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Going on a camping trip can be stressful enough, with all the planning.
Whether you decide to take your family or you are on a solo adventure, a bike always comes in handy, especially when you are a nature lover.
This is why we decided to put together a list of the best hitch bike racks – so you can choose the best one for you and keep your bike safe while traveling!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Hitch Bike Racks
- OUR TOP PICK: Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack
- RUNNER-UP: Thule Range Bike Rack - 4 Bike
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Allen SportsTrunk Mounted Bike Rack
Table of Contents
Comparison of the Best Hitch Bike Racks
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Are All Hitch Bike Racks The Same?
Similar to any product, hitch bike racks come in different sizes and have various features. First of all, not all hitch bike racks can support the same number of bikes. Some of them can accommodate one bike, others up to five bikes, depending on your needs.
In addition to this, hitch bike racks have lighter or bulkier frames, which mainly can handle a different amount of load on them. If you want to travel by yourself, a one-bike rack will be suitable, but you might need to pay more attention if your bike has fat tires.
Long story short, the diversity of the hitch bike racks is entirely proportional to the diversity of bikes, although most of them are quite versatile and made to support a wide range of bike sizes and frames.
If you have an electric bike, you need to look for a hitch bike rack that can handle the extra weight. Similarly, you will definitely enjoy a model that is foldable, so you can store it easily when you do not use it. Lastly, it is important to ensure that it is compatible with the size hitch receiver you own.
How to Choose a Hitch Bike Rack
Here’s a short guideline on how to choose the best hitch bike rack:
Type of Bike Rack
Hitch bike racks are either platforms or hanging racks. The platform racks support the bikes on a platform, where the main point of contact is the bike wheels, while the hanging rack suspends the bike.
Additionally, some bike racks are static, which means that you cannot access your truck or the rear hatch when they are on, so it is recommended to choose either swinging or folding racks.
Maximum Weight
It is essential to pay attention to the load weight of the rack, especially when you have two or more bikes or an electric one. You need to consider the maximum load so that the bike will not suffer damage.
Stability of the Rack
A good quality rack is exceptionally sturdy and stable. This is affected by many factors, including the holding mechanism, the space between the bikes (if you have multiple ones), but also the shape and size of the bikes you plan to transport.
Security of the Rack
A good bike rack has different security mechanisms installed, one regarding the bikes and one regarding the security of the rack itself.
Review of the Best Hitch Bike Racks
Once you are sure of what you are looking for when it comes to a hitch bike rack, have a look at some of the excellent models below.
Best Overall:
Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Thule T2 Pro is a conventional hitch carrier for a large bike that will not disappoint you. It is great with most large bikes on the market, although the main drawback is that you need to purchase additional accessories to load four bikes at a time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Thule T2 Pro is one of the most durable platform-style bike racks you may find on the market. The installation is completely tool-free as it includes an intuitive lever that folds the rack up when not in use. The same lever can also be maneuvered, so you gain full access to the rear of the vehicle.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are the lucky possessor of a mountain, carbon frame, downhill, or fat bike, up to four of them, this sturdy bike rack is the ideal product for you. It comes with a user-friendly design, and it can be easily operated whenever you need to use it or fold it.
Bottom Line
All in all, the Thule T2 Pro XT bike carrier is one of the most durable and reliable racks you can get. It is versatile, reliable, durable, and suitable for more experienced cyclists. It is definitely worth the investment to protect your bikes while commuting.
Runner-up:
Thule Range Bike Rack - 4 Bike
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This rack is ideal for the whole family, as it supports up to four bikes. It is easy to use, and you do not need to remove the bikes in order to access the back of the vehicle because the rack tilts back.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Thule Range Bike Rack can accommodate up to four bikes that are safe and secure during the entire transport due to the 7” spacing between each of them. It also has increased bike stability due to the anti-sway integration, which stops bike-to-bike contact. It is easy to fold down when not in use.
Who Will Use This Most
This bike rack supports up to 150lbs, which makes it ideal for any family with up to four bikes. Due to the large distance of 7” between each bike, it is perfect for RVs, but it can also be attached to other types of vehicles. It was specially designed to provide security and protection.
Bottom Line
Overall, this model offers high value for money. If you need a hitch bike rack with a large gap between the bikes, the Thule Range Bike Rack is all you need. It can easily handle the forces on the back of your RV or travel trailer with enhanced durability, protection, and security.
Best for the Money:
Allen SportsTrunk Mounted Bike Rack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Allen SportsTrunk Mounted Bike Rack is a full-featured bike carrier with increased convenience and ease of use. Allen’s patented folding design is extremely easy to use, and is built with the best quality steel. What is more, Allen offers exceptional customer service and a lifetime warranty.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This hitch bike rack is perfectly designed to meet all your needs when you are traveling with your bike. The dual-compound tie-down cradles are specially crafted to help you protect and secure your assets, while the mechanism ensures minimal touch-points with your car and your bike.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are tight on space, this hitch bike rack can fold down to the size of a shoebox when not in use so that you can store it easily and efficiently. It is suitable for most sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and minivans. The product delivers great advantages when you are on the go.
Bottom Line
If all you need is a compact, tiny, and easy to use hitch rack for your only bike, this product checks all the boxes. The design is easy to fold when not in use and can be stored away in the included carry bag. The enhanced security system ensures that your bike is safe at all times, and comes at an affordable price!
4. BV Bike Hitch Rack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The BV Hitch Bike rack is a high-quality, durable product. What makes it worth every cent is that you do not need to detach the hitch or unload the bikes to gain access to the rear gates. You can easily fold it up and store it away when you don’t need it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
BV Bike Hitch rack offers one of the most efficient and effortless ways of transporting your bikes. It has a tilt-back design that enables you to open the rear gates without having to detach the hitch rack. Additionally, your assets are always kept safe and secure due to the three-point connection system.Who Will Use This Most
This product is ideal for anyone who wants simplicity and seamless operation. If you need a smart, convenient, and compact design that does not have to be detached and reattached any time, this hitch bike rack has a fold-up design that allows you to fold it whenever it is not in use, saving space.
Bottom Line
All in all, BV Hitch Bike Rack is one of the best products you can find on the market. It packs in all the features you need to have an effortless operation every time you need to use it. It can also be used during the night due to the safety reflector, and it is ideal for bikes of up to 35 lbs.5. Swagman Chinook
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Swagman Chinook is a straightforward, simple to use a hitch bike rack. It is lightweight, with intuitive installation, and can carry up to 2 bikes at a time, which is perfect for most people’s needs. It has an improved security system due to the adjustable locking hooks.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Swagman Chinook is a high-quality, fashionable bike rack that offers security and protection to your bikes while on the road, but also convenience and comfort to the user. Most features are highly adjustable, allowing you to attach two bikes at a time. The steel frame is strong, sturdy, and has a long-life service.
Who Will Use This Most
This hitch bike rack is extremely versatile, suitable for anyone's needs. As long as you have a maximum of two bikes, you will find this product to be everything you wish for. It is easy to install, offers enhanced protection to your bikes, and also has a compact mode for when it is not in use.
Bottom Line
Overall, Swagman Chinook is a versatile, premium quality hitch bike rack, suitable for all needs. It is extremely easy to use, and all of its features are completely adjustable, so it can accommodate almost any type of bike size, wheel, and tire widths. It’s surely a great bargain you won't regret!
6. Allen Sports 5-Bike Racks for 2” Hitch
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
What is truly great about this product is how easy it is to access the back of your truck or SUV, considering the bulkiness of usual bike racks which can hold up to five bikes. What is more, the rack also comes with a no wobble bolt, which prevents the rack from moving when commuting.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This Allen Deluxe Hitch Rack has all it takes to make it on our top list. It is easy to operate, highly secure, and provides full protection to your bikes when in use. All you need is three bolts to assemble, and you will be on the road in no time.
Who Will Use This Most
This rack is specially designed to fulfill the needs of families. When you have five bikes, traveling around with them all secure becomes a tricky mission. Fortunately, the Allen Sports Deluxe is ideal for this kind of situation. It has 28” arms which keep all five adult-sized bikes in place.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for bells and whistles, this product is not for you. But, if you need a sturdy, durable and reliable bike rack to meet your family’s needs, you are in the right place. With an affordable price tag, this hitch bike rack is all you can wish for.
7. Overdrive Sport 2-Bike Rack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This 2-bike rack is sturdy, reliable, and you can easily tell that from the bulky construction. It can support fat-tires of a maximum of 5 inches in diameter, up to 60 lbs each, which makes it ideal for heavier ones. On the other hand, it is not fully equipped for bikes with low frames.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Overdrive Sport 2-Bike Rack is our top contender for electric bikes. It has a mechanism that keeps your bike safe and sturdy at all times, and, despite its bulky frame, you can easily fold it up when not in use. The padded clamps and the heavy-duty construction recommend it for large bikes.
Who Will Use This Most
If you have an electric bike or one that is large, with fat tires, this model is the top recommendation. It is easy to install because it is already pre-assembled for some parts, and it is incredibly safe. It is also a great choice if you travel at night, due to the rear reflector.
Bottom Line
If you need a sturdy, durable hitch bike rack for your bulky bikes, the Overdrive Sport 2-Bike is definitely worth a closer look. It is safe, reliable, and ensures that your bikes remain stable and safe during the entire trip. It can hold up to two bikes, and it has a quick-release system.
Best Hitch Bike Rack for Truck Hitch:
XCAR 2-BikeHitch Rack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This hitch bike rack is ideal for using with your truck, as it comes with durable rubber straps that secure your bikes tightly in place. You can also adjust it to fit different bike sizes, and the construction is reliable, not bound to break under shocks.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Constructed from heavy-duty steel, this model is recommended to all truck owners who need to hitch a bike rack for a maximum of two bikes. It has a stable, secure bearing and fastens all your bikes, keeping them protected even during shocks. What is more, the mechanisms avoid scratching your bikes due to friction-less design.
Who Will Use This Most
This hitch bike rack is a great option for your truck, but it can also be used on other types of vehicles. It has a foldable carry arm design, which makes it compact and easy to store when not in use. The dual-compound tie-down cradles are high-quality and provide full protection to your bikes.
Bottom Line
Overall, this product is a high-quality hitch rack with a strong promise for security, easy commute, and thorough protection of the finish of your bikes. The heavy-duty steel construction ensures that the fastening is strong and stable, suitable for all kinds of harsh weather and environments.
Best Platform Hitch Bike Rack:
Venzo 2-4 Bike Platform Style Carrier
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This heavy-duty hitch bike rack is ideal for the entire family, especially as your kids grow up, and their bikes become heavier. It is extremely strong, durable, and easy to use. On the other hand, there is no built-in locking system for the bikes, so you may need to purchase it additionally if you need one.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Venzo 2-4 Bike Platform Style Carrier is a high-quality platform carrier, ideal for many uses and suitable for the entire family. It is made of heavy-duty, durable materials that ensure long-term use, and the safety of your bikes without scratching or damaging the finish. What is more, it can support up to 45lbs per bike!
Who Will Use This Most
This product is ideal for anyone looking for a platform bike rack to commute their bikes safely. It is compatible with all types of bikes, and it can hold up to 45 lbs per bike, so it is incredibly versatile and suitable for many occasions.
Bottom Line
Overall, if you are looking for a sturdy, durable, and secure bicycle platform, Venzo did a great job with this model. It is sturdy, rust-proof, and it is suitable for the entire family, supporting up to four bikes. It is reliable and durable, made of heavy-duty materials. You should definitely check it out!
Best Car Hitch Bike Rack:
Swagman XC2
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The Swagman XC2 is an ideal bike rack for frequent use. It has a strong, solid construction, and it does not take a long time to assemble and install. It is made of high-quality materials, and you can easily mount the bikes, which are then very securely attached. Overall, it is very reliable!
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product is our top recommendation for the best car hitch bike rack. It saves storage space due to the foldable system, it is versatile, and it can easily store up to two bikes. It is compatible with 1-1/4” and 2” receiver hitch, and it has a maximum capacity of 35lbs per bike.
Who Will Use This Most
This hitch bike rack is ideal for cars. If you have a maximum of two bikes, with 20” to 29” tire sizes, it is the perfect match. You can also purchase separately fat tire wheel trays, locking hitch pin, and security cable if needed.
Bottom Line
Overall, this hitch bike rack is highly versatile, made of high-quality materials. You can assemble it easily and quickly, and it is ideal for bike frames up to 23.2”. You can also purchase additional accessories to make it suitable for fat tires, so it offers high functionality and great value for money.
Advantages of Investing in a Quality Bike Rack
Here are some of the main advantages of investing in a high-quality bike rack:
Simplicity
A good bike rack is not rocket science. It should be simple, easy to install and use and make you comfortable when using it. Moreover, the simpler it is, the easier it is for you to ensure that your bikes are properly mounted, so you will not risk any damage to them.
Security
The most important feature of a bike rack is security. If it is flimsy, you might scratch your bike, which is the best-case scenario. The worst that can happen if your bike rack is of poor quality is that you will lose a bike or two on the way! High-quality bike racks have several mechanisms that ensure that the bike is stable and does not move when you are on the road.
Build Quality
Security is further enhanced by the build quality of the bike rack. The materials need to be strong, durable, and solid, such as steel or titanium. The rack you decide to invest in should serve you for many years to come, so choosing the best quality materials is the optimal choice.
How to Install a Hitch Bike Rack
Here are some general guidelines to help you install your new hitch bike rack:
- Place the bike rack hitch tube into your vehicle’s receiver. If you notice or you are concerned about any wobble, you can insert a hitch bolt or an anti-tilt device.
- Adjust the arms and tire trays, locking everything in place, using the security pins. Adjust the tire trays to your needs and place the tie downs all ready to accommodate your bikes.
- Place the bikes on the carrier carefully. Secure each bike after you place it onto the supporting arms or tier trays, depending on the model of your bike racks.
- Double-check the attachment points during the trip. If you are on the road for some time, make sure you stop and check whether each bike is still correctly anchored. Also, check whether the rack is still secured to your vehicle. If you take highways, you should double-check the bikes before, as high speeds might loosen an improperly fastened connection or strap.
- Remove the bikes when you arrive at your destination, one at a time. Fold the rack and store it away.
Conclusion
Our top recommendations for the best hitch bike racks should now fade all of your worries regarding the safety of your bike. Our models offer a stress-free, reliable method of transporting your bikes, whether it is a short trip or a far-away destination.
Can You Put a Bike Rack on Any Car?
Yes, any car can support a bike rack. There are numerous designs on the market which can accommodate them, so it is quite important that the bike rack will be ideal for your bike. What you should also pay attention to is the vehicle receiver, as the bike rack needs to be compatible.
Do Bike Racks Damage Your Car?
Bike racks are simple, safe ways of transporting your bikes. The attachment, however, might scratch your car paint in some situations. For instance, when you mount the rack, you need to make sure that your car is not dirty.