The 3-bike rack is a nice invention that solves the problem of not having enough space to store your bike in your car. The 3-bike rack can be installed on your trunk, roof or trailer hitch and it can hold up to three bikes at once.
Things to consider buying a 3-bike rack:
- Your budget. Trunk 3-bike racks are normally much more affordable than roof and hitch 3-bike racks (can cost up to $1,000),
- Hitch racks require a trailer hitch (of the right size and class), roof racks require crossbars and trunk racks require nothing (installed directly on your car),
- Types of bikes you need to carry. Not all bikes fit all bike racks and 3-bike racks are no exception. As a result, you’d better check the compatibility especially if you have fat-tire, women’s or kid’s bikes,
- Do you have any medical conditions that do not allow you to lift 20-40lb? If so then hitch 3-bike rack is the only option for you,
- How often do you need to open the trunk while on the road? Most hitch racks go with a tilt function allowing to access the trunk with bikes loaded. Roof 3-bike racks do not block trunk access naturally. Whereas trunk 3-bike racks can be a problem since you would have to remove bikes each time you need to open the trunk,
- Finally, if you have expensive (especially carbon frame) bikes you should consider buying a rack with zero frame mounting since it is the only way to avoid damage to your precious bikes.
As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you click on my links (I would really appreciate it). Anyway, all ratings are not paid directly or not and are based on my personal experience. I hope you will enjoy the products. Thank you!
Best hitch 3-bike racks
Most hitch bike racks can carry three bikes, and I have listed only the best ones that will get the job done perfectly well. In general, the hitch rack is the best rack type since it is super sturdy and easy to use. The same is true if you need to carry exactly three bikes.
Swagman Quad 2+2 (4) – Decent hitch rack for 4 bikes
- Max number of bikes: 4
- Max bike weight: 45 lb (20.4 kg)
- Total load capacity: 180 lb (81.6 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″ (fat-tire trays can be purchased separately)
- Max wheelbase: 50″ (127 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 81 lb (36.7 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 2″ (class 3)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): No
The Swagman Quad 2+2 is a bike carrier that is made from sturdy steel and a durable exterior. It’s the perfect solution to transporting your bike with ease and safety. The carrier is designed with anti-theft locking mechanisms to keep your bikes secure.
Key Takeaways
- The quality of this rack is decent and it is worth it especially if you need to carry more than 2 bikes,
- No wobbling has been reported,
- The installation is rather tricky but it is very easy to load bikes,
- It is a good choice for those who need to carry more than 2 bikes,
- I would not recommend this bike rack for expensive bikes because of frame contact mounting,
- If you need to carry 3 or 4 bikes quite often, then this rack is for you since it does not require any add-ons to be purchased separately.
PROS
- Reasonable price for 4 bikes hitch rack
- Quite robust
- Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks
- Won’t damage your car
- Can carry 4 bikes out of the box
- Can be transformed into 2 bikes rack
- Little mileage reduction
CONS
- Bad assembly instructions
- You might need some help to install it (81 lb empty)
- Can’t carry really heavy bikes (up to 45 lb)
- No tilt function
- Frame contact mounting can scratch your bikes
- Only 2″ hitch receiver version available
Tyger TG-RK4B102B (3 or 4) – Perfect budget rack for budget bikes
- Max number of bikes: 3 or 4 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Total load capacity: 140 lb (63.5 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 28.2 lb (12.8 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ compatible
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
Whether you’re loading your kids and gear into the car, moving all your bikes to your new home, or just driving to the beach for a day in the sun, Tyger TG-RK4B102B is an extremely reliable bike rack that’ll help you stay in shape.
Key Takeaways
- This rack is amazing given how cheap it is,
- The rack itself is sturdy though bikes will wobble a bit,
- You will have to perform some lifting to load bikes on the rack,
- Great choice for those who need transport bikes rather occasionally
- If you need to transport rather lightweight and not expensive bikes, then this rack will get the job done. However, you have to be ready that bikes will be hitting each other due to the design of hanging hitch racks.
PROS
- Super cheap in comparison with other hitch racks
- Easy to assemble, install and mount bikes on
- The rack itself is sturdy
- Can carry fat-tire bikes
- Tilt function provides easy trunk access
- Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks
- Won’t damage your car
- Fits both 1.25″ and 2″ hitch receivers
- Won’t affect mileage much
- Foldable
CONS
- Bikes will wobble
- Most likely you will have to tie bikes up each time
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- No clearance between bikes (bikes can get scratched)
Yakima HoldUp EVO (2+2) – Zero frame contact universal hitch rack
- Max number of bikes: 2 (+2 with add-on)
- Max bike weight: 50 lb (22.7 kg)
- Total load capacity: 100 lb (45.4 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 4.8″ (fat-tire compatible)
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 51 lb (23 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ versions (class 2-4)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
- No frame contact
Yakima HoldUp EVO is the most secure and easiest-to-use bike rack on the market. This bike rack can fit bikes up to 50 lb each and can carry up to 4 bikes with an adapter. It secures bikes at the wheel for a no frame contact system. With Yakima, you can drive a truck or your car and still be able to enjoy your bike, so you never have to worry about theft again.
Key Takeaways
- Very well-made premium bike rack that is worth the money spent,
- Both rack and bikes on the rack are very sturdy, very easy to install and load bikes on,
- Easy trunk access with bikes mounted,
- Excellent choice if you are planning to use it rather often,
- This bike rack is truly universal in terms of diversity of bikes it can carry,
- It is especially good for expensive bikes because of zero frame contact.
PROS
- Premium materials
- Super straightforward installation
- Easy to mount bikes
- No wobbling (both rack and bikes)
- Can carry most bikes (fat-tire, e-bikes, women’s and so on)
- Easy trunk access with bikes loaded
- Rack-to-vehicle and bikes-to-rack locks
- Enough clearance between bikes
- No frame contact mounting system
- Can’t damage your car
- Comes in two hitch sizes (1.25″ and 2″)
- Very compact when not in use
CONS
- A bit pricey
- Can’t carry really heavy bikes (up to 50 lb)
- To carry more than 2 bikes you have to buy an add-on
Best roof 3-bike racks
Roof bike racks are great for carrying three bikes on the roof of your vehicle. It will be super easy to fit three roof racks (yes, you need to buy three roof racks to carry three bikes) on any crossbars and there might be even some space for a small roof box.
Yakima HighRoad – Best roof rack overall (especially for fat-tire bikes)
- Type of mount: wheel
- Max bike weight: 45 lb (20.4 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 26” to 29” (66 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 4″
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Crossbar spread: between 18″ and 36″
- Empty rack weight: 18 lb (8.2 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- No frame contact
Yakima HighRoad is a bike hitch rack made with lightweight and durable materials. It has an updated design that makes it easier and safer to mount your bike onto the roof of your car, while still providing the functionality of a traditional bike rack. Yakima HighRoad has crossbars that can each carry up to 45 lbs of weight. There is also no frame contact for your bikes, so you don’t have to worry about getting scratched.
Key Takeaways
- Definitely worth the money because of premium quality and useful features,
- No wobbling at all as the whole construction is extremely sturdy,
- Lifting a bike up might be challenging or impossible for some people,
- This bike rack is highly recommended for expensive bikes because of no frame contact. As a result, your bikes won’t get scratches,
- The best choice for fat-tire bikes (in comparison with other roof racks).
PROS
- Premium quality overall
- Straightforward installation
- Both rack and bike are very robust
- Can carry quite heavy bikes
- Can carry most bikes (including fat-tire)
- Does not block trunk access
- Does not cover license frame and taillights
- Locks are included
- Won’t scratch your bikes (no frame mounting)
- Won’t damage your car
- Universal (compatible with most crossbars)
- You don’t have to remove the wheel
CONS
- The whole system is expensive (since it requires crossbars)
- Keep in mind that loading a bike requires some muscles
- 10-20% mileage reduction
Thule FastRide – Elegant roof rack which is super robust
- Type of mount: fork
- Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″
- Max wheelbase: 49.2″ (125 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 7.3 lb (3.3 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- No frame contact
Thule FastRide offers a sleek, modern look that complements your vehicle’s design, and will transport your bike with ease. With Thule’s patented anti-sway cradles and tie-down straps for stability, you can count on the Thule FastRide Bike Rack to keep your bike secure and safe during travel.
Key Takeaways
- This rack is really well made (premium quality materials on top of good design overall)
- Zero wobbling since a bike will be secured by its fork (most reliable mounting),
- You are supposed to lift a bike up. Moreover, the front wheel must be removed,
- This rack is truly universal since it fits most bikes. Especially it is good for expensive and carbon frame bikes as it won’t leave any scratches.
PROS
- Premium quality materials
- Won’t take much time and effort to install
- It is as sturdy as you can get (both rack and bike)
- Can carry most bikes (women’s, kid’s, fat-tire, etc.)
- Easy trunk access (does not block it as some hitch or trunk racks)
- Does not cover taillights and license frame
- No frame contact mounting (no scratches on your bikes)
- Won’t damage your car
- Looks beautiful
CONS
- Pricey (keep in mind that you have to have crossbars to install it)
- Mounting bikes on the roof is not that easy
- Can’t carry really heavy bikes
- You have to remove the front wheel each time
- 10-20% mileage reduction
Best trunk 3-bike racks
Not all trunk racks can carry three bikes (even though some of them claim that they can). You have to have the right one for this job! All trunk racks you can find below are absolutely capable of carrying three bikes. You just need to choose a 3-bike version.
Hollywood F2 Over-The-Top (2 or 3) – Premium trunk rack but a bit pricey
- Max number of bikes: 2 or 3 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Total load capacity: 105 lb (47.6 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 21 lb (9.5 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Number of straps: 6
With Hollywood F2, you now have a way to transport your bike to any place. The product includes two types of frame that are specific to carrying different number of bikes. You can transport your bike with just the back-end frame.
Key Takeaways
- The quality is premium but there are cheaper premium models,
- The rack is sturdy once installed (though bike will wobble a bit which can be said about all trunk racks),
- Fairly easy to use (except for first installation),
- Can carry most bikes under 35 lb (kid’s, women’s and other rounded frame bikes require an adapter),
- This rack is not recommended for carrying expensive bikes since there is basically no clearance between bikes which will result in scratches.
PROS
- The rack is quite sturdy
- Fits most bike types under 35 lb
- Requires nothing to be installed (neither a trailer hitch nor crossbars)
- Manageable mileage reduction
CONS
- A bit pricey
- The instructions are unclear
- Bikes will wobble a bit (“feature” of all trunk racks)
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- Blocks trunk access
- Very easy to steal
- Bikes will scratch each other (problem of all trunk racks)
- Some risk of scratching your car
Saris Bones EX (2 or 3) – Trunk rack that fits most cars
- Max number of bikes: 2 or 3 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Total load capacity: 105 lb (47.6 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 11 lb (5 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Number of straps: 6
For the avid bicyclist, Saris Bones EX is the best way to get a bike and tow your bike with you. They’re engineered to be the easiest way to transport your bike, and are light enough to be installed and removed from your vehicle quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Best-seller trunk rack with a good reason for that (fits most cars and decent quality overall),
- Don’t expect it to be very sturdy (some wobbling is inevitable),
- Quite easy to easy overall, but keep in mind that trunk access will be blocked,
- Fits most bikes under 35 lb (an adapter will help with kid’s and women’s bikes),
- I would not recommend it for carrying expensive bikes (especially carbon frame) since it will cause scratches.
PROS
- Reasonable price
- Easy to install
- Fits most bikes (including fat-tire)
- Compatible with most cars (universal)
- Quite compact
- Won’t affect mileage much
CONS
- Don’t expect it to be super sturdy
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- Blocks trunk access
- Very easy to steal (both rack and bikes)
- Bikes will be hitting each other (expect scratches)
- There is some risk of damaging your car
Yakima HalfBack (2 or 3) – Premium quality but quite affordable
- Max number of bikes: 2 or 3 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Total load capacity: 105 lb (47.6 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 22 lb (10 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Number of straps: 4
Yakima HalfBack is the best bike rack for your car. The Yakima Halfback installs directly on your vehicle and saves you the hassle of having to purchase a trailer hitch and crossbars while at the same time giving you the ability to carry up to three bikes. It also features a rubber-coated steel frame that will protect your vehicle while in transit.
Key Takeaways
- Worth every penny due to really high quality and affordable price,
- Super sturdy once installed (rather uncharacteristic for trunk racks),
- Fairly easy to use overall, but you have to remove bikes each time you would like to open the trunk,
- This rack is recommended for carrying lightweight bikes of most designs and shapes,
- Not suitable for carrying expensive bikes since bikes will inevitably scratch each other.
PROS
- Good price for a premium rack
- Goes assembled, fairly easy to install
- The rack is sturdy
- Relatively easy to load bikes on
- Most bikes will fit including fat-tire (kid’s and women’s bikes require an adapter)
- Does not require anything to be installed
- Negligible mileage reduction
- Folds up when not in use
CONS
- Bikes will wobble a bit (any trunk rack has this problem)
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- Can’t access the trunk with bikes loaded
- Very easy to steal
- Bikes will scratch each other
- Some risk of scratching your car (true for all trunk racks)