A hitch-mounted load carrier includes a connecting member configured to beinserted into ahitch receiver and a locking mechanism coupled to the connecting member andconfigured to securethe connecting member inside the hitch receiver. The locking mechanismincludes a first actuatordisposed in an interior of the connecting member, a second actuator oppositethe first actuatordisposed in the interior of the connecting member and coupled to the firstactuator by a shaft, and afirst wedge disposed at least partially in the interior of the connectingmember. A first surface of thefirst wedge contacts the first actuator and a second surface of the firstwedge contacts the secondactuator. The first and second actuators are configured to radially translatethe first wedge.
