Towallmark Heavy Duty Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier Review: A High-Capacity Carrier with a Critical Flaw?

We’ve all been there. The car is packed to the roof, visibility out the back window is a distant memory, and there’s still a cooler, two camping chairs, and a duffel bag sitting on the driveway. It’s that familiar sinking feeling before a family vacation, a big move, or even just a trip to the local market for our small business. The modern SUV or truck promises versatility, but the reality is that interior cargo space is a finite and precious resource. Piling gear precariously high not only obstructs your view but creates a genuine safety hazard. We’ve tried rooftop boxes, which are great but can kill your fuel economy and are a pain to access. We’ve tried cramming things into every last crevice, only to arrive with crushed groceries or broken equipment. This constant struggle for space is more than an inconvenience; it’s a major source of stress that can sour the start of any adventure.

What to Consider Before Buying a Hitch Cargo Carrier

A hitch cargo carrier is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your vehicle’s interior and expanding its utility. It transforms the 2-inch receiver on your truck or SUV into a robust, accessible platform for hauling everything from luggage and camping gear to bulky tools and coolers. The primary benefit is external storage: it keeps wet, muddy, or smelly items (think post-hike boots or fishing equipment) out of your clean cabin while freeing up internal space for passengers or more delicate items. This not only improves comfort but drastically enhances driver safety by maintaining a clear line of sight through the rear window.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently finds themselves running out of space. This includes adventurous families, avid campers, hunters, small business owners who transport goods, or anyone tackling a DIY project that requires hauling bulky materials. It’s a game-changer for those who need more capacity than their trunk offers but don’t want the commitment or expense of a full-size trailer. 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 individuals whose vehicles lack a 2-inch hitch receiver. For them, a high-quality rooftop cargo box might be a more fitting alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The usable platform area is paramount. A carrier measuring 60″ x 24″, like the one we’re reviewing, offers a substantial 10 square feet of storage. Pay close attention to the height of the guardrails; taller rails (13 inches or more) provide significantly more security for your cargo, preventing items from shifting or sliding off during transit, especially on bumpy roads.
• Capacity/Performance: This is arguably the most important metric. A standard carrier might offer a 500 lb capacity, which is ample for luggage and camping gear. A heavy-duty model boasting a 750 lb capacity, like the Towallmark Heavy Duty Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier, enters a different league, theoretically capable of handling much heavier loads like generators or large equipment. However, this stated capacity is meaningless if the carrier’s connection to the hitch is not stable and secure.
• Materials & Durability: Look for carriers constructed from heavy-gauge, tubular steel. This provides the best balance of strength and weight. A powder-coated finish is essential for preventing rust and corrosion, especially if you live in a wet or snowy climate. The platform itself should be a steel mesh, which allows water and debris to pass through while still providing a solid surface for smaller items.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a folding shank are incredibly valuable. This allows you to fold the carrier up vertically against the rear of your vehicle when it’s empty, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier. Consider the assembly process; while most are straightforward, look for clear instructions and quality hardware. Long-term care involves periodic checks for rust and ensuring all bolts remain tight.

Understanding these factors will empower you to choose a carrier that not only fits your vehicle but also perfectly suits your lifestyle and hauling needs.

While the Towallmark Heavy Duty Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier is an excellent choice on paper, 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:

Unboxing the Towallmark: First Impressions and On-Paper Promises

When the box for the Towallmark Heavy Duty Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier arrived, its sheer weight was the first indicator of its heavy-duty claims. At over 74 pounds, this is not a lightweight accessory. Unboxing revealed a collection of substantial steel components, all finished in a consistent black powder coat that looked ready to fend off the elements. The assembly process was relatively straightforward, with all the necessary nuts, bolts, and a basic wrench included. The carrier comes in two main basket halves that bolt together in the middle, which then attach to the main T-shaped support shank.

Our initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The advertised specs are truly impressive and set it apart from many competitors. A 750-pound load capacity is a significant step up from the 500-pound industry standard. The basket’s generous 60″ x 24″ dimensions and towering 13.8-inch guardrails promise to swallow a huge amount of gear securely. We were particularly intrigued by the inclusion of a handle and wheels, a unique feature designed to allow you to use the carrier as a makeshift cart—a clever idea for hauling gear from the vehicle to a campsite. On paper, this carrier has all the makings of a category leader, offering more capacity and features than many higher-priced alternatives. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a sense of its ambitious design.

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

A product’s spec sheet tells one story, but real-world testing tells the whole story. We mounted the Towallmark Heavy Duty Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier to our test vehicle, a full-size SUV with a standard 2-inch Class III receiver, ready to see if its performance matched its promises. We planned to test its assembly, load-bearing stability, and the utility of its unique features during a weekend camping trip that required hauling a mix of bulky and heavy items.

Assembly and Installation: A Mixed Bag of Simplicity and Concern

The assembly itself was manageable. Following the instructions, we bolted the two halves of the basket together and then secured the completed basket to the folding shank. The hardware seemed adequate, and within about 30 minutes, we had what looked like a complete and robust cargo carrier. The design is intuitive, and anyone with basic mechanical skills will have no trouble putting it together. The folding mechanism operated smoothly, with a sturdy pin and clip holding it in either the deployed or upright position. However, our optimism began to wane the moment we slid the carrier’s shank into the vehicle’s hitch receiver.

This is where we encountered the primary issue, a concern that was also noted by other users. The mounting bar, the crucial 2-inch steel tube that connects the entire apparatus to the vehicle, had a noticeable amount of play inside the receiver. It wasn’t a snug, confidence-inspiring fit. Instead, there was a distinct gap, allowing the entire carrier to wobble and rock from side to side and up and down, even before any weight was added. We double-checked to ensure we had inserted it correctly and secured the hitch pin, but the looseness remained. To mitigate this, we had to use a separate anti-rattle clamp (not included), which is a common accessory but one that shouldn’t be strictly necessary for a secure base connection. This initial looseness at the most critical connection point cast a shadow of doubt on the carrier’s ability to safely handle its advertised 750-pound load. This potential need for an anti-rattle device is a critical factor for prospective buyers to consider.

On-the-Road Performance and Load Capacity Concerns

With the anti-rattle clamp tightened down, the system felt much more stable. We proceeded to load the carrier. The large platform and high walls were fantastic. We easily fit a large cooler, a portable generator, a container of firewood, and several duffel bags with room to spare. The tall 13.8-inch rails gave us peace of mind that nothing would tip out, a definite advantage over carriers with shorter 6-inch walls. We used a cargo net and ratchet straps to secure everything tightly to the sturdy mesh floor and tubular frame, which provided ample tie-down points.

On the road, however, the carrier’s behavior was telling. Even with the anti-rattle device, there was more flex and bounce than we’ve experienced with premium carriers from brands like CURT. Hitting bumps and dips in the road produced a noticeable shudder through the vehicle’s frame. We had loaded it with approximately 400 pounds of gear, just over half of its rated capacity. Frankly, we were hesitant to push it anywhere near the 750-pound limit. The flex seemed to originate not just from the hitch connection but also from the central point where the two halves of the basket are bolted together. While the carrier performed the job, it didn’t inspire the “set it and forget it” confidence you want when hauling hundreds of pounds of equipment at highway speeds. The high capacity is a great selling point, but its real-world, usable capacity feels much closer to the 500-pound standard due to these stability issues.

Design, Durability, and the Cart Feature

Putting aside the stability concerns, the Towallmark Heavy Duty Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier has some genuinely clever design elements. The powder-coat finish held up well to the scrapes and bumps of loading and unloading, resisting chipping. The folding mechanism is a must-have feature, and it worked flawlessly, allowing us to easily flip the carrier up when we reached our destination, making parking at the trailhead much less of a hassle. The two red reflective stickers are a simple but effective safety feature, enhancing visibility for drivers behind you, especially at night.

The most unique feature is the handle-and-wheel combination. After unpinning the carrier from the shank, you can attach the handle and use it as a rolling cart. We tested this by hauling our firewood and cooler from the parking area to our campsite, about 100 yards away over packed dirt. The wheels are small and hard, so it works best on firm, relatively smooth surfaces like pavement or hard ground. It struggled in soft soil or gravel. While it’s a bit gimmicky, we found it surprisingly useful. It saved us an extra trip and is a feature that really sets it apart in a crowded market. It’s a thoughtful addition for campers or anyone who needs to move gear away from their vehicle. The question is whether this novel feature is enough to overlook the more fundamental concerns about the carrier’s core stability.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings seem to mirror the experiences of other customers. The primary point of contention revolves around build quality and stability. One user expressed their disappointment, stating, “Once we got it assembled and installed on the truck, we discovered that the product is not of good quality. The mounting bar is loose.” This directly confirms the significant wobble we experienced at the hitch connection point. This feedback is critical because it suggests our experience wasn’t an isolated incident but may point to a wider manufacturing tolerance issue.

On the other hand, the conceptual appeal of the product is strong. The same user mentioned they were “hopeful because the concept of a hitch mounted cart for our market business look awesome.” This highlights the conflict many users face: the carrier’s ambitious feature set and high capacity are very attractive, especially for the price. However, the execution falls short for some, with the core function of providing a stable, secure platform being compromised. It seems that buyers who are willing to invest in a separate, high-quality anti-rattle stabilizer have a much better experience than those who use it straight out of the box.

How Does the Towallmark Stack Up Against the Competition?

No product exists in a vacuum. The Towallmark Heavy Duty Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier competes in a fierce market against established brands. Its high capacity and unique features are its main advantages, but build quality and stability are where competitors can shine.

1. CURT 60×24-Inch Basket Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 lbs

CURT is a legacy brand known for exceptional build quality and precise engineering. While its 18153 model has a lower weight capacity of 500 pounds and shorter 6-inch side rails, its construction is typically flawless. The shank is manufactured to tighter tolerances, providing a much snugger and more stable fit in the hitch receiver right out of the box. For users who prioritize rock-solid stability and brand reputation over maximum capacity and bells and whistles, the CURT is often the superior choice. It’s a workhorse carrier that does the fundamental job of hauling gear securely, without compromise.

2. ARKSEN 60″ Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier 500 Lbs

The ARKSEN carrier is a direct competitor that represents a solid, middle-of-the-road option. It also features a 500-pound capacity and a folding design, similar to the CURT. Its build quality is generally considered reliable and robust for its price point. It lacks the innovative cart feature and the exceptionally high walls of the Towallmark, but it delivers on its promises of being a durable and functional cargo solution. Buyers looking for a proven, no-frills carrier that balances cost and performance might find the ARKSEN to be a safer bet if they are concerned about the potential stability issues of the Towallmark.

3. Mockins 60″x20″ Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier with Cargo Bag

The Mockins carrier stands out by offering a complete hauling solution in one package. While its platform is slightly narrower (20″ vs 24″) and it shares the 500-pound capacity of the other alternatives, its key selling point is the inclusion of a 20 cubic foot waterproof cargo bag, a cargo net, and ratchet straps. This provides immense value, as these accessories often need to be purchased separately at a significant cost. For someone planning to haul luggage or items that need protection from the elements, the Mockins bundle is incredibly compelling and may be a better overall value, despite the lower raw capacity compared to the Towallmark Heavy Duty Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Towallmark Heavy Duty Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier?

After extensive testing, our verdict on the Towallmark Heavy Duty Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier is a conditional recommendation. This carrier is built on a fantastic concept: it offers class-leading capacity, exceptionally tall guardrails for security, and an innovative cart feature that adds genuine utility. For these reasons, it represents an ambitious and feature-rich option in the market. However, its greatest weakness is a fundamental one: a loose fit at the hitch receiver that creates instability and undermines confidence in its heavy-duty claims. The 750-pound capacity feels more theoretical than practical without modification.

We would recommend this carrier to a specific type of user: a DIY-savvy individual who understands they will likely need to purchase a separate anti-rattle hitch stabilizer to achieve a truly secure connection. If you are willing to make that small additional investment, you unlock a carrier with a massive platform and features that competitors don’t offer. However, if you’re looking for a plug-and-play solution that inspires absolute confidence right out of the box, you may be better served by a more established brand like CURT. The potential is enormous, but the execution has a critical flaw that you must be prepared to address. If you’re intrigued by its unique features and massive potential, we recommend you check the latest price and availability and factor in the cost of a good stabilizer clamp.