Cargo Basket Buyer's Guide - Roof and Hitch Mount

Cargo baskets are a great way to increase your vehicle's storage capacity. If you have a car, SUV, or minivan, it might be difficult to fit all your gear or equipment into the designated cargo hold. That's where cargo baskets come in.

There are two types of cargo baskets: those that mount on the hitch and those that mount on the roof. Which one is the best setup? Both have pros and cons, and the one that's right for you might depend heavily on how you intend to use it and your specific needs.

Roof Mount Cargo Basket

Roof cargo baskets are the most common. Rooftop cargo baskets are made from steel or aluminum bars welded or bolted into a basket form with raised sides to keep cargo confined.

When carrying light items such as small luggage, sports gear or extra camping equipment, roof baskets are usually a good choice.

These cargo carriers are mounted to the top of your vehicle. While they seem like an easy and convenient option, the rooftop mount has drawbacks, including increasing your vehicle's height. Let's take a look.

Advantages of a Roof Mount Cargo Basket

• A roof basket won't block rear access.

• Rooftop baskets also do not require a hitch and tend to have more cargo space than hitch-mounted carriers.

• Rooftop baskets give a more rugged look to a vehicle. It looks like you’re ready for adventure!

Drawbacks of a Roof Mount Cargo Basket

However, roof-mount cargo carriers do have some drawbacks.

• Rooftop baskets require a roof rack to attach to. A roof rack does not come with the basket, so if your vehicle does not have one, that may be an added expense you hadn’t expected.

• Getting to the rooftop carrier is not as easy if you need to access your cargo often during your trip.

• Rooftop carriers may have more room, but they can't carry really bulky and heavy items like coolers or generators.

• Roof carriers also increase the vehicle's aerodynamic drag and height, which can be a problem in some cases.

Hitch Mount Cargo Basket

Hitch-mount cargo carriers are basket-like structures mounted on the vehicle's hitch. They are more universal in some ways since many vehicles have a standard 2-inch hitch receiver. Like rooftop baskets, they have some clear benefits and drawbacks.

Advantages of a Hitch Mount Cargo Basket

A hitch-mounted cargo basket has several advantages over a roof-mounted carrier.

• First, it is easier to load and unload because it is closer to the ground.

• You can also carry heavier items in a hitch-mounted basket.

• A hitch-mounted carrier does not impact vehicle height and does not create any significant aerodynamic drag.

• A hitch-mounted cargo basket is less expensive than a roof basket.

Source: Dodge Durango Forum

Drawbacks of a Hitch Mount Cargo Basket

A hitch-mounted cargo basket still has some drawbacks.

• If your vehicle doesn't have a trailer hitch, you'll need to install one before buying and installing a hitch-mounted carrier.

• Hitch-mounted baskets may also block or make rear access to your vehicle more difficult.

• Because of how they're installed, hitch-mounted carriers impede ground clearance somewhat.

• In the event of someone rear-ending your vehicle or if you back up into something solid, the hitch-mounted cargo basket and the contents are very vulnerable to damage.

Source: PriusChat

Cargo Basket Buying Factors To Consider

If you're trying to decide between the two types, some specific factors must be considered. For example, if you're planning to carry relatively light loads and want your cargo carrier to be up and out of the way, a rooftop basket would be the right choice.

On the other hand, if you're planning to carry heavier items on a road trip and need to access them easily, a hitch-mounted carrier would be the better choice.

Hitch-mount cargo baskets tend to be less expensive than rooftop baskets. For example, this Curt steel basket-style hitch-mount carrier at H&H retails for about $300 and it can carry 500 pounds. On the other hand, a Rhino-Rack rooftop basket at H&H retails for about $533 and can only carry 165 pounds.

Ultimately, your choice is likely to come down to the setup that is most convenient for your needs, as discussed above.

Rooftop baskets have better aesthetics and are tidier, but they will reduce your fuel economy.

Hitch-mount baskets are less attractive, but they can carry more and are usually cheaper than roof baskets.

However you choose to carry your extra cargo, H&H Truck Accessories has you covered with a wide selection of cargo baskets and more. Look for the wrench icon on any product page to get professional installation at any H&H Truck & Outdoor location.