Best Fat-Tire Bike Racks for Cars: A Buyer’s Guide

Fat-Tire Bike Racks for Cars have been around for a few years now, but they are just starting to gain traction in the market. There are a lot of benefits to these racks, including convenience, security and the ability to carry more than one bike at once. Fat-Tire Bike Racks for Cars can be installed on any car or SUV. They can help you transport your bikes easily and securely while also giving you extra storage space in your trunk or back seat.

Keep in mind this before buying a fat-tire bike rack:

  • You budget. Trunk racks that can carry fat-tire bikes are significantly cheaper than most hitch and roof racks,
  • Each and every hitch fat-tire rack requires a trailer hitch of the right size and the right size to be installed. Roof racks for fat-tire bikes require crossbars. Trunk racks, on the other hand, are getting installed directly on your vehicle and require nothing,
  • How many fat-tire bikes do you need to carry? For 3 fat-tire bikes and less, you can grab any rack type (trunk, hitch or roof). For 4 bikes and more, only hitch and roof racks will accomplish this task,
  • Be aware that it might be challenging to load fat-tire bikes on a roof rack, especially if you have certain medical conditions. If this is the case, you’d better go for the hitch rack,
  • Trunk racks are cheaper but you won’t be able to open the trunk with bikes loaded. Most hitch racks come with the tilt function,
  • If you don’t want your fat-tire bikes to get scratched, you’d better buy a zero frame contact rack,

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 fat-tire bike racks

The hitch bike rack is the best rack type for carrying fat-tire bikes. I have chosen the best models that can accommodate bikes with very wide tires, to be more specific, up to 5″. Of course all these racks below will work with fat-tire bikes out of the box so that you won’t have to buy any adapter or add-ons.

Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR (2+2) – No frame contact hitch rack

  • Max number of bikes: 2 (+2 with add-on)
  • Max bike weight: 60 lb (27.2 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 120 lb (54.4 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 29″ (74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 5″ (fat-tire compatible)
  • Max wheelbase: 50″ (127 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 52 lb (23.6 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ different versions (class 2-4)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
  • No frame contact

Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR is the ultimate bike carrier. Its sleek, durable design and aerodynamic shape are just what you need to get from Point A to Point B in air-conditioned comfort. Plus, it’s easy to use. Simply install on any trailer hitch and set your bikes on the included stand. It even folds up for easy storage or transport!

Key Takeaways

  • Definitely worth the money since it is really robust and well-made,
  • Bikes are very sturdy on the rack so you won’t experience any annoying wobbling,
  • Very easy to use and load bikes on, if you are planning to use this rack rather often then you won’t regret about the money spent,
  • This bike rack is awesome for fat-tire bikes because of a lot of space between bikes, for e-bikes because it can easily carry up to 60 lb and expensive bikes because of zero frame contact which guarantees your bikes won’t get damaged.

PROS

  • High quality materials
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • Very easy to load bikes
  • Bikes are very secure (no wobbling)
  • Can carry heavy and fat-tire bikes
  • Can carry different types of bikes (lady’s, kid’s, etc.)
  • Easy trunk access (tilt function)
  • Can’t damage your bikes
  • No frame contact
  • No risks of damaging your car
  • Both 1.25″ and 2″ hitches are available
  • Can carry up to 4 bikes with an adapter (only for 2″ version)

CONS

  • Rather expensive
  • Bike-to-rack locks are not reliable
  • Is not universal in terms of receiver size

Kuat NV Base 2.0 (2+2) – Best hitch rack for super heavy bikes

  • Max number of bikes: 2 (+2 with add-on)
  • Max bike weight: 60 lb (27.2 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 120 lb (54.4 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: 52 lb (23.6 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

The Kuat NV Base 2.0 will carry your bike with no frame contact, so you’ll never have to worry about damaging your bike again. Use it to carry up to 4 bikes with an add-on or 2 bikes with the accessory kit. Kuat NV Base 2.0 is made from alloy steel and plastic, requires either 1.25″ or 2″ hitch receiver to be installed and can carry almost all bikes.

Key Takeaways

  • Even though it is quite expensive rack you won’t regret,
  • It is super sturdy since it is designed for really heavy bikes,
  • It is easy to install but keep in mind that rack itself is pretty heavy (52 lb empty),
  • Easy to load bikes and access trunk with bikes loaded (thanks for tilt function),
  • This rack is definitely recommended for bike enthusiasts,
  • Designed to carry really heavy bikes. That’s why it is made from steel and rather heavy itself. For not too heavy bikes it might be an over-kill.

PROS

  • Top-notch quality materials
  • No assembly required
  • The most sturdy rack on the market
  • Can carry super heavy bikes and most bike types
  • Easy trunk access with bikes loaded
  • Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks
  • Proper clearance between bikes and no frame contact
  • This rack won’t damage your car
  • Goes in two receiver size versions (1.25″ and 2″)
  • Compact when not in use
  • Negligible mileage reduction

CONS

  • Quite pricey
  • Keep in mind that this rack quite heavy (52 lb empty)
  • The hitch receiver must be either 1.25″ or 2″

Yakima Dr.Tray (2) – Awesome hitch rack for not too heavy bikes

  • Max number of bikes: 2
  • Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 80 lb (36.3 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 26” to 29” (66 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 4.8″ (fat-tire compatible)
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 41 lb (18.6 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ (class 2)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
  • No frame contact

Yakima Dr.Tray is the perfect bike rack for carrying up to two bikes, 40 lbs each. It’s made of aluminum and plastic so no frame contact is made. It drops right into your hitch receiver, doesn’t require welding or tools and it’s easy to assemble.

Key Takeaways

  • Very robust and high quality materials make this rack a very good choice,
  • Rack itself and bikes on it will be secured very sturdy,
  • The installation process is very straightforward and takes less then 10 minutes,
  • Perfect choice for those who need to transport bikes rather often,
  • This bike rack is amazing for fat-tire and expensive bikes due to great spacing between bikes (18″) so they will fit and won’t be hitting each other. However, keep in mind that this rack is not designed for really heavy bikes, up to 40 lb each bike only.

PROS

  • Highest quality materials
  • Very easy and tool-free installation
  • The whole construction is very robust
  • Can carry fat-tire bikes out of the box
  • Tilt function for easy trunk access
  • Locks included
  • Unprecedented spacing between bikes (18″)
  • Zero frame contact (won’t damage bikes)
  • No risks of damaging your car
  • Folds up when not in use
  • Won’t affect mileage much

CONS

  • High-priced
  • Rather low load capacity (40 lb each bike)
  • Only 1.25″ hitch receiver version

Best roof fat-tire bike racks

Roof racks are great for carrying fat-tire bikes in general. Fork mounted roof racks are more universal in this sense since the front wheel has to be removed making its size irrelevant. However, there is a very cool rack that secures a bike by the wheel so choose which one you like most.

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 built for performance and durability. This bike rack has crossbar mounting points, so you can install it on your car or truck’s roof easily. It’s designed to carry bikes up to 45 pounds and secure them without frame contact.

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 TopRide – Premium roof rack, super sturdy

  • 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: 7.7 lb (3.5 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • No frame contact

Get all your bikes organized with the Thule TopRide bicycle rack. This bike rack is made of aluminum and fits most cruiser style and standard sized bicycles. It’s also designed to fit most crossbars on cars, SUVs and vans. From beginners to pros, the Thule TopRide is a trusted name in the world of bike racks.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium fork-mounted rack with nice design,
  • A bike will super sturdy on the rack since it will me secured by the fork,
  • Quite easy to load a bike on. The only thing you will ave to do is to remove the front wheel,
  • This rack is perfect for basically all bikes (fat-tire, women’s, kid’s, etc.). Expensive or carbon frame bikes won’t get scratched.

PROS

  • Very well made
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • A bike will be super sturdy on the rack
  • Universal (fits most bikes)
  • Does not block trunk access
  • Does not obscure license plate and taillights
  • Locks included
  • Won’t damage your car
  • Looks good
  • Won’t scratch your bikes (no frame mounting)

CONS

  • Quite pricey as it requires crossbars to be installed
  • You have to remove the front wheel each time
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes
  • 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 roof bike carrier has a sleek and modern look that’s sure to compliment any car. Its durable design and easy-to-use release and lock mechanism provides safe and quick loading/unloading of your bicycle.

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 fat-tire bike racks

Most trunk racks can carry fat-tire bikes because the width of the wheels does not play any role as such racks secure bikes by the frame. However, you have to keep in mind that trunk racks can’t carry bikes heavier than 35 lb. This is the only precaution that must be taken.

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

Who knew a bike rack could be so simple to install? With Saris Bones EX, you don’t need a mechanic to install it – just watch the installation video online and follow the instructions. Once installed, this strong rack is designed to carry up to 3 bikes and will hold them securely. It is lightweight and will not affect the handling of your vehicle.

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

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

Hollywood F2 is the most convenient and cost-effective way to carry your two or three bikes on your car. Designed by HollywoodEcycle, the most trusted vendor in this field, it combines the best materials and construction methods to create a sturdy and comfortable carrier that will not only save you time, money and energy but make your bike transportation dreams come true.

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