Hitch bike racks are a great option for those who want to carry their bikes with them. They are the best type of rack overall because they can carry heavy bikes and when the bikes are loaded, trunk access is still easy and there is no noise or mileage reduction. There are many different types of hitch bike racks but only a few that have all of these features. The most popular models that do not have any drawbacks include Yakima, Thule, and Hollywood Racks.
Things you should consider buying a hitch bike rack:
- In my opinion, this is the best rack type, because it is: very sturdy, no risk of damaging your car, most of them are zero frame contact (won’t scratch your bikes), low mileage reduction, easy to load bikes on, no wobblin,
- You have to have a trailer hitch in order to install a hitch rack. Keep in mind that there are different sizes and not all hitch racks fit all receiver,
- Be ready to spend $400-$800 for a hitch rack. Yes, there are cheaper models but the quality is normally not there,
- Most hitch racks have tilt function (provides trunk access with bikes loaded) though some of them have not,
- Even though most hitch racks include locks, they are not reliable so consider buying extra locks if thefts is a problem in your area,
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Best platform (tray) hitch racks
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
The Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR is the best hitch-mounted, 2-bike carrier on the market. With a sleek, aerodynamic design and rugged, durable construction, this carrier will carry your bikes for miles without a hitch. The T2 Pro XT/XTR is compatible with both 1.25″ and 2″ hitches and can carry up to 2 bikes up to 60 lb each (up to 4 bikes with an add-on).
Key Takeaways
- Definitely worth the money; it’s extremely robust and well-designed,
- Bikes are mounted securely on the rack, so you won’t have to worry about any rattling movements,
- Suitable for all sorts of bikes, easy to load and use. Great for people looking to ride regularly,
- 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
This bike rack is perfect for people who enjoy biking and want to take their bikes with them on the road. It’s made of aluminum and plastic, which makes it lightweight and easy to carry around. It fits most bikes up to 50 lb each, and can carry up to 2 bikes or up to 4 bikes with an adapter (only for 2″ versions). Moreover, it secures bikes at wheels with no frame contact system.
Key Takeaways
- This bike rack is very well-built and premium, which is why it’s worth the money,
- 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
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 has a sleek and modern design that will look great on any vehicle. It comes in two versions, one that requires a 1.25″ hitch receiver and another that requires a 2″ hitch receiver. The carrying capacity is up to 60 pounds per bike, and it can be used to carry either two bikes or four bikes with the add-on. It secures bikes with no frame contact, so they will not move while in transit.
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″
Hollywood Sport Rider SE4 (4) – Great hitch rack for many bikes
- Max number of bikes: 4
- Max bike weight: 50 lb (22.7 kg)
- Total load capacity: 200 lb (90.7 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″
- Max wheelbase: 60″ (152 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 91.5 lb (41.5 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 2″ only (can’t use adapter)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
With the Hollywood Sport Rider SE4 bike carrier you can finally take your bikes on a road trip without worrying about where to put them. This hitch-mounted bike carrier can fit up to four bikes and is made from steel and aluminum, so it’s sturdy enough to carry the weight of each bike. The frame of the bikes will be mounted by the carrier, so they won’t be touching anything while they’re being transported.
Key Takeaways
- Worth the money if you need to carry many bikes,
- This rack is very sturdy so you won’t suffer any wobbling,
- Fairly easy to load bikes on,
- Good investment if you are planning to use it rather often,
- Even though this rack can carry rather heavy bikes, it won’t fit certain types of bikes, for example, some fat-tire bikes and rounded frame bikes,
- I would not recommend this rack for expensive and carbon frame bikes because of possible scratches due to frame mounting.
PROS
- The price is reasonable given that it can carry 4 bikes
- Good quality overall (no wobbling)
- Easy to install
- Can carry relatively heavy bikes
- Easy trunk access (tilt function)
- Locks included
- Won’t damage your car
- Low mileage reduction
- Folds up when not in use
CONS
- It is easy to load bikes but could be better
- Not all fat-tire bikes will fit
- Some rounded frame bikes won’t fit
- Frame contact mounting (risk of damaging bikes)
- You might need some help to install (91.5 lb empty)
- Only 2″ hitch receiver (can’t use an adapter)
Hollywood Destination (2 or 4) – Budget hitch rack for many bikes
- Max number of bikes: 2 or 4 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Total load capacity: 140 lb (63.5 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 42 lb (19 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ (2″ only for 4 bikes version)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): No
The Hollywood Destination is a lightweight, easy-to-install, and affordable bike carrier that can be used with either a 1.25″ or 2″ hitch receiver. It can carry 2 bikes in the 1.25″ hitch version or 4 bikes in the 2″ hitch version. All bikes are secured by the frame and this bike carrier is perfect for people who want to take their bikes on vacations or long-distance trips.
Key Takeaways
- This is a good bike rack given that it won’t break the bank,
- The whole construction is quite sturdy,
- It is easy to install and load bikes but you won’t be able to access the trunk with bikes loaded,
- Perfect choice for those who are on budget and planning to use it rather occasionally,
- This bike rack can’t carry most fat-tire or heavy bikes. This bike rack can’t carry some rounded frame bikes,
- I don’t recommend this rack for carrying expensive or carbon frame bikes because it secures bikes by the frame which can result in scratches.
PROS
- Very cheap in comparison with most hitch racks
- Easy to install and mount bikes
- Quite robust
- No risk of damaging your car
- Both 1.25″ and 2″ receiver size versions available
- Good aerodynamics (low mileage reduction)
CONS
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- Can’t carry most fat-tire bikes
- Won’t fit some rounded frame bikes
- Can’t access the trunk with bikes mounted
- Frame contact mounting (can damage your bikes)
Best hanging hitch racks
Yakima FullSwing (4) – Premium hanging hitch rack
- Max number of bikes: 4
- Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
- Total load capacity: 150 lb (68 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 56 lb (25.4 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 2″
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
Yakima FullSwing bike rack is one of the best ways to carry your bikes on your vehicle. This rack is made from aluminum and plastic and requires a 2″ hitch receiver. It can carry up to 4 bikes, each weighing up to 40 pounds, with the bikes mounted by the frame. This rack is easy to mount and remove with its swing-away arm design.
Key Takeaways
- This rack is rather pricey but it has innovative features and really well made,
- The rack itself is very sturdy though bikes will be wobbling a bit,
- Easy to load bikes and access the trunk with bikes mounted,
- This bike rack can carry most bikes (except for heaviest models), but I would not recommend it for carrying expensive bikes because it will inevitably live scratches or even small dents.
PROS
- High quality materials
- Easy to assemble and install
- The rack itself is very robust
- Can carry fat-tire bikes
- Easy trunk access with bikes mounted
- Rack-to-vehicle and bikes-to-rack locks included
- Can’t damage your car
- Great aerodynamics (little mileage reduction)
- Compact when not in use (folds up)
CONS
- Quite expensive even though it is a premium brand
- Bikes will be wobbling (tie them up)
- Can’t carry really heavy bikes
- Some mountain, women’s and kids’ bikes will require an adapter (sold separately)
- No clearance between bikes (will be hitting each other)
- Fits only 2″ receivers
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
Made from alloy steel, you have to have a trailer hitch receiver to install this rack (both 1.25″ and 2″ Looking for a bike rack to transport your bikes? Check out the Tyger TG-RK4B102B. Made from alloy steel, this rack is compatible with both 1.25″ and 2″ trailer hitch receivers. It comes in 3 and 4 bike versions that can carry up to 35 lb bikes. Bikes are secured by the frame, so you don’t have to worry about them falling off.
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)
Allen Sports Premier S645 (4) – Spare tire hanging hitch rack
- Max number of bikes: 4
- 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: 28.5 lb (12.9 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Hitch receiver size: 2″
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
The Allen Sports Premier S645 is a hitch-mounted bike rack that can carry up to 4 bikes and has a weight limit of 35 pounds per bike. This product is compatible with a 2″ hitch receiver and is made from alloy steel and plastic, making it durable and lightweight. It is easy to install, with no tools required, and can be used with most standard 2″ hitch receivers.
Key Takeaways
- This is a budget rack that is really well made,
- The rack is sturdy but you need to expect some wobbling of your bikes,
- Easy to install but you need to lift your bikes on the rack which can be a bit challenging for some people,
- This rack is not the best choice for every day use,
- This rack is not suitable for heavy or expensive bikes since it will inevitably leave some scratches. I would recommend it for budget, not heavy bikes.
PROS
- Much cheaper than most competitors
- Reasonable quality materials
- Easy to install and use
- Can carry fat-tire bikes
- Easy trunk access with bikes loaded
- Won’t damage your car
- Manageable mileage reduction
- Fits most spare tire vehicles
CONS
- Bikes are going to wobble on the rack
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- No clearance between bikes which will result in scratches
- Frame contact mounting
- Fits 2″ hitch receiver size only