The 10 Best Hitch Bike Rack For Pickup Truck Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Best Hitch Bike Rack For Pickup Truck
Best Hitch Bike Rack For Pickup Truck

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack

This hitch mount bike rack is designed to securely and stabilize bikes, and its hooks and tire cradles adjust to fit most bike frames. It can be quickly removed for convenient storage, reducing rattling and hitch play. Invest in a simple solution for transporting your bikes! Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: IKURAM R 2 Hitch Bike Rack

Built to last, this hitch bike rack is designed with a protective powder paint finish for durability and long-lasting performance. With its easy-to-use design, you can quickly and easily accommodate up to two bikes with its adjustable arms. Read Review

3. Best Choice: BV 2 Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack Carrier

This carrier is designed to fit most vehicles and allows you to easily transport your bike wherever you go. It includes a fold-up design for easy storage and is equipped with safety reflectors to enhance visibility and protect your bike from scratches. Read Review

4. Best Adjustable: VENZO 2 Bike Rack

This extra-heavy duty platform carrier is perfect for carrying up to two bicycles and features adjustable foam protectors for added safety. The foldable design ensures easy storage when not in use, while its stylish and modern design makes it a great addition to any vehicle. Read Review

5. Best Affordable: Leader Accessories Hitch Mounted 2 Bike Rack

This rack is designed to provide you with easy access to the rear of your vehicle, and features an easy-to-use tilt-down feature and fold-down arms for compact transport and storage. Easily accommodating up to two bikes, this rack also provides more stability thanks to its anti-sway cradles. Read Review

Are you looking for the best hitch bike rack for your pickup truck? Look no further! Hitch bike racks are an essential tool for carrying bikes safely and securely. They make transporting your bikes easier and more convenient. With a range of options available, it can be difficult to decide which one is the best for your truck.

We have put together a list of the top-rated hitch bike racks for pickup trucks to help you make an informed decision. From adjustable racks to expandable racks, we have something for everyone. Read on to find out more about the best hitch bike rack for your pickup truck.

After nearly 19 hours of research, we were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands like Maxxhaul, Ikuram r, Bv, Venzo, Leader accessories, Xcar, Lite-way, Yakima, Gude, Thule, Aa products inc., Hollywood racks. Among them, We think the best hitch bike rack for pickup truck is MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack. This hitch bike rack securely and safely stabilizes your bikes and fits most bike frames. The hooks and tire cradles adjust to fit your bike, while a quick-release feature allows you to easily remove the rack. 

Alternatively, if you're simply looking for another option, you may go with IKURAM R 2 Hitch Bike Rack. Our article today focuses mainly on giving you guidelines and tips to be able to buy the right product that best suits your needs. Explore with us right here.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.9
MAXXHAUL

Fits Class III and IV standard 2" hitch receivers. 80 lbs Maximum Capacity or up to 40 lbs per bike

Vertical post can be quickly removed for compact storage

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

Bike tire cradles can be adjusted along horizontal bars using quick knobs for convenience and includes rubber straps for added stability.Material:Steel

Fit Type: Universal Fit.Patent Pending.PLEASE SCROLL DOWN AND BROWSE OUR A+ PAGES FOR MORE PRODUCT INFORMATION..Unique hook design adjustments using quick hitch pins assist in accommodating different size bike frame for safe and reliable transport.

TOP Choice #2 IKURAM R 2 Hitch Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.7
IKURAM R

🎄Easy Tilt-Down Access £ºConvenient access to rear of vehicle with easy-to-use tilt-down feature

🎄Easy fold-down Arms: Be folded up quickly when bike racks not in use for compact transport and easy storage.

🎄Dual-Arm Mounting Design: Optimized dual-arm bike carrier rack which spacing accommodates bicycles of a wide range of frame sizes and designs, more stable and easily accommodates up to 2 bikes.

🎄Rigid All Steel Constructed Bike Hitch Rack: Long-lasting and durable all steel construction with protective powder paint finish

🎄Backed by IKURAM's Lifetime Warranty: All IKURAM bike carrier racks are backed by professional consulting services and warranty. Please visit the IKURAM web site for full details.

TOP Choice #3 BV 2 Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack Carrier
Our Score:
9.6
BV

Bike Compatibility- For bikes under 35 lbs each, and 3" maximum tire width (Not for fat tire bike)

Fold Up Design – User can fold up the rack when not in use. Smart idea to save space!

Tray-styled Loops and Padded Arms – Not only can firmly held your bike in place, the padded arms can protect your bike from scratching.

Safety Reflector – This rack includes a rear safety reflector to enhance the visibility, ensuring the night driving safety.

Tilt Back Design - The tilt backward design enables users to open the rear gates without detaching the hitch rack.

4 VENZO 2 Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.4
Venzo

Lifetime warranty: We are so confident with our product quality, so we can offer lifetime warranty. If you are not happy with the products, replacement or refund could be given. Peace of mind: Our product liability insurance covers up to 2 million for each claim.

FOLDABLE: The arms can be folded for you to access the car rear boot or easy storage when not in use. 2 BIKE RACK , 1.25" HITCH Weight: 16Kg = 35.274lbs, Max Load: 20kg or 45lbs per bike.

PLATFORM CARRIER: Much Easier to put your bicycles on than clamp holder, and compatible with all kind of bicycles. The bike is securely sitting in the tire holders, so no heavy load on the top tube compared with other carriers. No more swinging handlebar and spinning wheels which may cause scratches on car or bike.

ADJUSTABLE FOAM PROTECTOR: There's an adjustable foam protector to prevent scratching or hitting of bicycles.

EXTRA HEAVY DUTY: Safety is the 1st priority. The rack passed the most strict tests which include driving, pulling, vibration and swinging tests. TUV Test Standard PASSED: With 1.5 times of max load weight, no bending or cracks after testing. ( NOT for RV )

5 Leader Accessories Hitch Mounted 2 Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.2
Leader Accessories

Reliable Protection: Dual compound tie-down cradle secure and protect bicycles. No-wobble bolts eliminates movement of rack inside of hitch.And the rack also suit for 5/8" diameter pin,if you don’t want to use No-wobble bolts.

Easy Tilt-Down Access Rear Rack:Fits 2-inch standard hitch receivers,and Convenient access to rear of vehicle with easy-to-use tilt-down feature

Dual-Arm Mounting Design: Optimized dual-arm bike carrier rack and adjustable mounting saddles which spacing accommodates bicycles of a wide range of frame sizes and designs, more stable and easily accommodates up to 2 bikes or more.

Heavy Duty: More thicker about 2.5mm carry arm tube max load to 80LB. NOTE: The clearance from the exit of the hitch to thr vertical bar of the tack is 7.87", please measure the distance to make sure have enough clearance to accommodate a spare tire on the cars.

Easy Fold-down Arms: Folding carry arm design allows the rack’s arms to be folded up quickly when bike racks not in use for compact transport and easy storage.

6 XCAR 4 Hitch Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.0
XCAR

Adjustable mounting saddles.Please ensure mounting saddles is tightened enough

Heavy duty steel construction.2.5mm carry arm tube max load to 150LB

Fits for vehicle's standard 2 inch trailer hitch

Convenient access to rear of vehicle with easy-to-use tilt-down feature

Folding carry arm design allows the rack’s arms to be folded up quickly when bike racks not in use

7 LITE-WAY Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Our Score:
8.8
LITE-WAY

【2’’ Hitch Compatible】 The slick bike rack fits standard two-inch hitch receiver on 4x4s, SUVs, pickups, trucks, vans, sedans, etc. And the bike rack accommodates most mountain, road, hybrid bikes and bikes with fenders. This trailer hitch bike rack can make transporting your ride less of a chore and is an absolute essential if you can’t squeeze everything inside your vehicle.

【Rear Vehicle Access】You can easily open the tailgate or rear cargo doors by tilting the bike rack away from your vehicle. And now all your gear is easily accessible in the vehicle. This bike rack promises ease of loading and unloading, and you no longer have to lift bikes onto the vehicle’s roof. And the bike rack also folds up very small for hassle-free storage.

【70LBS Weight Capacity】This bike rack can support 2 bikes and up to 70lbs of weight, and safely transport them to your destination without contorting. The bike rack features tough forged iron construction with e-coating which defies sun and snow exposure. Heat stabilized nylon straps of the bike rack for car are more degradation & wear resistant compared to rubber straps of other bike racks on the market.

【Stabilizer Included】 A heavy-duty anti-rattle stabilizer is included to prevent rattling or wobbling of your bike rack. And you can finally bid goodbye to rattling noises with this anti-rattle stabilizer. The “no wobble” bolts of the trailer hitch bike rack can be used to adjust your cradles, and ensure that there is no teetering during off-roading. A 1-year warranty serves as quality assurance of this bike rack.

【Superior Bike Stability】This bike rack features ultra wide PP cradles which hold your bikes exceptionally secure along with upgraded nylon straps. This bike rack also includes a polyester tape for an added layer of bike security. The “no wobble” bolts make it more secure on bumpy roads. And 2 rear reflectors are designed for this hitch mount bike rack to increase visibility on the road especially at night.

8 YAKIMA Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
Our Score:
8.7
YAKIMA

This hanging rack allows you to carry any type of bike with traditional frame geometry; Bikes with slanted top tubes require the TubeTop adapter (sold separately)

Compatible with both 1-1/4" and 2" hitch receivers (class I, II, and III) right out of the box

The SwitchBlade anti-sway cradle eliminates bike-to-bike contact, preventing interference and scratches; Durable powder coat finish stands up to adventure

Easy to install and load and designed to tilt out of the way when not in use; TriggerFinger technology lets you fold down the arms with one press of a button for a lower profile

Protect your gear by adding a DeadLock (sold separately) to lock your bikes to your hitch mount and the hitch mount to your vehicle

🚴‍♂️Tilt-away Main Mast: The tilt-away main mast swing away design enables users to open the car rear gates easily when the bike rack is in place on your vehicle, even when your bikes on the rack. And the rack can be quickly released to its original position with locking pins.

🚴‍♂️Superior 2 Bike Capacity: Sturdy heavy duty alloy steel construction carry up 2 bikes max load to 86LB, which is powder coated on the bicycle carrier rack to prevent bicycle scratches. The round hitch insert fits any 2 inch receiver hitches.

🚴‍♂️Folding Carry Arms: Optimized 16.5" folding arm mounting design can be easily folded down out of the way when not in use to improve safety and save space, which allows for greater flexibility in using your vehicle with the rack installed.

Fits all pickup tailgates

Load capacity: 50 pounds

Holds 1 bike up to 50 pounds

Quickly attach the bike with the ratcheting arm

No bolting or drilling required

Lock bike to the rack with Thule's One-Key system (lock included)

Fits 20-29" wheels; up to 5" wide tires

Securely holds the bike in place without frame contact

Fully-adjustable, upright bike carrier for the inside of a truck bed

Ideal for carbon frames, mountain, downhill, ebikes and fat bikes

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

We're sure you've purchased something and afterward regretted it. We are all concerned about the items we purchase. The easiest method to prevent these concerns is to conduct a thorough study before purchasing the best hitch bike rack for pickup truck.

That is also why we decided to introduce this post in order to provide you with advice on how to avoid buying errors when selecting the best hitch bike rack for pickup truck.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

FAQs

How do I install a hitch bike rack for my pickup truck?

Installation of a hitch bike rack requires a few steps. First, make sure you have the right size hitch for your truck. Next, you need to install the hitch receiver onto your truck. This typically involves drilling and bolting the receiver to the frame of your truck. Then, you’ll need to install the rack itself. This involves attaching the rack to the hitch receiver and securing it with the appropriate hardware. Finally, you can then load your bikes onto the rack and secure them with the straps provided.

How much weight can a hitch bike rack for a pickup truck hold?

The weight capacity of a hitch bike rack for a pickup truck depends on the specific model and size. Generally, most hitch bike racks can hold up to four bikes, with a total weight of up to 100 lbs. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure the rack you’re considering can handle the weight of your bikes.

What kind of hitch bike rack is best for a pickup truck?

The best type of hitch bike rack for a pickup truck is one that is specifically designed for use with a pickup truck. These racks typically feature a larger platform for mounting multiple bikes and can also accommodate a variety of bike sizes and styles. Look for a rack that is rated for the weight of your bikes and has a secure locking mechanism to keep your bikes safe.

Can I use a hitch bike rack on a pickup truck bed?

Yes, you can use a hitch bike rack on a pickup truck bed, but you may need additional accessories to do so. Look for a rack designed to be used with a truck bed and make sure you have the proper mounting hardware to attach the rack to your truck bed. Additionally, you may need to purchase additional straps or bungee cords to secure the bikes to the rack.

Conclusion

Finally, the best hitch bike rack for pickup truck may be readily used and offers a range of options to meet your needs. When looking for another kind of best hitch bike rack for pickup truck, which we recommend  Hollywood Racks Destination E Hitch Bike Rack, all of these characteristics are significant. 

We've combed through all of this data in order to assist you in making the best decision possible. Let us know if there's anything else we can do to help you discover the best hitch bike rack for pickup truck in the comments section below!


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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