Planning to go on vacation? If your car is not big enough to handle all your luggage, then a hitch cargo carrier will solve your problems. Vacationers will find roof racks to be an important accessory for the car.

There are two main types of carriers: a hitch carrier tows behind your car, and a roof version straps onto the roof rack of the car. Whatever the type, these cargo mounts can increase your vehicle’s cargo capacity by up to three times.

Hitch Cargo Carriers (sometimes called a Hitch Cargo Basket or Hitch Mounted Carrier) are towed using receiver hitches, square-shaped holes approximately 2 inches in diameter, and are located under the rear bumper. People who own vehicles without receiver hitches have the option of having them installed at a body shop, but this process is time consuming and expensive.

A hitch cargo basket or roof rack has these advantages over its roof top counterpart.

• They will not create wind resistance that interferes with the aerodynamics of the vehicle and the amount of gasoline you would consume while driving, as well as the handling of the vehicle.
• Places with low headroom clearance areas, such as parking lots and fast food restaurants, pose problems for vehicles with roof racks.
• Vehicles with limited roof space, such as trucks and vans, often use them. People who own SUVs find it difficult to find roof racks that fit their vehicle.
• Roof racks are difficult to load and unload, and can split open or break during travel.

However, there are a few things to remember if you buy a basketball hitch or carrier.

• Because they ultimately increase the length of the vehicle by 2-3 feet, people often have accidents when parking or backing up.
• This type of hitch carrier, especially the big box types, can be very space-consuming for storage.
• The use of hitch mounts generally requires adjustments to the vehicle’s taillights and license plates.

Here are some things to consider when choosing the type of cargo basket or roof rack that suits your needs.

• Are there other people to help lift and carry heavy loads like bags or tents? If you are limited in terms of this, a hitch rack, since it is lower to the ground, is a better option than a roof model.
• Is your garage tall enough to allow a large amount of luggage on the roof of the car? If you tend to go places with little headroom, roof racks are a no-no.