RIDE GEAR GUIDE / SUV & TRUCK CARGO

Best Hitch Cargo Carriers With Ramp

Compare ramp-equipped hitch platforms for scooters, mowers and motorcycles, with real capacity limits, dimensions and safe-loading checks.

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BUYER’S GUIDERAMP EQUIPPEDHITCH FIT CHECKS

A ramp-equipped hitch carrier solves a different problem from a plain luggage basket: rolling heavy equipment aboard without lifting it over a rail. But the ramp creates new questions about approach angle, deck width, hinge clearance and loaded tongue weight. This guide compares manufacturer-documented ramp designs and separates broad cargo platforms from narrow motorcycle tracks so the wrong carrier is not recommended for a mobility scooter.

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01 Ramp carrier shortlist

Three broad-platform ramp carriers and one specialized motorcycle-track carrier.

Best folding ramp and shankCURT 18112

Aluminum carrier with a three-position double-folding ramp, anti-rattle shank, six eye bolts and reflectors. Both the ramp and shank fold for parking or access.

Dimensions50 × 30.5 × 4 in basketRating500 lb · 2-in receiver
Best high-side aluminum alternativeMaxxHaul 80779

MaxxHaul lists a 50-by-29.5-inch aluminum platform with high side rails and a 47-inch loading ramp. The manufacturer rates it to 500 lb.

Dimensions50 × 29.5 in platformRating500 lb · 47-in ramp
Best 400-lb alternativeErickson 07494

The Erickson catalog documents an aluminum cargo carrier with folding loading ramp, anti-skid surface, anchor points and an anti-wobble hitch pin.

Dimensions50 × 30.25 × 4 in insideRating400 lb · 2-in receiver
Best specialized two-bike trackBlack Widow AMC-600-2-PRO

Two narrow aluminum motorcycle tracks with a self-storing 47-inch ramp; Black Widow specifies a Class III/IV 2-inch hitch and a combined 600-lb limit.

Dimensions75.25-in dual motorcycle tracksRating600 lb total · 400 lb/bike

02 Compare platform and load ratings

Manufacturer-rated carrier capacity is not the vehicle’s allowable hitch load.

ModelPlatform dimensionsManufacturer ratingBest use
CURT 1811250 × 30.5 × 4 in basket500 lb · 2-in receiverBest folding ramp and shank
MaxxHaul 8077950 × 29.5 in platform500 lb · 47-in rampBest high-side aluminum alternative
Erickson 0749450 × 30.25 × 4 in inside400 lb · 2-in receiverBest 400-lb alternative
Black Widow AMC-600-2-PRO75.25-in dual motorcycle tracks600 lb total · 400 lb/bikeBest specialized two-bike track

03 Four ramp configurations

These recommendations distinguish the intended cargo type, ramp mechanism and published ratings; no unverified hands-on claims.

01 / Best folding ramp and shank

CURT 18112

50 × 30.5 × 4 in basket500 lb · 2-in receiver

Aluminum carrier with a three-position double-folding ramp, anti-rattle shank, six eye bolts and reflectors. Both the ramp and shank fold for parking or access.

Best fit: People rolling a compatible mobility scooter or mower onto a broad platform and wanting compact stowage.

Why consider it

People rolling a compatible mobility scooter or mower onto a broad platform and wanting compact stowage.

Before ordering

The 500-lb carrier rating does not override vehicle tongue-weight or hitch limits; check ramp approach and scooter dimensions.

Manufacturer documentation: Model specifications. Manufacturer ratings are not independent road tests.

Check Price
02 / Best high-side aluminum alternative

MaxxHaul 80779

50 × 29.5 in platform500 lb · 47-in ramp

MaxxHaul lists a 50-by-29.5-inch aluminum platform with high side rails and a 47-inch loading ramp. The manufacturer rates it to 500 lb.

Best fit: Buyers wanting an aluminum ramp carrier with taller side rails for appropriately sized wheeled equipment.

Why consider it

Buyers wanting an aluminum ramp carrier with taller side rails for appropriately sized wheeled equipment.

Before ordering

Confirm ramp hinge and stowed position on the exact SKU, cargo width, and actual tongue weight; do not infer the carrier is light enough for every vehicle.

Manufacturer documentation: Model specifications. Manufacturer ratings are not independent road tests.

Check Price
03 / Best 400-lb alternative

Erickson 07494

50 × 30.25 × 4 in inside400 lb · 2-in receiver

The Erickson catalog documents an aluminum cargo carrier with folding loading ramp, anti-skid surface, anchor points and an anti-wobble hitch pin.

Best fit: Smaller loads where the 400-lb carrier limit is sufficient and a folding ramp is preferred.

Why consider it

Smaller loads where the 400-lb carrier limit is sufficient and a folding ramp is preferred.

Before ordering

This is rated 400 lb, not 500 lb; do not confuse model 07494 with Erickson 07496, a steel folding basket without a ramp.

Manufacturer documentation: Model specifications. Manufacturer ratings are not independent road tests.

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04 / Best specialized two-bike track

Black Widow AMC-600-2-PRO

75.25-in dual motorcycle tracks600 lb total · 400 lb/bike

Two narrow aluminum motorcycle tracks with a self-storing 47-inch ramp; Black Widow specifies a Class III/IV 2-inch hitch and a combined 600-lb limit.

Best fit: Two compatible dirt bikes or certain e-bikes with tires up to 5.5 inches wide, rather than loose cargo or a mobility scooter.

Why consider it

Two compatible dirt bikes or certain e-bikes with tires up to 5.5 inches wide, rather than loose cargo or a mobility scooter.

Before ordering

Not a general-purpose basket. Respect the 400-lb per-bike limit and verify tire, wheelbase, hitch and vehicle ratings.

Manufacturer documentation: Model specifications. Manufacturer ratings are not independent road tests.

Check Price

04 Seven safe-loading checks

Check the entire vehicle–hitch–carrier system before loading.

  1. Start with vehicle tongue-weight rating: A 500-lb carrier label is not a 500-lb vehicle allowance. Include the carrier itself, the ramp and cargo when calculating the hitch and vehicle limits.
  2. Measure the actual load footprint: Check wheel track, scooter width, handlebar width and tie-down access against usable platform dimensions—not just outside width.
  3. Calculate ramp approach angle: A short ramp can be too steep on a tall SUV or truck. Check ground clearance, breakover risk and the manufacturer’s loading procedure.
  4. Check hitch receiver and extension rules: All four selections require an appropriate 2-inch receiver. Adapters and extensions can reduce permissible capacity.
  5. Choose basket or motorcycle tracks: A narrow dual-track dirt-bike carrier cannot replace a wide scooter platform. A basket may not safely support narrow bike tires without approved wheel retention.
  6. Account for departure angle and lighting: A loaded carrier extends behind the bumper and can scrape driveways or block taillights and license plates; follow local visibility requirements.
  7. Secure the cargo independently: Use properly rated tie-downs at approved anchors, lock the ramp in its transport position and inspect fasteners at stops.

05 Pick by cargo, not headline capacity

Mobility scooter or mower: Start with a broad-platform carrier such as CURT 18112 or MaxxHaul 80779. Compare deck size, ramp angle and how the equipment is secured.

Moderate loads: Erickson 07494 may fit if its 400-lb rating and vehicle tongue-weight capacity both allow the fully loaded setup.

Two dirt bikes: Black Widow AMC-600-2-PRO has dual tracks and a dedicated loading ramp, but its 400-lb per-bike limit and 600-lb total are separate constraints.

Suitcases, coolers and camping bins: If you do not need to roll cargo aboard, our standard hitch cargo carrier guide covers simpler baskets without the ramp-specific weight and complexity.

06 Frequently asked questions

Can I carry 500 pounds on any 500-pound hitch cargo carrier?

No. The usable load is constrained by the lowest applicable vehicle, hitch, carrier and mounting limit, including the weight of the carrier itself.

Are ramp cargo carriers suitable for mobility scooters?

Some broad-platform carriers are designed for scooters, but confirm wheelbase, width, loaded weight, ramp angle and manufacturer guidance for your exact scooter.

Is the CURT 18112 ramp removable?

CURT describes a three-position double-folding ramp that can extend, fold vertically or stow in the carrier; consult the manual before disassembly or alterations.

What is the difference between Erickson 07494 and 07496?

Erickson 07494 is the 400-lb aluminum carrier with a loading ramp. Model 07496 is a different 500-lb steel folding basket without an integrated loading ramp.

Can a hitch ramp carrier block my SUV tailgate?

Yes. Check door swing and clearance with the carrier mounted, loaded and folded; a folding shank is not a guarantee of tailgate access.

Can I use a motorcycle ramp carrier for lawn equipment?

A dual-track motorcycle carrier is not a general-purpose platform. Choose a wide basket or tray with suitable loading geometry for mowers or other wheeled equipment.

07 Fit the ramp to the load

CURT 18112 offers the most versatile folding arrangement among these broad platforms, while MaxxHaul 80779 and Erickson 07494 offer different rail and capacity tradeoffs. The Black Widow dual-track option serves a different motorcycle-focused use. Never select on the largest printed weight rating alone: verify the vehicle tongue weight, load dimensions, ramp geometry and tie-down plan.

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