Cargo Carrier Sizes: Complete Guide to Dimensions and Capacities
Cargo carriers provide extra storage space for road trips, moves, and outdoor adventures. Whether you need a hitch-mounted basket, roof cargo box, or trunk rack, understanding sizes and weight limits is essential for safe travel. This comprehensive guide covers all cargo carrier types, dimensions, and vehicle compatibility for 2026.
Types of Cargo Carriers
Cargo carriers come in several mounting styles, each with specific size considerations:
| Carrier Type | Mounting Location | Typical Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hitch Cargo Basket | Rear hitch receiver | 350-750 lbs | Heavy items, easy access |
| Hitch Cargo Box | Rear hitch receiver | 300-500 lbs | Weather-protected storage |
| Roof Cargo Box | Roof crossbars | 100-200 lbs | Aerodynamic, secure storage |
| Roof Cargo Bag | Roof crossbars or rack | 80-150 lbs | Temporary, budget-friendly |
| Trunk/Tailgate Rack | Rear door/trunk | 50-150 lbs | No hitch needed, bikes/light cargo |
| Truck Bed Cargo Carrier | Pickup bed | 500-1,500 lbs | Heavy cargo, work equipment |
Hitch-Mounted Cargo Basket Sizes
Hitch cargo baskets are the most popular type, mounting to your vehicle's trailer hitch receiver.
Standard Hitch Basket Dimensions
| Size Category | Platform Size (L × W) | Side Height | Weight Capacity | Hitch Class Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | 40" × 20" | 4-6" | 350-400 lbs | Class II (1.25") |
| Standard | 48" × 24" | 4-6" | 400-500 lbs | Class II or III |
| Large | 60" × 24" | 6-8" | 500-600 lbs | Class III (2") |
| Extra Large | 60" × 30" | 6-10" | 600-750 lbs | Class III or IV (2") |
Popular Hitch Cargo Basket Models
| Model | Platform Dimensions (L × W) | Height | Weight | Capacity | Hitch Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CURT 18115 | 48" × 20" | 5" | 34 lbs | 500 lbs | 2" |
| Reese Explore 1043100 | 48" × 24" | 6" | 38 lbs | 500 lbs | 2" |
| MaxxHaul 70108 | 60" × 20" | 6" | 49 lbs | 500 lbs | 2" |
| Pro Series 63155 | 60" × 24" | 6" | 58 lbs | 500 lbs | 2" |
| Thule Canyon XT | 57" × 32" | 8" | 62 lbs | 400 lbs | 2" |
| Yakima EXO GearWarrior | 53" × 31" | 7.5" | 48 lbs | 300 lbs | 2" |
| Rola Vortex | 60" × 25" | 6" | 52 lbs | 550 lbs | 2" |
Folding and Tilting Features
Many hitch carriers offer convenience features that affect dimensions:
- Folded up: Reduces depth to 8-12" when not in use
- Tilting mechanism: Allows carrier to tilt down for rear access (adds 3-4" to depth)
- Anti-wobble: Tightening bolts add 1-2" to hitch insertion depth
- Adapter sleeve: 1.25" to 2" adapter adds thickness but no extra length
Hitch-Mounted Cargo Box Sizes
Enclosed hitch-mounted cargo boxes provide weatherproof storage with lockable security.
| Model | External Dimensions (L × W × H) | Capacity | Weight | Load Limit | Hitch Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Transporter Combi | 33" × 30" × 23" | 11 cu ft | 55 lbs | 300 lbs | 2" |
| Thule Arcos | 52" × 30" × 21" | 18 cu ft | 84 lbs | 350 lbs | 2" |
| CURT 18210 | 48" × 19.5" × 19" | 13 cu ft | 52 lbs | 300 lbs | 2" |
| MaxxHaul 70179 | 53" × 19" × 20" | 13 cu ft | 48 lbs | 300 lbs | 2" |
| Rola Adventure System | 48" × 22" × 21" | 15 cu ft | 58 lbs | 350 lbs | 2" |
Roof Cargo Box Sizes
See our dedicated roof racks guide for complete roof cargo box specifications. Quick reference:
| Size Class | Length Range | Capacity Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 63-84 inches | 8-14 cu ft | Compact cars, sedans |
| Medium | 84-92 inches | 14-18 cu ft | Midsize vehicles |
| Large | 92-96+ inches | 18-25 cu ft | Large SUVs, family trips |
Roof Cargo Bag Dimensions
Soft-sided cargo bags offer flexible, waterproof storage without permanent mounting hardware.
| Model | Dimensions (L × W × H) | Capacity | Weight | Load Limit | Mount Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RoofBag Explorer (Small) | 36" × 30" × 18" | 11 cu ft | 5 lbs | 120 lbs | Strap to crossbars or bare roof |
| RoofBag Explorer (Medium) | 39" × 33" × 18" | 15 cu ft | 5.5 lbs | 120 lbs | Strap to crossbars or bare roof |
| RoofBag Explorer (Large) | 44" × 34" × 18" | 19 cu ft | 6 lbs | 120 lbs | Strap to crossbars or bare roof |
| Yakima SoftTop | 48" × 36" × 16" | 16 cu ft | 8 lbs | 110 lbs | Crossbars required |
| Thule Ranger 90 | 36" × 31" × 12" | 9.5 cu ft | 5.5 lbs | 110 lbs | Crossbars required |
| LETSGO Rooftop Bag | 48" × 40" × 17" | 20 cu ft | 6.5 lbs | 120 lbs | Strap to roof (no rack needed) |
| RoofPax XL | 43" × 34" × 18" | 19 cu ft | 7 lbs | 165 lbs | Strap to crossbars or bare roof |
Cargo Bag Features
- No roof rack needed: Many models work on bare roofs with door-frame straps
- Compacts when stored: Folds to 12" × 12" × 3" pouch
- Waterproof rating: Look for heavy-duty PVC or tarpaulin (500D-1000D)
- Wide opening: U-shaped or full-width zippers for easy loading
Trunk/Tailgate-Mounted Cargo Racks
These carriers attach to your vehicle's rear door or trunk using straps, requiring no hitch or roof rack.
Cargo Rack Dimensions
| Model | Platform Size (L × W) | Height | Weight | Load Limit | Vehicle Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro Series Eclipse 63132 | 26" × 28" | 9" | 12 lbs | 150 lbs | Sedans, hatchbacks, small SUVs |
| CURT 18100 | 20" × 48" | 4" | 14 lbs | 150 lbs | SUVs with rear tire mount |
| Rage Powersports TBR-44 | 44" × 18" | 6" | 18 lbs | 150 lbs | Trucks, SUVs with tailgate |
Note: Trunk racks are primarily designed for bike carriers. Cargo-specific models are less common. For cargo, hitch or roof systems are recommended.
Truck Bed Cargo Carriers
Truck bed carriers organize and elevate cargo in pickup beds.
Truck Bed Cargo Systems
| System Type | Dimensions | Height Above Bed | Load Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed Extender | Width of bed × 12-24" extension | At bed rail height | 300-750 lbs |
| Bed Rack System | 48-72" × bed width | 12-18" above bed | 500-1,500 lbs (static) |
| Bed-Mounted Cargo Box | 48-72" × 18-24" × 18-24" | Sits in bed | 150-300 lbs |
| Sliding Bed Tray | Full bed length × width | Floor-level, slides out | 1,000-2,000 lbs |
| Overhead Rack | Bed length + cab overhang | 6-12" above cab | 500-1,000 lbs |
Standard Truck Bed Dimensions Reference
| Bed Size | Length | Width (at floor) | Width (between wheel wells) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Bed | 5.5-6 ft | 60-65" | 50-53" |
| Standard Bed | 6.5-7 ft | 60-65" | 50-53" |
| Long Bed | 8-9 ft | 60-65" | 50-53" |
See our truck bed sizes guide for complete pickup bed dimensions.
Trailer Hitch Classes and Compatibility
Understanding hitch classes is critical for selecting the right cargo carrier.
| Hitch Class | Receiver Size | Tongue Weight | Towing Capacity | Typical Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class I | 1.25 inches | 200 lbs | 2,000 lbs | Small cars, compact crossovers |
| Class II | 1.25 inches | 350 lbs | 3,500 lbs | Midsize sedans, small SUVs |
| Class III | 2 inches | 600 lbs | 8,000 lbs | Full-size SUVs, trucks, minivans |
| Class IV | 2 inches | 1,200 lbs | 12,000 lbs | Heavy-duty trucks, large SUVs |
| Class V | 2.5 inches | 1,500 lbs | 18,000+ lbs | HD trucks, commercial vehicles |
Tongue Weight vs. Cargo Carrier Weight
Important distinction:
- Tongue weight: Maximum downward force the hitch can support
- Cargo carrier rating: Often less than hitch tongue weight
- Safe load: Use the LOWER of hitch tongue weight or carrier rating
- Weight distribution: Load carrier evenly, keeping heavy items forward
Ground Clearance Considerations
Hitch-mounted carriers reduce ground clearance. Here's what to expect:
| Carrier Type | Typical Ground Clearance Loss | Minimum Clearance (loaded) |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch Cargo Basket (standard) | 10-14 inches below hitch | 6-10 inches |
| Hitch Cargo Basket (low-profile) | 6-8 inches below hitch | 10-12 inches |
| Hitch Cargo Box | 12-16 inches below hitch | 4-8 inches |
| Hitch Bike Rack (platform) | 8-12 inches below hitch | 8-10 inches |
Ground Clearance Tips
- Check hitch drop/rise: Adjustable hitches can increase clearance
- Measure approach angles: Steep driveways may require angled entry
- Consider tilt-away: Models that tilt down lose less clearance when folded
- Watch speed bumps: Approach slowly and at angles if necessary
Vehicle Overhang Dimensions
Cargo carriers extend beyond your vehicle's bumper, affecting parking and maneuvering.
| Carrier Type | Extension Behind Vehicle | Total Added Length |
|---|---|---|
| Empty Hitch (shank only) | 12-18 inches | 1-1.5 feet |
| Small Cargo Basket (40") | 24-30 inches | 2-2.5 feet |
| Large Cargo Basket (60") | 36-42 inches | 3-3.5 feet |
| Hitch Cargo Box | 42-52 inches | 3.5-4.5 feet |
| Bike Rack (2-bike) | 28-36 inches | 2.5-3 feet |
| Bike Rack (4-bike) | 36-48 inches | 3-4 feet |
Rear Access with Carrier Installed
Most modern hitch carriers offer solutions for rear access:
- Tilt-down mechanism: Tilts carrier down while loaded (requires 2-3 feet clearance)
- Swing-away design: Swings carrier to the side (adds width when open)
- Quick-release: Remove entire carrier (takes 1-2 minutes)
- Clearance gap: Some designs leave space below hatch opening
Weight Distribution and Loading
Proper Loading Guidelines
| Guideline | Recommendation | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy items forward | Place heavy items closest to vehicle | Reduces leverage/stress on hitch |
| Even side-to-side | Balance weight left and right | Prevents sway and uneven tire wear |
| Center of gravity low | Heavy items on bottom | Improves vehicle stability |
| Secure all loads | Use ratchet straps or cargo net | Prevents shifting and loss |
| Stay under limits | Never exceed carrier or hitch rating | Safety and avoid damage |
Loading Capacity Examples
Here's what various capacities can typically hold:
- 300 lbs: 4-5 suitcases, camping gear for 2-3 people
- 500 lbs: 6-8 suitcases, full camping setup for 4, coolers, folding chairs
- 750 lbs: Moving boxes, furniture, generator, multiple coolers
Measuring Your Vehicle for Cargo Carriers
Critical Measurements
- Hitch height: Measure from ground to center of hitch receiver opening
- Bumper-to-ground: Determine available clearance below bumper
- Rear door swing: Measure clearance needed for full hatch/door opening
- Bumper width: Ensure carrier doesn't exceed vehicle width (visibility, legality)
- Parking space depth: Add carrier length to vehicle length for parking fit
Standard Hitch Heights
| Vehicle Type | Typical Hitch Height |
|---|---|
| Sedans/Low Cars | 13-16 inches |
| Crossovers/Small SUVs | 16-19 inches |
| Midsize SUVs | 18-22 inches |
| Full-Size SUVs/Trucks | 20-26 inches |
| Lifted Trucks | 26-36 inches |
Cargo Carrier Accessories
Essential Add-Ons
| Accessory | Typical Size | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Net | 48" × 24" to 60" × 30" | Secure loose items in basket |
| Waterproof Cargo Bag | Sized to fit specific carrier | Weather protection for open baskets |
| Ratchet Straps | 1" × 10-15 ft (set of 4) | Secure heavy or bulky items |
| Anti-Wobble Hitch Pin | 5/8" pin with tightening bolt | Eliminate hitch play/rattle |
| Hitch Lock | Fits receiver size (1.25" or 2") | Prevent carrier theft |
| Flag/Visibility Kit | 36-48" flexible pole with flag | Mark overhang for safety (legally required if >4 ft) |
| LED Light Bar | 48-60 inches (matches carrier width) | Replaces obscured taillights |
| License Plate Relocator | 6" × 12" bracket | Mount plate on carrier when obscured |
Legal Requirements and Safety Regulations
State and Federal Regulations
- Rear overhang limit: Typically 4 feet max beyond rear bumper (varies by state)
- Warning flag required: Red or orange flag if overhang exceeds limit
- License plate visibility: Must be visible; relocate to carrier if obscured
- Taillights visibility: Install auxiliary lights if carrier blocks vehicle lights
- Load security: All cargo must be secured; unsecured loads can result in fines
- Weight distribution: Must not exceed GVWR or rear axle weight rating
Width Restrictions
Cargo should not extend beyond vehicle width:
- Standard vehicle width: 5.5-6.5 feet
- Most cargo carriers: 20-32 inches wide (well within vehicle width)
- Oversized loads: Require special permits if exceeding 8.5 feet total width
Fuel Economy Impact
| Configuration | Typical MPG Loss | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Empty hitch basket | 1-2 mpg | More drag than roof box |
| Loaded hitch basket | 2-4 mpg | Depends on cargo aerodynamics |
| Hitch cargo box | 2-3 mpg | Better than open basket |
| Roof cargo box | 2-5 mpg | Higher drag at highway speeds |
| Roof cargo bag | 3-6 mpg | Less aerodynamic than hard box |
Installation and Removal Time
| Carrier Type | Initial Installation | Removal (once installed) |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch Cargo Basket | 5-10 minutes | 1-2 minutes |
| Hitch Cargo Box | 10-15 minutes | 2-3 minutes |
| Roof Cargo Box | 20-30 minutes | 5-10 minutes (per box) |
| Roof Cargo Bag | 10-15 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
| Trunk Rack | 15-25 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What size cargo carrier do I need?
For hitch carriers, measure your available hitch capacity and choose a carrier that fits within it. Most vehicles with 2" hitches can handle 48-60" cargo baskets rated for 400-500 lbs. For roof carriers, choose based on your roof rack size and vehicle's dynamic roof load rating (typically 100-165 lbs).
Will a cargo carrier fit my vehicle?
Hitch carriers require a trailer hitch receiver (Class II, III, or IV). Roof carriers require roof crossbars or factory rails. Trunk racks work on most sedans/hatchbacks but verify fitment. Always check your vehicle's weight rating.
How much does a cargo carrier affect gas mileage?
Empty hitch baskets reduce MPG by 1-2 mpg. Loaded hitch carriers drop MPG by 2-4 mpg. Roof-mounted systems create more drag, reducing MPG by 2-6 mpg depending on size and speed.
Can I open my rear hatch with a cargo carrier installed?
Many modern hitch cargo carriers feature tilt-down or swing-away designs that allow rear access while loaded. Budget carriers may require full removal. Check product specs for this feature.
What's the maximum weight I can put in a cargo carrier?
Use the LOWER of: (1) your carrier's weight rating, (2) your hitch's tongue weight rating, and (3) your vehicle's maximum tongue weight capacity. Typical safe loads range from 150-500 lbs depending on system.
Do I need to remove my cargo carrier when not in use?
It's recommended. Leaving carriers on reduces fuel economy, increases wind noise, and can lead to theft. Most hitch carriers remove in 1-2 minutes with a hitch pin.
Will a cargo carrier block my license plate or taillights?
Possibly. Many states require license plate visibility. If your carrier blocks it, you must relocate the plate to the carrier. If taillights are obscured, install auxiliary lights on the carrier (legally required in most states).
Can I use a cargo carrier with a bike rack?
Not simultaneously on the same hitch. You can only use one hitch-mounted accessory at a time. However, you can combine a hitch bike rack with a roof cargo box, or vice versa.