rack Cargo Basket 150LB

The ARKSEN basket represents a completely different approach to cargo management. As a roof rack, its main advantages are preserving access to the vehicle’s rear hatch and keeping the hitch receiver free for towing. It’s a great option for those who don’t have a hitch or prefer to keep their cargo up high. However, it comes with significant compromises compared to the Rambler. Its capacity is much lower at just 150 lbs, it can create wind noise at highway speeds, and it requires you to lift heavy, bulky items onto the roof of your vehicle, which can be difficult and risks scratching the paint. The Reese Rambler is superior for heavy-duty hauling.

The Final Word: Is the Reese Explore 63153 Rambler Cargo Carrier the Right Choice for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the Reese Explore 63153 Rambler Cargo Carrier 60×24 Inch is an exceptional piece of equipment for those who prioritize raw strength, durability, and practicality above all else. Its heavy-duty steel construction, fantastic ground clearance from the raised shank, and simple, robust design make it a reliable partner for the most demanding road trips. It is a no-frills workhorse designed to carry heavy loads securely for thousands of miles and ask for more.

Its weaknesses—its heavy weight and non-folding design—are direct trade-offs for its incredible strength. If you have a partner to help with installation and a dedicated space to store it, these are minor inconveniences. We wholeheartedly recommend this carrier to families, campers, adventurers, and anyone who needs to seriously and reliably expand their vehicle’s carrying capacity. It’s a long-term investment in more capable, comfortable, and ambitious travel. If you’re tired of compromising on what you can bring along for the journey, this carrier is your solution. You can see its full feature set and find the best price online right now.