Looking for the best bike rack for your car? You are in the right spot! Our expert bikers researched the market to help you choose, took opinions from users, and made a list of the 10 best car bike racks. Continue reading to see the best hitch bike racks for the money.
Trailer Hitch bike racks can be used to haul all types of cargo! The latest generation of mount bike or hitch bike racks makes it easy to travel in remote areas with your bike. Also, you can use them to haul excess luggage, firewood, sporting equipment, hunting equipment, bicycles, wheelchairs or scooters, and so many other things! You could even use a PVC bike rack on your trailer if you aren’t traveling long distances. These are easy to create and a great way of preventing throwing your bike(s) on the back of the trailer where it can easily scratch.
Most mount bike racks are made from the same strength aluminum that aircrafts use, so it’s safe to say that they are solid. They drastically vary in price, but the least expensive options are less sturdy. Consider the price tag, but don’t be tricked into buying low-quality stuff not made from quality materials. Hitch mounted designs are generally a lot less of a hassle than attaching them to the roof. Depending on your budget there are many designs that improve practicality, such as one-handed fitting and hinged load sections that still give you access to the trunk. Also, consider that you’ll need a hitch to attach the rack to your vehicle, and these aren’t always included in a bike rack. The more expensive brands are made of lightweight materials so your fuel consumption doesn’t compensate for the additional weight. Cheaper versions are bulkier, but less strong.
There are many types of hitch racks to choose from, so when selecting your hitch rack, you should ask yourself these basic questions:
- What are you hauling?
- Where are you taking it (i.e., mountains, rough terrain, etc.)?
- What’s the distance?
- How many bikes do you need to transport?
According to where you will put the bike the racks, there are two types:
- Tray or platform racks in which the bike sits in a tray
- Hanging racks in which the bikes simply hang
Should You Purchase a Roof Rack or Trunk Rack?
This is a common question that bike owners ask themselves.
First, a roof rack is out of sight while you drive, so you don’t have to worry about the design obstructing your view. But, this isn’t a feature that all owners like because you can’t check that the bike is still securely fastened while behind the wheel.
You also need to remember that you have a bike on your roof when traveling through tunnels or height-restricted entries.
Also, adding the rack to your roof isn’t straightforward, and you’ll likely need another person to help you. Plus, not all vehicles recommend a roof rack, so always check your car’s manual before purchasing one.
Roof racks stand your bike upright so they don’t sway, and this also prevents the bike’s frame from damaging your vehicle. Should a scratch appear, at least it’s out of the way on your roof rather than on the back of your car. But, roof racks aren’t ideal in windy conditions as they reduce the aerodynamics of your vehicle and can cause a lot of noise from inside the car. Also, as a roof rack is permanently attached to your vehicle, this offers excellent security, but makes it almost impossible to constantly take the rack on and off.
On the other hand, a trunk rack can hold more than one bike at one time. They’re easy to fasten and just as easily removed, so you have the choice of removing the rack whenever necessary. They’re generally made of higher-quality materials – such as stainless steel – compared to a roof rack which uses cheaper materials. But, the downside to trunk racks is that you can’t easily access your trunk, and you’re more likely to scratch your car with the bike frame.
Trunk racks are cheaper and offer more portability which is great for occasional use or swapping between cars. But, if you intend on traveling far distances, it’s recommended that you stop and check the rack’s maintenance to ensure straps or bolts haven’t loosened when driving. This can be a hassle, so it’s worth considering the distance you’ll be driving.
Top Features of a Trailer Hitch Bike Carrier
When you are perusing the market for the best trailer hitch racks, the features are important issues you must consider. Also, security and quality should be top priority over anything. The structure should be simple but useful and easily adjustable, and it is better if you can store multiple bikes on it. To enjoy the most versatile, easy-to-use trailer hitch rack, shop for those that contain most or all of the top features below.
Folding Support Bar
First, buying a rack that has a folding main support bar or platform is great for two reasons. It allows you to fold the rack out of the way so you can access the vehicle’s cargo spaces, and it provides the most compact storage when you take it off the vehicle and put it in the garage.
Easy to Install
Second, look for trailer hitch racks that are easy to install. You shouldn’t have to use any tools to fit and secure your trailer hitch rack. There should be a locking clip that keeps the pin in place for the sleeve. Remove the clip, pull the pin, and slide in the sleeve. Replace the pin and clip and you are ready to load. The task should be accomplished with a knob if a tightening clamp is present, not a small diameter bolt that requires a tool.
Locking Mechanism
The third feature to look for is a quality locking mechanism that will hold the post or platform securely in place so that it won’t bounce or become loose during transport. This locking mechanism will keep the load still and prevent it from coming in contact with your vehicle, causing damage to your cargo, the paint job, or both. Again, this locking mechanism should not require tools you need to employ.
Load Capacity
Finally, shop for trailer hitch racks that have enough beef to handle a weighty load. Most are rated for several hundred pounds, at least. If you plan to haul hefty loads, look for large capacity trailer hitch racks made from strong materials and with multiple straps. These trailer hitches come with all of these features and are readily available. A class I receive can carry up to two bikes and has a tongue weight of up to 200 pounds. Class II can carry up to four bikes. It has a tongue weight of 350 pounds and has a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Finally, Class III can carry up to five bikes at a time. It has a tongue weight of 350 pounds to 1,200 pounds. Its towing capacity is 3,500 to 12,000 pounds.
How to Properly Install a Bike Rack
With the bike industry becoming increasingly popular, it’s more important than ever that you can securely attach a bike frame to your roof. Thankfully, many of the best bike rack brands make installation easy. Racks usually come in a hitch bike rack or a roof rack, so first establish which type you have. If you own a roof mounted bike rack, you must use a separate roof rack to attach it. Different brands come in different sizes and weights, and you should also consider your car type and size.
The straps hold your bike in place, which are then attached to the boot or roof of your vehicle. Ensure you tighten the lower straps after adding your bike to the rack to ensure nothing can come loose. This is the most time-consuming (and frustrating) part of the process as some racks have numerous straps. However, they all have a purpose, so ensure you thoroughly follow your manual’s instructions. The top buckets usually double loop to avoid any loosening when you take your bike on and off the rack. Attach the straps and tighten them as securely as you can. If you’ll be traveling on a highway, we recommend using all the straps to properly secure your bike since you’ll be traveling at high speeds.
You can remove the front wheel if you own a small car, so that the bike doesn’t impair your vision. This also reduces any weight if you don’t own a truck. However, consider that the wheel can pad the bike and prevent it from scratching or damaging any metal parts on your car. If you use a rear bike rack, make sure it isn’t positioned over your license plate or lights, because this is illegal and is hugely dangerous for other drivers.
Once you’re happy with the positioning, reach and tug on the lower bucles to ensure they’re securely fastened. Finally, shake the bike to ensure nothing moves around and that the bike or elements of the rack don’t come loose with excessive movement. Recheck this every time before you set off for a journey (no matter the distance).
What to Consider When Specifically Buying a Trunk Rack
A trunk rack is one of the most popular rack types because it’s versatile enough to not impair your vision when driving, and there’s enough room to attach more than one bike. Trunk racks are generally the least expensive type of rack and are easily installed. You can remove them from your car just as easy if you no longer require one. Depending on your lifestyle, you may wish to purchase a trunk mount that can fold away for you to store in your trunk when not in use. However, this is only something to consider if you have little space in your house to store the rack, or are constantly taking the rack on and off your vehicle. If you intend to keep the rack on your trunk at all times, this isn’t an essential feature.
Not Ideal for Fat Bikes
However, fat bikes aren’t suitable on a trunk rack, because they can obstruct your view when looking out of your rear windshield. This is especially true if you own a small car. However, a trunk bike rack for SUV design is suitable for fat bikes because the vehicle has enough leeway to position the bike safely.
Avoid Trunk Racks for Expensive Bikes
Another aspect to consider is that trunk racks are made for quick and easy installation more than for security. So, if you own an expensive bike, we don’t recommend purchasing a trunk bike rack, as this makes it easier for thefts to steal .
Trunk racks suit many types of bikes, including mountain bikes, because they’re extremely versatile and you can easily adjust them. They’re also easy to store and portable, although there are downsides to this. Trunk racks are made of thinner materials than roof racks, which means that they’re less sturdy. Consider the terrain you’ll be traveling on, the speed at which you’ll be traveling, and the size of your bike.
Consider the Amount of Bikes to Store
Typically, you can only load two or three bikes on a trunk rack, which isn’t ideal for a large family. However, if this is the perfect amount for you, then why invest in a bigger rack for no reason? Although we mentioned earlier that you can easily take a trunk rack on and off of your vehicle, this can become a nuisance if you need to access your trunk regularly. Think about how often you use your trunk and if this obstruction would irritate you.
How to Choose the Right Hitch Mount Bike Carrier
Here are a few of the types you will see when searching for a trailer hitch rack:
- Flat Cargo Carriers: Usually feature raised edges and are great for luggage and camping equipment
- Hitch with Ramp: Most commonly used for transporting wheelchairs, scooters, or lawn mowers
- Motorcycle Carriers: Used for scooters, dirt bikes, or motorcycles
- ATV Carrier: Smaller and attach to ATVs; most common for carrying hunting equipment, ice chests, etc.
- Enclosed Carriers: These are entirely confined and are your best choice for carrying luggage on a long trip so that dirt and water are kept out
- Load Extenders: Usually used on large trucks for holding items such as canoes or pipes
Regardless of the one you choose, just make sure you get the best quality for your money!
Benefits of Owning a Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Buying gear for your bike is just like making sure that you make the right investment for it. You choose the best product for proper maintenance so that it will have a longer life. These investments greatly depend on how much you love biking (and your bike) of course. It’s good to know that you don’t need to get the most expensive gear to have the best one. It’s the same thing when choosing a hitch mount bike rack for your bike. A hitch mount bike rack is considered to have the largest selection when it comes to style. It is the ideal rack for most vehicles because of its aerodynamic design, because you generally only need to hitch it to the rear of your vehicle. It also comes at a height that makes it very easy for you to load up and unload your bikes without straining your back or arm muscles.
Now that you know what the highlighted conveniences of owning a hitch mount bike rack are, it is time to understand what things you need to consider when shopping for one.
Some Other Trailer Hitch Accessories
Trailer Hitch Risers
If you’ve ever had a trailer or RV with a shallow hitch point coupled with a heavy load on 15-inch tires, you’ve probably experienced the pain of bottoming out going through a dip or up a steep incline. This can result in damage to your trailer, chains, and wiring, or worse.
Cargo Tie-Down Straps
No matter what type of hitch-mounted carrier or trailer you have, it’s impossible to safely and securely haul your stuff where it needs to go without quality cargo tie-down straps.
Trailer Hitch Locks
Loaded trailers are stolen on a regular basis, and when that happens, it’s a financial hit, a hassle, and may cause you to lose work or lose your vacation.
Trailer Hitch Extenders
There is a wide variety of trailer hitch extenders available to meet your needs for class II, III, and IV hitches. Match the extender to the existing hitch, and you’ll know what to do from there.
Are Trailer Hitch Racks Safe?
Some consumers have concerns about the safety of using a trailer hitch rack. But when properly installed, they are one of the safest types of racks available. You’ll never pull into your garage or parking structure, for example, and wipe out your racing cycle strapped to the roof mount! You’ll never have a cheap strap break or wear through, causing your scooter to hit the pavement at full speed.
To maintain safe use of trailer hitch racks, you should ensure two things.
First, the trailer hitch rack must be built with quality components and materials. When you purchase one online, make sure it is from a respected company with a reputation for quality design. If you create one yourself, use high-strength steel and get it welded right. Use the proper hitch sleeve size and one rated for the amount of weight you plan to carry, and you’ll be in great shape.
Second, your trailer hitch rack will provide safe, secure, and easy transportation of bikes, cargo, motorized chairs, and more, if you properly load the items onto the rack. Make sure that loads are balanced, with a low center of gravity. If loads hang over the edge, make sure they do not create an unsafe torque on the main support bracket – again, balance is the key. Do not overload the weight specifications for the rack and you likely won’t have any problems.
Finally, make sure your load is adequately secured, the same as when you’re hauling cargo on any exterior rack or trailer. Bungee cords are not enough. Use quality tie-down straps with correct hooks and ratchets to ensure the best safety. Also, be sure to mark your load with a bright orange or red flag to alert fellow drivers that you have a large weight on board.
Be wise, use appropriate caution, and you’ll enjoy versatile, safe use of your trailer hitch rack.
What is the Best Hitch Bike Rack?
If you’re searching for the best hitch bike rack, there are so many to choose from as you can see from the above options. However, if we had to recommend only one car bike rack, we’d select the TYGER Deluxe Black 1-Bike Trunk Mount Bicycle Carrier Rack. This hitch mount bike rack is made from a rust-free material which increases its life expectancy. It’s also incredibly easy to assemble and install – which is ideal for busy people and those new to biking. Made from silicone, this rack protects your car, rack, and bike frame from damage with excessive use, and this isn’t a feature that every rack offers.
At the beginning of this article, we mentioned that a trunk bike rack can obstruct your driving. But, the TYGER Trunk Mount Rack features carry arms that you can fold to improve your and other drivers’ safety on the roads. This also helps to improve the appearance of the rack, since if you own a smart car, you don’t want a rack to ruin its design.
Top Hitch Bike Racks Comparison Table
Product | Capacity | Price |
---|---|---|
#1. Allen Sports Deluxe Rack | – 2, 3, 4 & 5 Bike Options
*We review the 4 bike version bellow. |
|
#2. Swagman XC Cross-Country | – 2 Bikes | |
#3. Swagman XTC2
|
– 2 Bikes | |
#4. Thule Parkway | – 2 & 4 Bike Options | |
#5. Yakima DoubleDown | – 4 Bikes |
In Depth Reviews on Top 10 Best Trailer Hitch Bike Racks
1. Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack with 2-Inch Receiver
The first hitch mount bike rack we have is the Allen Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack with a 2-inch receiver. To keep your bike secure and make sure that it would be free from scratches and dents, you can confidently choose the Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack as it secures bikes with a patented tie-down system. Its 22-inch long carrying arms are suitable for carrying two bicycles when you go camping with your partner. Some models from this brand also have individual cradles that can accommodate up to 4 bikes at a time. You’ll also love the 22-inch carry arms as they help to secure your bikes and easily fold out immediately when needed. Plus, installation is a piece of cake.
Now, none of you or your family have to leave your bikes at home when going on a trip. So you know the basics of what features you’re going to get on this bike carrier.
The Pros
- Solid, welded structure
- Quick to load/unload bikes
- Extra carrying arm to protects bikes
- Great for a large family
- Affordable
The Cons
- May bend under a heavy load
- Small bike cradles
2. Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack
The Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack is versatile, and you can easily see why. This hitch-mount rack can accommodate both adults’ and children’s bikes, so it doesn’t matter what type of bike you have. It could be BMX bikes, cruiser bikes, downhill bikes, full-suspension bikes, “Y” frame designs, etc. You don’t have to remove the front wheels either. It folds up for easy storage. If that isn’t convenience, then we don’t know what is.
This hitch mount bike rack is relatively easy to install. You just need to slide it on, make sure it’s secure, and you’re good to go. There usually is no need for you to remove any parts of the bike which makes it even more convenient to use.
Another thing that’s good about Hitch Mount Bike Racks is that you have less chances of scratching the paint on your vehicle thanks to its soft frame that protects your bike frame. You may buy the Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack on all your favorite bike websites. For a quick and hassle free purchase, you may also look it up online. Continue reading to see if the next product we have, the Swagman XTC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack, will be able to fit the bill this well.
The Pros
- Convenient hook and loop straps
- Accommodates a vast array of bikes
- Soft-frame coating on bike grips
- Good value for the price
The Cons
- Soft plastic adapter
- The screw-in pins are hard to remove
- Expensive
3. Swagman XTC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack
Now, let’s take a look at another Swagman Hitch mount bike rack – the XTC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack for 1.25-inch and 2-inch receivers. This bike carrier has received lots of praise from its customers, and today we are going to do some due diligence to its secrets. So keep reading to learn more about this product. Today might be your lucky day.
The Swagman XTC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack is designed for vehicles that have 1.25 and 2-inch receivers and can accommodate up to 2 bikes at a time with 20 to 29-inch wheels. This rack weighs a total of 32.7lbs with a supportive yet reasonably lightweight frame considering it can hold multiple bikes. With this rack, you can be assured that any bike-on-bike or bike-on-vehicle damage will be reduced to a bare minimum.
It has a built-in anti-wobble device, integrated wheel straps, push-button ratcheting arms, and sliding wheel platforms, so you can get the most of this product and for easy assembling. If you need to access the rear, you can easily do so by folding down the centre arm. It also has a soft frame-friendly coating on its grip arms to protect your bike and vehicle. It’s very easy to use and gives you peace of mind whether you’re on the road or parked for a bathroom break. When not in use, it’s very easy to fold. It’s something that you know is worth having – especially during long drives.
The Pros
- User-friendly design
- Adjusts to the shape and design of your vehicle
- Rubber straps to protect the bike
- Soft coating to protect the frame
The Cons
- Some users criticize the plastic construction as flimsy
- Wingnuts may loosen
- Not as robust as the above rack
4. Thule Parkway Hitch Mount Rack
Thule makes the most popular hitch mount bike racks and you can install a Thule bike rack without any tools in less than 15 minutes, which is great for people on the go. Every Thule bike rack is built to last. The brand is ideal for bikes with wheels 20-29″ in diameter and 3-inch wide tires. A high-strength steel construction gives it extra strength and stability. Although it’s designed to fit 2 bikes at a time, you can upgrade this to carry 4 bikes at a time.
Thule provides you with a 4-bike carrier that will fit in most any hitch. You can choose any of them from 4-bike 2-inch receiver, to a 4-bike 1.25-inch receiver, to a 2-bike 2-inch receiver. Whether you are planning for a group ride or just fun for the family, the Parkway can accommodate it. With ample room on the forks, you can load up to 4 bikes. With a weight limit of 35 lbs, most adult bikes will ride securely and safely.
This carrier has an 11-inch fork width that can handle bikes of most sizes. This width can accommodate all but the tiniest or most unusually shaped bikes. Like many other rear-mounted carriers, you can fold the frame down for access, which requires you to remove a bolt. Like most carriers of this type, you have to have the bikes off of the forks. Leaving your bikes on the car while trying to lower them can cause potential damage or harm to you and/or your bikes.
The one biggest complaint about Thule’s Parkway bike carrier is that it does not use a standard hitch pin. Also, to lock it down, you must have Thule’s lock. Although I cannot suggest it, many have reported that they drill out the hole and use their own pin and lock to overcome this, but this complaint is not just isolated to Thule. One advantage to this way of securing it to the receiver is that it creates more stability and less vibration of the carrier frame.
The Pros
- Can carry up to 4 bikes
- Rust-free protection
- Anti-sway cages
- Easy to mount
The Cons
- Heavy loads may damage the car fender
- Requires a specific tool for mounting/removing the rack from car
5. Yakima DoubleDown 4 Bike Hitch Mount Rack
Yakima has been providing quality protects to the bicycle industry for over 25 years thanks to its tool-free locking system which ensures a stress-free setup. A Yakima bike rack considers your bike’s frame to maintain its condition. It’s no wonder that the DoubleDown series of hitch mounted bike racks are so popular. The DoubleDown offers the following features.
Yakima’s special cradle, called the switchblade, keeps your bikes from damaging themselves. Swaying can wear or even destroy your favorite bike, making for a bad day. Less sway means fewer worries for you, and that means a more enjoyable ride.
The arms on this carrier are thin enough to fit most bikes. However, some riders have reported that they have difficulty with the kids’ bikes. Usually, most get them on after a few minutes of trying them in different positions. A powder coating finish helps keep your carrier looking good. It’s durable so it will withstand wear and tear. Although any coating overall does not weigh that much, powder coat is lighter than paint, so it does help in keeping the weight down.
There’s no need to worry about what size receiver you have thanks to the versatility in-vehicle mounting. Yakima had the foresight to know that the Class II and Class III mounts are the most widely used and included an adapter. You can easily change from a 2-inch hitch to a 1 ¼-inch hitch. Riding with a friend with a different sized hidden tow mount is not a problem.
This unit can be handled relatively easily. Weighing in at 37.5 pounds, almost anyone can move it around if swapping vehicles or removing it for other activities.
One complaint is that you have to use Yakima’s own hitch pin which can be frustrating. The upside to this is (and other manufacturers who do this) is that their unique pin will cinch down on to the central tube. By doing this, the amount of noise and vibration is reduced, making a more comfortable ride for you and your passengers. However, this can be difficult to obtain should you need a spare.
The Double Down is a stable and sturdy way to move around your rides. You will drive leisurely knowing that your bikes will ride smoothly through rush-hour traffic or backwoods roads. Finally, Yakima’s warranty is limited to the original owner of the product. Additionally, they will cover manufacturer defects, but not wear and tear. They will not cover abuse such as overloading and ramming it into that brick wall behind you. As long as you take care of your Yakima DoubleDown, it will take care of you for many many years.
The Pros
- Fits 1.5 and 2-inch receivers
- Anti-sway cables
- Accommodates virtually any bike
The Cons
- Hard to install alone
- Expensive
- A bit heavy
6. Yakima Products Hold Up Tray Style Bike Rack
The aspect of the Yakima Tray Style Bike Rack is superior, from construction, quality and fitting to ease of installation. These features make this product highly desirable. The Yakima looks sturdy, and it is. Its StrongArm design is capable of carrying up to 4 bikes – whether they are 20” wheel or a 29’ers. The easy-to-adjust sliding wheel tray makes catching the rear wheel a snap of the fingers. Customers appreciate the StrongArm pivoting wheel hook, which secures without contacting the frame.
Yakima also got our attention for versatility and style. The new design features a SKS Cable Lock System to deliver a secure and straightforward vehicle attachment. You will never have any issues with the bike-to-bike contact, and the trays easily hold plus-sized tires up to 5 inches wide. Like most of the tray style hitch racks, the Yakima has front wheel clamps that are pushed down onto the front tire. Overall, with a few minor tweaks and a high price tag, you will be impressed with the adjustability and light weight of the rack.
The Pros
- Excellent quick lock and anti-wobble system
- Easy to carry
- Bike frame is kept secured
- Accommodates carbon road bikes as well as disc brakes
The Cons
- Expensive racks
7. Hollywood Racks HR1400 Sport Rider SE 4-Bike Platform Style Hitch Mount Rack
Thule Hollywood Racks HR1400 is one of the simplest hitch racks in our review. This bike carrier holds 2 or 4 bikes (max. 50 lbs per bike). Heavy-duty platform-style rack mounts will fit almost any style of bike using a universal top clamp and adjustable wheel holders. This makes it perfect for large family vacations. You can fold it flat on your car trunk when not using it. It’s extremely reliable to use for all occasions. If you want a bike rack made from top-quality materials – including high-strength steel – this one is a top choice. Safely carry 2 to 4 bikes as the rack securely mounts onto the 2-inch hitch.
The 9′ security cable keeps this rack safe and secure on the go and protects it from thieves. The wheel straps add security to the rack. Once you’ve secured it successfully, use the locking mechanism to keep thieves from stealing the rack.
The Pros
- Built to offer you solace
- You can carry up to four bicycles
- Comes pre-assembled and is easy to adjust
- Lifetime limited warranty
The Cons
- Have to mount an extension to carry 4 bikes
- Only one strap to secure bikes to the rack
- The bikes touch one another when driving
8. Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0 -2 Bike Rack
Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0 is an updated version of the Kuat Racks series. This Kuat bike rack has many benefits, including that it’s ergonomically designed. This updated version offers better security, compatibility, and a user-friendly design. Highlights include semi-integrated bike lock and front tire ratchet design for better operation. These hitch racks make loading and unloading of the bikes easier due to their low loading height. The foot release is a fantastic option compared to other brands like the T2 Classic, which needs 2 hands for the same job.
Its rear tire cradle features a co-molded strap which makes securing the wheel easy. It is hard to assemble, but still worth every penny. You need to remain careful when installing. The folding tire cradle creates enough spaces so your bikes won’t rub, and the all-aluminum construction makes it lightweight. Overall, this rack is crafted to offer the best quality regarding bike carrying.
The Pros
- Lightweight and simple, foot-pedal-tilt mechanism
- Convenient front tire ratchet design
- Co-molded strap to protect wheels
The Cons
- Lacks versatility
- Expensive
- Tough to fit smaller bikes on
9. TYGER Deluxe Black 1-Bike Trunk Mount Bicycle Carrier Rack
The much anticipated Mount Bicycle Carrier Rack from the well-known brand Tyger Auto is good for travelers. It takes just a few minutes out of the box to attach to your bikes. It offers both 1-1/4” and 2” hitch receivers. Make no mistake: this one fits all types of dual-arm bikes on vehicles equipped with either a 1.25 or a 2-inch hitch receiver. The bike cable lock and hitch pin lock ensure that your bike and bike rack remain secure during transportation. In addition to its incredible versatility, TYGER Deluxe 4-Bike Carrier Rack is also one of the lightest racks in its class. We also love its 2 safety straps which stabilize the bike during driving. This, in addition to the soft cradles and bar cushion, prevent any damage.
Installation is easy, but don’t install it on campers, RVs, or any other types of vehicles longer than 18″. This is Tyger Auto’s top-selling model, which holds 4 bikes total. A little pricier, this model is perfect for a family ready to ride together. When it comes to foldable racks, manufacturers assume that you won’t remove them daily as they are more of a set-it-and-forget-it item.
The Pros
- Padded lower frame prevents damage
- Safety strap included
- 100% assembled to make your installation process easier
- Sturdy and handy construction
The Cons
- Hard to adjust the arms
- Not ideal for campers, RUVs, and long cars
10. Allen Sports Deluxe 5-Bike Hitch Mount Rack with 2-Inch Receiver
The Allen Sports Deluxe 5-Bike Hitch Mount Rack has the capacity to take on a the most number of bikes in our top 10 reviews. But only the downside is it only fits vehicles with a 2-inch trailer hitch. However, the latest version carries your bicycles securely and avoids any hassle. Allen Sports has always made competent and affordable bike racks for bicycling enthusiasts everywhere. Allen Sports has added tie-down cradles and quick-setting straps to secure, protect, and reduce wobbling while your bicycles are strapped in.
The arm design makes loading a range of bikes easy. The sturdy steel construction maintains a high level of quality (this quality is common for an Allen sports bike rack). Black powder coat finish makes this product more robust and durable. With only 3 bolts needed to assemble this hitch rack, it’s easy to attach to your car. After all, Allen Deluxe Hitch Racks has all the necessary hardware included to install the rack into your receiver hitch securely.
The Pros
- Covers all the basics despite its low price tag
- Proven design
- Installs in less than 5 minutes
- Foldable
The Cons
- Bikes cannot lock to the mount
- Fits 2-inch hitches only
Finding The Right Hitch Bike Rack
If your vehicle has a low clearance, make sure that the bike rack also has enough ground clearance so your bikes and the rack can avoid any damage. And if your vehicle has a spare tire mounted to the rear, make sure you get a hitch mount bike rack that has a longer shank. Measure the distance between the hitch pin hole center on the hitch receiver to the outer edge of the spare tire. Make sure your measurements are accurate.
All in all, these are the things you need to remember when looking for the best hitch mount bike carrier for your vehicle. Stick to these tips, and you’ll have nothing but endless fun bringing your bikes anywhere you want. Good luck!
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Yakima, Thule, and Kuat are some of the biggest players in the space. Their quality is really second to none. I’m actually looking to upgrade the bike rack that I have now and was considering one of the big 3!