Every RVer eventually faces the same challenge: there is never quite enough storage space. Whether you are hauling camping gear, outdoor equipment, or the extra supplies that make extended trips possible, finding room for everything can feel like solving a puzzle.
After years of cramming gear into every available nook and cranny of my travel trailer, I discovered that a quality cargo carrier can transform your RV experience by providing dedicated exterior storage that keeps your living space comfortable and organized.
Cargo carriers come in various styles and configurations, each designed to address specific storage needs. From hitch-mounted basket carriers that slide into your receiver to tongue-mounted trays that utilize the space above your A-frame, the right carrier depends on your RV type, towing setup, and what you need to haul.
I have tested numerous options over the years, from budget-friendly steel baskets to premium enclosed systems, and this guide shares my findings to help you choose the best cargo carrier for your RV adventures.
For RVers who want the ultimate in cargo carrying capability, the Let’s Go Aero GearDeck represents the pinnacle of hitch-mounted storage solutions. This premium enclosed carrier features a slideout design that provides easy access to your gear without requiring you to unload everything to reach items in the back.
The integrated LED lighting illuminates the cargo area during nighttime loading and unloading, a feature I have come to appreciate during early morning departures and late evening arrivals at campgrounds.
The GearDeck’s enclosed design protects your cargo from weather, road debris, and theft, making it ideal for carrying valuable equipment or items that cannot get wet. The slideout mechanism operates smoothly even when fully loaded, and the robust construction handles the rigors of highway travel without rattling or shifting. At 17 cubic feet of storage capacity, you can fit a substantial amount of gear while keeping it completely protected from the elements.
What truly sets the GearDeck apart is its thoughtful engineering. The aerodynamic design minimizes wind resistance and fuel consumption, while the low-profile mounting keeps the carrier from interfering with your RV’s departure angle. The powder-coated steel construction resists corrosion, and the integrated lock provides security when you are away from your rig. For full-time RVers or those who frequently travel with expensive equipment, the GearDeck’s premium price is justified by its exceptional functionality and durability.
Buy the Let’s Go Aero GearDeck Slideout Cargo Carrier
The Husky Towing Extra Wide Steel Cargo Carrier strikes an excellent balance between capacity, durability, and value. With its expanded width design, this carrier provides significantly more usable space than standard basket carriers, making it ideal for hauling larger items like generators, coolers, or camping furniture.
I recommended this carrier to a fellow RVer who needed to transport a portable generator, and the extra width accommodated it perfectly with room to spare for fuel cans and accessories.
The 500-pound capacity handles substantial loads with confidence, and the heavy-duty steel construction ensures years of reliable service. The mesh floor design allows water and debris to drain through rather than pooling in the carrier, which helps prevent rust and keeps your cargo from sitting in standing water during rainy travel days. The raised side rails provide multiple tie-down points for securing your load, and the overall build quality exceeds what you might expect at this price point.
Installation is straightforward with the included hardware, and the carrier fits standard 2-inch receiver hitches found on most tow vehicles. The black powder-coated finish resists corrosion and maintains its appearance even after exposure to road salt and harsh weather conditions. For RVers who need serious cargo capacity without the premium price of enclosed systems, the Husky Towing Extra Wide represents outstanding value and performance.
Buy the Husky Towing Extra Wide Steel Cargo Carrier
Storage space is always at a premium in RV life, which makes the Husky Towing Heavy Duty Foldable Cargo Carrier particularly appealing. When not in use, this carrier folds up against your vehicle, reducing its profile and allowing you to access your RV’s rear compartments or bumper-mounted equipment. I installed one of these on my tow vehicle last season, and the ability to fold it out of the way when not hauling cargo has proven invaluable.
The 500-pound capacity matches the extra wide model, but the foldable design adds versatility that justifies the higher price point. The folding mechanism operates smoothly and locks securely in both the deployed and stowed positions, eliminating any concerns about the carrier accidentally folding during transit. The heavy-duty steel construction handles the stress of repeated folding cycles without developing play or looseness in the joints.
Like its non-folding sibling, this carrier features a mesh floor for drainage, raised side rails for tie-down points, and a durable powder-coated finish. The extra investment in the foldable version makes sense for RVers who do not always need cargo carrying capacity but want the option available when needed. It is particularly useful for those who tow with a vehicle that also serves as daily transportation, as the folded carrier is much less obtrusive than a permanently extended basket.
Buy the Husky Towing Heavy Duty Foldable Cargo Carrier
For RVers seeking a reliable cargo carrier without a significant investment, the Curt Basket Style Cargo Carrier delivers excellent functionality at a budget-friendly price. This carrier has earned its reputation as a go-to choice for value-conscious buyers, and after seeing it perform on countless RV trips, I understand why it remains one of the most popular options on the market. The basket-style design keeps cargo contained while the raised side rails provide secure tie-down points.
The carrier measures 48 inches long by 20 inches wide by 6 inches high, providing ample space for coolers, camping chairs, firewood, and other bulky items that would otherwise consume precious interior storage. The 500-pound capacity handles most RV cargo needs, and the heavy-duty steel construction with black powder-coated finish ensures durability. Built-in reflectors add visibility for increased safety during nighttime driving, a thoughtful touch that many budget carriers omit.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the included adapter sleeve that allows mounting on either 1-1/4 inch or 2-inch receiver tubes, making this carrier compatible with a wide range of tow vehicles. The threaded anti-rattle mounting pin eliminates the annoying vibration and noise that plagues some hitch-mounted accessories. At under $140, the Curt Basket Style Cargo Carrier represents exceptional value for RVers who need basic cargo carrying capability without premium features.
Buy the Curt Basket Style Cargo Carrier
Travel trailer owners face a unique challenge when it comes to cargo carriers: traditional hitch-mounted options are not available because the hitch is occupied by the trailer itself. The Stromberg Carlson Trailer Tray solves this problem elegantly by mounting directly to your trailer’s A-frame tongue, utilizing space that would otherwise go unused. This innovative design has made it a favorite among travel trailer owners who need additional cargo capacity.
The Trailer Tray is the first tongue-mounted cargo carrying system that offers adjustability, designed to fit most A-frame travel trailers with tubing heights between 3.5 and 6.5 inches. The tray dimensions of approximately 20 by 32 inches provide substantial cargo space for generators, coolers, firewood, compressors, and other equipment. The 300-pound capacity handles most camping gear with ease, and the multiple tie-down eyelets and holes ensure your cargo stays secure during travel.
Installation requires drilling four holes through your trailer’s A-frame tubing to permanently fix the Trailer Tray in place, but all necessary hardware is included. The powder-coated steel construction resists corrosion and handles the vibration and stress of highway travel. At 65 pounds, the tray itself is substantial, reflecting its robust build quality. For travel trailer owners who have struggled with limited storage options, the Stromberg Carlson Trailer Tray opens up new possibilities for hauling gear without sacrificing interior living space.
Buy the Stromberg Carlson Trailer Tray Cargo Carrier
Selecting the appropriate cargo carrier for your RV setup requires consideration of several key factors that will determine your long-term satisfaction with the purchase.
First, determine where you can mount a carrier based on your specific RV configuration. If you tow a trailer, your tow vehicle’s receiver hitch is available for a hitch-mounted carrier. If you have a motorhome, you may have a rear receiver hitch, or you might consider a tongue-mounted option if you tow a vehicle behind your motorhome. Travel trailer owners should look at A-frame mounted options like the Stromberg Carlson Trailer Tray since their hitch is occupied by the trailer connection.
Weight capacity is another critical consideration that many RVers underestimate when shopping for cargo carriers. Calculate the total weight of the items you plan to carry and choose a carrier rated for at least 25 percent more than that amount to provide a safety margin. Remember that the carrier’s weight capacity is separate from your hitch’s tongue weight rating, so verify that your hitch can handle the combined weight of the carrier and its contents without exceeding safe limits. Overloading a cargo carrier can lead to dangerous handling characteristics and potential equipment failure.
Consider whether you need weather protection for your cargo based on what you typically haul. Open basket-style carriers are less expensive and provide adequate protection for items that can handle exposure to rain and road spray, such as firewood, camping chairs, or sealed containers. However, if you plan to carry electronics, camping gear that must stay dry, or valuable equipment, an enclosed carrier like the Let’s Go Aero GearDeck provides peace of mind that open designs cannot match. The investment in weather protection often pays for itself by preventing damage to expensive gear.
Think carefully about accessibility and storage when the carrier is not in use. Foldable carriers like the Husky Towing option offer convenience for RVers who do not always need cargo capacity but want the option available when needed. Fixed carriers require removal when not in use, which can be cumbersome for heavy steel models weighing 30 pounds or more. Match the carrier style to your typical usage patterns for the best overall experience, and consider where you will store the carrier during off-seasons.
Do not overlook the importance of proper cargo securing when using any carrier. Invest in quality tie-down straps, cargo nets, or bungee cords to keep your load secure during travel. Items that shift or bounce during transit can damage themselves, the carrier, or even become road hazards if they fall off. Most carriers provide multiple tie-down points specifically for this purpose, so take advantage of them every time you load cargo.
A quality cargo carrier can dramatically improve your RV experience by providing dedicated storage space for gear that would otherwise crowd your living area.
Whether you choose a budget-friendly basket carrier or invest in a premium enclosed system, the key is matching the carrier to your specific needs, RV configuration, and typical cargo requirements.
The options in this guide represent the best choices available for RVers in 2026, each offering reliable performance and excellent value in its category.
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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