Cheap gear usually comes with a catch. In this case, the surprise is that the cheapest hitch cargo carrier that Tristan of SUV Camping could find held up far better than expected. After two months, 3,000 miles, wet weather, and off-road use, this $60 Harbor Freight rack proved to be more than a throwaway buy. The details in the video at the end of this post show where it works, where it falls short, and why he plans to keep it.
Why this $60 Harbor Freight carrier stood out
Harbor Freight sells four hitch cargo carriers, and this one made the most sense because of its shape. The HAUL-MASTER 300 lb. Capacity ATV Cargo Carrier uses a 45-degree angled shank instead of a straight one, so it keeps better ground clearance and a better departure angle.
It also has an open rear edge. That matters because longer gear can stick out, instead of being boxed in on all four sides. The other $60 model is similar, but it sits straight and has a full basket edge. The pricier options include an aluminum version and a hinged carrier.
Assembly, setup, and the one accessory that matters
The carrier arrives in pieces, but assembly took only 10 to 15 minutes. It bolts together easily, and installation is simple, too. It slides into a standard 2-inch hitch receiver and locks in with the included pin.
One add-on made a big difference. A Harbor Freight anti-rattle hitch tightener, or a similar anti-rattle stabilizer on Amazon, cuts down on wobble and makes the whole setup feel much more solid.
The basic fit is easy to understand:
| Spec | Measurement |
| Capacity | 300 lbs. |
| Width | 50 in. |
| Basket depth | 19 in. |
| Basket height | 5 in. |
| Added rear length | 28 in. |
| Ground clearance at hitch | 17 in. |
| Ground clearance at rear | 24 in. |
The carrier is light and easy to remove, so a folding setup may not be necessary for many drivers.
How Tristan used it on trips
The carrier filled a gap left by a rooftop tent and an old roof box. It gave him a place for wet fishing gear, muddy clothes, trash, a gas can, and a water jug, all without stinking up the cabin.
His usual setup included a heavy-duty plastic truck box strapped down with ratchet straps, plus a gas can beside it. A similar plastic cargo box gives a good idea of the size and style.
It also works for firewood, coolers, bins, generators, propane tanks, bikes, camp chairs, luggage, lawn mowers, and even wheelchairs.
What held up, and what buyers should watch
After several thousand miles, including dirt roads and dips that dragged the rear edge, the carrier stayed intact. It did not bend, crack, or fall apart. Tristan also found no rust, though long-term outdoor use could change that.
However, there are limits. The 300-pound rating is enough for his needs, but buyers still need to check the vehicle’s hitch rating. Rear access can also be tight, depending on the vehicle and load. On some SUVs, a swing-out or lift-up rear door may hit the cargo.
Some one-star reviews mention pin-hole alignment problems on the shank. Tristan did not run into that issue, and Harbor Freight will likely swap out a bad unit if needed. A pivoting hitch adapter is also an option for anyone who wants a fold-up function, and a similar straight carrier on Amazon shows the more common layout.
Final verdict
For $60, this carrier looks like a bargain rather than a compromise. It kept dirty gear outside, handled off-road use, and stayed solid with an anti-rattle clamp.
RELATED
- Thule Outset foldable hitch tent— a clever rooftop tent alternative
- Demco Recon Stealth: The first foldable fifth wheel hitch
- Paint your RV hitch for easy hitch-ups
- Kayak rack options for trucks and RVs
- Two good RV e-bike rack and carrier options
RVT1258
Forget Blue Ox.
I tow my Jeep with a $79 Harbor Freight tow bar.
Over 20,000 miles so far without a single problem.
If you are going to add a cargo carrier to the standard 4″ trailer bumper – don’t even think about 300 pounds. First, reinforce that bumper with braces. If you don’t have a receiver, use a front back plate mount rather than a top bottom plate mount.
And the weight in the basket will be less than the twist force on the bumper due to the lever action caused by the length of the mount. For most cargo baskets, 100 pounds may be the max you can safely carry.
The only time I go to campground management is to report loose dogs!
These should come with at least a clearance lights on the rear. Some states limit the distance things can stick out from behind the vehicle without using a warning flag or lights.