A hitch platform carrier hauls gear outside your vehicle, freeing up space and making road trip loading easier. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types, answer FAQs, and showcase Let’s Go Aero’s adventure-ready solutions.
What Is a Hitch Platform Carrier?
A hitch platform carrier mounts to your vehicle’s rear receiver hitch, creating a flat surface to haul gear behind your vehicle. It’s easier to load than roof boxes and typically has less impact on fuel economy. Hitch cargo carriers come in open (basket-style) or enclosed forms, offering secure storage that acts like an external trunk.
For more on this topic, see our Hitch Carriers vs. Roof Racks guide.
How Is It Different from a Standard Cargo Basket or Box?
Standard cargo baskets are usually fixed and open, while “platform” refers to a flat base that may support different attachments. Let’s Go Aero’s TwinTube® platforms, for example, can hold a cargo box, bike rack, or other gear—making them more versatile than a typical fixed basket.
Can I Still Access My Rear Hatch?
Yes—many hitch platforms include slide-out or swing-away mechanisms that let you move the carrier out of the way to open your tailgate or rear hatch. This is especially useful for SUVs, camper vans, and anyone needing regular rear access. For more on this topic, see our Slide-out vs Swing Away guide.
Different Types of Hitch Platforms Explained
Not all hitch platforms are the same. The term can refer to several styles of carriers and accessories. The two main categories you’ll hear are “receiver hitch platforms” and “trailer hitch platforms.” Let’s break down what each means and the sub-types available.
Receiver Hitch Platforms
Receiver hitch platforms are the most common type of cargo system and slide directly into your vehicle’s hitch receiver (usually 2" receivers). They’re easy to install with a single hitch pin and great for carrying bikes, cargo boxes, or mobility gear. Here are some types of receiver hitch frames:
• Fixed Platforms:
These don’t move or fold but do leave leave lots of open space for odd sized cargo. They’re sturdy and simple but can block your rear hatch.
• Swing-Away Platforms:
Swing to the side for full rear access. They offer convenience but add weight and require space behind the vehicle to swing the carrier.
Check out alternatives to bulky swing-away carriers
• Slide-Out Platforms:
Slide-out designs— like those from Let’s Go Aero—pull straight back for 30"+ of clearance without tipping or swinging. They’re ideal for hatch and van access while keeping weight centered.
No matter the style, always match the platform to your hitch class. Most heavy-duty carriers require a 2" Class III or IV receiver. Adapters can help with size mismatches, but check your weight ratings to stay safe.
Typical Use Cases:
• Coolers & Luggage: Free up interior space by storing bulky travel items outside the vehicle.
• Messy or Heavy Gear: Haul firewood, camping stoves, gas cans, muddy totes or other outdoor gear that you don’t want inside.
• Specialty Equipment: Mount e-bike racks, mobility devices, or generators that need stable transport.
Trailer Hitch Platforms
“Trailer hitch platform” typically refers to cargo carriers mounted on RVs or travel trailers. These setups need to handle more movement and stress than those on standard vehicles, especially at the rear of a trailer.
There are two common applications:
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Rear-Mounted Hitch Carriers:
Many RVs and trailers come with a rear receiver hitch that can support cargo boxes or bike racks. These RV-rated platforms must be built for the extra bounce that occurs at the back of long vehicles. Use only carriers marked safe for trailer use to avoid premature wear or failure. -
A-Frame Mounted Carriers (Front of Trailer):
The front A-frame area of a travel trailer is a great place to add a hitch-mounted platform, especially when rear access is limited or already in use. A-frame carriers install above the tongue jack, creating storage space for items like coolers or generators that you want accessible but out of your tow vehicle.
Bottom line:
Always check that your trailer hitch cargo carrier is RV-rated if mounting to a trailer. Pair it with a stabilizing accessory like the Silent Hitch Pin® to reduce bounce and noise on rough roads.
FAQs About Hitch Platforms and Carriers
What size hitch do I need, and how much weight can I carry?
Most hitch-mounted cargo carriers require 2" receivers, which supports 300–500 lbs. Smaller 1.25" hitches work with lighter carriers but have lower limits. Always go by the lower of your vehicle or carrier’s rated capacity.
Can I still open my rear hatch with a platform carrier?
Yes—many carriers tilt, slide out, or swing away to give you rear access. Hitch cargo Boxes with slide-out platforms (like Let’s Go Aero’s TwinTube® design) offer the most clearance and stability without unloading your gear.
What’s the difference between a hitch tightener and a Silent Hitch Pin®?
A hitch tightener clamps to the outside of the receiver to reduce rattle. Let’s Go Aero’s Silent Hitch Pin® works from the inside, tightening the shank and virtually eliminating all movement—ideal for frequent use or longer haul.
Do I need sway control for trailers or RVs?
If you're towing a heavy trailer or experiencing sway, a weight distribution hitch with sway control can help. For smaller setups, anti-rattle devices like the Silent Hitch Pin® are often enough to reduce bounce and noise.
Read more in our Hitch Stabilizer Hitch Guide.
Best Hitch Platform Carriers for Every Vehicle Type
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore the best hitch platform options by vehicle type. Whether you drive an SUV, truck, RV, or need to haul heavy gear like e-bikes, we’ve highlighted top Let’s Go Aero solutions for each.
Best for SUVs and Crossovers
Ideal Hitch Platforms:
For SUVs and crossovers, choose a slide-out or low-profile hitch cargo carrier that allows easy rear hatch access. Make sure the size matches your vehicle—compact enough for small SUVs, but still offers useful cargo space.
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GearDeck™ Slide-Out Cargo Carrier – A compact enclosed slide-out carrier with 17 cu ft of storage, ideal for crossovers and SUVs. Its TwinTube slide-out frame clears your SUV’s rear hatch for easy access at pit stops during your family vacation. Despite the large capacity, this hitch cargo box is designed for smaller vehicles too (fits Class II or III hitches) and keeps cargo dry and secure. |
Prefer an open platform? Folding cargo baskets are ideal for messy or oversized gear like firewood, coolers, or totes. For SUVs, choose a rack that folds or slides for easier hatch access and parking clearance, and look for built-in lights if your cargo blocks the vehicle’s taillights and tie-down locations for cargo nets.
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GearCage® -T6 Cargo Carrier – A rugged open-frame platform built for hauling coolers, firewood, and messy gear behind your SUV or crossover. Its 48" x 32" deck supports up to 300 lbs of cargo and has an optional ramp accessory model (sold separately). Perfect for outdoor trips where versatility and easy access matter. |
Pro tip: Always use a Silent Hitch Pin®, hitch tightener or anti-rattle device to keep your carrier stable and quiet—especially in SUVs, where any hitch movement is more noticeable inside the cabin.
Best for Trucks
Ideal Hitch Platforms:
Trucks have stronger hitches and more cargo potential, making them perfect for heavy-duty hitch platforms. A hitch carrier extends your capacity beyond the bed—ideal for bulky, dirty, or expensive gear you need secured and locked away. Be sure to choose a slide-out platform so you have tailgate access.
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BlackBox™ PRO Enclosed Carrier – A giant 64 cu ft slide-out cargo platform built for trucks, full-size SUVs, and RVs. It provides weatherproof storage equivalent to a small trailer, yet slides out on a TwinTube hitch mount for tailgate or door clearance. Fits 2” Class III/IV hitches (300 lbs cargo capacity) and includes taillights and a Silent Hitch Pin for a quiet, secure tow. |
If you don’t need an enclosed box, an open platform like the GearCage® mentioned earlier is ideal for hauling bulky or messy gear—think generators, firewood, or toolboxes. It’s especially useful when towing a fifth wheel or when your truck bed is already full. For off-roading, choose a platform with good ground clearance or a built-in rise to avoid scraping.
Best for RVs and Campers
Ideal Hitch Platforms:
RVs and travel trailers benefit from heavy-duty hitch cargo boxes rated for trailer use. Whether mounted on a motorhome or towable camper, the carrier must handle extra bounce and movement. Look for RV-approved slide-out platforms that offer secure storage and allow access to rear compartments or doors.
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GearSpace® Slide-Out Cargo Carrier – A 34 cu ft enclosed platform optimized for RV travel. It’s one of LGA’s most popular RV solutions, featuring a slide-out TwinTube frame for easy access and 300 lb capacity for your camping gear. Built with a tough, lockable shell to keep belongings safe from weather and wildlife. RV trailer approved for use on motorhomes, fifth wheels, and camper trailers – so you can add storage to your RV with confidence. |
A-Frame Mounts:
For travel trailers, the front A-frame is often an underutilized space. A-frame carriers mount above the tongue jack and are ideal for storing generators, coolers, or other bulky gear—freeing up space in your trailer or tow vehicle. They keep weight forward, improve accessibility, and are perfect for gear you want close at hand.
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Jack-IT® PRO A-Frame Cargo Carrier – Mounts to the front A-frame of your trailer, adding new vertical receiver port for bikes and other gear. It’s the perfect spot that helps make the most of your trailer’s available space. The PRO comes with a 2-bike carrier and has ports for table extensions to carry heavy gear such as generators and grills. |
Pro tip for RV’s: If you use your hitch, add Silent Towing accessories like the Silent Hitch Pin® to reduce noise and sway. They’re especially helpful for RV setups, where long rear overhangs can amplify hitch movement on rough roads.
Best for Electric Bikes
Ideal Hitch Platforms:
Electric bikes are often too heavy for standard hitch mount cargo carriers, especially if you’re transporting two at once. You’ll need a purpose-built platform that can support higher weight and offer easy loading without straining your back.
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V-Lectric™ VFR eBike Carrier – Built specifically for heavy electric bikes, this rugged platform rack supports up to 80 lbs per bike (150 lbs total) and secures them by the wheels—no frame contact required. The adjustable wheel trays fit fat tires, and the rack folds up when not in use. Designed for 2" Class III hitches, it’s ideal for SUVs, trucks, and even RVs. |
Best for Trikes and Specialty Rides
Ideal Hitch Platforms:
For trikes, quads, or very large e-bikes, a dedicated carrier with multiple ramps and higher weight capacity is key. These platforms combine the benefits of a cargo deck with the function of a specialty bike rack.
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TriQuad™ HD 2.0 Carrier – Built to transport large trikes and quad bikes, this hybrid carrier supports up to 150 lbs and includes three roll-on ramps. It slides out for rear access and folds up for compact storage when not in use. Its heavy-duty hitch platform is travel trailer rated for the harshest of hitch situations. |
Pro Tip for Heavy Gear:
Use a Silent Hitch Pin® or hitch tightener to eliminate movement and noise—especially important when carrying weighty gear on long drives.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Needs
With so many hitch platform styles available, it’s important to choose one that fits your vehicle, cargo, and travel style. Whether you're hauling bikes, coolers, or camping gear, these key considerations will help you pick the right setup:
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Think About Storage:
Choose a foldable or removable design if you don’t plan to leave the carrier on full-time. Some enclosed carriers also double as storage trunks when off the vehicle. -
Measure Twice, Buy Once:
Measure hitch-to-bumper distance, spare tire clearance, and hitch height. Make sure the platform won’t block access or stick out too far for your garage or trail use. -
Look for Extra Features:
Integrated lights, license plate brackets, tie-down points, and locking options make your carrier safer, more secure, and road-legal.
Choosing the right hitch platform is about more than just size—it's about compatibility, ease of use, and supporting your adventures. A well-matched setup will give you more room, better access, and a safer, quieter ride wherever you’re headed.
Build the Hitch Platform Setup That Moves With You
The best hitch platform is one that fits your vehicle, secures your gear, and simplifies your travels. With options like slide-outs, modular designs, and Silent Hitch connections, Let’s Go Aero platforms are built to solve real-world challenges—by adventurers, for adventurers.
Whether you’re camping, towing, or hauling e-bikes, there’s a solution to match your journey. Explore Let’s Go Aero’s full lineup of cargo platforms and accessories to gear up for whatever comes next.
