The Best Bike Rack For Trailer Hitch For 2024

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Bike Rack For Trailer Hitch
Best Bike Rack For Trailer Hitch

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack

Get your bikes up and running with the Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack. With its tie-down cradle system, you can individually secure and safely protect up to four bikes on any journey. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack

Get your bikes ready for the road with the MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack. This bike rack offers two foam-padded hooks to secure and stabilize your bikes to the frame without scratching the finish. Read Review

3. Best Versatile: IKURAM R 4 Bike Rack

The IKURAM R 4 Bike Rack is the perfect choice for transporting up to four bikes. Featuring a dual-arm mounting design, this bike rack optimizes spacing to accommodate bicycles of various frame sizes and designs. Read Review

4. Best Convenient: Hollywood Hitch Mount Rack

The Hollywood Hitch Mount Rack is designed to make carrying your bikes effortless. With a maximum wheelbase of 48” and full tire width of 3”, this rack can accommodate most kids, ladies, hybrid, road, and mountain bikes. Read Review

5. Best Efficient: Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack

Make your cycling adventures more accessible and convenient with the Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack. It features a fully foldable design with transport wheels and a carry handle, making it easy to store when not in use. Read Review

Are you looking for the best bike rack for your trailer hitch? Whether you're a serious cyclist or just a recreational rider, having a secure and reliable bike rack is essential for transporting your bike from place to place. With so many bike racks on the market, it can be hard to know which is best for your needs. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of the best bike racks for trailer hitches to make your decision easier.

From hitch-mounted racks to spare-tire racks, each of these bike racks provides secure and reliable transportation for your bike. With these top-rated bike racks, you can rest assured that your bike will be safely and securely transported wherever you need it.

We think the best bike rack for trailer hitch of 2024 is Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack because its tie-downs are mounted in a stationary position on the carry arm. They can also swivel to accommodate a wide variety of bicycle frames in size and appearance. However, to provide the reader with a broader array of alternatives, we recommend adding MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack because this product has two foam-padded hooks that may attach traditional bicycles on a rack without damaging the bikes' finish.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack
Our Score:
9.7
Allen Sports

Carry arms on this rack can be rapidly folded down and placed out of the way when not utilized. Therefore, you will have more options when using your car after the rack has been placed. This product is equipped with the Allen tie-down mechanism that ensures the security and safety of your bicycles at all times. Moreover, the tie-downs on the carry arm is fixedly mounted to prevent your bike from moving when transporting.

When the rack is installed on your vehicle, the main mast may be swiftly tilted back for convenient lift gate access in a matter of seconds. The Allen Deluxe Hitch Racks have all the necessary hardware to attach the rack to your vehicle's receiver hitch safely. You can completely secure the frame using the no-wobble bolt. However, it would be most convenient if this rack included a hitch lock so that the bike could be removed from it quickly and easily.

TOP Choice #2 MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.6
MAXXHAUL

This rack is ideal for various automobiles, such as SUVs, trucks, or sedans, with a 2 "receiver for hitches. Thanks to a one-of-a-kind hook adjusting mechanism, the bike frame is held securely to the rack. In addition, this product provides you with fast hitch pins that may be used to remove vertical posts swiftly, which helps you assemble them in seconds.

This product has two foam-padded hooks that may attach traditional bicycles on a rack without damaging the bikes' finish. Tire cradles for bicycles have fast knobs that allow for easy adjustment along horizontal bars, and they come with rubber straps that provide additional support for the tires. Although the anti-rattle plate might become loose after repeated use, you don't need to be concerned about it too much because you only need to tighten it before continuing to use it.

TOP Choice #3 IKURAM R 4 Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.4
IKURAM R

This rack has rubber cradle straps that are not only long-lasting but also resistant to ultraviolet light. The tie-downs will hold your bikes securely in place and have a plush cradle bed for further protection. The Swing-Down Backward Design enables access to the rear of the car, such as when getting anything out of the trunk and swiftly pops back up to its original position using locking pins. 

This sturdy bike rack is made entirely of steel and can easily transport up to four bicycles. They are designed with cushioned bike cradles that have hook-and-loop straps to protect the bike finish. Although the arms are a little short, this product can be mounted onto most regular Class III & IV hitches 2 inches wide. When the rack is not being used, the easy fold-down arm design allows the 24.8-inch long folding carrying arms to rotate out of the way so they can be transported more easily and stored more efficiently.

4 Hollywood Hitch Mount Rack
Our Score:
9.2
Hollywood Racks

This rack's locking threaded hitch pins and ratchet straps ensure that bikes are transported securely and safely. Ratchet-mounted wheel holders keep your bicycles from slipping while being transported and reduce any wobbling that might happen. However, this rack doesn't have a lock, so you should attach a locking cable to keep your bike safe from thieves.

This product can hold frames for hybrid, road, and mountain bikes and children's bicycles. Thanks to this rack's independent wheel trays, the loading and unloading process is simplified. Furthermore, its bicycle frame holders can swivel over 360 degrees to fit bikes of varying sizes and shapes. Your bike will have an additional tying point thanks to the ratcheting hooks on the middle pole, which helps to keep it from rattling and bouncing. Additionally, this bike rack has a vertical fold that makes transporting and storing it much more manageable. 

Because it is entirely collapsible, the Thule EasyFold XT 2 takes extremely little storage space when it is not used. Transporting bikes that are both sturdy and have large wheelbases is made possible by the substantial amount of space that exists between the wheel holders. Your bike's secure and comfortable fit is ensured by bike arms that can be removed quickly and are equipped with Thule AcuTight torque-regulating knobs.

This rack makes even electric and bulky mountain bikes easy to move. It is designed with a carry handle that facilitates attachment and makes it simple. This rack has a mechanism that allows it to fold up into a loading ramp, making the shop much more convenient. Thanks to the sophisticated foot pedal tilt, it can access the trunk even while the bicycles are mounted. Although the grips' curved bar is a bit low, this product is still an excellent choice for everyone.

6 Vibrelli Electric Bike Hitch Rack
Our Score:
8.9
Vibrelli

This bicycle hitch rack is made of durable materials and is suitable for any type of bicycle, including electric bicycles. It can transport two bicycles with a combined maximum weight of 330 pounds (65 lbs per bike). The rack can be tilted or folded up without needing any tools, thanks to the quick-release foot pedal on the rack. Although the instruction is a bit complicated, you don't need to worry about it because you can watch the instructional video on Youtube to learn how to assemble this product.

Because of the innovative design of the wheel cradle, it is possible to securely hold in place both thin road cycle tires and fat tires with a width of up to 5 inches while uniformly dispersing pressure to prevent damage. The wheels are held in place by a simple and rapid ratchet strap mechanism, which minimizes movement while the vehicle is being driven. When not in use, the bike rack can be folded up easily and stored out of the way when it is still linked to the vehicle's hitch. This makes it simple to park in the garage or store safely when out on a ride. 

7 Leader Accessories 2-Bike Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Our Score:
8.8
Leader Accessories

The use of this rack makes the process of transporting your bicycles simple and practical. The hitch rack does not need to be removed for the rear gates to be opened because the backward tilt function was designed with this in mind. When the rack is not utilized, it can be folded into a more compact form. The cushioned hooks are adjustable to accommodate bikes of varied sizes, and they ratchet up and down to ensure a secure attachment in any position.

This rack's secure strap is designed with a platform position movable frame that allows it to suit bikes of varied sizes. Moreover, the no-wobble bolt is supposed to stop a rack from moving inside the hitch. The bike cradle comes equipped with quick-adjust knobs that are both easy to use and contribute to ensuring that bicycles are safely connected. Although the strap is a little short, this product is still an excellent option for anyone.

More To Consider

8 WEIZE Hitch Bike Rack
Our Score:
8.6
WEIZE

What to Look For in a best bike rack for trailer hitch?

You may have some trouble making a purchase if you don't research it thoroughly. You are expected to invest time and focus on best bike rack for trailer hitch before investing in them. Usually, it will take you a long time to research a favorite product. But rest assured, we are here to assist you with your best bike rack for trailer hitch issue, no matter what time of day or night.

Although choosing a product is complicated, it will be more accessible and more available to everyone with today's information technology network. You are now given available sources of information such as famous websites, sale forums, or even customer's feedback. It can be said that information from these sources about best bike rack for trailer hitch will be beneficial to you.

So now you are expected to focus on needed criteria about best bike rack for trailer hitch. All of them will come with your investment. 

Bike Capacity

Generally speaking, platform racks are capable of holding anywhere between one and four bikes (if an extension is purchased), while hanging racks hold up to five bikes. The 1UP Recon Rack 6 can hold six bikes vertically and is a notable exception. Most riders prefer the 2-bike model, however families and those who plan to take their bikes on group rides may want to consider a hanging model with a larger capacity or one of these platform add-ons.

Ease Of Use

You've likely had to lift a mountain bike with full suspension onto a hanger rack. Or, if you have tried to Tetris on four bikes from a rack that was poorly made, then you understand the importance of ease-of-use.
Hanging racks are a great option for a common bicycle, the diamond-frame. You can lift the bike and slide it on the rack. Once it is secured, you can bungee it to the front wheel. It also gives you the opportunity to do some bicep curls before going on your ride.
A platform rack is a better choice for bikes with heavier frames or unique designs. It is easier to transport the bike because it has a lower frame. Once you get it on you won't need to move it around to make adjustments. It can be difficult to hang a bike on a rack.
The ramp is often the most cost-effective option, but it's also the most convenient. You can simply place your bike on the platform rack using this feature. This feature is great for riders with heavy bikes such as e-bikes and cruisers.

Security

Two main vulnerabilities of bike racks are theft. The bikes can be taken off the rack and the rack can be taken down. It doesn't matter if the bikes are there; racks can also be valuable items to potential thieves.
It only takes seconds for someone to steal your bicycle from the rack, whether you are going to a shop or just to get you home at night.
Your entire rack can be taken if someone is equipped with the right tools. If you don’t own a garage, this can pose a problem.

Bike Weight

Maximum bike capacity
Maximum weight capacity for a bike
If you plan on transporting heavy downhill mountain bikes or e-bikes, fat, and/or cruiser bikes, make sure to check the rack's weight limit. Each design listing will indicate the bike's maximum weight. This amount may vary greatly. For comparison, standard road and mountain bikes weigh less than 35 pounds. E-bikes, however, can be up to 50 pounds. We recommend that you upgrade to a more robust model if your weight is close to or above the max. It's worth it to avoid breaking the rack or invalidating your warranty.

Mounting Systems

Two ways can you lock your bike on a mounting system are available. First and foremost is the strap system. The strap system is usually composed of an elastic or ratcheting strap that covers a portion of your bicycle. It's usually the frame in hanging racks, but it can also be used for platform racks to hold the wheels.
This is most commonly used in platform racks. It is an arm that extends from the platform to ratchet down on your bike's tires. They secure the bike to the platform. They are often reinforced with straps that run around the wheel's bottom to increase security.
The strap system is used in every hanging rack that we have seen. It's strong and reliable, but it can be damaged or broken by users. Many straps secure bikes with at least two straps at every attachment point. Your bike could fall off if the shepherd's hook is broken (which happens very rarely).

Tilting Feature

A tilt-feature hitch rack is a good choice if you are like many cyclists and plan on keeping your rack attached to your car for extended time periods or want access to your rear cargo space. With the exception of a few very inexpensive options, almost all bike racks with a hitch mount have this feature. Tilting racks are able to be tilted over using a lever. This allows you to lift the rear hatch of the vehicle or open its tailgate. Tilting is possible on platform and hanging racks. However, platform racks can be tilted with bikes loaded. Hanging racks must first unload bikes. It's another reason why we like the platform rack design.

FAQs

How do I install a bike rack for a trailer hitch?

Installing a bike rack for a trailer hitch requires you to first determine the type of hitch that is on your vehicle. Once you have determined the type of hitch, you will need to purchase a bike rack compatible with it. Once you have purchased the bike rack, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for installation. Generally, the bike rack will need to be attached to the trailer hitch with a few bolts and then secured with a locking pin.

What type of bike rack should I use for a trailer hitch?

The type of bike rack you should use for a trailer hitch will depend on the type of hitch that is on your vehicle. Generally, a 2-inch trailer hitch can accommodate a hitch-mounted bike rack. If your vehicle has a 1.25-inch trailer hitch, you may need to use a frame-mounted bike rack instead.

How do I secure my bike to the bike rack?

Most bike racks come with straps or other securing mechanisms that you can use to secure your bike to the rack. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to properly secure your bike. Additionally, you can also use additional locking mechanisms to further secure your bike.

Do I need to use special fasteners to attach a bike rack to a trailer hitch?

Yes, you should use special anti-theft fasteners to secure the bike rack to your trailer hitch. These fasteners are designed to prevent anyone from removing the bike rack without the proper tools.

How much weight can a trailer hitch bike rack hold?

The weight capacity of a trailer hitch bike rack will vary depending on the size of the trailer hitch and the type of bike rack you are using. Generally, trailer hitch bike racks are designed to carry up to four bikes and can typically hold up to 100 pounds of weight.


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

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