Will a hitch cargo carrier fit my car?

Mounted on a platform directly onto your vehicle's hitch receiver, rear-mounted cargo carriers offer ergonomic handling with easier loading at waist height and improved aerodynamics. When deciding on a cargo carrier, consider your vehicle’s capabilities, including hitch receiver sizes and trunk access, to ensure a perfect fit.

The most important hardware factor when choosing a rear-mounted cargo carrier is understanding hitch receiver compatibility. You can usually find your specific size in your vehicle’s manual or on a small metal plaque located near the hitch itself.

Rear-mounted cargo carriers from Thule are designed to fit the following:

• 1¼" receivers: Typically Class 1 or 2, often found on smaller cars.
• 2" receivers: Typically Class 3 to 5, this is standard for larger cars, SUVs and trucks.

Thule platforms either fit these sizes natively or include a universal solution to accommodate both options.

The type of receiver you have also affects your weight limits. Read more about weight considerations and cargo load in our article How to pack with a hitch cargo carrier.

Rear-mounted cargo carriers are designed with convenience and accessibility in mind. Depending on the platform, they either sit low enough behind the vehicle or offer a tilting mode (or both), creating a comfortable space between your vehicle and the cargo carrier.

Platform considerations

There are a few different options when it comes to platforms, allowing you to find the perfect solution for you.

• Dedicated platforms: Designed for a specific cargo box. Available in static or tiltable versions.
• Carrier platforms: Specialized platforms (like bike carriers) that allow a cargo box to be mounted on top. These are usually tiltable.
• Integrated platforms: Offers mounting system and cargo box in a single, cohesive unit.

Typical non-fits:

A hitch cargo carrier may not allow fully compatible with vehicles that have:

• Side hinged doors (“Barn doors”),
• vans with top hinged tailgates,
• low rear door spare wheel,
• fold-down door.

Rear-mounted cargo carriers come in variety of options. Which size that suits you is primarily determined by your specific needs and the cargo you usually carry.

Sizes:

• Standard sizes: Ranges from M to XL, these are the most versatile styles and accommodate a wide variety of cargo.

Styles:

• Hard-shell: Hard-shell cargo carriers are made in a durable and high-performance plastic that protects your load from dirt and water while being easy to mount. 
• Soft-shell: Usually made with lightweight fabric and foldable, designed to keep water and dirt from sticking to the surface and allows easy storage and handling.

Width consideration:

To ensure safe driving, your cargo carrier should not extend beyond the widest point of your vehicle (typically measured to the outer edges of your side mirrors).

Though cargo carriers are designed to be as universal as possible, all vehicles are designed differently. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Exhaust pipe position

Because hitch cargo carriers sit directly behind the vehicle, they can be exposed to hot exhaust gases. Check your exhaust pipe placement to prevent heat damage to your gear.

Hitch placement

If your hitch sits close to the ground, consider how much clearance you have for steep driveways or speed bumps. If your hitch is positioned very high, make sure it will not interfere with your trunk.