Fat-Tire E-Bike Racks are a convenient way to store your bike and keep it safe from theft. They are easy to install and can be used on any bike with a standard frame. The Fat-Tire E-Bike Racks come in different sizes and color options, so you can find the perfect rack for your bike.
Things to consider buying a fat-tire car bike rack:
- Keep in mind that it is not possible to carry fat-tire e-bikes on a trunk rack (those racks have 35 lb load capacity). Some roof racks can carry not too heavy fat-tire e-bikes (up to 45lb). Hitch racks is the best choice as they can carry fat-tire e-bikes up to 60 lb,
- All hitch racks require a hitch receiver and all roof racks require crossbars to be installed. On top of that, you need to check the compatibility of these items,
- How many bikes do you need to carry? It is not possible to carry more than 3 fat-tire e-bikes on the roof because crossbars have load capacity (they can simply break if get overloaded). Hitch racks can carry up to 4 fat-tire e-bikes,
- You’d better buy a zero frame mounting rack. This rack type secures bikes either by the wheel or by the fork so that the frame won’t get scratched.
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Best hitch racks for fat-tire e-bikes
Since most fat-tire e-bikes weigh at the very least 40 lb, hitch racks is the best choice to carry such bikes. Why? Because hitch racks are the most heavy-duty and carry really heavy bikes (up to 60 lb). Exactly such racks I have included in the rating below. Moreover, I have made sure that all these racks will fit fat-tires!
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 is the perfect hitch bike carrier for transporting up to 4 bikes. This hitch carrier has a durable steel frame and plastic coated head tube that is designed to carry bikes of all sizes and with ease. You get the added advantage of not having to worry about frame contact with its strongest adjustable cradles on the market.
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″
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 rack that has the capacity to carry 4 bikes up to 60 pounds each. The T2 Pro XT/XTR is built from lightweight aluminum and uses a patented ratcheting mechanism to firmly secure your bikes. If you’re looking for a bike carrier that won’t damage your frame, this rack is for you!
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
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 bike rack of choice for the serious cyclist. This 2-bike rack mounts to your car, truck, or SUV and holds up to 50 pounds each. The hitch fits a wide range of trailer hitches with 1.25″ or 2″ receivers and can carry two bikes or four with the add-on. The HoldUp EVO secures your bike at the wheels, which eliminates contact on your frame.
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
Saris SuperClamp EX (2 or 4) – Hitch rack for heavy bikes
- Max number of bikes: 2 or 4 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 60 lb (27.2 kg)
- Total load capacity: 190 lb (54.4 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 4″ (fat-tire compatible)
- Max wheelbase: 50″ (127 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 63 lb (28.6 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
Carry up to 4 bikes with SuperClamp EX. This versatile all-aluminum and plastic bike rack fits most vehicles, but requires a hitch receiver in order to be installed. Sturdy steel construction, with no frame contact mounting, keeps the vehicle safe and secure. Quick release lever makes loading and unloading bikes a breeze, while the ergonomic handle offers more control.
Key Takeaways
- It is worth the money due to overall quality and features,
- This rack is sturdy in general but some wobbling has been reported,
- This rack is easy to install and load bikes on,
- This bike rack can carry very heavy bikes (up to 60lb),
- Also, due to zero frame mounting your expensive bikes won’t get scratched so it is recommended for such bikes.
PROS
- High quality overall
- Easy to install and mount bikes
- Bikes are secure on the rack
- Can carry very heavy bikes
- Can carry most bikes (at-tire, e-bikes, women’s, etc.)
- Trunk access with bikes loaded
- Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks included
- No frame contact mounting
- Fits both receiver sizes (1.25″ and 2″) with an adapter
- No risk of damaging your car
- Reasonable mileage reduction
CONS
- A bit expensive
- Some wobbling of the rack has been reported
- Bikes will be close to each other
Best roof racks for fat-tire e-bikes
Roof racks are not the best choice for carrying fat-tire e-bikes. First of all, the most heavy-duty roof racks can carry up to 45 lb, and there are quite a few fat-tire e-bike models that are heavier than that. On top of that, it is not that it easy to load a heavy fat-tire e-bike on the roof of your car.
Anyway, I have selected the most capable roof racks. Each of them will fit fat tires as well.
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 an alloy steel bike rack that attaches to crossbars with no frame contact. This design offers plenty of clearance for bikes with wide tires, unlike other bike racks that contact the frame. You can install this rack on one vehicle or multiple different vehicles, and it will make any car look great. The Yakima HighRoad clamps down securely onto the tire, ensuring that bikes are always safe from theft.
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 Upride – Premium roof rack for Thule crossbars
- Type of mount: wheel
- Max bike weight: 44 lb (20 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″ (5″ with adapter)
- Max wheelbase: 51″ (130 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 17 lb (7.7 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- No frame contact
Thule Upride is a bike rack that’s easy to install and use, and can carry your bikes securely without scratching the frame. It fits most crossbars, including Thule and Yakima, without drilling holes, and weighs just 17 lbs.
Key Takeaways
- Premium quality materials make this rack worth the money spent,
- No wobbling since a bike will be properly secured by the wheel,
- It does not block the trunk access obviously but lifting bikes up can be challenging for some people,
- A good rack for those who have no problems with lifting up 20-40 lb,
- An awesome rack for expensive bikes since it won’t damage your bikes due to zero frame contact.
PROS
- Premium quality materials
- You don’t have to remove the front wheel
- Easy to assemble and install
- The rack itself and a bike will be very sturdy
- Can carry most bike types
- Does not block your trunk access
- Locks included (not that reliable)
- Does not cover license plate and taillights
- Won’t damage your bike (zero frame mounting)
- Low risk of damaging your car
- Looks modern
CONS
- Quite expensive given that it requires crossbars and can carry only 1 bike
- It might not be that easy to load bikes
- For fat-tire bike you need to buy an adapter
- Not universal (fits Thule crossbars only)
- 10-20% mileage reduction
Thule ProRide XT – Premium roof rack for not expensive bikes
- Type of mount: frame
- Max bike weight: 44 lb (20 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″ (5″ with adapter)
- Max wheelbase: 48.6″ (123.5 cm)
- Downtube diameter: 0.87” to 3.15” (round shaped only)
- Empty rack weight: 11 lb (5 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
Thule ProRide XT is a lightweight bike rack designed for carrying most bikes up to 44 lbs. It fits only Thule crossbar systems and secures your bike by the frame. The rack has a sleek black finish that blends in well with any bike, while the low profile ensures your car’s roof rack stays out of the way.
Key Takeaways
- Premium quality roof bike rack,
- The ease of use highly depends on your physical conditions,
- I would not recommend this rack to carry expensive bikes because of frame contact mounting (will scratch your bike),
- Fat-tire bikes require an adapter (sold separately).
PROS
- High quality materials
- You don’t have to remove the front wheel
- Easy to assemble and install
- Can carry relatively heavy bikes
- Does not block trunk access
- Does not cover license plate and taillights
- Low risk of damaging your car
- Looks modern and fancy
CONS
- Quite pricey considering it requires crossbars
- Not that easy to load a bike
- Won’t fit fat-tire bikes out of the box
- Frame contact mounting will leave some scratches
- Does not fit all crossbars
- 10-20% mileage reduction
What about trunk racks for fat-tire e-bikes
It might be a bit disappointing but there are no trunk racks on the market that can carry fat-tire e-bikes. The most heavy-duty trunk models can carry up to 40 lb though there are very few of them and most trunk racks have 35 lb limit per bike. As a result, this rack type clearly can’t get it done. Don’t try to do it! It can easily break if gets overloaded!