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10 Best Hitch Bike Racks 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

YAKIMA DoubleDown 4 - Tilting Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack for Cars, SUVs, Trucks and More, Fits 1.25” and 2” Hitches, Anti-Sway and Folding Arms, Carries 4 Bikes

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,494
Bike Capacity
Security Features
Ease of Use

Most important from
875 reviews

Bike Capacity
Accommodating four bikes is a real bonus, making it a fantastic choice for group adventures.
Security Features
Loading and securing bikes onto the rack is a breeze, thanks to individual cradles and secure straps that prevent any wobbling or potential damage.
Ease of Use
The ease of use is truly remarkable, with straightforward setup and installation that takes just a few minutes.
Vehicle Compatibility
Being bolted onto the hitch makes the rack very stable, but can be inconvenient to remove, especially in areas with specific parking regulations.

The Yakima 4-Bike Hitch Mount Carrier, also known as the DoubleDown 4, is designed to securely transport up to four bikes, making it suitable for families or groups of friends. It features a sturdy and durable anti-sway design, which minimizes bike movement and potential damage during transit. This rack can easily be tilted down, providing convenient access to the rear of your vehicle without the need to unload the bikes, a feature that's particularly handy for road trips and frequent stops.

It accommodates both 1.25-inch and 2-inch hitch receivers, making it compatible with a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. The rack is built with heavy-duty materials, supporting a weight capacity of up to 140 pounds, ensuring stability and security on the road. Additionally, it offers compatibility with the optional DeadLock system for enhanced security of both the bikes and the carrier itself, which can be an attractive feature for added peace of mind.

However, it weighs 31 pounds, which might be a bit cumbersome for some users to handle or install alone. This hitch-bike-rack is best suited for those needing to transport multiple bikes regularly and who value robust construction and easy vehicle access.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,494
Bike Capacity
Security Features
Ease of Use

Most important from
875 reviews

Bike Capacity
Accommodating four bikes is a real bonus, making it a fantastic choice for group adventures.
Security Features
Loading and securing bikes onto the rack is a breeze, thanks to individual cradles and secure straps that prevent any wobbling or potential damage.
Ease of Use
The ease of use is truly remarkable, with straightforward setup and installation that takes just a few minutes.
Vehicle Compatibility
Being bolted onto the hitch makes the rack very stable, but can be inconvenient to remove, especially in areas with specific parking regulations.
#2

Yakima Platform Hitch Bike Rack, Rear Vehicle Bicycle Carrier w/ Tilting Tray for 2 Bikes, Fits 16 to 29 Inch Wheel Size, StageTwo, 2” Anthracite

Rating
9.8
Rack Type
Security Features
Ease of Use

Most important from
48 reviews

Rack Type
Upgraded from an overhead Allen - 3 hanger type on my '13 Explorer to this Yakima - 2 tray rack. All I can say is wow, just wow.
Security Features
The integrated lock was enough to know the bikes were safe during short stops.
Ease of Use
Building the rack was not a small effort. It was very much worth it though.

The Yakima StageTwo Hitch Bike Rack for Car is a versatile and user-friendly option for transporting bikes. This rack features an adjustable 2-inch hitch mount design with StrongArm hooks, which securely holds bikes by their wheels and accommodates wheelbases up to 52 inches. It can carry a wide range of bike types, including fat-tire, mountain, road, hybrid, women’s specific, BMX, kids’ bikes, and E-bikes, each up to 70 pounds. This makes it a good choice for families or cyclists with diverse bike collections.

The rack is designed for ease of use with a remote tilt lever that allows for easy access to the rear of the car and a tool-free locking SpeedKnob for easy installation and removal. Additionally, the integrated SKS locks provide security by locking the bikes to the rack and the rack to the car with a single key system.

However, at 80 pounds, the rack itself is quite heavy, which could be a drawback for some users when it comes to handling and installation. The high bike capacity and robust construction might also mean it's not the best fit for smaller vehicles. Despite these potential drawbacks, the Yakima StageTwo offers a high level of versatility and security for those needing a reliable and sturdy bike rack.

Rating
9.8
Rack Type
Security Features
Ease of Use

Most important from
48 reviews

Rack Type
Upgraded from an overhead Allen - 3 hanger type on my '13 Explorer to this Yakima - 2 tray rack. All I can say is wow, just wow.
Security Features
The integrated lock was enough to know the bikes were safe during short stops.
Ease of Use
Building the rack was not a small effort. It was very much worth it though.
#3

Young Hitch Mount Bike Rack with Ramp, 200 lbs. Capacity for 2 E-Bikes, Fat Tire and Standard, fits Cars, SUVs, RVs, Trailers with 2 Inch Receiver

Rating
9.7
Hitch Receiver Size
Rack Type
Security Features

Most important from
430 reviews

Hitch Receiver Size
Despite its weight, mounting the rack in the receiver first simplifies the process, ensuring it aligns correctly.
Rack Type
Works well for fat tire bikes and provides extra safety with additional tie-down straps.
Security Features
Locks each bike into position securely, preventing any shifting during long drives.
Ease of Use
Easy assembly and secure carry, even with an e-bike and extra battery, with no wobbling during transit.
Weight Capacity
The rack is heavy-duty, supporting up to 200 lbs without flexing, and the assembly is straightforward with the right tools.

The Young Hitch Mount Bike Rack with Ramp is a durable and capable option for transporting up to two e-bikes or multiple conventional bikes, with a total weight capacity of 200 lbs. It is constructed from reinforced steel and aluminum, ensuring it remains sturdy and reliable during trips. The rack features a 2-inch hitch receiver, making it compatible with cars, SUVs, RVs, and trailers that have this specific size.

One of its standout attributes is the inclusion of a ramp, which simplifies the loading process by allowing bikes to be rolled directly onto the rack, a particularly helpful feature for heavier e-bikes. The rack's anti-wobble structure and secure wheel cradles effectively prevent bikes from swaying and knocking against the vehicle, enhancing safety during transit. Additionally, it is RV approved, making it a suitable choice for motorhome travel enthusiasts.

However, it is important to note that the rack is relatively heavy at 66.1 pounds, which might make installation and handling a bit challenging for some users. Also, the rack only fits vehicles with a 2-inch receiver, potentially limiting its compatibility. This rack is best suited for those who need a robust and secure option for transporting heavy bikes, particularly electric ones, on a variety of vehicles including RVs.

Rating
9.7
Hitch Receiver Size
Rack Type
Security Features

Most important from
430 reviews

Hitch Receiver Size
Despite its weight, mounting the rack in the receiver first simplifies the process, ensuring it aligns correctly.
Rack Type
Works well for fat tire bikes and provides extra safety with additional tie-down straps.
Security Features
Locks each bike into position securely, preventing any shifting during long drives.
Ease of Use
Easy assembly and secure carry, even with an e-bike and extra battery, with no wobbling during transit.
Weight Capacity
The rack is heavy-duty, supporting up to 200 lbs without flexing, and the assembly is straightforward with the right tools.

Buying Guide for the Best Hitch Bike Racks

Choosing the right hitch bike rack can make transporting your bikes easier and more secure. The right rack will depend on your vehicle, the number of bikes you need to carry, and your personal preferences. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a hitch bike rack, along with explanations to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Hitch Receiver SizeThe hitch receiver size is the dimension of the opening on your vehicle's hitch where the bike rack will be mounted. This is important because the bike rack must fit securely into the hitch receiver. Common sizes are 1.25 inches and 2 inches. If you have a smaller vehicle, you might have a 1.25-inch receiver, while larger vehicles often have a 2-inch receiver. Make sure to check your vehicle's hitch size before purchasing a rack to ensure compatibility.
Bike CapacityBike capacity refers to the number of bikes a rack can hold. This is crucial because you need a rack that can accommodate all the bikes you plan to transport. Racks typically hold between 2 to 5 bikes. If you only need to carry one or two bikes, a smaller capacity rack will suffice. However, if you have a family or frequently transport multiple bikes, opt for a higher capacity rack. Consider your current and future needs when deciding on bike capacity.
Rack TypeThere are different types of hitch bike racks, including platform racks and hanging racks. Platform racks support bikes by their wheels, making them easier to load and providing more stability. Hanging racks support bikes by their frames, which can be lighter and more compact. If you have heavier bikes or want easier loading, a platform rack might be better. If you prefer a lighter, more compact option, a hanging rack could be the way to go. Think about how you will use the rack and what features are most important to you.
Security FeaturesSecurity features on a hitch bike rack help protect your bikes from theft. These can include locking mechanisms for both the rack and the bikes. This is important if you plan to leave your vehicle unattended with the bikes on the rack. Look for racks with integrated locks or the ability to add locks. If security is a high priority for you, choose a rack with robust locking features to give you peace of mind.
Ease of UseEase of use refers to how simple it is to install the rack on your vehicle and load/unload bikes. This is important because a user-friendly rack will save you time and effort. Features like tool-free installation, tilting mechanisms for trunk access, and easy bike loading systems can make a big difference. If you frequently use the rack, prioritize ease of use to make your experience more convenient and enjoyable.
Weight CapacityWeight capacity is the maximum weight the rack can support. This is crucial to ensure the rack can handle the combined weight of your bikes. Racks have different weight limits, typically ranging from 30 to 60 pounds per bike. If you have heavier bikes, such as electric bikes, make sure to choose a rack with a higher weight capacity. Consider the weight of your heaviest bike and ensure the rack can support it safely.
Vehicle CompatibilityVehicle compatibility refers to how well the rack fits with your specific vehicle model. This is important because not all racks fit all vehicles. Some racks are designed for specific types of vehicles, such as SUVs or sedans. Check the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure the rack is compatible with your vehicle. If you have a unique vehicle or specific needs, look for racks that offer adjustable features to fit a wider range of vehicles.

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