A hitch-mount rack system is the most convenient way to haul bicycles if your vehicle has a tow hitch. They’re easier to load than rooftop alternatives, won’t raise the vehicle’s height clearance and can haul up to six bikes at a time. Hitch-mounted bike racks fall into two different categories: platform and hanging. Platform models are more stable while hanging racks provide more carrying capacity.
Platform racks transport bikes by securing the tires in wheel cradles and the top of the tires or frame to an adjustable arm. This eliminates potential abrasion of the bike’s finish. Platform racks do better carrying heavy bikes (such as cruisers or e-bikes), those with step-though frames and full-suspension mountain bikes. They generally cost more. Hanging racks suspend bikes by their frames, which creates for increased carrying capacity. They’re easier to mount and unmount and generally less expensive. Disadvantages include potential damage from frame-to-frame contact. Also, hanging racks can’t accommodate heavier bikes or those with unusual frames.
The selections below include a combination of platform and hanging styles suited for a wide range of needs and budgets. Here are five of the best hitch-mounted bike carriers:
Best Overall: Thule T2 Pro XT
Why We Picked It:
Thule’s T2 Pro XT model is the most versatile and ergonomic hitch-mount rack for hauling up to two bikes at a time. An intuitive tilt release mechanism lowers the system to the ground to allow for trunk and hatchback access. Robust ratcheting arms and wheel clamps function to secure bikes in place. What sets the T2 Pro XT apart from its competitors is the ability to haul a vast array of two-wheelers–including fat bikes–without adapters.
Pros:
- Built-in robust locking system; optional two-bike add-on accessory
- Carries two 60-pound bikes with ease; fits tires up to five inches wide
- Fits 2-inch and 1.25-inchhitch receivers; features tool-free attachment and removal
Cons:
- Heavy at 51 pounds
- Some assembly required
Best For Hauling Many Bikes: Yakima Hang Over 6
Why We Picked It:
Yakima’s Hang Over 6 hitch-mounted rack is the most secure way to transport up to six bikes at a time. Especially suited for gravity trail and enduro riders, it hauls mountain bikes with ease. The vertical carrying tower takes up minimal space and has two pedal-operated tilt angles that enable users to adjust the bikes’ distance from the vehicle. It holds bikes in place by the rear tire and fork base and offers easy rear vehicle access.
Pros:
- Huge carrying capacity; adjustable mast heights optimize ground clearance
- No handlebar/seat post interference
- Built to last; robust construction
Cons:
- Only works with suspension forks; low weight limit of 37.5 pounds per bike
- Heavy; not easy to transport and store
- Fits 2-inch hitches only
Best Budget 4-Bike Carrier: AllenSports Deluxe 4
Why We Picked It:
The AllenSports Deluxe hitch mount rack offers the best combination of price (about $115) and security for hauling four bikes together. Installation is simple: secure four bolts and position the 23-pound rack into place. Two arms feature four sets of padded cradles that rotate as needed for hauling a wide variety of bikes. While the rack must first be unloaded, the pin-locking tilt mechanism swings down, making it easy to grab gear from the rear.
Pros:
- Great price tag for a rack that carries four bikes
- Folding carry arms ensure a low profile when not in use
- Easy mounting and un-mounting process
Cons:
- No security features included
- Frame contact carry and minimal space between bikes may require purchasing extra equipment to securely fit and transport bikes
- Fits 2-inch hitches only
Best Budget 2-Bike Carrier: MaxxHaul 50027
Why We Picked It:
The $90 MaxxHaul 50027 2-Bike Carrier is a convenient way to haul up to two bikes at once without breaking the bank. Adjustable, padded hooks and tire cradles fit bikes with 20” – 26” wheels. Quick knobs allow for proper positioning of multiple bikes along the horizontal arms. This product also includes a hitch tightener, which serves to reduce vibration and wobbling when you’re on the move.
Pros:
- Easy installation and tool-free assembly
- Vertical post is removable, making for easy storage
- Affordable; one of the most consumer-reviewed products available for under $100
Cons:
- Fits 2-inch hitches only.
- Limits rear vehicle access.
Best for 1.25-inch Hitch Receivers: Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0
Why We Picked It:
The Sherpa 2.0 is solidly built for smaller vehicles with 1.25-inch hitch receivers. It holds two bikes, 80 pounds combined, with 20- to 29-inch wheels and tires up to 3 inches wide. The bikes rest on trays, then secure with ratcheting hook arms (front wheels) and plastic straps (rears). Locks are included for the hitch and bikes. It’s not cheap at $500-plus, but cheaper than Kuat’s top-line NV system. There’s a separate Sherpa 2.0 model bike rack for cars with 2-inch hitches (2.0 is the rack version for both carriers, not hitch size).
Pros:
- Quickly tilts away when SUV tailgate opens, folds up for no-bikes travel
- Light (34 pounds) versus the competition
- Well-made Kuat adapter D101 ($15) fits rack to 2-inch hitch receivers
Cons:
- Included bike lock is best for rest stops not overnight security
- Clear setup guide but challenging setup (blind-threading two 18-inch bolts onto hidden nuts)
- Two-bike add-on works only on Sherpa with 2-inch hitch connector
- Patented design fits sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUV's consult manufacturer web site for specific vehicle fit information
- Side straps for increased lateral stability. Single configuration design eliminates setup hassles and headaches during installation
- Individual tie downs secure and protect bicycles
- Stable floor rack for holding up to 5 bicycles, good for 12'' to 26'' bikes
- Easy to assemble and adjustable (from 1 to 5 compartments), no hardware needed
- Fine Powder Coated Steel resist in all weather condition
- ►HEAVY DUTY - Tubular steel construction makes this two bike rack one of the sturdiest bike racks on the market
- ►EASE OF USE - Quickly store 2 bikes with ease. No clamps, no brackets, no lifing. Just roll the bike into the rack and walk away
- ►VERSATILE - Bikes Can Be Stored In The Same Or Alternate Directions
- Hanging hitch-mount bike carrier for 2 bikes
- Rack tilts down for rear of vehicle access
- Designed to fit 1.25" or 2" hitch receivers
- Includes two foam-padded hooks to secure and stabilize bikes to the rack without scratching bike's finish. Hooks and tire cradles adjust to fit most bikes frames with 20" to 26" wheel sizes
- Vertical post can be quickly removed for compact storage
- Bike tire cradles can be adjusted along horizontal bars using quick knobs for convenience and includes rubber straps for added stability.Material:Steel
- Space Saving Indoor Bike Storage: Featuring An Innovative Low-Impact Stand Design, The Michelangelo 2 Bike Rack Garage Simply Leans Against The Wall And Uses Gravity To Secure Up To 2 Bicycles
- Hassle-Free Assembly : The Michelangelo Garage Bike Rack Takes Minimal Effort And Expertise To Install, All You Need Is A Screwdriver. Assembly Hardware And A Wall Strap Is Included To Create A Secure Wall Bike Rack In Minutes
- Fully Adjustable Bicycle Storage : Arms Accommodate Any Bike Size Or Style, Up To 40Lbs. Support Arms Are Repositioned With A Simple Twist, No Tools Needed, Which Means This Rack Is Easy To Adjust Once Assembled
- 4 bike rack fits vehicles with a 2 inch trailer hitch only. Vehicle will require professionally installed Class III or IV 2 inches hitch to use this product
- 22 inch long carry arms individually secure bicycles with Allen's patented tie down system
- Folding carry arms quickly drop out of the way when rack is not in use. Minor assembly required.
- EASY TO USE UPRIGHT DESIGN - means no more struggling to lift and hang heavy bikes to make room in your houses.
- PREVENTS BIKES FROM DAMAGING - no more scratches or damage to walls, ceilings, cars & more
- LETS YOU KEEP YOUR BIKE INSIDE - protects your bike from weather and damage
- Verify product compatibility with vehicle
- Customer must supply all mounting hardware
- Assembler will not install vehicle hitch
- LENGTH & ANGLE ADJUSTABLE: The bike hanger features a movable hook enable the length of the bike rack can be adjusted from 13.5" to 17.7", and the angle can be adjusted from 0-360 degrees to keep the bike horizontal and adapt to different bicycle frame.Not only our bike hook can save space, but also allow the bike to be placed at the angle and position that you are satisfied with.
- FOLDABLE DESIGNED:Our garage bike rack designed with a unique feature that bike beam not only can be adjusted in length, but also can be folded. When in use, put the beam down, and then easily put on the bike. When not in use, it can be folded up and doesn't block the way.
- ANTI-SCRATCH & RUST RESISTANT:The hook is covered with soft sponge to protect the bike from scratches.Whether aluminium rack, titanium rack, carbon rack or steel rack,you can use with confidence. Powder coating keep the bike hook smooth and protect it from rusting.
Methodology
Forbes Wheels reviewed dozens of hitch-mounted bike carriers for features and capabilities. We focused on options designed to carry different quantities of bikes and fit a variety of hitch sizes. We narrowed the field to companies with strong reputations in the auto accessory market and a high quantity of positive consumer reviews.
Prices range from under $100 to $800, not including accessories. We tested five hitch-mounted bike carriers and rated them for carrying capacity, versatility, ease of installation and loading, hitch receiver requirements and security features. We also compared them for price-performance.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why should I get a trailer hitch bike rack over a roof-mount rack?
Hitch racks are ideal for hauling more than two bikes. The loading process is easier and doesn’t require overhead lifting. For tow-hitch equipped vehicles–especially those that have other rooftop accessories–a hitch-mount bike rack is the way to go.
How do I know if the bike rack fits my hitch?
The hitch receiver is the square black steel tube under the back of a hitch-equipped vehicle. It’s what the trailer hitch (ball) attaches to. Take the hitch ball off. Measure the inside of the tube. It’s either 1.25 inches square or 2.0 inches square. Many racks come in separate models for the two hitch sizes.
Can I use a hitch rack on a vehicle with a different size hitch receiver?
In short, yes. There are 1.25-to-2 and 2-to-1.25 adapters in case you want to fit the rack to different vehicles, or you got the wrong hitch. Check first for an adapter from the rack maker.
Can I get in trouble if my rack obscures my license plate?
It’s unlikely but yes it could happen. Hitch-mount bike racks and the bikes can obscure a vehicle’s license plate (or a tail lamp), which is an infraction in many states. (Recreationalist-friendly Utah is an exception.) States generally allow police to stop, then ticket for anything that obscures a license plate or makes it unreadable, including grease or road grime. (Police could use an obscured plate as a pretext stop to check for other illegal behavior.) Bike racks are not the only possible plate-obscuring culprit: A license plate could be obscured by a trailer hitch, a trailer, a wheelchair-carrier, or a hitch-mount luggage rack. It’s possible to buy license plate extenders and light boards; one could also place a color photocopy of the plate in the rear window. One cyclist says overworked cops don’t see a person with a $500 rack and $1,000 bike as a likely bad guy.
Would a roof-rack bike carrier suit me better?
Roof-mount carriers are better to use on cars with low heights and those without hitch receivers, especially if you’re only carrying two bikes, if you need easy trunk or hatch access, or if you’ve already got a cargo carrier or trailer attached to the hitch receiver.