Best Tilt-Away Hitch Bike Racks: A Buyer’s Guide

Tilt-away bike racks are absolutely great since they allow trunk access with bikes loaded. That’s why it is highly advisable to buy a rack that includes it. Nobody is a big fan of removing bikes each time there is a need to open the trunk.

Things to keep in mind buying a tilt-away bike rack:

  • Most budget hitch racks do not include the tilt-away function so be ready to spend $400+,
  • All tilt-away racks require a hitch receiver of the right size and class in order to be installed,
  • Check the compatibility since not all tilt-away racks fit all bike types,
  • How many bikes do you need to carry? Platform hitch racks can carry up to 4 bikes, whereas hanging hitch racks can accommodate up to 5 bikes,
  • For carbon frame and other expensive bikes, I would recommend buying a zero frame contact tilt-away rack. That way there won’t be scratches on your expensive 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 platform (tray) tilt-away racks

Most premium hitch models include the tilt-away function which makes them really great. Moreover, the hitch rack is the best rack type overall since it is very easy to use, the whole construction is super sturdy (given that you have chosen the right rack).

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 hitch mounted bike carrier that can carry your bikes and is made from steel and plastic. It has a hitch receiver that requires either 1.25″ or 2″ to be installed and can carry up to four bikes with an add-on, with no frame contact. It also features an anti-rattle device to lock the bikes in place as well as a locking mechanism that keeps the carrier.

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

Bike racks have taken over and many recreational vehicle owners have been forced to compromise. Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR is a 2-bike rack that significantly improves the way you can carry your bikes while on the road. The aluminum frame is extremely durable and corrosion resistant, while the premium plastic and minimal frame contact makes it perfect for those that are a bit more picky about their bike parts.

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

HoldUp EVO is a top rated bike rack for carrying 2 or 4 bikes. It’s easy to set up and can carry most bikes, up to 50 lbs each, with the included adapter. The rack secures bikes at the wheels, so there’s no contact with any frame parts.

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

The Saris SuperClamp EX is committed to bike transportation. The super-strong aluminum construction and the no-frame contact design allows you to carry up to 4 bikes at the same time.

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

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 rack is designed to carry up to 2 bikes securely and safely with no frame contact. The patented design protects the bikes from expensive damage, as well as requiring less maintenance in the long run. Yakima Dr.Tray carries up to 40 lb of bikes with ease, and only requires a standard 1.25″ receiver to install.

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

Thule EasyFold XT (2)- Premium hitch rack

  • Max number of bikes: 2
  • Max bike weight: 65 lb (29.5 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 130 lb (59 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 29″ (74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″ (4.7″ with an adapter)
  • Max wheelbase: 51″ (130 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 45 lb (20.4 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ both compatible (class 2-4)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes

Thule EasyFold XT bike rack is the best hitch-mounted bike rack that can secure 2 heavy bikes simultaneously. The frame-mounted hitch clamp doesn’t require any installation, can be set up and install in just seconds, and works with 1.25inch and 2inch receivers. It also provides a more secure and stable bike transportation without scratching your bikes.

Key Takeaways

  • Great choice if you are not on a budget (very high quality overall and many useful features so it is worth the money),
  • No hitch or bikes wobbling,
  • This rack is very easy to use (both bikes mounting and access of the trunk) so it is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who will use it often,
  • Perfect choice for not fat-tire heavy bikes,
  • I would not recommend it for fat-tire bikes since it won’t be much space between bikes,
  • I would not recommend it for carbon frame and other expensive bikes as it might leave scratches.

PROS

  • Premium quality materials (rust-resistant)
  • Super easy to install (no assembly required)
  • Bikes and rack itself are very sturdy
  • Has additional taillights and license plate frame
  • No risk of damaging your car
  • Won’t reduce your mileage much
  • Bike rack to the receiver lock included
  • Can carry really heavy bikes
  • Bike loading ramp (no heavy lifting required)
  • Foot pedal tilt (trunk access with bikes mounted)
  • Fits both 1.25″ and 2″ receivers
  • Compact since it is fully foldable

CONS

  • Quite expensive
  • Bikes to the rack locks are not reliable
  • Clearance between fat-tire bikes could be better
  • Frame contact (not recommended for expensive bikes)

Best hanging tilt-away racks

Please keep in mind that even though some hanging hitch racks with the tilt-away function can carry up to 5 bikes, the bikes can’t be heavier than 35 lb each. For heavy bikes, you have to buy a platform tilt-away rack (some models can carry up to 65 lb). Moreover, all hanging tilt-away racks secure bikes by the frame which will result in scratches.

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 is a durable bike carrier with unique, patented design. It’s perfect for carrying bikes on the back of your vehicle with a 2″ receiver and includes a secure design which prevents bikes from falling off even when you’re driving at high speeds.

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

Thule Apex XT (2, 4 or 5) – Hanging hitch rack for up to 5 bikes

  • Max number of bikes: 2, 4 or 5 bikes versions
  • Max bike weight: 37.5 lb (17 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 150 lb (68 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: any
  • Empty rack weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ compatible
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes

The Thule Apex XT is a great option for those looking to carry up to five bikes with a hitch mount bike rack. This rack is made from alloy steel and plastic, requires either 1.25″ or 2″ hitch receiver to be installed, and can carry load of up to 37.5 lb. Bikes are secured by the frame.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium quality rack for a reasonable price given that it can carry up to 5 bikes,
  • The rack itself is quite sturdy though bikes will wobble a bit,
  • Relatively easy to install and load bikes,
  • A good choice if you need to transport bikes rather occasionally,
  • This rack can not carry heavy bikes, and it is not recommended for expensive bikes, because bikes will be hitting each other. For ordinary bikes this rack will get the job done.

PROS

  • Reasonable price for 4-5 bikes carrier
  • Fairly easy to assemble and install
  • The rack itself is sturdy
  • Can carry fat-tire bikes
  • Easy trunk access (tilt function)
  • Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks
  • No rick of damaging your car
  • Both receiver sizes compatible (1.25″ and 2″)
  • Good aerodynamics (low mileage reduction)

CONS

  • Bikes will wobble (the same is true for any other hanging rack)
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • Be ready for scratches on your bikes