Best Hitch Mount Bike Racks
Finding the ideal bike rack for your hitch may seem like a straightforward goal. The problem is that there are so many options on the market right now that it’s difficult to know where to begin.
Hitch mount bike racks are available in numerous sizes and styles. Other bike racks are being promoted by manufacturers for different sorts of bikes, including mountain bikes, electric cycles, and specialty bikes. In terms of interoperability with vehicles, they also differ. As a result, before making a purchase decision for a bike rack, you should do some research, evaluation, and comparison of the various models in light of the vehicle you plan to use them on.
Allen Sports 2-Bike Hitch Racks
The Allen Sports 522R, a scaled-down version of the Allen Sports Deluxe 4-bike receiver, is the best 2-bike hitch bike rack for anyone seeking one. In reality, we discovered that these two models were comparable in practically every way during our study and comparison.
| Best Overall Hitch Bike Rack | Allen Sports 2-Bike Hitch Bike Rack |
| Best 4 Bike Hitch Bike Rack | Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Rack |
| Best Budget Hitch Bike Rack | IKURAM R 2-Bike Hitch Bike Rack |
| Best Heavy-Weight Hitch Bike Rack | KAC K2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack |
| Best Tilting Hitch Bike Rack | Yakima Ridgeback Hitch Bike Rack |
| Best RV Hitch Bike Rack | Swagman Traveler XC2 RV Hitch Bike Rack |
| Best for Trucks and SUVs | Maxxhaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack |
What Is a Hitch Bike Rack?
Simply said, a hitch bike rack is a bicycle accessory that you can attach to the hitch of your car to transport your bikes. It enables you to move your bike between points A and B without needing to disassemble it or buy a trailer. Depending on factors like bike capacity, vehicle hitch class, and price, you can select from a variety of bike rack models.
Types of Hitch Bike Rack Designs
Hanging Hitch Bike Racks
Except for a few types that support just the wheels, hanging bike racks hang your bike from the top frame. These devices may store anywhere between 2 and 5 bicycles.
Platform Hitch Bike Racks
Bicycle platform racks secure your bike by the wheels. These designs are less prone to wobble and are more sturdy. Your bikes can be loaded and unloaded more easily.
Our Selection of the Best Hitch Mount Bike Racks
1. Allen Sports 2-Bike Hitch Rack
Specs & Features
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Bike Carry Capacity | 2 bikes |
When it comes to platform hitch racks, the Allen Sports XR200 is fairly adaptable, fitting either a 1-1/4-inch or 2-inch receiver hitch.
In terms of versatility, the XR200’s adjustable wheel trays let it accommodate even those huge tires. Additionally, it has a frame attachment method that enables a tighter fit for reduced swaying during transit. The XR200 can transport a variety of motorcycles, both in terms of size and type, making your life that much simpler.
The XR200 also has another characteristic, or more precisely, it has the feature of not needing an adaptor bar to transport bicycles without a typical tube top. When not in use, the XR200 folds up against the car; while this is helpful, make sure you have enough cushioning or fabric to prevent unnecessary scratches on your car.
The upper frame connector clings to a wide range of tube sizes and shapes and completely secures and safeguards your bike. Wheel trays are compatible with tires up to 3 inches wide, as well as a variety of bicycles with wheelbases ranging from 35 to 48 inches and wheels 20 to 29 inches in diameter.
Individual tie-down cradles are included with the XR200 while still allowing access to the trunk, which is incredibly convenient.
What we liked
- While not in use, folds against the vehicle
- Applies to hitch receivers that are both 1-1/4″ and 2″
- Versatile and movable, enabling a wide range of motion
What we didn’t like
- Difficult to attach and detach
- If linked to the 1-1/4 inch hitch receiver, it can tremble slightly
2. Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack
Specs & Features
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Bike Carry Capacity | 4 bikes |
Two 22-inch arms on the Allen Sports Deluxe are designed to keep the bikes away from the tailgate of your car. Additionally, it provides adequate room for 4 bikes to be transported without too much banging between the bikes.
The two arms’ four pairs of top plates make it exceedingly simple to load and unload your bicycles. It’s important to note that because these top plates are flexible rubber, they may accommodate bikes with broader frames. Again, unlike top plates made of hard plastic, rubber cradles are more durable.
The individual cradles include characteristics that resemble raised teeth when examined more closely. Once more, the rubber straps on each of the cradles are used to secure the bikes to them like a backpack strap. What I enjoy about this is that the rubber cradles won’t chew through the paint on your bike frame. Again, the nylon straps snugly secure the frames, preventing any errant movements. Additionally, there aren’t many struggles involved in tying these straps. But it’s not something that someone with bad intentions would do in an instant.
For this hitch rack to fit on your car, you will need a 2-inch trailer hitch or a corresponding extension. The hitch rack has no-wobble bolts that firmly and almost completely eliminate any wobbling hold of the rack in the hitch. A tilting mechanism on the Allen Sports Deluxe lets you open the back door and remove your belongings.
Without having to remove the entire hitch rack, you can simply fold the arms down once all the bicycles have been removed from the rack to get them out of the way and keep your setup looking tidy and orderly. The rack can be worn when traveling. Additionally, it makes it simple to park your car in the garage because the rack takes up less room.
The rack detaches from the hitch just as easily as it was installed, even if you have to uninstall it. In fact, it would be best to swap out the nut and bolt for a regular trailer pin if you plan to install and remove it frequently. With no bolt to loosen, it will be much simpler to put on and take off in this manner.
What we liked
- Black powder coat coating and steel construction provide durability
- Carries 4 bikes weighing a combined 140 pounds
- Allows access to the back door by tilting away
What we didn’t like
- After a while, the cradles’ rubber starts to deteriorate
3. IKURAM R 2-Bike Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Specs & Features
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Foldable | No |
| Bike Carry Capacity | 2 bikes |
The IKURAM hitch bike rack is compatible with most common Class 3 and 4 two-inch receiver hitches and can hold up to two bikes with a combined weight of up to 84 lbs.
The IKURAM hitch rack is ideal for anyone traveling between cities or to a nearby bike trail. If you’re traveling with your family, you may purchase a crossbar adaptor, which is available separately and is useful for children’s bikes.
It is built of sturdy, corrosion-resistant alloy steel, which provides an extra benefit. The gloss gives the piece a polished appearance that complements your car. To avoid any chipping and maintain the appearance of your bike finish, it also comes with padded bike cradles with hook and loop straps. While the UV resistance of the rubber cradle straps helps to delay aging and deterioration.
The installation method is also quick and simple. The no-wobble hitch installation means that you don’t have to be concerned about swaying when being transported. There is no need to first remove the hitch rack because of the practical design of the IKURAM hitch bike rack, which also makes it possible to access the back of your car through its swing-down mechanisms.
What we liked
- Affordable
- Swing down makes it simple to access the car’s trunk
- Perfectly suited for both intracity and interstate travel
What we didn’t like
- Does not fold
- Not the greatest suit for tandem or recumbent bikes
4. KAC K2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Specs & Features
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Bike Carry Capacity | 2 bikes |
The K2 has an anti-wobble system to stop your car or bike from becoming scratched while in transit. It incorporates a folding mechanism for simple storage when not in use and a handy quick-tilt system for easy access to the back baggage.
The K2 can support two bikes that weigh up to 60 pounds each, for a total weight of 120 pounds. It features a powder coating to provide corrosion resistance and increase its toughness and endurance. The majority of the regular, fat tire and e-bike models can use the 5-inch wheel trays.
The majority of the elements are pre-assembled, making it simple to install and adjust, which facilitates efficient installation. However, I’ve discovered that bikes with lower frames would need the KAC bike frame adaptor, which is available separately. I would suggest just utilizing 2-inch hitches with this hitch mount bike rack.
Although the K2 lacks security and anti-theft features, it does have a limited lifetime warranty that covers certain accidents or performance problems.
What we liked
- Anti-wobble technology guards against shakiness and damage
- The rear reflector improves visibility
- The quick-tilt device makes the trunk accessible
What we didn’t like
- Additional locks are required because it lacks a security system
5. Yakima Ridgeback Tilt-Away Hitch Bike Rack
Specs & Features
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Bike Carry Capacity | 5 bikes |
The Yakima Ridgeback is a multi-bike hitch mount rack with a fantastic design. It has a built-in opener at the end of the cradle arms for your beverages and was made with ease and functionality in mind. The twin arms have a set of five hard plastic bike cradles for five motorcycles. For individuals who want to use the rack frequently, the hard plastic material is ideal because it prevents the cradles from degrading as quickly as rubber cradles would. The interior of each of the plastic cradles is plush. They can’t scratch the paint off your bike frames or leave scuff marks because of this.
Three zip strips are used to hold the arms of each of your bikes. These long, simple-to-use zip strips may suit bikes with broader frames because of their length. The anti-sway cradles, together with the grooves and levers, securely fasten the bikes. This is a fantastic strategy to reduce swaying while in transit. In order to prevent damage during transit, a swooping mast design provides enough room for all paddles, cranks, and sprockets.
Without extra tools, the Ridgeback may be removed from the hitch receiver with ease. The bike rack also simply folds up when not in use so that it is out of the way if it will be used frequently.
What we liked
- Allows access to the trunk by tilting away
- Bike-to-bike contact is eliminated by anti-sway cradles
- No further tools are required because the speed knob removes any shaking
What we didn’t like
- You’ll require a frame adaptor for hybrid bikes without the standard frame
6. Swagman Traveler XC2
Specs & Features
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Bike Carry Capacity | 2 bikes |
Your bike will be held in place by two-wheel trays on this platform-style bike rack. You’ll likely like the low height of this rack the most if you’re sick of lifting your bikes up onto the roof of your high car.
Swagman Traveler is just as durable as it appears. It is composed of a sturdy metal gauge that will support two bikes, each weighing 35 pounds, for a number of years. To avoid rust and corrosion, its metallic arms are also covered in a black powder coating.
This model’s wheel trays are wide enough to fit wheels ranging in size from 20 inches to 29 inches. By rotating a knob, each of these wheel cradles can be separately adjusted along the arm. This makes it simple for you to transport anything, both a child’s bike and an adult bike with a wider wheelbase. Unfortunately, a security cable is not included with the Swagman Traveler XC2. Therefore, when purchasing the hitch-mounted bike rack, you must order it individually.
When the bikes are attached to the bike rack, the Swagman Traveler won’t let you enter the trunk if you need to. Again, because opening your trunk on a road trip isn’t typically necessary, the Traveler is an excellent choice for RV drivers. However, unloading the bikes can be done quickly in under a minute if you need to access the trunk of your car.
When not in use, the cradles fold up, and they can be driven with the bike rack in the folded position without being an inconvenience. Since the rack doesn’t take up much space, the convenience of folding also makes storage simple.
What we liked
- Arrives with a 4.5-inch RV bumper
- Bicycles are securely held in place by thickly padded hooks, which also shield the frame’s color
- Bikes of various heights can be accommodated by padded hooks that swivel up and down
What we didn’t like
- The security wire for the bikes and the locking hitch pin for the rack are supplied separately
7. Maxxhaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Specs & Features
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Foldable | No |
| Bike Carry Capacity | 2 bikes |
The MaxxHaul 50027 is a tough truck that is composed completely of alloy steel, which has outstanding corrosion-resistance qualities. Additionally, it features a tidy finish that will fit in perfectly with your car.
It includes a 2 x 2-inch universal fit bar that works with most 2-inch class three and class four hitch receivers used on SUVs, sedans, and trucks.
The hooks and tire cradles on the MaxxHaul 50027 make it simple to fit the majority of bicycle frames with wheels ranging from 20 to 26 inches in diameter. You don’t need to be concerned about your bike’s frame size. The changes to the hook design accommodate various bike frame sizes.
The two foam-padded hooks prevent any chafing or scratching while holding your bikes to the rack. This is ideal for avoiding damage during transportation. The vertical post may be quickly and easily removed for small storage. Additionally, this facilitates rapid and simple assembly and disassembly.
Rubber straps that are easily adjustable are included with the MaxxHaul to improve stability and safety. Additionally, a hitch tightener is available to eliminate any hitch play or wobbles when being transported. You may quickly fix your hitch receiver’s downward orientation by purchasing an adaptor. Depending on the model of bike you have, you can add a few extras.
What we liked
- Easily put together
- Ideally suited to trucks and SUVs
What we didn’t like
- A little more pricey than other bike racks of the same type
The Benefits of a Hitch Mount Bike Rack
There are three different kinds of bike racks: hitch mount, trunk mount, and roof mount. Each has advantages and disadvantages, but in general, the traditional hitch bike rack is the most widely used option.
Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Bike racks are named for the way they attach to the rear hitch of your car. When it comes to bike transportation, experts concur that hitch racks are the most durable and adaptable. Even though they are the most expensive rack types, riders continue to favor them the most.
The benefit of a hitch mount bike rack is that it makes use of the shortcomings of other rack designs to offer you a flexible and very useful way to carry your bikes.
They feature modest mounting heights, which is their main advantage over their roof-mounted equivalents. For bikers with large bikes, those who are unable to lift heavy objects or those who are smaller in size, this feature alone is worth a million dollars. Additionally, hitch racks hold bikes farther away from your vehicle than trunk-mounted bike racks do, minimizing the risk of harming the paint or trim.
The majority of trunk-mounted racks are substantially less stable than hitch racks. Additionally, if you intend to transport multiple large mountain or electric bikes, this style is your best option.
For many regular bikers, this versatility elevates them to the pinnacle of bicycle mobility.
Trunk-Mounted Bike Rack
Usually, bike racks that attach to the trunk are the cheapest option. Sadly, they frequently have the weakest security. The frames of these versions contain movable straps. These frames are mounted to the hatchback, rear bumper, or trunk of your car. Despite being more affordable and compact than other types of bike racks, truck-mounted racks are more likely to harm your car. Once more, the straps are simply trimmed or able to snap. Having the motorcycles mounted on these racks also makes it difficult to reach the truck.
Roof-Mounted Bike Rack
Roof-mounted bike racks are connected to the roof rack system on your car. Some roof-mounted bike racks are also attached to the upper door frame or roof rails of your car. These are perfect for cars without a roof rack already installed. The cost of installing the bike rack is greatly lowered if your car already has a roof rack.
The main advantage of these types is the rack’s versatility, which extends beyond only carrying bikes. Again, roof-mounted racks let you transport several bikes while freeing up your hitch for more storage.
However, installing roof-mounted bike racks is a little more difficult. They demand significant lifting, which is challenging for larger vehicles or bulkier off-road bikes.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Hitch Bike Rack
There are a few important factors to keep in mind while purchasing bicycle transportation gear.
Choosing the Correct Hitch Rack for Your Car
A hitch mount bike rack is compatible with the majority of vehicles that have a hitch receiver. It can typically be added if your car lacks a hitch receiver. EZ Travel and Reese Towpower 81378 are a couple of our top picks. They are really inexpensive, sturdy for up to two bikes, and simple to install. You’ll need to determine whether your ideal bike rack will fit into the hitch, assuming your car already has one.
The Right Size Hitch
Typically, hitches are categorized into classes based on the towing capacity of each vehicle. From Class I (fits any car, tows up to 2,000 pounds) to Class V, they are available (only fit full-size pickups and vans with a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds or more).
With a few exceptions, hitches from Class II and higher must be used with hitch mount bike racks. This is so that heavyweights can’t be supported by the Class I hitches’ “tongues.” If your vehicle has an aftermarket hitch or an aftermarket hitch, check the hitch itself for a remark, sticker, or stamp with the classification to determine what type of hitch it has. You could also get in touch with the hitch maker directly.
Specs of the vehicle and clearance
You must evaluate the design of your car when looking for a trailer hitch bike rack to make sure you choose one that works with your arrangement.
You might require a bike rack with a longer shank (the square metal tube that slips into the hitch receiver) if your car has a rear-mounted spare tire in order to protect your car and bikes from harm. To determine the minimum required length for the shank, measure the distance between the center of the hitch’s pinhole and the outermost edge of the spare tire. As an alternative, you can increase clearance by adding an extension like the Heininger 6000 Advantage. However, be aware that extenders reduce your hitch’s weight capacity by 50%.
If your car has limited ground clearance, you should make sure the hitch rack you choose is high enough off the ground to protect the bikes and the rack from damage when you drive over bumps.
Vehicle Accessibility
Accessibility to the vehicle’s luggage space may be compromised by hitch-mounted bike racks, especially with some of the more basic, less expensive types.
- The back of your car cannot be accessed when a fixed-position hitch bike rack is in place.
- When you pull a switch or take out a pin, tilting hitch bike racks will tilt down at the base of the rack. You can access the rear door or hatch with these racks, but you have to take the bikes out of the way to tilt the rack.
- You will have unrestricted access while the bikes are on the rack since swing-away racks will completely swing the bikes away from the car. Typically, they operate by removing a clip or pin.
Swing-Away or Tilting Feature
There is always the debate about whether the tilt feature or the swing-away feature is superior. Both offer advantages that will be useful.
When your bikes are loaded, how often do you need to open the hatch or trunk? Which feature you should prioritize will depend on the response to this query. The swing away is a preferable option if you frequently need to open the hatch or trunk. Without having to unload the bikes, you can effortlessly swing the rack away and reach your trunk or tailgate.
The tilt is the better choice if you have a limited budget because it is less expensive than the swing away. If you need to reach the hatch, you may simply tilt the rack down using the tilt rack. You must be careful when moving a tilt rack, either to access the hatch or to position it. Always be aware of the approximate weight you are working with and tilt the rack slowly.
Size Of Bicycle Wheels And Tire Width
Before you purchase your bike rack, it’s crucial to see whether there are any requirements for tire width or wheel size. The majority of bike racks have requirements for tire width and wheel size. An excellent illustration is the compatibility of the vertical hitch bike racks with bikes with normal wheels measuring 20 to 29 inches and bikes with mid- or fat-tired wheels measuring 24 to 29 inches.
Build and Materials
Bike racks should be made of strong, visually pleasing, and highly practical material. When you know that your bike rack will be completely exposed to the weather during transportation, you shouldn’t use a material that is not weather resistant. Thermoplastic and stainless steel are both recommended options. Titanium can also be used to make bike racks, but those would undoubtedly cost more. Each type of bike rack material has advantages and disadvantages. Steel is an excellent option because it is inexpensive and has good resistance to cutting and bending.
Weight
Another factor is the bike rack’s own weight. An excessively weighted bike rack could harm your car. The weight of the bike rack is greatly influenced by a variety of factors. The bike rack’s capacity will be significantly influenced by its weight. Most bike racks weigh between 45 and 50 pounds on average, with no component weighing more than 18 pounds. The weight of the bike rack will increase with its carrying capacity. Lighter bikes require a lighter bike rack whereas heavy bikes require a heavier bike rack.
The Thule Helium Pro 2, which weighs just 19 lbs, is one of the lightest hitch mount bike racks available. This is due to the lightweight nature of aluminum used in its construction. You can choose from a variety of alternative light-weight bike rack solutions. Just keep in mind that bigger bikes cannot be stored on a light bike rack.
Security Options
When you use a bike rack, your bikes are very visible and noticeable. This can frighten you, especially if you’re in a dangerous or remote area. You can take precautions like locking your bicycle up, setting off an alarm, or even purchasing bicycle insurance. By using bike locks, you can make it very difficult for someone to steal your bike. If your rack comes equipped with its own bike locks, that makes security so much easier and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Hitch Mount Bike Rack Questions
Are there anti-rattle devices on hitch mount racks?
The majority of bike racks contain an anti-rattle mechanism, but you must be aware of how simple it is to use. Some have a simple twist-knob for operation, while others include a hitch bolt that calls for the use of a wrench each time you load or unload bikes.
Can I tow while mounting a bike rack on my hitch?
While the bike rack is installed, you may be able to tow your trailer with some hitch racks.
Are installing hitch bike racks simple?
The majority of hitch bike racks are simple to install, however, some are quite hefty or call for special tools.
What laws are there regarding hitch bike racks?
Ask your local state’s road authority about the regulations governing the use of racks before mounting and towing your bikes on your hitch mount bike racks. For instance, the Highway Traffic Act’s Section 13(2) mandates that your vehicle’s license plate be always displayed. This is for our readers from Ontario. Again, Subsection 62(4) and (7) states that it is unlawful to use any attachments to block the vehicle’s lamps. Therefore, check out to make sure the rack won’t get you into difficulty.
Allen Sports 2-Bike Hitch Racks
The Allen Sports 522R, a scaled-down version of the Allen Sports Deluxe 4-bike receiver, is the best 2-bike hitch bike rack for anyone seeking for one. In reality, we discovered that these two models were comparable in practically every way during our study and comparison.