The 10 Best Receiver Hitch Bike Rack Of 2024, Researched By Us

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Receiver Hitch Bike Rack
Best Receiver Hitch Bike Rack

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Allen Sports Hitch Bike Rack

This easy-to-use bike rack is perfect for transporting up to 100 pounds per bike and is compatible with e-bikes. Its innovative structure and adjustable limit block can be used for both men’s and women’s bicycles. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Swagman XC2 REceiver Hitch Bike Rack

This rack is easy to assemble and use and can accommodate up to two bikes of different sizes with its adjustable ratchet arms. The built-in anti-wobble hitch device keeps your bikes securely in place. Read Review

3. Best Quality: MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Bike Rack

The MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Bike Rack is the perfect choice for taking your bikes on the go. It features two foam-padded hooks to secure and stabilize bikes to the rack without scratching the bike's finish. Read Review

4. Best Versatile: KAC K2 Hitch Bike Rack

Get ready for the ride ahead with the KAC K2 Hitch Bike Rack. This platform-style, hitch-mounted bike rack fits your 2-inch hitch receiver and is designed to keep your bike safe and secure with tire and frame straps. Read Review

5. Best Design: IKURAM R Receiver Hitch Bike Rack

The IKURAM R Receiver Hitch Bike Rack is perfect for transporting your favorite bicycles. This optimized dual-arm bike carrier rack features a spacing that accommodates bicycles of a wide range of frame sizes and designs. Read Review

If you’re an avid cyclist, you know the importance of having the right equipment to transport your bike to its destination. A reliable receiver hitch bike rack is essential for any cyclist looking to enjoy a hassle-free ride. With so many options on the market, deciding which bike rack is best for you can be difficult.

Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best receiver hitch bike racks available. With various styles, sizes, and price points, you’ll find the perfect rack to help you get your bike where it needs to go. Whether you’re looking for an affordable option or a high-end model with all the bells and whistles, you’ll find the perfect receiver hitch bike rack.

Our team spent about 16 hours researching, sifting, and selecting many high-quality models. As an outcome, We think the best receiver hitch bike rack is Allen Sports Hitch Bike Rack. This product can be tightened into the receiver hitch with the help of the locking knob, resulting in a wobble-free installation. In addition to the other suggestions on this list, which deserve your consideration, we have compiled a helpful buyer’s guide to assist you in making your decision, especially Swagman XC2 REceiver Hitch Bike Rack. Its ratchet arms can be adjusted with a push of a button to provide a secure hold on your bike’s frame, making loading and unloading much simpler.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Allen Sports Hitch Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.9
Allen Sports

When traveling by car or going camping, the Allen hitch rack is the most convenient way to carry your bicycles from place to place. You won't need any tools to put the rack securely into this receiver hitch because it comes with a quick-fit locking hitch insert. This makes the installation completely stable. Moreover, your bicycles will be safe and secure within their tie-down cradles. 

The rack is equipped with foldable carry arms that may be tucked away out of the way when not in use for convenience. This product can be tightened into the receiver hitch with the help of the locking knob, resulting in a wobble-free installation, and it can be locked in place for an additional layer of protection. In addition, when the rack is installed on your vehicle, the main mast may be swiftly tilted back for convenient lift gate access. This can be done in a matter of seconds. Although this product's straps are not very good, it still helps protect your bikes during transport.

TOP Choice #2 Swagman XC2 REceiver Hitch Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.7
Swagman

This 2-Bike hitch mount rack is a versatile hitch-mount rack that can easily fit children's and adult bikes, downhill bikes, cruiser bikes, full-suspension bikes, BMX cycles, "Y" frame designs, and much more (without the inconvenience of removing wheels). Moreover, this product can carry up to two bicycles and slide into a receiver two inches wide. However, it would be best if this rack's instructions were clearer to help you easily use it.

This rack can be quickly adjusted to accommodate various bike frame sizes by moving the wheel hoops in and out of position. It has frame grip arms, protecting the finish on your bike during transport. This product's wheel arms can also be folded toward the ratchet arm to save space during transportation or storage. The ratchet arms can be adjusted with a push of a button to provide a secure hold on your bike's frame, making loading and unloading much simpler.

TOP Choice #3 MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.5
MAXXHAUL

This rack's adjustments to the one-of-a-kind hook design made with quick hitch pins make it possible to accommodate frames of varying sizes for secure and dependable transport. The vertical post can be quickly removed using the quick hitch pins to facilitate simple assembly and disassembly to save space during storage. In addition, it features a standard 2" x 2" hitch bar that can be installed on hitch receivers for Class III and Class IV hitches. 

This rack's hooks and tire cradles can be adjusted to fit most bike frames with wheel sizes ranging from 20 inches to 26 inches, making it ideal for towing behind SUVs, trucks, or sedans. This product can secure bicycles with straps or other devices when transporting them. This will prevent the bicycles from moving around too much. Moreover, rubber straps that may be adjusted on the bike's cradle give stability and additional safety. Even though this product doesn't have a locking mechanism, it is an excellent choice for transporting bicycles.
 

4 KAC K2 Hitch Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.4
KAC

This hitch-mounted bike rack can accommodate a hitch receiver that is 2 inches wide. It can carry bicycles ranging in size from the leanest road bike to the heaviest e-bike and everything in between. During transport, your bicycle will remain stable thanks to the presence of two locks that require a key and are located on the frame hooks.

 This powder-coated, heavy-duty hitch bike rack protects your bike from theft, bumps, and bangs by utilizing tire and frame straps, locking adjustable padded frame hooks, and a locking anti-wobble hitch system. Thanks to a quick-release tilt lever, you won't unload your bicycles to gain access to the rear cargo area of your vehicle. Because it folds up into such a small footprint, this rack maintains a stealthy appearance and is simple to stow away when it's not in use. It is a bit pity this rack is a bit heavy, but it doesn't affect its overall quality.

5 IKURAM R Receiver Hitch Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.3
IKURAM R

This optimized dual-arm bike carrier rack is more stable and can easily accommodate up to two bicycles of varying frame sizes and designs. This product's swing-down backward design lets you open the rear gates without detaching the hitch rack. Moreover, this clever Double-Down design is ideal for fun-loving families who are conscious of their financial situation and ride together.

This rack's rubber cradle straps are long-lasting and resistant to ultraviolet light and can quickly secure your bicycle in place. During transport, your bikes will be kept in pristine condition thanks to the tie-downs, which feature a cushioned cradle bed. When the rack is not being used, the Easy Fold-Down Arm Design allows the 14.5" long folding carrying arms to easily rotate out of the way to be transported and stored more compactly. Though this product has no anti-wobble bracket like other racks, it still works well.

Because this rack is compatible with wheels ranging from 20 to 29 inches in diameter and tires measuring up to 5 inches in width, it is an excellent choice for carbon frames, mountain bikes, downhill bikes, fat bikes, kids' bikes, and other types of bicycles. Wheels already integrated into the rack make it very easy to move. In addition, its integrated locking systems allow you to lock the bikes to the rack and lock the rack to the hitch receiver so that neither can be moved.

This product's HitchSwitch lever allows the rack to tilt down while it is loaded with bikes, allowing more accessible access to the back of the truck; it may also tilt up when it is not being used. It offers generous spacing of 12.5 inches between bikes and the ability to adjust from side to side to eliminate any bike interference. This product has an AutoAttach mechanism, making installation and removal easy without additional tools. The only drawback of this product is that its cable is a bit short.
 

7 WEIZE Receiver Hitch Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.1
WEIZE

The WEIZE platform bike rack is built with reinforced steel, making it long-lasting and powerful enough to carry two bikes weighing sixty pounds individually. In addition, when compared to roof racks, hitch-mount bike racks can save you up to thirty percent more money on fuel costs by reducing the amount of wind resistance. The foam-padded clamp and hitch tightened are designed to prevent the bicycle from swaying and causing damage to the vehicle's paintwork.

Even though the rack cannot be folded up, the tilting function of this bicycle car rack makes it possible to access the back of your vehicle even when it is full of bikes. This product's anti-theft locking hitch pin and the no-wobble hitch tightener eliminate any slack between the receiver hitch and the rack. Additionally, the no-wobble hitch tightener prevents your bike rack from being taken by thieves. The knob-adjustable sliding wheel holders can accommodate an axle-to-axle wheelbase of up to 63 and third inches.

More To Consider

8 EGO BIKE Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Our Score:
8.9
EGO BIKE
9 SIMETU&HS Bike Rack
Our Score:
8.8
SIMETU&HS
10 FORWODE Hitch Bike Rack
Our Score:
8.7
FORWODE

What to Look For in a best receiver hitch bike rack?

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 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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

FAQs

What is a receiver hitch bike rack?

A receiver hitch bike rack is a device used to securely transport bicycles on the back of a vehicle. It attaches to the receiver hitch on the back of a vehicle, and provides a platform for multiple bikes to be loaded.

What types of bikes can be used with a receiver hitch bike rack?

Most receiver hitch bike racks are designed to accommodate standard mountain and road bikes, as well as some electric bikes. Some racks also have adjustable arms to accommodate different frame sizes and shapes.

Is a receiver hitch bike rack safe to use?

Yes, receiver hitch bike racks are designed to be safe and secure when used properly. It is important to make sure that the rack is properly installed and securely tightened, and that all the straps and locks are in place.

How do I install a receiver hitch bike rack?

Installing a receiver hitch bike rack is relatively simple. First, attach the rack to the receiver hitch on the back of the vehicle. Make sure that the hardware is securely tightened and that all the straps and locks are in place. Then, load the bikes onto the rack, adjusting the straps as needed for a secure fit.

How much weight can a receiver hitch bike rack hold?

The amount of weight a receiver hitch bike rack can hold will vary depending on the model. Most racks are designed to hold up to four bikes and are rated to carry up to 70 pounds. It is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the rack is properly loaded and to ensure it will not exceed its maximum weight capacity.

We decide facts since we are product consulting professionals with extensive expertise. Even so, we maintain and update the list of best receiver hitch bike rack so the information is correct and up to date.

After reading this article, you should discover that selecting a best receiver hitch bike rack that is both handy and economical to you is not difficult. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you require assistance.


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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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