Expand storage capacity, extend range, and ramp up outdoor fun with accessories that mount securely to your vehicle's receiver hitch.
The hitch mount—also called a receiver—is normally reserved for towing. Aside from that, it usually just sits there awaiting its next task, but you can actually put it to far more use on your next adventure. A ton of hitch-mounted accessories will turn your vehicle into everything from a mobile hammock rack to a rooftop tent carrier—and we've picked some of the best.
Whether we're driving an RV, sprinter van, SUV, or even a small car, who among us couldn’t use more room to carry our essential gear, equipment and toys? Most vehicles, no matter the size, don't quite have the space to tote it all once the passengers are aboard. The one sure way to get over that hump is to make better use of the hitch. In addition to typical add-ons like cargo boxes, baskets, and bike racks, a score of other utilizations can turn your hitch into an extension of your vehicle.
Here are 11 of our favorite items for leveraging that lonely receiver on the back of your vehicle to keep you organized, sheltered, relaxed, fed, and equipped for any new adventure calling your name.
Best Hitch-mounted Bike Racks, Cargo Carriers, and More
1. Yakima EXO OpenRange Deluxe Kitchen System
With dozens of different configuration possibilities, Yakima EXO System is like the Mr. Potato Head of rack systems—enabling you to mix and match a variety of accessories to fit your outdoor needs. The hitch-mounted rig can utilize either a single rack or add on a second higher level for even more mounting options, including a ski/snowboard rack, bike rack, table top, cargo box, and basket.
The standout is the OpenRange Deluxe. It gives you a camp kitchen and work station in one handy, waterproof container. The rugged rotomolded box attaches seamlessly to the EXO System and comes complete with a wood side table and cutting board, two-burner stove, collapsible wash basin with drain hose, metal cookside table, and interior shelf with integrated utensil drawer for staying organized. There's also an optional free-standing leg kit for going beyond the parking lot or campsite. Cutlery and culinary skills not included.
[$1,199; yakima.com]
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2. Adventure Hammock Systems Original Hammock Mount
Scenarios where the Adventure Hammock Systems come into play are countless—from tailgating to four-wheeling on the beach, hanging out at a soccer tournament to chilling at a music festival. With this hammock mount, you’ll never have to search for the ideal trees or posts to relax in your swinging sling. Just suspend yourself on your vehicle's bumper and look like a snoozing genius.
This portable hammock stand fits all standard 2-inch receiver hitches and deploys in seconds. For SUVs with rear-mounted spare tires, an optional hitch extension is available and the mount accommodates 114-inch and shorter hammocks, making it ideal for home or away.
[$549; adventurehammocksystems.com]
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3. RockyMounts BackStage Bike Rack
No hitch-mounted roundup is complete without a few bike racks. RockyMounts claims the BackStage was the industry’s first swing-away hitch rack opening out to 180 degrees—enabling the rear door or hatch to access cargo even while bikes are still attached.
It carries two bikes with a maximum capacity of 120 pounds, accommodating everything from road bikes to fat bikes. When not in use, the rack folds flat against the back of the vehicle. In addition to its swing-out capabilities, the rack can also tilt down 30 degrees and has an optional hitch extension available for vehicles that need the extra length.
[$770; rockymounts.com]
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4. Thule Arcos Cargo Box
One of the newest products from Thule, Arcos is a rear-mounted, hard-sided cargo box with a low profile for easy access to car trunks. Its 14 cubic feet of storage is ideal for carrying extra luggage, gear, or even a pair of golf bags.
Related: The Five Best Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks
The aerodynamic design and rear position reduces drag created by rooftop cargo boxes, which can affect gas mileage. Perfect for those times when you suddenly need to haul extra gear, this cargo mount is a welcome add-on to a vehicle full of pets and people.
[$1,400; thule.com]
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5. Pakmule Scout Cargo Carrier
Made in the U.S. with 70-percent recycled aluminum, the recently released Scout is a great extension for expanding storage capacity. Whether hauling coolers of drinks to a Little League game, going tailgating, or taking off on a weekend of overlanding, this cargo carrier is an essential platform for getting it all there safely and securely.
Weighing just 37 pounds, it's one of the easiest hitch extenders to maneuver and mount, and works well with any 2-inch receiver hitch. A well-designed pipe rail around the top edge makes securing your gear a cinch.
[From $695; pakmule.com]
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6. Hammaka Trailer Hitch Stand and Chairs
Forgo the folding chairs for your next festival, ball game, stargazing event, firework show, or campground hangout. Hammaka's stand and chairs are easy to assemble with just three pieces to install, and attach to any standard 2-inch hitch receiver.
The stand is capable of supporting 500 pounds collectively across the two arms, and Hammaka offers an assortment of chairs from woven to net to hammock in a variety of colors.
[From $200; hammaka.com]
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7. Hutch Tent Hitch Tent Carrier
While rooftop tents have become increasingly popular in recent years, not everyone can or wants to climb onto the top of their car to slumber. Enter the Hitch Tent Carrier—a hitch-mounted platform designed to deploy on nearly any terrain thanks to four fully adjustable legs and feet. The versatility and convenience makes this an ideal option for those seeking a platform camping solution without the lofty experience.
The rear-mounted design allows for the rooftop to remain free for other storage like roof boxes, kayaks, bikes, etc. The U.S.-made platform mounts to 2-inch receiver hitches and accommodates most two- and three-person rooftop tents.
[$1,400; hutchtents.com]
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8. 1UP Recon Rack Bike Rack
When you need to haul a bunch of bikes—say, for an RV full of kids—a vertical hitch rack is essential. Depending on the Recon model, you can haul five or six bikes. The top baskets cradle the front wheels, while the rear wheels get cinched down to the lower bar using the pedals as anchors for straps.
The Recon fits standard 2-inch receivers and can carry up to 270 pounds, which translates to roughly 45-pound bikes in each slot. You also get a choice of three different basket styles, and can choose any combo at check-out: Standard fits 24- to 29-inch wheels with 3-inch-wide tires; fat bike ups the tire size to 5.1 inches wide; and the kids' size takes 20- to 24-inch wheels with tires up to 3 inches wide.
Related: How to Make a Used Vehicle Overland Ready
Rated for off-road use, its other notable features include an anti-wobble hitch bar insert with a locking hitch pin, compatibility with both regular and suspension forks, and a pivot spot so you can get access to the back of your vehicle.
[From $1,200; 1up-usa.com]
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9. HitchFire F-20 Grill
The only thing better than grilling out in the yard is grilling anywhere else your road travels take you. From tailgating to picnics to neighborhood barbecues, toting along this grilling station makes you the most popular mobile chef around. F-20 attaches to a standard 2-inch receiver hitch and the pivoting arm allows the grill to be positioned at multiple angles for cooking convenience.
The 18x22-inch cooking surface features twin 10,000-BTU burners and can easily grill enough food to feed eight to 10 people. The grill also detaches for tabletop use if you want to use a nearby picnic table. When you're done, no need to stow a filthy grill in the back of your vehicle. Just swing it back, lock it down, and drive away. It securely locks to the bumper for easy transport.
[$649; hitchfire.com]
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10. Küat Piston SR Hitch Adapter
Building off the success of its heavy-duty, full-featured rack, Piston Pro X, Küat follows up with Piston SR, a single bike rack. Nominally developed to become a roof rack with crossbar mounts, SR offers the high-quality features of the Pro, like a fully metal build; Kashima-coated struts that use a one-touch, hydro-pneumatic action; a tool-free wheel chock system; and an integrated security cable.
Related: 15 National Forests Perfect For Your Next Camping Trip
Küat also has a hitch adapter for SR, bringing the rack back down to the bumper for easier loading and unloading. It's especially handy for burly fat bikes or hefty e-bikes with its generous weight limit of 100 pounds. The solid steel adapter uses a Flatlock cam system to securely mount into your 2-inch receiver. It even includes a hitch lock.
[$110; kuat.com]
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11. TreePod With Hitch Mount
Elevate your on-the-go lounging experience with TreePod. Yes, this looks like something you'd see swinging from a tree at a glamping resort—and that's the whole point. It's one cozy hang for adults and kids alike, and an easy haul between camp and home.
TreePod With Hitch Mount features a single arm that extends outward from a standard 2-inch receiver hitch. It can support 300 pounds. All you need to do now is select your pod of choice—the lounger or the more airy cabana model.
[From $200, TreePod; $168, hitch; mytreepod.com]
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