The Bottom Line
The Rola 59502 Vortex Steel Cargo Carrier frees up limited interior space by hitching easily onto the back of your vehicle. Its 600 lb carrying capacity is ideal for transporting heavy and bulky equipment. The mesh flooring prevents items from being lost during transit and is easy to clean. The carrier’s removable reflectors enable you to add a fully functioning incandescent or LED lighting system, which, compared to some other cargo carriers, is a definite safety plus.
At a Glance
Dimension:
56in x 23in x 5in
Load Capacity:
600 Pounds
Item Weight:
73.25 Pounds
Material:
Powder Coated Alloy Steel
The Rola Vortex is best suited for loading and transporting heavy items such as power tools, large appliances, camping equipment, or essential items for a long-distance trip. A general all-rounder, this hitch cargo carrier fits most vehicles with a 2-inch receiver, and its heavy-duty construction and large weight capacity make it the perfect space-saving companion for regular travelers or vehicles with little to no storage space.
A Closer Look At Rola.
Rola is a Horizon Global Company that originated in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. They are the lead designers and manufacturers of quality accessories for all your cargo management needs. They are among the top choices for automotive cargo solutions as their accessories fit a range of light trucks, sport utility vehicles, recreation vehicles, passenger cars, and trailers. Popular Rola products include bike racks, roof racks, cargo bags, and, of course, cargo carriers.
The first observation is the hardy design of the Rola 59502. This cargo carrier is built for hard labor, which holds to that mission. A highly convenient rise shank raises it above and away from your vehicle’s exhaust, perfect for driving on uneven roads. As with many other hitch cargo carriers, it fits any 2-inch receiver hitch. The large 56” x 23” base dimensions and simple, conveniently placed strap tie-down points make heavy-load hauls much easier to transport.
The Rola Vortex allows you to relocate your rear license plate, which some other competitors neglected to provide. Additionally, Rola puts its money where its mouth is in durability, workmanship, and build quality by offering a 5-year warranty.
The function of the Rola 59502 is versatile but straightforward – and that’s why I love it. Once you’ve attached it to your vehicle, it does all the heavy lifting for you, all 600 pounds.
Considering that most hitch cargo carriers and trailers produce a noticeable amount of road noise and instability, the Rola Vortex’s anti-rattle pin keeps movement sound and movement during transit to a minimum. That said, there is still some noticeable wind noise at higher speeds. As a precaution, keep a ratchet and socket with you to tighten it should it loosen slightly during transit. The easy-to-remove rear reflectors provide extra visibility at night if you choose not to opt for the incandescent or LED lighting system, which I prefer.
High-Quality Build And Durability
The Rola 59502 is made from strong, high-quality alloy steel. This heavy-duty steel is coated with durable black powder, which helps protect against the elements and renders the carrier rust and scratch-resistant. Alloy steel holds a tensile strength of 758-1882 MPa (megapascals, the unit of measurement for tensile strength), which is higher than the tensile strength of stainless steel.
It is usually mixed with other elements like silicon, chromium, nickel, aluminum, and others to enhance its mechanical properties, thus making it more durable and corrosion-resistant. These added elements improve hardness against hammering, shock, and heat. It is the preferred steel for larger structures and is used in construction for reinforced strength and in smaller parts such as screws, nails, nuts, and bolts to ensure the strength of the structure.
Black oxide finishes are used to ensure long-lasting durability and protection. It penetrates the steel’s surface to protect without altering the properties of the metal itself. This versatile powder is also used to manufacture firearms, auto parts, turbines, bearings, and machinery.
What I Like About the Rola Vortex Steel Cargo Carrier.
Firstly, I appreciate the large carrying capacity and weight capacity. It’s committed to the primary purpose of being a cargo carrier by meeting our expectations in terms of loading space and exceeding it in terms of supporting a 600lb load weight.
Secondly, the installation is easy. Built with a 2-piece attachment point, it attaches easily to any 2-inch receiver on passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and other large vehicles. Slide it in, tighten it, and it’s ready to go. Disassembly is just as straightforward.
Lastly, the incredible attention to design and materials. The Rola Vortex steel cargo carrier is built to be tough and hardy. Everything from the design, manufacturing, and finishes result in one strong product that is up to the task.
Comparing The Rola Vortex 59502 With The Curt 18150
These two hitch cargo carriers are renowned in their industry. Both are very popular and reputable brands with years of experience in manufacturing high-quality automotive transportation equipment. I compared the Rola Vortex 59502 and Curt 18150 cargo carriers with each other to see which one would take the top spot for being the most heavy-duty carrier, and the Vortex overwhelmingly took first place.
Its overall size and heavy-loading capacity were a clear indication of its superiority, and the strong build and engineering and the included anti-rattle pin made it an easy choice.
| Rola Vortex | Features | Curt 18150 |
|---|---|---|
| 600 Lbs | Capacity | 500 Lbs |
| 73 Lbs | Weight | 54 Lbs |
| 56 in x 23 in x 5 in | Dimensions | 31 in x 23 in x 10 in |
| 2 inch | Receiver Size | 2 inch |
| No | Fold Up Feature | Yes |
| Yes | Anti-Rattle Included | No |
What’s in the Box?
This rack features detachable reflectors and an anti-rattle pin. Straps or additional accessories need to be purchased separately.
Conclusion
The Rola 59502 will carry the weight of your journey. With a load capacity of 600 pounds, reinforced alloy steel structure, and raised, you don’t have to worry about anything while transporting cargo or equipment.
Compared to the Curt 18150 cargo carrier, another popular contender, the Rola 59502 Vortex, came out on top regarding load capacity, size, and anti-rattle but missed the mark with being able to fold.
Ultimately, it is an excellent buy if you are an outdoors and camping enthusiast or regularly transport large and heavy cargo. It lives up to its reputation as one of the top heavy-duty cargo carriers.
A UK native, passionate writer, and outdoorsman, Nathan enjoys piercing words together to share his knowledge on cycling, kayaking, and camping in intriguing and engaging ways. As a father to twins and a keen runner, he is passionate about helping people make the most of their time and health.
