Camco Collapsible Laundry Basket Large Review: A Space-Saving Solution with a Serious Flaw?

Living on the road in our RV, every square inch is prime real estate. The decision to bring an item aboard is a calculated one, weighed against its utility and, more importantly, its footprint. For months, our laundry solution was a source of constant, low-grade frustration. A traditional, rigid plastic laundry basket was a bulky, awkward behemoth that was always in the way. It would jam the narrow hallway, refuse to be stored neatly, and generally serve as a monument to inefficient design in a space that demanded efficiency. We needed something that could handle a family’s worth of clothes but disappear when the job was done. The dream was a full-sized laundry hamper that could vanish into a gap just a few inches wide. This quest for a space-saving unicorn is what led us directly to the Camco Collapsible Laundry Basket Large, a product that promises big capacity in a brilliantly compact form.

What to Consider Before Buying a Vehicle Cargo Basket

While the Camco basket tackles storage *inside* the vehicle or home, many travelers and adventurers face a much larger storage problem *outside* the vehicle. A Vehicle Cargo Basket is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking the full potential of your car, truck, or SUV. It’s the difference between cramming gear into every available interior crevice and enjoying a comfortable, uncluttered cabin on your way to the campsite, beach, or cross-country destination. These external carriers are designed to haul bulky, dirty, or oversized items that you simply can’t—or don’t want to—fit inside, from muddy coolers and camping equipment to luggage for a large family, freeing up precious interior space for passengers and essentials.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a storage deficit on their vehicle. This includes families heading out on vacation, outdoor enthusiasts with cumbersome gear like tents and grills, or even contractors who need to transport tools and materials. They are an essential upgrade for anyone whose lifestyle demands more carrying capacity than their vehicle’s trunk or cargo area can provide. However, they might not be suitable for those who rarely travel with excess luggage or who own a vehicle without a compatible roof rack or trailer hitch. For those needing smaller, more modular organization solutions for the trunk or cabin, versatile utility containers like collapsible baskets can sometimes serve that purpose for lighter-duty items.

Before investing in a robust external cargo solution, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure your vehicle’s roof or the clearance around your hitch. You need a basket that fits without obstructing your rear view, blocking the liftgate, or creating excessive wind noise and drag. Consider both the basket’s external dimensions and its internal usable storage area.
• Capacity/Performance: This is twofold: weight capacity and volume. Weight capacity, often around 500 lbs for hitch-mounted carriers, must not be exceeded for safety. Volume, often measured in cubic feet (especially when paired with a cargo bag), determines how much gear you can actually fit inside.
• Materials & Durability: Most cargo baskets are made from powder-coated steel for a balance of strength and weather resistance. Aluminum is a lighter, more rust-proof alternative but can be more expensive. Pay close attention to the quality of the welds and the thickness of the finish, as these are critical for long-term durability against rain, road salt, and sun.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: How easy is the basket to install and remove? Some models offer folding shanks for easier storage when not in use. Maintenance typically involves regular checks for rust spots, which should be touched up immediately, and ensuring all mounting hardware remains tight and secure.

While the Camco Collapsible Laundry Basket Large is an interesting choice for interior organization, it’s wise to see how it stacks up against true external cargo solutions. For a broader look at all the top models designed for your vehicle’s exterior, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Clever Concept with Questionable Heft

Unboxing the Camco Collapsible Laundry Basket Large was a straightforward affair. The first thing we noticed was its weight—or lack thereof. At just two pounds, it felt almost insubstantial. The design is modern and clean, with a bright white plastic frame and a flexible grey thermoplastic rubber (TPR) midsection. The “pop-open” action is the main event. With a firm push on the base, the collapsed 3.2-inch disc transforms into a full-sized, 10.5-inch tall basket. The concept is undeniably brilliant. The 60-liter (about 16 gallons) capacity seemed cavernous, promising to swallow a whole load of laundry with ease.

Our initial enthusiasm, however, was tempered by the feel of the materials. The white plastic of the rim and handles felt somewhat brittle, lacking the reassuring flex of higher-quality polymers. The grey collapsible section was pliable, as expected, but the points where it creased gave us pause. It was immediately clear that this basket’s longevity would hinge entirely on the resilience of these two materials working in tandem. Compared to a standard, one-piece molded plastic basket, it felt significantly less robust, a trade-off for its incredible collapsibility. To see its full feature set and specifications is to appreciate the ambition of its design.

Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the Camco Collapsible Laundry Basket Large

A product can have a brilliant design on paper, but its true value is only revealed through real-world use. We put the Camco Collapsible Laundry Basket Large through the wringer, using it for daily laundry chores, as a storage bin in our RV, and for hauling supplies. Our experience revealed a product with a fantastic core idea that is tragically undermined by critical flaws in its execution. The journey from “this is amazing!” to “this is unusable” was disappointingly short.

The Collapsible Concept: Genius in Theory, Frustrating in Practice

The primary selling point of this basket is its ability to shrink and disappear. When it works, it feels like magic. We successfully stashed it in the tiny gap between our washing machine and the wall, a feat impossible for any other basket of this capacity. This is where the Camco basket shines, and for users who prioritize storage above all else, this feature is a powerful draw. One user celebrated this, noting, “For someone who loves everything put away… this collapsible laundry basket is perfect.”

However, the process of collapsing and expanding is not as smooth as advertised. Expanding it requires a firm, two-handed push. We found that it rarely popped open evenly; more often than not, one side would remain partially compressed, requiring us to manually adjust and straighten the walls. Collapsing it proved even more cumbersome. Instead of a simple, clean press, it required finding just the right angle and applying significant force, which always felt like we were stressing the plastic and rubber seams. This experience was echoed by numerous users, with one stating it “Does not collapse or expand properly… it has to be shoved in since only 1 side collapses.” This awkwardness turns a feature meant to be a daily convenience into a recurring, minor struggle, detracting from the very elegance it promises. The innovative collapsible design is a feature that really sets it apart, for better or worse.

Capacity vs. Structural Integrity: A Balancing Act It Fails

With a 60-liter capacity, the Camco Collapsible Laundry Basket Large is undeniably big. We found it could comfortably hold one very large load of mixed clothing or a full set of queen-sized bedding. A satisfied user even mentioned it “fits 3 loads.” The problem arises when you actually try to use that capacity. The basket’s structural integrity is simply not up to the task of supporting the weight it’s designed to hold, especially with denser items like wet towels or jeans.

During our testing, we loaded it with a heavy batch of damp towels fresh from the washer. As we added the last towel, one of the grey silicone walls buckled inward, causing the entire basket to list to one side. This became a constant issue. The basket lacks the rigidity to stay fully expanded when being filled. As another owner succinctly put it, “The durability is good but the basket does not stay upright.” We experienced this repeatedly; even just tossing clothes in from a few feet away could sometimes cause a side to partially collapse. This fundamental instability is a critical failure. A laundry basket that can’t reliably hold laundry without folding in on itself fails at its most basic function, making its large capacity a frustratingly hollow promise. We had to wonder if our experience was a fluke, but the chorus of user feedback confirmed our findings, with one stating, “It collapses as I am putting clothes in it to carry upstairs.”

Durability and Materials: The Achilles’ Heel

If the structural instability was a major flaw, the durability of the handles proved to be a catastrophic one. This is, without a doubt, the single biggest issue with the Camco Collapsible Laundry Basket Large. The handles are part of the rigid white plastic rim, but the connection points feel thin and brittle. On just our fourth or fifth time using it to carry a standard load of dry laundry to the machine, we heard a sickening *crack*. The plastic on one side of a handle had snapped clean off, rendering it useless for a two-handed carry.

A glance at user reviews confirms this is not an isolated incident but a widespread, systemic product failure. The stories are remarkably consistent: “the handles broke so fast,” “broke on one side of both handles the 2nd time I used it,” and “Both products’ handles snapped with basic use within six months.” Some users even reported the product arriving with broken handles right out of the box. This is simply unacceptable. A laundry basket is, by definition, a tool for carrying things. When the component designed for carrying fails under normal, expected use within weeks or even days, the product is fundamentally defective. Beyond the handles, we also share the concerns of a user who, after three years, found the “silicone is developing holes.” We can already see stress marks forming in the corners of the grey material after only a few weeks of testing. It’s clear this product was not built to last, and prospective buyers should check the latest price and availability with this severe limitation in mind.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings align closely with the broad consensus of online user feedback. The sentiment is a cocktail of initial excitement over the clever design followed by profound disappointment with the poor quality and lack of durability. The concept is widely praised, but the execution receives heavy criticism.

On the positive side, a small minority of users have had good experiences, typically those who use it for very light loads or have found a way to carry it that doesn’t stress the handles. One such user reported, “it is sturdy enough to easily hold a load of towels. I am a side carrier, and had no problem carrying this basket on my hip.” This suggests a potential use case for those who can avoid relying on the fragile handles.

However, the negative feedback is overwhelming and consistent. The most common and critical complaint revolves around the handles snapping with minimal use. One frustrated owner compared it unfavorably to inexpensive alternatives: “I’m frustrated that I spent the amount I did on these baskets when my $5 baskets from Target outlived these.” The other major theme is the basket’s inability to maintain its shape, as summarized by one user: “Worthless! I’ve only had it for a month or so, and the sides won’t stay up enough to hold any laundry.” These recurring themes of broken handles and spontaneous collapsing paint a clear picture of a product with a fatal design flaw.

Heavy-Duty Hauling: Top Alternatives to Consider

While the Camco Collapsible Laundry Basket Large is designed for light-duty, interior organization, its use case in RVs and for travel brings it into the broader world of cargo management. If your storage needs extend beyond the cabin and require hauling heavy, bulky gear, a proper external vehicle cargo carrier is essential. Here’s how some top-tier alternatives compare for those with more demanding transport needs.

1. Mockins XXL 70″x30″ Cargo Carrier 500 Lbs Cap Steel Luggage Rack

For those who believe bigger is better, the Mockins XXL carrier is an absolute beast. Its massive 70×30-inch platform and 500 lb capacity are designed for maximum hauling power. This carrier is the perfect choice for large families on a long road trip or adventurers with a serious amount of equipment. The inclusion of a 40 cubic foot waterproof cargo bag adds immense value, providing an all-in-one solution for protecting your gear from the elements. If the Camco basket is about saving inches, the Mockins carrier is about adding yards of usable space to your vehicle’s exterior.

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

CURT is a highly respected name in the towing and hauling industry, and this carrier reflects their reputation for quality. It offers a generous 60×24-inch platform with a robust 500 lb capacity, making it a versatile workhorse. Its standout feature is the 2-inch folding shank, which allows the carrier to be folded up vertically against the rear of the vehicle when not in use. This space-saving feature, much like the concept behind the Camco basket, is a huge convenience for parking and storage. For users who want a durable, reliable hitch carrier from a trusted brand with a smart storage feature, the CURT 18153 is a fantastic option.

3. Reese Explore 63153 Rambler Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier 60 x 24 In

The Reese Rambler offers a compelling balance of size, strength, and simplicity. With specs that mirror the CURT—a 60×24-inch basket and a 500 lb capacity—it’s a direct competitor for the user needing a standard, high-capacity hitch carrier. It features a rugged mesh floor that is easy to clean and high side rails to keep cargo secure. While it may not have the folding shank of the CURT, it’s known for its straightforward assembly and durable powder-coat finish. This carrier is an excellent choice for the user who values no-frills reliability and strength for hauling everything from camping gear to landscaping materials.

Final Verdict: An Ingenious Idea, A Fatally Flawed Product

The Camco Collapsible Laundry Basket Large is a product we desperately wanted to love. The space-saving concept is genuinely brilliant, especially for those of us living in tight quarters like apartments, dorms, or RVs. The ability to have a full-sized laundry basket that can shrink to fit into a 3-inch gap is a game-changer in theory. Unfortunately, this brilliant theory is completely let down by a disastrously poor execution.

The basket’s inability to reliably stay upright when being loaded and, most critically, the laughably weak handles that are all but guaranteed to break under normal use, make it impossible for us to recommend. It fails at its most fundamental task: securely holding and transporting laundry. While it might find a second life as a storage bin for very light items like children’s toys or yarn, it is not a durable or reliable tool for its intended purpose. For the price, you are far better off buying a cheap, sturdy, traditional plastic basket that will outlast the Camco many times over, even if it does take up more space.

If you’re captivated by the collapsible design and intend to use it exclusively for lightweight items, being exceptionally gentle with the handles, you can explore more details and check its current price here. However, for the vast majority of users, we strongly advise looking elsewhere. This is a classic case of a great idea crippled by poor quality.