Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier Recommendation for a 2022 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

I have a 2022 Subaru Outback and I’m trying to decide what hitch cargo carrier is best… Are most of these racks essentially the same construction if they are steel? Also, Is there a benefit to a tray vs a basket?

asked by: James

Expert Reply:

A lot of the steel cargo carriers do use a lot of the same features and so what typically differentiates them are subtle things like the hitch pin used or the height of the wall used to contain the cargo.

If you're in the market for a standard hitch cargo carrier what I actually recommend picking up is the aluminum carrier by Flint Hill Goods:

Flint Hill Goods 60" x 22" Cargo Carrier - # FHG49ZR

This carrier rises above the rest because it only weighs in at 18 lbs but it's still able to carry up to 500 lbs of cargo. When you combine that with the aluminum construction it means you're also getting a carrier that will last a long time (due to aluminum being very resistant to rust corrosion). I also recommend picking up the Anti-Rattle Bolt # e99047 and Alignment Collar # e98942 to make your connections quicker and more secure.

If by basket you mean a walled carrier like the Carpod # M2205-2201 then the comparison is weight of the rack vs being able to lock the cage the cargo will be put in, but if the comparison is between a hitch vs a roof mount cargo carrier then I would only recommend the roof rack option if you don't plan on carrying much since a roof basket means you have to lift the cargo above your head plus the rack weight capacity is going to be in the ballpark of 165 lbs for the cargo AND the basket.