There are tons of advantages to having a hitch on your truck or car besides just towing a trailer. Hitch mounted bike racks have several benefits when compared to their trunk or roof-mounted counterparts, including increased sturdiness and the ability to fit more bicycles. Think one of these would be a good fit for your vehicle? Here are some options to help you find the best fit.
Truck Hitch Bike Rack Pros and Cons
If you’re considering a hitch mount, the best choice for you will be determined by your vehicle, the number and style of bicycles you have, and your budget. Check out these considerations to make you a better-informed consumer and get your gear where it needs to be!
Hitch-Mount Pros
These racks are a sturdier bet than traditional racks that hang from your trunk or hatchback. Being connected to the hitch means they can reach farther from the rear of your vehicle, meaning they can carry more bicycles safely.
Stopping on a long road trip and don’t want to remove four or five bicycles from your vehicle? Many of these racks come with locks to keep your bikes safe when not driving. Versions without this feature can be secured temporarily using chain or loop locks.
Completely removing the rack from your hitch is an easy procedure as well, not requiring extra straps or tie downs. The shape of these racks also makes it easier to get your bicycles in place and prevents the need for removing pedals or wheels.
Hitch-Mount Cons
Much like finding a perfect downtown bike path or secluded mountain bike trail, we know things aren’t always perfect. The reasons not everyone has a bike rack for their truck hitch range from obvious to less common.
They are generally more expensive than their rooftop or trunk-mounted counterparts because they are built more robustly and attach directly to your vehicle. Cars and trucks must be equipped with a hitch which is generally an optional extra.
A con they share with trunk-mounted racks is rear window visibility. This is less of an issue with pickup trucks or sedans, but hatchback and van owners should be forewarned.
The impeccable sturdiness of these racks makes them heavy, so don’t be surprised to feel a little sway with smaller cars and in adverse weather conditions. If you have dropped an extra few dollars on that carbon fiber road bike you’ve always wanted for weight savings, don’t expect the same returns from your new bike rack.
A final con of both hitch-mounted and trunk-mounted bicycle racks is that your bicycles are directly exposed in the event of a rear-end collision or parking mishap. So drive safely to get your bikes to their destination unscathed.
Comparison Chart
VENZO 4 Bike Bicycle Platform Style Carrier – Bike Rack for Car SUV Truck Tow Trailer Hitch Receiver Mount Size 2″ – Sturdy & Rust Proof
Best Overall Bike Rack for Truck Hitch
Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
This offering from Swagman is a sturdy and reliable way to transport up to two bicycles. It won’t break the bank but features the same great build quality as pricier Swagman models.
A lock pin is available to keep your bikes safe if you decide to stop for a mid-drive meal along the way. It also provides extra stability when moving, by attaching directly into the hitch. While this option isn’t free, it is a reasonable upgrade for anyone new to the bike rack market.
This is a perfect first option for an enthusiast with a midrange budget. Any cycling power couple will be pleased with its two bike capacity. But for families or those who group ride, you’ll need to look at four or five bike alternatives.
Best Value Bike Rack for Truck Hitch
Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in. Hitch
Not sure if a hitch-mounted bicycle rack is right for you? Or perhaps you want the best option available without exhausting your athletic budget for the year? Allen Sports has you covered with this no-frills yet high-quality option.
This is a great family option since it has the capacity for up to four bicycles. One downside reviewers note is that the bikes can move around a little when the unit is fully loaded. It is rated to support bicycles up to thirty-five pounds, however, so there is little risk of any damage to your rack or vehicle.
Allen has been in business since 1967, so there has been time invested in their success! If you want to upgrade after purchasing this bargain, there are optional extras available from the stalwart brand too.
Most Robust Bike Rack for Truck Hitch
VENZO 4 Bike Bicycle Platform Style Carrier – Bike Rack for Car SUV Truck Tow Trailer Hitch Receiver Mount Size 2″ – Sturdy & Rust Proof
If you’re in search of a true workhorse of a carrier, this alloy steel behemoth from Venzo is your logical choice! Expect a little extra workout unhitching your bike rack, as it weighs a whopping seventy pounds, but this is the price you pay for a rust-proof four bike carrier.
The financial price is in the midrange for this model. You pay for the security and sturdiness you get, but not inappropriately so.
Best High-End Bike Rack for Truck Hitch
Thule Helium Platform Hitch Bike Rack
High-quality sporting goods are rarely cheap. If you’re not averse to a splurge, but want something worth every penny, renowned Swedish brand Thule offers this top-shelf bike rack.
The Helium’s aluminum design makes it light, attractive, and rigid. Style isn’t always the first consideration when purchasing equipment like this, but considering the number of high-end automobiles now sporting hitches, its inoffensive look won’t distract from your vehicle or bicycles.
Ease of installing, folding, and loading, alongside a sleek design make this an easy choice if you have the funds for it.
In Summary
Best means something to everyone, but no matter your needs and preferences, these four truck hitch bike racks are the best in each of their respective classes. Try them out, and make bike transport that much easier!
