The CURT 18153 60 x 24-Inch Basket Hitch Cargo Carrier offers substantial cargo capacity with its 24-inch by 60-inch interior space and expanded steel floor that allows for drainage while maintaining a flat surface. Reviewers noted its ability to provide additional ground clearance for vehicles with limited clearance, particularly useful for off-road or steep incline travel. The black powder-coated finish provides durability, though the unit does not include an anti-rattle pin or clip and is a fixed design that cannot be folded. YouTube reviewers recommended it for general hauling needs, though noted potential issues with rear visibility when loaded. This carrier is best suited for users needing substantial cargo space who don't mind the fixed design and can accommodate the 64-pound weight.
Full review
Design and Construction
The CURT 18153 60 x 24-Inch Basket Hitch Cargo Carrier features a distinctive folding 2-inch shank design that sets it apart from fixed models like the discontinued C18152. According to etrailer's product experts, the C18153 has a shipping weight of 70 pounds compared to the 58-pound C18151, with the additional weight attributed to 'slightly beefier construction.' The carrier's angled shank provides 2 inches of additional ground clearance, which is particularly beneficial for vehicles with steep driveways. This design element allows the carrier to be tilted up when not in use, making it more convenient for storage and access. The folding mechanism is engineered to provide more ground clearance, with the angled shank elevating the carrier to reduce interference with low-clearance vehicles. The carrier's construction uses heavy-duty carbide steel with a tubular design for increased strength, as noted by Alamo Auto's product description. The black powder coat finish provides protection against rust, scratches, and UV damage, according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Installation and Mounting
Installation of the CURT 18153 is described as quick and straightforward, with the carrier designed to mount on the rear or front end of vehicles equipped with the appropriate receiver hitch. The product's 2-inch folding shank allows for mounting on standard 2-inch hitches, as confirmed by both etrailer and Alamo Auto's product specifications. The carrier's design includes a strong bolt-together construction that enables easy assembly without requiring specialized tools, though etrailer's customer review mentions that 'assembly OK (Not too many of us have a ft lb torque wrench or the correct size metric sockets).' The folding mechanism allows the carrier to be tilted up when not in use, providing more ground clearance and easier access. However, as noted in the Tahoe Yukon Forum, users must carefully measure their vehicle's clearance to ensure the flip-up carrier won't interfere with rear-mounted ladders or other equipment. The carrier's 6-inch high sides provide extra security during travel, and the mesh platform accepts up to 500 pounds of cargo, as specified by both manufacturers.
Performance and Capacity
The CURT 18153 carries a maximum load capacity of 500 pounds, which aligns with specifications from both etrailer and Alamo Auto. The carrier's mesh base platform is designed for easy cleanup and can accommodate various cargo types including cargo bags, nets, or bungees. The 6-inch tall sides provide extra security during travel, as noted by Alamo Auto's product description. The carrier's 60-inch length and 24-inch width provide substantial cargo space for various items, with the 24-inch width allowing for the mounting of larger items. The folding shank design provides 2 inches of additional ground clearance, which helps prevent interference with low-clearance vehicles. According to the manufacturer's specifications, the carrier is constructed from heavy-duty, tubular steel with a carbide black powder coat finish that resists rust, scratches, and UV damage. The carrier also features built-in reflectors for increased safety, as mentioned in the Alamo Auto product description. The mesh base design allows for easy cargo loading and unloading while maintaining security during transport.
Real-World Testing and User Experiences
User experiences from the Tahoe Yukon Forum reveal practical considerations for real-world applications. One user (dkad260) reported successfully using a Curt 18152 fixed cargo rack with an 8-inch extender and a MODOKIT 24x60x26" waterproof bag on a 2012 XL Denali, achieving just enough clearance to open the liftgate when items were positioned forward in the bag. This setup required a ratchet strap to minimize wobble, demonstrating that the carrier works effectively with proper cargo positioning. Another forum user (Just Fishing) noted that while the carrier works well for carrying targets and equipment, it's a 'pita to deal with sometimes' and poses concerns about potential damage during light trail driving. The user also mentioned that the carrier's extended reach could be problematic for some applications, particularly when dealing with vehicles that have limited clearance. The forum discussion also highlighted that the folding 18153 model is 7 inches longer than the fixed 18152, which may be crucial for users who need maximum extension. However, the fixed model was found to be more cost-effective for users who don't require folding functionality.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its robust design, the CURT 18153 has notable limitations that users have identified. The primary concern raised in the Tahoe Yukon Forum is the potential interference with rear-mounted ladders or other equipment, as noted by user Just Fishing who expressed worry about 'smacking it hard when doing some light trail driving with it sticking out that far.' The carrier's extended reach, while providing more ground clearance, can also create challenges for vehicles with limited clearance. Additionally, the product's 70-pound shipping weight, while providing structural integrity, makes it significantly heavier than some alternatives like the C18151 model, which weighs 58 pounds. Users have also noted that the folding mechanism requires careful consideration of vehicle clearance, as demonstrated by the forum discussion where users had to measure distances to ensure the flip-up carrier wouldn't interfere with rear-mounted equipment. The mesh base, while functional, may not provide adequate security for very small items that could potentially fall through the openings.
Who It's Best For
The CURT 18153 is best suited for vehicle owners who need substantial cargo capacity with a folding design for easier storage and access. It's particularly beneficial for those with steep driveways or limited ground clearance, as the angled shank provides 2 inches of additional clearance. The carrier is ideal for users who frequently transport large items like camping gear, equipment, or cargo bags, as it can handle up to 500 pounds of cargo. The folding feature makes it particularly appealing for users who want to maximize storage space while maintaining the ability to fold the carrier up when not in use. However, it's not recommended for those with very low-clearance vehicles or those who frequently encounter situations where the extended reach might interfere with other equipment. The carrier is also best for users who don't mind the additional 12-pound weight difference compared to the C18151 model, as the extra weight provides structural benefits. The product is particularly suitable for those who value the security of the 6-inch high sides and the mesh platform for easy cargo loading and unloading.
Comparison to Alternatives
When compared to the discontinued C18151 model, the CURT 18153 offers a 12-pound weight advantage with slightly beefier construction, though the C18151 has a 58-pound shipping weight compared to the C18153's 70 pounds. The primary difference is the shank design, with the C18153 featuring a folding 2-inch shank that provides 2 inches of additional ground clearance. The C18151 model, while lighter, lacks the folding capability that makes the C18153 more versatile for storage and access. The C18153 also features an angled shank that elevates the carrier for better ground clearance, which is a significant advantage for vehicles with steep driveways. The folding design of the C18153 allows for easier storage and access compared to fixed models, though this comes at the cost of increased weight. Both models share similar construction materials and finish specifications, with both using heavy-duty carbide steel and a black powder coat finish. The C18153's folding mechanism provides more ground clearance and easier access, making it a better choice for users who frequently need to access their vehicle's rear or have limited clearance issues.
Value and Long-Term Considerations
The CURT 18153 offers solid value for users who prioritize the folding design and additional ground clearance over weight considerations. The product's construction uses heavy-duty carbide steel with a tubular design for increased strength, and the black powder coat finish resists rust, scratches, and UV damage. The carrier's 500-pound capacity provides substantial cargo space for various applications, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent users. The limited lifetime warranty (one-year finish, one-year parts) provides some assurance for long-term use. However, the 70-pound shipping weight may be a consideration for users who frequently transport the carrier or need to minimize vehicle load. The folding mechanism, while providing convenience, requires careful consideration of vehicle clearance to avoid interference with rear-mounted equipment. The mesh base design allows for easy cargo loading and unloading while maintaining security during transport. The product's durability and construction quality suggest it will provide reliable service for many years, particularly for users who properly maintain the powder coat finish and regularly check the mounting hardware.
Strengths
- +24-inch by 60-inch interior dimensions provide ample cargo space
- +Expanded steel floor allows for better drainage of sand or mud while maintaining a flat surface
- +Provides additional ground clearance for vehicles with limited clearance
- +Powder-coated black finish offers durability and resistance to corrosion
- +Includes standard tie-down straps for securing cargo
Watch-outs
- −Does not include anti-rattle pin or clip
- −Fixed unit design that does not fold up
- −Wide design may block rear camera or tail lights when loaded
How it compares
The CURT 18153 Basket Hitch Cargo Carrier offers a fixed design with a large 60 x 24-inch interior space, unlike the foldable designs of the MaxxHaul 70107 or KAIRAY Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier. It provides better ground clearance than the Husky Towing Heavy Duty Foldable Cargo Carrier, but lacks the security features of the Mockins Folding Heavy-Duty and the modular capabilities of the rucRak system.
Who this is for
At a glance: users needing large fixed cargo space.
Why you’d buy the CURT 18153 60 x 24-Inch Basket Hitch Cargo Carrier
- 24-inch by 60-inch interior dimensions provide ample cargo space.
- Expanded steel floor allows for better drainage of sand or mud while maintaining a flat surface.
- Provides additional ground clearance for vehicles with limited clearance.
Why you’d skip it
- Does not include anti-rattle pin or clip.
- Fixed unit design that does not fold up.
- Wide design may block rear camera or tail lights when loaded.
Rating sources
“No major complaints, but it's a pita to deal with sometimes.”
“It is a good, solid product and etrailer an excellent company to deal with.”
“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.”
Our 3.9 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
