After months of planning, you’re finally ready to head out to some adventurous trip having your bikes in tow for a little, on and off, R&R. Obviously, you’re going to need a bike rack, but the real problem that gets in your way is to choose one from the endless possibilities out there in the market.
So, if you’re also one of the people who are confused about picking the best hitch bike rack for you, this article is just for you, and by the end, you’ll be able to choose one for yourself. So, keep on reading to find out!
Best Hitch Bike Rack in 2020
Hitch racks are nowadays becoming the most preferred medium for the transportation of bikes for various reasons. They offer unmatched advantages over other forms of transport like fuel efficiency and ease of use,
However, as there’s a really large pool of hitch bike racks, there is really nothing like a best hitch bike rack. Rather, there are different categories of them each having their own pros and cons, and it really comes down to the game of personal preferences while choosing the one for you.
Here are the top 9 racks so you can choose the best one for yourself.
Comparison Table of Top 14 Best Hitch Bike Rack
Name | Weight (Pounds) | Bike Capacity | Max Load | |
Yakima – FullSwing | 83 | 4 | 160 | |
Overdrive Sport | 49.9 | 2 | 120 | |
Allen Sports | 23.8 | 4 | NA | |
BV Bike Bicycle | 39.6 | 1 | 35 | |
Capstone Hitch | 48.8 | 2 | 110 | |
Hollywood Racks | 38.9 | 2 | 70-100 | |
Thule T2 Pro | 62.7 | 2-4 | 125-250 | |
Kuat Racks Sherpa | 45.6 | 2 | 95 | |
Yakima – Holdup | 49.0 | 2-4 | 120-240 |
Our Top 9 Picks For the Best Hitch Bike Rack
Now onto the actual reviews; the following section contains products descriptions for the top fourteen hitch motorcycle carriers this year. In addition, the pros and cons have also been listed separately, so without further ado, let’s get into it!
1. Yakima – FullSwing Hitch Mount Bike Rack
The Yakima hitch carrier is a relatively new design on the market right now but definitely worth a second look, and here’s why.
It can carry up to four bikes at one point in time, making for a more commercialized piece of equipment, not to mention the strength and durability that speaks for itself. It can fit almost any kind of mountain bike or motorcycle which have conventional framing.
Some non-traditional bikes such as children’s bikes may require some additional equipment which you can always buy separately. The weight of each bike has to cap off around about forty pounds.
The design is such that it can swing out of the way should you need to access the back of the trunk of your car without having to move the bikes or detach the hitch itself. The carrier is padded throughout and prevents any damage or impact from harming your bikes.
The carrier itself can be folded up while it is not being used hence making for easier storage, and is very easy to install in your vehicle as well, making it convenient for beginners to use too.
- Has a capacity for four bikes in total
- Safe and secure fitting to your vehicle
- Foldable and easy to store
- Protects the bike from damage
- Can swing to ease access to the back portion of your vehicle
- Extra gear needs to be bought separately for certain bikes
- Each bike cannot exceed a weight of 40 pounds
Bottom Line
The Yakima is indeed a very good option if you have a big family and hence need to move multiple bikes at once. It also fits almost all standard frame bikes so you will be good to go along with your entire family!
2. Overdrive Sports 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Rack
If you are looking for a sturdy hitch motorcycle carrier, then the Overdrive hitch is the one for you. With a capacity for two bikes in total, it guarantees that the bikes will not wobble or move in the least while on the road.
Interestingly enough, this system has just been newly patented by the company, so you’re in luck! Another good feature is that the hitch can be folded over when it is not in use and can be lowered or titled even when the bikes are loaded in order to provide access to the trunk of the vehicle.
What makes this particular hitch so strong is the steel tubing with powder coating all over the top. This allows the hitch to carry bikes around sixty pounds in weight per bike. This means that it can handle most standard bikes.
Some bikes such as those having lower frames may need some extra equipment in order to secure them in place fully, and these will have to be bought separately.
This is something to be kept in mind while loading your bikes on this hitch if you want to ensure that your bikes and vehicle remain safe and in place.
- Has a capacity for two bikes
- Can carry bikes of up to sixty pounds each in weight
- Foldable for ease of accessing the trunk or loading the bikes
- Powder coat finishing atop steel tubing for durability
- Some extra equipment required for certain bikes with lower frames
- Heavy structure, may require professional installation
Bottom Line
With a capacity for two bikes weighing sixty pounds each, this is a pretty good option. Along with that, you can rest assured that it is a sturdy choice and will last you through the long haul if you are careful with using it!
3. Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack
Another design that is a bit more out there is the Allen Sports hitch carrier, with a capacity for four different bikes. This is a very good option for those interesting in traveling with friends or family because it truly does fit the whole lot.
Naturally, it has a very good lock system as well in order to secure it once the carrier is fully loaded. This prevents the bikes from wobbling in case you are traveling on rougher terrain or just on the road in general.
Installation is quite easy, making it convenient for beginners as well.
What makes the Allen motorcycle carrier more convenient is that it can be folded out of the way when not in use, so you do not have to detach it and reattach it every time. Even when it is fully loaded, it can be swung outwards so you can access the trunk or the back of your vehicle.
Each bike has its own tie that secures it in place, and the carrier, in general, can accommodate a wide range of differently framed bikes.
- Can hold four bikes in total at one point
- Can accommodate a wide range of bikes with different frames
- Lock system for each bike to secure it in place
- Can be folded while not in use or folded around to access the back of the vehicle
- Does not specify the individual weight limit for each bike
- Installation hitch only goes in about 2 inches
Bottom Line
The Allen hitch carrier is a great choice if you are traveling with a bunch of people (and their bikes of course). However, you will need to ensure the exact weight specifications before loading on all the bikes.
4. BV Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack Carrier For Car Truck SUV
The BV Hitch Carrier is another slight unconventional model on this list. However, that is not to say that it is any less effective. For starters, it has a ’tilt-back’ design, such that you can tilt it out of the way if you wish to access the rear portion of the trunk of your vehicle.
The best part about this is that you do not have to detach the hitch or even unload the motorcycles in order to do this. It can also be folded up and out of the way when it is not in use, so you don’t have to detach and/or reattach it every single time to need to use it.
Something that stands out in the BV hitch carrier is that it contains a safety reflector, meaning that it can reflect the brake lights through if they are not visible through the hitch.
This also makes it more visible to the cars in tow so they can keep an appropriate distance for safety reasons. The lock system holds the bikes in place once they have been loaded, and there is padding on either side that prevents the bikes from getting damaged.
- Tilt-back design for ease of access to the back of the vehicle
- Lock system to hold the motorcycles in place while on the road
- Can fold up while not in use
- Safety reflector for safe transport especially at night
- Can only hold bikes less than 35 pounds in weight each
- Bike tires cannot exceed 3 inches in width
Bottom Line
All in all, if you intend to travel with lightweight bikes, then you should have no problem with the BV hitch carrier, just as long as you keep the aforementioned specifications in mind.
Read Also: Best Hitch For Towing Travel Trailer
5. Capstone Hitch Mount 2 Bike Carrier
The Capstone is a great fit for any vehicle as it occupies very little space at the rear area of the vehicle it is hitched to. It can hold a total of two bikes. Therefore, it is great if you want to transport multiple bikes at the same time.
The carrier can fit a wide variety of tires which means that it can cater to a bunch of different types of bikes and motorcycles. Therefore, whether you are thinking of loading up a dirt bike on here, or your standard motorcycle, you should be good to go either way.
Like most of the other hitch carriers on this list, the Capstone too has a powder coat finishing on top. This protects the internal manufacturing material and goes a long way in terms of durability.
This is mainly because the finishing prevents damage of any sort i.e., chipping, or rusting in particular. It also prevents the carrier from wearing out under the weight too quickly. It can be folded out of the way when it isn’t in use and contains an anti-rattle system to prevent the bikes from wobbling while on the move.
- Has a capacity for two bikes in total
- Anti-rattle system for securing the bikes in place
- Can be folded out of the way when not in use for ease of access
- Total weight capacity not specified
- Individual specifications or dimensions not available
Bottom Line
Overall, some of the aspects of the Capstone hitch carrier are fairly ambiguous save for the fact that it can seemingly hold two bikes at one time. Therefore, you might want to keep track of certain specifications i.e., max weight capacity before you invest in this one.
6. Hollywood Racks – 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Rack
Hollywood Racks is another no-frills attached hitch carrier with a capacity for two bikes at one point in time. Something unconventional about the Hollywood Racks carrier is that it has rubber straps and cradles inbuilt within the body of the carrier.
These ensure that your bikes are secured in place while they are on the road. In addition, there is padding in the rubber cradles, which prevents or at least lessens the impact of the road on the bikes. This comes in handy, especially if you are planning on going through rougher terrain.
The rack can be titled such that you can easily access the trunk of the rear of your vehicle. This is convenient because this way, you do not have to detach and reattach the carrier every time you need something from the back.
The arms of the racks can also be folded while the carrier isn’t being used in order to make for more compact storage. Each bike mounted on these racks has been at a weight of thirty-five pounds or lower.
- Rubber cradle and straps for protecting the bikes
- Can fold up for ease of storage
- Tilting design for ease of access to the back of the vehicle
- Extra gear to fit some unconventional types of bikes
- Low weight capacity
- Cannot be used with a trailer
Bottom Line
The Hollywood Racks is a pretty traditional hitch motorcycle carrier if that is what you are looking for. However, you might have to invest in some extra equipment for it to be compatible with kids or women’s bikes.
7. Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack
If you are looking for a standard conventional hitch carrier for motorcycles, the Thule T2 Pro will not disappoint you. The carrier or the platform as they call it can hold anywhere between two to four bikes depending on the individual weight and total load capacity.
However, you may have to invest in a couple of add-ons separately if you want to load four bikes at once. It is compatible with several bike models, although tire width may have an impact with compatibility.
In general, the carrier can hold up to 120 pounds in total weight with each bike remaining under sixty pounds or so. It can also be folded up to form a more compact storage design so that it can stay out of the way while it is not in use.
Something that sets the Thule T2 apart is its compatibility with mountain bikes, and other larger bikes, although you might have to check for the tire width first.
- Can hold two or four bikes in total
- Compatible with larger bikes as well
- Can be folded up for ease of storage
- Add-ons required for managing to load all four bikes
- Total weight capacity of only 120 pounds
Bottom Line
Overall you cannot go wrong with the Thule T2 Pro, but the four bikes feature does seem a little too good to be true, so do your researches before you set on making that happen!
Read Also: Best Weight Distribution Hitch Review
8. Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0-2 Bike Rack
The Kuat Racks hitch motorcycle carrier is a very different design from its fellow competitors. It does look quite bulky at first glance. However, it is sturdy as well, owing to the powder coat finish. We have firmly established over and over again that this makes it quite durable.
The rack comes with a pivot as well that you can use to load or unload your bike if you feel the need to do so. There is also a bike lock that secures the bike in place.
The rack is such that it is extremely easy to release the bike from the hold once you are at your destination, hence making it so that you do not have to strain yourself.
The entire cradle that holds the bike can be folded up when it is not being used, which makes it more compact and easy to keep out of the way. The cradle is also padded, so it protects the bike against impact and damage that may be used by wobbling, etc.
- Durable and secure design
- Cradle padding keep the bike secure in place
- Folding structure for ease of storage and access
- Only has a capacity for a single bike
- Max load limit or other specifications are ambiguous
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a single bike carrier, then the Kuat carrier is a valid choice. However, you might wish to reconsider if you have to travel with a larger family or friends because this one will not really come in handy in that situation.
9. Yakima – Holdup Hitch Mounted Bike Rack
The Yakima Hitch Bike Rack is a good choice if you are looking for a lightweight, ergonomic design that will fit easily with your vehicle.
The lock system is already integrated within the carrier while assembling and actually installing the carrier is quite an easy process even if you have to do it yourself. This makes it good for beginners, as well.
The design is also such that it makes it really convenient to load or unload your bike with ease, without having to strain yourself.
This carrier does a pretty good job of protecting the bike as well once it has been loaded. There is a small gap between the frame and the bike in order to prevent it from chipping or rubbing against one another, which can cause damage due to the friction.
Conventionally, it can handle two bikes. However, some additional gear also allows you to load on a total of four bikes, making it ideal for larger families who are traveling with bikes.
- Can hold two to four bikes in total
- User-friendly frame for ease of loading/unloading the bike
- Good lock system to secure the bikes in place
- Ease assembly and installation; ideal for beginners
- Weight capacity slightly lesser than usual
- Requires extra gear for those two extra bikes
Bottom Line
All in all, the Yakima hitch carrier is a lightweight design that works well with what it is given. All you have to do is to invest in some extra equipment if you would like to load on four bikes, and it should be good to go.
Read Also: Best Trailer Hitch Ball Review
Best Hitch Bike Rack Buyer’s Guide
Being a newbie to bike racks and not having any prior experience in buying them, you are bound to feel overwhelmed at the start. But, don’t worry as we’re here to guide you through it all. Each one of your doubts or misconceptions will be cleared in below given buyer’s guide.
I. Hitch Bike Racks And It’s Types
Hitch bike tracks are essentially a way to carry your bike around, towing it upon your vehicle, for whatever purposes. There are many different types of hitch bike racks out there in the market.
Essentially, there are roof racks, truck racks, spare-tire racks, and so on and so forth. The names are pretty intuitive, each having different implementation and certain pros and cons that come along with them.
The installation procedure is pretty simple. However, there is a different way of fixing the rack, like using nuts & bolts, or whatever the guide tells you. Some use safety chains as well for additional strength. Moreover, different models have different shapes. E-g: some are L-shaped while some are straight. The number of bikes a single rack can also hold also varies.
II. Why Do You Need A Hitch Bike Rack?
You might be wondering that if it’s just the matter of carrying your bike around, why not use a simple strap-on rack or a roof-mounted one? And what other features of hitch bike racks make them stand out? Well, let’s see.
i. No Worries About Loose Connection
As the case with a strap-on and other approaches, there is really nothing to worry about with hitch bike racks as the loose connection can inflict heavy damage upon your bike or may as well cause an accident in the worst case.
Ii. Carrying Multiple Bikes
As opposed to the conventional approaches of towing your bike along, hitch bike racks offer you a lot more space, and in case you’re travelling with your friends, you don’t have to worry about space as it can manage all your bikes alone.
`iii. No Increase In Vehicle’s Height
Hitch bike racks don’t increase the height of your bike, which is the case with roof racks. This makes your vehicle a lot safer while coming across any low-height clearances.
III. Pros And Cons of Hitch Bike Racks
Every advantage comes along a disadvantage, too, and nothing is ideal. Hitch bike racks are no different and have both their pros and cons.
Pros
- More stable than other bike carrying options.
- Very straight-forward installation.
- Some feature advanced features like access to tailgates, trunks, etc.
- Available in various styles.
- Easy to load and unload bikes.
- Small and durable setup.
Cons
- Requires your vehicle to have a tow hitch.
- Weight and motion of the bikes can affect your vehicle handling.
- Adds to the length of your vehicle.
- Can be expensive, depending upon the features and bike capacity.
- Can reduce visibility from the rear mirror.
Read Also: Best Hitch Cover Review
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Best hitch bike racks
Whether you’re a newbie to hitch bike racks or an amateur, there is a pretty solid chance that every now and then, while being on the hunt for the best hitch bike rack, you will come across various questions. As getting answers to each one of your questions is necessary before you invest your money, we have devised a list of the most commonly asked questions about hitch bike racks by beginners.
- Q. How much bike weight can a hitch bike rack handle?
- Q. Is there any hitch bike rack that can manage any style of bike?
- Q. Do you need to drill holes in the car to install the hitch bike rack?
- Q. Is having a trailer hitch necessary on your vehicle?
- Q. Does hitch bike rack hide the number plate or rear-lights?
- Q. Which style of hitch bike rack is best?
- Q. Does my vehicle support installation of trailer hitch?
Answer. Frankly, this depends upon the model of the hitch you’re using, so it’s better to consult to the user guide of the hitch to explore.
Answer. No, there sadly isn’t. While there certainly are different rack models that carry different types of bikes, there’s no single rack style that can manage all.
Answer. There’s absolutely no need for any modification to your vehicle. The installation is done directly onto the hitch.
Answer. Yes, they are necessary for installing any hitch bike rack.
Answer. No, they are usually designed to not come in the way of a plate or the lights; however, bike’s tires or other parts may do so.
Answer. There is no perfect style of the hitch bike rack, and it all depends upon personal preference, wherever you feel more comfortable installing them.
Answer. To be honest, no, not all vehicles do. However, there is a high chance it does, but it really depends upon your vehicle, and you should get it checked out by a local mechanic.
Final Thoughts
At this point, you should be able to start finding the right hitch bike rack for you. First off, figure out why do you need a hitch bike rack and then estimate the number of bikes you might need to tow. Then look for the style you want, whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Once you’re sure of these, you can start the comparison of different hitch bike racks from different companies, keeping in mind their material, style and advantages over the others.
By putting in enough time and research, you should be able to land on the best hitch bike rack out there for you, even if it’s something that’s not present in our picks.