Platform (also called tray) rack is a hitch rack type meaning that it will be installed on a trailer hitch receiver. What makes it special is the fact that bikes are mounted on a platform (very opposite to hanging hitch racks). As a result, it is much easier to load bikes on.
Consider this before buying a platform hitch rack:
- All platform (tray) racks are mounted on a trailer hitch. Moreover, it must be of the right size and the right class,
- Most platform racks on the market cost $400+,
- Be aware that platform racks can carry up to 4 bikes, no more than that,
- If you own non-standard bikes, then check the compatibility with a rack. Some of them might not fit,
- There are two different ways of how your bikes are secured on a platform rack: either by the frame or by the wheel(s). Frame contact racks can scratch bikes so keep it in mind if your bikes are expensive.
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In my experience, premium hitch racks are the best ones on the market with a huge gap (in comparison to roof and trunk racks). They are super sturdy, can carry different types of bikes (including really heavy ones) and are super easy to use (load bikes on). Moreover, all premium models in my rating include the tilt-away function for easy trunk access with bikes loaded.
Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR (2+2) – No frame contact hitch rack
- Platform (tray) rack: Yes
- 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 a lightweight, aluminum and premium-plastic bike carrier that requires no frame contact and offers safety and convenience. With the Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR, you can carry up to 2 bikes (up to 4 with an add-on) up to 60 lbs each while they’re secured with the patented Thule cradles.
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
- Platform (tray) rack: Yes
- 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 way to carry two bikes or four bikes while on the road. The hitch mounted carrier requires either a 1.25″ or 2″ receiver to be installed and can carry almost any bike with ease, even carrying up to 60 lbs per bike! The NV Base is made of alloy steel and plastic and is secured with no frame contact so your bike is safe and secure
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 HoldUp EVO (2+2) – Zero frame contact universal hitch rack
- Platform (tray) rack: Yes
- 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 an all-new bike rack that takes up less space than the competition. With no contact on your frame, you don’t have to worry about scratching or dents in your bike frame. The adapter lets you carry two more bikes, and the design includes low-profile feet for more clearance when towing a trailer.
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
- Platform (tray) rack: Yes
- 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
The Saris SuperClamp EX is the ultimate hitch rack for a range of bikes. Made from aluminum and plastic, it requires a hitch receiver to be installed, and it can carry either 2 or 4 bikes. The stronger than steel mounting system allows the SuperClamp to carry up to 60lbs each, matching the weight of most bikes.
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
Swagman Quad 2+2 (4) – Decent hitch rack for 4 bikes
- Platform (tray) rack: Yes
- 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
Swagman Quad 2+2 is an easy-to-use bike rack for carrying up to 4 bikes. It’s made from steel and plastic, with a hitch receiver required. You’ll be able to carry up to 45 pounds of bikes, depending on your vehicle. It’s easy to install and has a secure frame connection that secures your bike by the frame.
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
Best budget platform hitch racks
Please keep in mind that all budget platform racks secure bikes by the frame. There is nothing wrong with that in general, but your bikes can get scratches. So to say. budget platform racks are not the best choice for carrying expensive bikes, in my opinion. Moreover, budget platform racks are not able to carry heavy bikes, only under 35lb.
Hollywood Destination (2 or 4) – Budget hitch rack for many bikes
- Platform (tray) rack: Yes
- 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 designed with durability in mind as well as a sleek, modern design. It has a sleek, black finish and comes in two different versions. One version is designed for 2 bikes and the other for 4 bikes. Both are easy to carry and can be installed in either the 1.25″ or 2″ receiver.
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)
Swagman XC2 (2) – Budget hitch rack for not heavy bikes
- Platform (tray) rack: Yes
- Max number of bikes: 2
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Total load capacity: 70 lb (31.8 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 2.5″ (fat bike trays available)
- Max wheelbase: 50″ (127 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 28 lb (12.7 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ (class 2-3)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): No
Swagman XC2 is a two-bike, two-wheel carrier that helps you transport up to two bikes. The carrier includes tie-down mounts, a mounting bracket for 1.25″ or 2″ receiver hitch, and a locking knob to secure your ride. The bike carrier is built from alloy steel that is rust-resistant and designed for maximum durability and will require you to use either a 1.25″ or 2″ receivers.
Key Takeaways
- Decent quality rack given that it is much cheaper than most hitch models,
- This rack is quite robust overall,
- It is easy to get bikes mounted,
- A legit rack if you will be using it occasionally,
- This rack is designed to carry rather lightweight bikes (there are also limits to tires width and frame shape),
- I would not recommend it for carrying expensive and carbon frame bikes since it can leave scratches.
PROS
- Much cheaper than most hitch racks
- Easy to assemble, install and mount bikes
- Even it is cheap, it is quite sturdy
- Won’t damage your car
- Fits both 1.25″ and 2″ receivers (with an adapter)
- Moderate mileage reduction
CONS
- Mediocre quality of materials
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- Some rounded frame bikes won’t fit
- Can’t access the trunk with bikes loaded
- Frame contact mounting (can scratch you bikes)