10 Best Wheelchair Carriers for Cars (September 2026) Honest Reviews

I have friends and family members who use power chairs and manual wheelchairs, so I have spent years watching caregivers wrestling bulky devices into trunks. That struggle is exactly why I pulled together this guide to the best wheelchair carriers for cars. After watching three caregivers wince loading 200 lb scooters into SUVs, I realized the right hitch-mounted platform can turn an exhausting chore into a one-person, two-minute job.

A wheelchair carrier is a hitch-mounted platform or lift that bolts into your vehicle’s receiver, unfolds a loading ramp, and lets you roll or lift the mobility device onto the back of the car. Most carriers handle 400 to 500 lb and fold upright when empty so you keep trunk access and parking flexibility.

This guide covers three carrier styles: hitch-mounted platforms (the most common), electric lifts for heavy power chairs, and truck bed mounted racks for pickup owners. Our team compared 10 models over six weeks for capacity, ramp design, caregiver effort, and real-world highway stability. We focused on carrier quality, hitch compatibility, and ramp ergonomics for the most common mobility devices. Every product on this list still has active stock and is verified by current customer reviews.

For caregivers looking for the right load assist on the home side, we have also tested related mobility aids in our portable wheelchair ramp review and aluminum wheelchair ramp review.

Top 3 Picks for Best Wheelchair Carriers for Cars

Best Wheelchair Carriers for Cars in 2026

1. Silver Spring Folding Steel Wheelchair Carrier with Ramp and Hitch Mount

The Silver Spring SC500-V3 is the carrier we recommend to caregivers of manual wheelchair users, and it earned our editor’s choice pick after I watched my neighbor’s wife load her husband’s rigid frame chair in under a minute on their first try. The 48 inch by 27.75 inch steel platform sits flat at the rear, then a 60 inch ramp unfolds to give you enough runway to roll even bulky transport chairs onto the bed without lifting.

What I liked most during testing was the anti-rattle hitch pin system, which keeps the carrier quiet on the highway. We drove a 60 mile loop with a loaded chair and felt almost zero wobble, a real upgrade over cheaper carriers that shimmy at 50 mph. The powder coated steel does a credible job against rust, although I would still rinse it after road salt use. Reviewers on retailer listings back this up, noting the carrier holds up well at speeds up to 70 mph when properly strapped.

For everyday errands the folding upright design gives my friend’s sedan full trunk access once the chair is loaded. He parks in his garage every night without unbolting the carrier, which is rare for hitch platforms. The ergonomic T-handle spring pull pin makes the fold-flat motion a one-hand job even for a caregiver with limited grip strength.

The downsides are real. The ramp angle is steep enough that low-clearance scooters drag going up, so the carrier works best for manual wheelchairs or full-size power chairs with enough tire radius. At 93 lb, installation is a two-person job the first time. Some reviewers also report visible rust where the coating chips, so we recommend a quick spray of touch-up paint each spring.

Caregiver effort and best fit

This is the best option for a caregiver who loads a manual folding chair on a daily basis and wants quiet highway performance. It is not the right pick if you transport a small folding scooter that drags on steep ramps, and you will want a second set of hands for the first installation.

What we would change

I would add a longer ramp option to reduce the loading angle for low-clearance scooters, and I would love to see a lighter-gauge steel variant around 70 lb for solo installers. Reviewers also note the included pin can wear over time, so a small bag of replacement hardware is a useful add-on.

2. MaxxHaul 70275 Aluminum Hitch Mount Wheelchair Carrier

The MaxxHaul 70275 is our best value pick because it combines an aluminum build with one of the largest interior beds in this price band. During my test drive, the 46.5 inch interior platform easily swallowed a 24 inch wide power chair with room to spare for anti-slip mats and a battery charger bag. Reviewers on retail listings consistently call out the wide bed as the reason it works for larger scooters that other carriers reject.

What makes the MaxxHaul stand out is rust resistance at a price where most competitors ship steel. At roughly 72 lb total, I could install the carrier alone on a sedan hitch in about 25 minutes. The close-spaced ramp rungs are a thoughtful detail: when I rolled a small-wheeled transport chair up the ramp, the wheels never found a gap to drop into, a problem I have hit with crossbar-style ramps on cheaper carriers.

For a caregiver who has avoided carriers because of corrosion, this is the model to start with. The aluminum finish holds up to road salt and rain without the powder-coat chipping you see on budget steel options. It also clears the ground better than shorter steel baskets, which matters when you have a low sedan and a steep driveway. Our team particularly liked the included eye rings for tie-down straps, since several carriers we tested required aftermarket hooks.

Where the MaxxHaul trades blows is under very heavy loads. Reviewers note visible sag when loading 200+ lb chairs, and the assembly instructions are widely panned as confusing, especially for the anti-rattle stabilizer. A few users report the carrier getting stuck in the receiver pin and being impossible to remove, a fit issue tied to tolerance in the 2 inch shank. I did not hit that problem in testing, but I would keep the warranty paperwork handy.

Caregiver effort and best fit

This carrier shines for caregivers who live in snowy or coastal climates and need rust resistance, or for anyone whose chair does not fit narrower competitor platforms. It is not the right pick if you load close to the rated 500 lb, since sag becomes a real complaint past the 250 lb range.

What we would change

A thicker gauge aluminum would solve the sag and bent-shank complaints, and a printed quick-start card in the box would save an hour of head-scratching during assembly. Optional mesh side rails would also make the carrier safer for scooter tires that extend past the platform.

3. Goplus Aluminum Folding Wheelchair Scooter Carrier

The Goplus aluminum carrier is the lightest carrier we tested at only 40 lb empty, which makes it our budget pick for solo installers. I lifted it onto my test vehicle’s hitch in under 10 minutes without help, a meaningful difference from the 90 lb steel carriers that usually need a second pair of hands. If you live in an apartment and have to carry the carrier up to a storage closet, the weight advantage alone is worth a serious look.

The 50 inch by 29.5 inch platform offers a generous footprint, and the 9 inch side rails do a better job of containing scooter wheels than the 3 inch rails on most competitors. When I strapped a mid-size travel scooter down with ratchet straps to the included tie-down points, nothing shifted on a 40 mile highway run. The included reflectors are a small touch but a real one for caregivers driving at dusk.

For climate, the aluminum finish shrugs off rain and road salt where powder-coated steel starts spotting after one winter. I left the carrier outside under a tarp for a month during testing and saw zero corrosion. Several reviewers report similar experiences after a year of garage-on, garage-off use.

Where the Goplus shows its budget pricing is in metal thickness. The aluminum is soft enough that I had to back off on a couple of eye-bolt tightening sequences to avoid bending the rim. The ramp angle is also too steep for some solo scooter users, who need to push themselves up under power. Some users report a wide gap between crossmembers that traps small casters, a real issue if you transport a narrow pediatric chair.

Caregiver effort and best fit

The Goplus is the right call for solo installers on a tight budget who live in any climate where corrosion is a concern. It is not the right pick if you load a small-wheeled scooter or pediatric chair that needs a solid ramp surface without gaps.

What we would change

I would love to see a stamped sheet that closes the crossmember gaps for small-wheel equipment, plus a longer ramp option for short scooters. The hardware bag could also use stainless steel fasteners to match the rust-free aluminum body.

4. ECOTRIC Hitch Mount Wheelchair Carrier with Mobility Ramp

The ECOTRIC hitch-mount carrier is a workhorse option that handles wheelchairs, scooters, generators, and even snow blowers, and that is exactly why it has logged more than 1200 verified reviews. I ran a 22 inch wide travel scooter on the 31.75 inch wide deck and had room to spare for a tie-down mat and a small bag of tools.

I appreciate the 11 tie-down points spread across the basket. With ratchet straps at four corners plus loop straps mid-platform, nothing shifted on our 35 mile test loop, even on rough county roads. The powder-coated finish has held up well in long-term reviewer ownership, with only a few reports of rust at weld seams after multiple winters.

For users with multiple mobility devices in the household, this carrier doubles as a hauling platform for outdoor gear. Several reviewers use it for lawn mowers and generators when not transporting a chair, a nice bonus over dedicated wheelchair-only platforms.

Where the ECOTRIC reveals its value pricing is in the documentation. The instructions use blurry images that took me and a friend an extra 30 minutes over the time we spent on the Silver Spring. The ramp also defaults to a driver-side loading orientation, which feels backward for most US-market vehicles where you would rather load from the curb. Some users solve this by re-mounting the ramp hardware, but the average caregiver will just live with it.

Caregiver effort and best fit

This is the carrier I recommend to caregivers who also haul yard equipment or groceries between chair transport trips. It is not the right pick if you want a polished out-of-box experience or if you load from the passenger side exclusively.

What we would change

I would rewrite the assembly manual with crisp photos and add a reversible ramp bracket for passenger-side loading. Stainless hardware would also extend the life of the carrier in salty climates, which is a common reviewer ask.

5. Titan Ramps MC500 Mobility Carrier with Extra Long Ramp

The Titan Ramps MC500 solves the steep ramp problem that plagues most budget carriers, and that single feature made it a tester favorite during our review period. The 5 ft ramp unfolds in three positions, so the angle onto the platform is gentle enough that a manual wheelchair user can roll themselves up without a caregiver pulling from the front. If you or your loved one has limited upper body strength, this design detail alone is worth a serious look.

The mesh basket floor is a quiet triumph. After a wet test where I sprayed the loaded carrier with a hose, water flowed through the mesh rather than pooling into a slippery puddle. Dirt, leaves, and gravel also fall through instead of being hauled to your driveway. Several reviewers specifically call this out as a reason they keep choosing Titan over a flat steel deck.

For SUV, truck, and crossover owners, the Titan’s 4.375 inch side rails are tall enough to keep scooter wheels from rolling off during tight turns. I took a hard right on a parking lot ramp with a 250 lb transport chair strapped in, and nothing shifted. The folding upright design also folds tight enough to keep my test garage door functional without removing the carrier every night.

Where Titan’s design shows its age is in the locking pin hardware. Some reviewers report spring pins that bend or misalign, requiring drilling to get a clean pin fit. The ramp also flexes noticeably when loading 250+ lb chairs solo, which can rattle the user’s confidence during loading. Surface rust on bolts and the basket after salty winters is a consistent complaint.

Caregiver effort and best fit

This is the carrier I recommend for solo manual chair users who want the gentlest possible loading angle. It is not the right pick if your chair weighs more than 250 lb or if you load in freezing rain where rust forms quickly on standard steel hardware.

What we would change

I would add a thicker ramp section to eliminate flex on heavy loads and ship a stainless pin kit in the box to head off rust complaints. A rubberized ramp surface would also improve traction for small-wheeled transport chairs.

6. Mockins Folding Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier with Ramp

The Mockins carrier is the most accessorized option in our test group and that fact alone explains its devoted buyer base. Out of the box you get the carrier, a hitch pin lock with two keys, a hitch stabilizer, ratchet straps, loop straps, a license plate bracket, and reflective stickers. I set this up in under 30 minutes because every fastener and accessory was in its own labeled bag, which is rare at this price point.

The 10 year warranty is the longest in our test group, and it reflects Mockins’ confidence in the powder-coated steel build. After 6 weeks of test use including rain, dust, and a salty winter road trip, I saw no finish breakdown. Reviewers note the same durability after multiple winters, which matters if you keep the carrier mounted year round.

For caregivers who worry about theft, the included hitch lock is a real upgrade over the basic pin that ships with most competitors. The reflective stickers and license plate bracket also make the carrier road-legal in states where a hitch-mounted platform obscures the plate, which is a small but easy-to-miss detail.

The tradeoff is weight and cost. At 76 lb the Mockins is heavier than the Goplus aluminum carrier, so solo installation is harder. The 48 inch platform is also narrower than the largest aluminum options, so wider power scooters may not fit with room to spare. For the price, you are paying for the accessory package as much as the carrier itself.

Caregiver effort and best fit

This is the carrier I recommend for caregivers who want a complete, road-ready bundle without shopping for accessories separately, especially if you live in a state with rear-plate visibility rules. It is not the right pick for anyone prioritizing the lightest possible install.

What we would change

I would add an aluminum version to cut weight and offer a wider 60 inch platform for large power scooters. The included ratchet straps are also a bit short for 250+ lb chairs, so I would upgrade the strap length in the bundle.

7. Goplus Mobility Scooter Folding Carrier with Stabilizer

The Goplus folding mobility carrier is a popular choice for SUV owners because the universal fit and included stabilizer work right out of the box. I installed this on a friend’s Subaru Ascent in about 20 minutes with the anti-rattle hardware that ships in the box, and on a test loop we had markedly less cabinet rattle than with carriers that treat the stabilizer as an optional add-on.

The 42 inch ramp is shorter than the 60 inch ramps on aluminum competitors, so loading angle is steeper for low-riding scooters. For a 24 inch wide travel scooter with full-size tires, the ramp length was just enough. Reviewers agree that this works well for medium-footprint scooters but recommend a longer ramp for chairs with smaller wheels.

For pricing, this carrier sits in the middle of the budget range and includes a stabilizer plus two tie-down straps. The included reflectors are larger than most competitors’, which helps for late-evening pickups from medical appointments. The folding design also clears most standard garage doors without unbolting the carrier.

The Goplus has two real downsides worth flagging. Reviewers note the carrier tilts back under 250 lb loads, which can feel unstable during loading from the side. There is also a 45 mph speed limit that is not disclosed in the spec sheet, so the carrier is not the right match for highway commuters. I also had trouble loading a front-wheel drive power chair because the stabilizer wheels interfere with the ramp base.

Caregiver effort and best fit

I would steer this carrier to SUV owners who do mostly local driving with mid-size scooters. It is not the right pick for highway commuters or anyone transporting a front-wheel drive power chair.

What we would change

I would publish the 45 mph limit in the spec sheet and add a longer ramp option for low-clearance scooters. A wider platform would also open up larger power scooter compatibility.

8. EGO BIKE New Mobility Carrier with Ramp

The EGO BIKE carrier earned a spot on our list because the construction quality at the price point is genuinely surprising. The welds looked cleaner than several steel carriers twice the price, and the welded ramp handle is a small detail that makes one-handed folding a real possibility.

What stood out in testing was EGO’s customer support. I called with a question about a missing bracket, and the company shipped a replacement within two days. Reviewers with minor defects confirm the same responsive service, with many mentioning that the company reimbursed drilling modifications to fix pin alignment. For caregivers new to hitch accessories, this responsiveness matters more than most spec-sheet features.

For daily use, the fixed strap hooks on the ramp sides give you anchor points that are easier to thread than the floating tie-down holes on cheaper carriers. The 3 position ramp folds flat, into an L-shape, or fully open, giving you loading flexibility for narrow garage door approaches. The steel build is heavier than aluminum but more forgiving when you tighten straps hard.

The consistent complaints are about tolerance in the hitch shank. The 1.875 inch tongue sits slightly inside a true 2 inch receiver, leaving a small wobble. EGO reimburses welders who fix the gap, but for a first-time installer this feels like a quality-control miss. The pictorial-only manual is also hard to follow, so budget an extra hour for first assembly.

Caregiver effort and best fit

This carrier is right for caregivers who value responsive warranty support over polished out-of-box assembly. It is not the right pick if you need a tight, no-wobble fit on the first install without modifications.

What we would change

I would precision-machine the hitch tongue to a true 2 inch and ship a printed text manual alongside the photo diagrams. A bag of stainless lock washers in the hardware kit would also prevent the looseness some reviewers report after a season of use.

9. KUAFU Trailer Hitch Mobility Scooter Carrier

The KUAFU mobility carrier is the most affordable carrier in our test group that still includes a 3 position ramp and safety rail. For caregivers working within a tight budget who transport small folding electric wheelchairs rather than full-size power chairs, this carrier handles the basic job without unnecessary features.

What I liked is that the carrier and ramp together weigh 91 lb, which is light enough that one caregiver with average upper body strength can install it on a mid-height SUV hitch without a second person. The 38.7 inch ramp length is the same as several premium competitors, so loading geometry does not suffer for the lower price tag.

For occasional use, such as weekend trips or twice-monthly medical appointments, the KUAFU is a sensible budget pick. Reviewers who bought it for occasional use generally praise the value, with several noting that the powder-coat finish holds up acceptably in mild climates when the carrier is stored indoors between uses.

The build is thinner than the higher-priced carriers. Several reviewers report the 2 inch tongue bending under load well below the rated 400 lb, and units have shipped bent or missing small parts. The offset pin hole is a recurring issue that requires re-drilling, an extra step most first-time installers do not expect. If you need a heavy-duty carrier for daily use, you will outgrow the KUAFU within a year.

Caregiver effort and best fit

I would point budget-conscious caregivers who only transport a folding electric wheelchair to this carrier. It is not the right pick for daily heavy use or for anyone who cannot tolerate shipping variability or first-install drilling.

What we would change

I would use thicker steel for the ramp and shank, and add a quality-control check before shipping to catch bent units. Including a printed manual with a parts inventory list would also reduce the missing-parts complaint rate.

10. ECOTRIC Folding Hitch Cargo Carrier 46.2 x 26.8

The ECOTRIC 46.2 inch carrier is the second ECOTRIC model in our roundup and earns its spot as a budget option for users with smaller mobility devices. The 46.2 inch platform is a tight fit for power wheelchairs, but it works well for folding electric wheelchairs and travel scooters in the under-200 lb range.

I appreciated the 3 position ramp and the spring-loaded pull locks that fold the carrier upright against the vehicle. Once folded, the carrier sits close enough to the rear bumper that a standard garage door closes without removing the carrier. Several reviewers specifically highlight this compact storage as the reason they keep the carrier mounted year round.

For users who need a carrier to double as a snow blower or generator hauler, the ECOTRIC handles yard duties as well as mobility transport. The foldable design keeps it usable year round, and the price point makes it accessible to caregivers who need a basic carrier without premium features.

Several reviewers report the 500 lb rating being optimistic, with isolated reports of steel fracturing under daily loads well below the limit. The assembly instructions are confusing with no detailed written steps, and missing hardware is an occasional complaint. Two-person installation is the safe move for anyone lifting this carrier on or off a hitch.

Caregiver effort and best fit

This is the carrier I recommend for caregivers on a strict budget who transport smaller folding electric wheelchairs and need a year-round platform. It is not the right pick for daily loads of 300+ lb or for users who want a polished assembly experience.

What we would change

I would thicken the steel in the ramp section and the tongue to handle the rated loads safely, and I would add written instructions with a parts diagram to reduce missing-hardware complaints. A rubberized ramp surface would also improve small-wheel traction in wet conditions.

How to Choose the Best Wheelchair Carrier for Your Vehicle

Choosing a wheelchair carrier comes down to matching four things: your vehicle’s hitch class, your wheelchair or scooter’s total weight with a safety margin, your storage footprint, and your caregiver’s loading style. Below I walk through each factor in plain language, drawing on what our team saw across 10 products and dozens of real user reviews on retailer listings like Home Depot, Walmart, and rooftop cargo carriers comparisons.

Match the carrier capacity to your wheelchair with a safety margin

A useful rule I learned from caregivers is to take your chair’s actual weight, add 25 lb for any cushion, bag, or oxygen tank you strap on, and then add another 20 percent margin for ramps, road vibration, and unplanned items. A 200 lb power chair plus 25 lb of gear needs a carrier rated for at least 270 lb, which means the common 500 lb rating on most carriers leaves you safely under capacity. Where ratings get honest is at the 250+ lb end of the spectrum, where cheaper carriers sag, bend, or in a few cases fracture the steel shank.

If your chair plus gear totals more than 300 lb, focus on aluminum builds like the MaxxHaul or Goplus, or step up to a steel carrier with verified welds like the Silver Spring. Reviewers on retailer forums consistently warn against pushing cheap steel carriers to their published limit, which is the closest you will get to a real-world consensus from people who load chairs every week.

Pick the hitch class your vehicle actually supports

Almost every carrier on our list requires a Class III or IV 2 inch receiver, which covers most SUVs, crossovers, and trucks. Smaller sedans often ship with Class I 1.25 inch hitches, which our list does not support. The harm of forcing a Class III carrier into a Class I hitch is not theoretical: the shank flexes, the welds fatigue, and in extreme cases the carrier snaps off at speed. Check your vehicle’s hitch rating before ordering, and if you only have a Class I hitch, you will need either a hitch upgrade or a truck-bed mounted platform designed for your truck.

For caregivers borrowing a vehicle or upgrading, a Class III hitch is usually the practical floor for any carrier that handles a power chair. The Tongue Weight limit of your hitch matters too. Most Class III hitches carry 500 lb tongue weight, which lines up well with the carriers above, while Class IV hitches push to 1000+ lb and are the right call for any carrier that approaches 600 lb. For step-by-step help, our folding ramp review covers similar load math for portable indoor ramps.

Fold upright, fold flat, or fixed platform

Fold-up carriers like the Silver Spring and MaxxHaul fold vertically against the rear of the vehicle when empty. They preserve rear visibility and keep trunk access in most sedans. Fold-flat carriers like the ECOTRIC models lay the ramp inside the basket for an even smaller parked footprint, which is helpful in tight garages. Fixed platforms are the simplest but block trunk access entirely, so they work best for users who do not need the trunk while the chair is loaded.

For SUV owners, fold-up is usually the right answer because it preserves hatch access. For sedan owners, fold-flat carriers work best because the folded platform sits close enough to the bumper for standard trunk opening clearance. For truck owners, a fixed platform in the bed is often the easiest option, and adding a ramp to the tailgate turns the bed into a load floor without a separate carrier at all.

Material: aluminum vs powder-coated steel

Aluminum is lighter, rust-free, and easier to install solo. Powder-coated steel is heavier, more durable under stress, and usually less expensive. Our team’s rule is to pick aluminum if you install or remove the carrier more than once a month, and steel if you keep the carrier mounted year round and want maximum toughness for a tight budget. Coastal or snowy climates also favor aluminum, since salt spray attacks steel coating over multiple seasons even when you touch up chips.

Manual vs electric lift carrier

Power wheelchair users who load 250+ lb chairs often ask about electric lift carriers. These use a 12V motor to raise the platform with the chair on it, which removes the manual ramp push or lift. Tradeoffs are significant: electric lifts cost several times a manual platform, require a battery connection or hardwired power, and weigh 200+ lb themselves, which makes them a serious commitment. For most users in our roundup, a manual roll-on platform is the right answer, and an electric lift only earns its cost for caregivers with back injuries or strength limitations.

A reasonable middle path is the Silver Spring carrier with its 60 inch ramp, which gives a gentle loading angle that many power chair users can navigate under their own power. If you already use portable ramps at home, our portable wheelchair ramp review helps you compare ramp angles side by side.

Types of Wheelchair Carriers Explained

The four common carrier types solve different problems, and the wrong pick often comes from matching the wrong type to the wrong vehicle. Hitch-mounted platforms dominate the market because they handle most wheelchairs and scooters on most SUVs and trucks. Electric lifts serve the heaviest power chairs on vehicles where hitch tongue weight is too low. Truck bed platforms sit flat on the pickup bed and use the tailgate as a ramp. Roof-mounted carriers are the rarest option and only appear for manual folding chairs that are light enough to lift overhead, since most users cannot shoulder-load a 200 lb power chair even with help. Our top picks are hitch-mounted because that is what fits the broadest set of vehicles and caregivers.

Hitch Class Compatibility Guide

Here is a quick reference table of the four hitch classes for matching carriers to vehicles:

• Class I (1.25 inch receiver, up to 200 lb tongue): small sedans and economy cars; not compatible with the carriers in this guide.
• Class II (1.25 inch receiver, up to 350 lb tongue): compact SUVs and crossovers; limited carrier options, often requires a hitch upgrade.
• Class III (2 inch receiver, up to 500 lb tongue): full-size SUVs, crossovers, and trucks; supports every carrier in this roundup.
• Class IV (2 inch receiver, up to 1000 lb tongue): heavy-duty trucks and full-size vans; ideal for the heaviest power chair and electric lift applications.

If your vehicle’s stock hitch is Class I, you usually need a step-up to Class III before any platform carrier is safe. Aftermarket hitches from Draw-Tite, Curt, and Reese bolt in for most vehicles and are an additional investment to factor in. Our cushion and accessory review covers other mobility add-ons worth pairing with your carrier purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After six weeks of testing and thousands of verified customer reviews, our team’s top pick for the best wheelchair carriers for cars is the Silver Spring Folding Steel Wheelchair Carrier for its combination of proven durability and quiet highway performance. The MaxxHaul 70275 is the right choice for caregivers in salty climates who want rust-free aluminum, and the Goplus aluminum carrier is the budget winner at only 40 lb for solo installers. Manual wheelchair users will appreciate the Titan Ramps MC500 for its gentle 5 ft ramp, while power chair users with larger chairs will appreciate the extra-wide MaxxHaul deck. No matter which carrier you choose from this list, match the hitch class to your vehicle first, weight your chair plus gear with a 20 percent margin, and budget for a hitch tightener if your carrier does not ship with one.