CURT 18153 Folding Basket Hitch Carrier Auto Cargo Management

Last updated date: June 7, 2022

DWYM Score

9.2

CURT 18153 Folding Basket Hitch Carrier Auto Cargo Management

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We looked at the top Auto Cargos Management and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Auto Cargo Management you should buy.

Update as June 7, 2022:
Checkout The Best Auto Cargo Management for a detailed review of all the top auto cargos management.

Overall Take

This auto cargo management carrier keeps all items secure and in place during transport. It is adaptable and easy to fold. The carrier is made from high-strength yet durable steel.


In our analysis of 34 expert reviews, the CURT 18153 Folding Basket Hitch Carrier Auto Cargo Management placed 3rd when we looked at the top 10 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Even with the roomiest of vehicles, packing the car for a long trip can quickly turn into a frustrating game of Tetris. CURT cargo carriers are a simple yet effective solution for maximizing the storage area of your vehicle. The advantage of a hitch-mounted cargo carrier is that it can be mounted on the rear or front end of the vehicle as long as the vehicle is properly equipped with the right receiver hitch. Mounting a cargo carrier in the front opens up the rear receiver hitch for towing a trailer or adding a second carrier or bike rack if needed. The hitch-mounted design also makes installation quick and easy. CURT basket cargo carriers feature a strong bolt-together design and are made with heavy-duty carbide steel and a tubular construction for increased strength. One of the advantages of the basket style is its 6″ high sides. These provide extra security and peace of mind during travel. This particular basket cargo carrier features a 2″ x 2″ bent, folding shank to provide more ground clearance and to fold up and out of the way whenever necessary. It also comes with a strong mesh platform to accept up 500 lbs. of cargo and has a durable black powder coat finish to resist rust, scratches and UV damage. Whether you prefer the hitch-mounted carrier or the roof rack option, CURT has cargo management solutions to meet your needs.

Expert Reviews

Expert Summarized Score

9.0
7 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

9.2
3,873 user reviews

What experts liked

An incredibly affordable option, and the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price.
- Motor Day
Very inexpensive. Up to 56 inches long. Stretchy enough to accommodate virtually anything.
- Heavy
Three pockets help organize and store groceries, gear, tools, and other items. Secures grocery bags well. Keeps round items from rolling around.
- BestReviews
Easy to clean. Durable. Adaptable. Enhanced security.
- WOW Travel
Folding shank to save space, 500 lb maximum load capacity, fits most 2" standard hitch mounts, 6" tall sides, powder coated finish.
- Auto Guide
Angular folding shank. Tall sides to secure luggage. Great for low-riding vehicles. Easy to clean mesh.
- Auto Quarterly
Curt uses a robust bolt-together design for this carrier. They also use heavy-duty steel carbide steel plus tubular construction for the carrier. Add these together, and you've got a super-strong carrier will help you haul your gear for years and years.
- Bikers Rights

What experts didn't like

Certainly not the most rugged of options. Not meant to carry your items outside your car. Cars of a certain era included these for free.
- Heavy
Does not seem to fit some pickup trucks well.
- BestReviews
Doesn’t have the largest capacity.
- WOW Travel
Uses a bolt instead of a pin, so removal is a bit slower.
- Auto Guide
Installation difficult. Badly made fabrications.
- Auto Quarterly

An Overview On Auto Cargos Management

Whether you’re going away for a weeks-long camping trip to the middle of nowhere or heading to the beach for a day of fun, you’re going to need to take a lot of things along with you. Some people always have a lot of things stored in their vehicles, even if they aren’t going anywhere special. Regardless of why you have a lot of things to store in your car, it’s important to have the right auto cargo management tools to ensure your vehicle, and all its occupants, are safe and the items are securely positioned to avoid moving around in the car.

There are different types of auto cargo management products you can get depending on your needs. If you want to extend the storage capacity of your car, opt for a hitch cargo carrier. This type of auto cargo management product attaches to the back of your car and is like a separate unit where you can store items you want to take with you. If you are looking to better organize the trunk space you already have in your car, then a cargo box organizer is your best bet, which makes it easy to carefully arrange all your items in your trunk space. If you’re transporting delicate items such as glass doors and windows, then you need a cargo management rack, which is designed to keep the delicate items in place and ensure they don’t end up damaged during transport. The most important step to getting auto cargo management tools is ensuring that whichever one you choose is compatible with your type of vehicle.

The Auto Cargo Management Buying Guide

  • It’s important to check the installation instructions for the auto cargo management products to not only ensure it is compatible with your vehicle but that you have the skills, tools, and ability to install the product correctly in the vehicle. If not, it could come loose during travel, which can be dangerous for both you and other drivers on the road.
  • Strength and durability are key when it comes to the material the auto cargo management product is made from. It’s important to choose a product that won’t crack with wear and tear and will be able to withstand the weight of the items you store inside it. It’s a good idea to look for auto cargo management products that are made from strong, durable, yet lightweight materials.
  • Your auto cargo management products are bound to get dirty, especially if they are attached to the back of the vehicle. Dirt, road salt, and other debris is bound to get on your organizer, so it’s important to keep it clean. This will not only help to extend the life of the product, but will ensure that the items you store on it won’t get dirty. Check the instructions to make sure you know how to clean the product properly. Most should be able to be wiped down with water and a mild cleaning product with a soft cloth.
  • Be sure to check the weight rating for the auto cargo management products to ensure you don’t put too much weight on it. That could cause the product to break and damage your items.