2019 Best Hitch Bike Rack: How To Pick The Right One?

Don’t you know how to transport your bike in your car? A hitch bike rack is the best solution you are finding.  It is a device attached to your vehicle to be a versatile carrier in a natural way.

Generally, hitch racks are divided into two categories: hanging models and platform models. The former maximize the carrying capacity by packaging into a compact.

The latter are much more expensive but provide excellent performance.

In the following parts, Delorean Bicycle will show the reasons why people choose hitch bike racks for themselves and the top picks in 2019.

Why Do I Need A Good Hitch Bike Rack?

If you do not want either a roof rack mounting or a strap-on bike rack, the hitch bike rack is the thing to consider. There are five main reasons to explain why it becomes the better option.

1. Carrying plenty of bikes

By using a hitch rack, you can bring several bikes with your car at once.  Some other rack models often are limited to one or two bikes being carried at the same time while hitch racks can load up to four bikes without any danger.

2. No trouble with the loose straps

The most important part of a rack is its sturdy straps for mounting the rack firmly into the vehicle. Imagine what happened if the belt looseness!

It is so dangerous that it may damage your bikes or even cause an accident while driving.

3. Remain the clearance to Your Vehicle

You can carry one or two bikes with a roof-mounted rack, but you have to posit your bikes upright in it. Your vehicle height will increase by several feet and may put you in trouble or even danger if encountering any low-clearance obstacles.

4. Say no to breaking down your bike

Some rack models require you to dismantle at least one wheel from the bike for your safety. Then, you have to store the wheel(s) in your vehicle. Those steps are inconvenient!

In the meanwhile, a hitch rack doesn’t take you much time and effort like that. You just need to move your bikes smoothly over the hitch rack, strap them tightly. Then, lockdown and ready to go.

5. Enlarge the space for bedding

A bed bike rack is commonly suitable for a truck because it allows you to take your bikes upright on the safe area in the car.

Notwithstanding, this also means there will be not much the space left for other items such as luggage or gardening tools. So, to handle this matter, you can consider a hitch bike rack.

As you can see, hitch bike racks is forceful and convenient. They can match many kinds of vehicles such as SUVs, minivans, trucks, and even passenger cars in particular cases.

Let’s see the eight best models in the following list to pick the right rack for yourself. To be more specific, we will point out both the advantages and disadvantages of each model.

Top hitch bike racks of 2019

1. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-bike hitch mount rack

  • Capacity: 2 bikes
  • Style: 2’’ x 1.25’’ receiver
  • Expandability: up to 5 bikes
  • Weight: 20 pounds

This deluxe hitch rack includes excellent features. One of the most attractive element is the ease of use with three main simple steps:

  • Slot it onto the trailer standard 2-inch hitch
  • Stand it in an upright position
  • Use the rugged bolt to secure it

That’s all about what you must do!

The carrying arms are suitable for multiple types of bike frames including both standard and larger structures. It also features in both 2-bike hitch version and the expandable versions (for carrying 3, 4 or 5 bikes).

You can easily fold it down whenever you don’t use it. Moreover, the tie-down system of Allen Sports is patented. This system has no wobble hitch that protects your bikes against vibration while driving.

Besides, the sturdy steel-made construction and the excellent design make this product more durable and reliable.

Pros:

  • Easy to install, easy to use
  • Well built to ensure the lasting lifespan
  • Lifetime warranty by the Allen Sports
  • Good looking with black coating finish
  • Anti-wobble ties
  • Secure for bike and vehicle

Cons:

  • Not fit well with smaller woman or children frames
  • The hitch pin hole is 1/2”, not 5/8”
  • Customer care is not much supportive

2. Omni 5-bike racks for storage

  • Capacity: 5 bikes
  • Style: hang bikes for garage
  • Expandability: none
  • Lightweight

This Omni model is a wall-mounted bike rack using for the garages. It allows you to customize the bike-holding capacity at the same time. With only one Omni Rack you can hold up 5 bikes – the average number of bikes in a typical family. With the 46”-length adjustable track, you can change the area of space to meet your needs.

The secret key of the tremendous load-carrying capacity is the heavy-duty steel construction. Moreover, this lightweight model can fit many kinds of bicycles including BMX, beach, cruiser, kids,…

A full box of an Omni rack includes all things you need for the installation, from mounting brackets, attachments for the arm to every single pin, screw and a manual book for instruction.

Keep your eyes open! You can hang your bikes on any wall you want as long as that wall is strong enough to hold the lightweight rack and the load of the bikes.

Pros:

  • Easy to use and install
  • Multiple uses
  • Hang up to 5 bikes
  • Lightweight
  • Affordable price
  • Made from steel
  • Heavy-duty build

Cons:

  • In some instances, it’s tight to hold 5 bikes
  • Not suitable for fat-tire bikes
  • Carefully check whether the small items/parts are missing when unboxing
  • Not excellent coating finish

3. Thule T2 Pro XT 2-Bike Rack

  • Capacity: 2 bikes
  • Style: premium platform hitch rack
  • Expandability: up to 4 bikes
  • Weight: 51 pounds

If you are finding a good rack that is compatible with your fat-tire bike, this Thule T2 Pro is a better choice for you.

In comparison with Thule previous models, it can carry more bikes and becomes stronger and easier when operating. The manufacturer has also improved some parts such as the moving components and the lever.

With this new T2 Pro, you only need around 10 minutes to follow these steps: use 8 bolts to attach the product’s rails, then if you want, install the lock cores.

One of the most significant updates of the rack is the retractable hitch bolt integrated on the rack. It is only needed when the mechanism of right retention becomes loose.

There is a cam that can expand or tighten itself towards the hitch to remove both wobble and play in time. A rubberized knob integrated with a lock core will take charge of stretching.

Being built sturdily, the T2 Pro is a sturdy rack. Moreover, this model is compatible with various types of bicycles and wheel sizes, even including 5″fat-tire without any additional arm reconfiguration.

What’s more, the rack can work well with most kinds of vehicles. The manufacturer has increased the ground clearance up to 4” along with 2” farther from the car.

Those updates are convenient in case you want to open the hatch while the rack is folded down.

Pros:

  • Best-in-the-class tilt lever
  • Compatible with multiple types and bikes
  • Sturdy build
  • Great design with a nice finish
  • Integrate lock knob, hitch-bolt
  • Durable and reliable
  • User-friendly

Cons:

  • Limited adjustability of side-to-side rails
  • Not too much sleek appearance
  • No excellent cable lock
  • Heavyweight

4. MaxxHaul Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack

  • Capacity: 4 bikes
  • Style: 2’’ x 2’’ receiver
  • Expandability: none
  • Weight: 26.7 pounds

It is also an ideal rack for family use. For example, your family wants to ride when camping in the mountainside, and obviously, you have to bring your bikes along with your car.

This MaxxHaul rack can be your useful supporter. What’s more, the price is affordable that make you go on buying it.

With heavy-duty steel, it can hold up 4 bikes with a total weight of 150 pounds (included 26.7 pounds of the rack itself). It allows you to assemble, install and store with the fold arms easily.

The built-in reflector for safety is a plus point. This feature allows the other vehicles to see your cargo, especially in the night time. Moreover, you don’t need to worry that the coating finish on the bikes will get etched while driving.

Thanks to the padding onto the cradle. Also, the manufacturer uses the rust-resistant paint for this model so that it’s difficult to damage the original look of the product.

However, the bike frames can easily contact with the rack and cause scratches. So, you should be careful when loading or unloading your bikes into the rack.

Pros:

  • Suitable for family uses (compatible with multiple cars)
  • Added padding onto the cradle for finish protection
  • Having a reflector for safety reason
  • Swing down when you need to access the truck
  • Rust-resistant coating finish
  • Affordable price
  • Heavy-duty
  • Easy to assembly

Cons:

  • Not much durable straps
  • Not good at provided hitch pin
  • Not compatible with RV’s and women’s bikes with slanted bar

5. Monkey Bars 3-Bike Storage Rack

  • Capacity: 3 bikes
  • Style: hang bikes for garage
  • Expandability: up to 6 bikes
  • Weight: 4.8 pounds

The 3-Bike storage rack of Monkey Bars is the creator made from high-quality components and materials. Each bike j-hook can bear up 75 pounds.

In general, it holds bikes in an upright position, decreasing the space for bike storage instead of placing them in the floor surface. Additionally, we can make use of the 3-feet space as a mini bike garage.

With its impressive design, this model allows you to store bikes of various sizes (maximum of 6 bikes in expandable versions) at the same time.

The heavy-duty steel increases the strength as well as the durability of the Monkey Bars Rack. Like many racks, this model also wears a powder coating on the exterior to improve its lifetime.

It’s easy to slide the j-hooks across the 3-foot bar so that you can customize the space for holding your bikes. Those hooks are also covered well in order not to scratch your bike’s wheels.

Pros:

  • Compatible with various bike sizes
  • Space-saving
  • Slidable hook  for customization
  • Fully powder coated
  • High-end components
  • Easy to install

Cons:

  • Annoying noise from the hook when sliding
  • Short lag bolt provided (2’’ instead of 3’’)
  • The catch is not much sturdy

6. SportRack 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack

  • Capacity: 2 bikes
  • Style: trunk mount rack
  • Expandability: up to 3 bikes
  • Weight: 11.8 pounds

With the capability of carrying two bikes, it transports your bikes in a safe and secure condition.

Also, the installation is easy and quick due to the hub mounting system that allows you to modify the rack to fit the shape of your trunk and hatch. When not using it, you can fold and store it away.

Furthermore, the manufacturer has added some soft rubber pads to the Backbone in order not to damage the coating of the trunk and hatch. There are 6 durable, customizable straps and coated hooks to avoid any damage.

One of the most impressive features of this model is the soft rubber anti-sway cradles to support the bike frames. They protect the bikes against the damage caused by the top tube and the contact of bike-to-bike or bike-to-vehicle.

However, the brand limits the warranty duration of those soft rubber straps. Also, this warranty is only applied to the verified purchaser for the material or craft defects,  and manufacturer’s faults.

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Good coating finish
  • Provide soft rubber cradles and straps for safer transport
  • Anti-sway system
  • Sturdy and durable

Cons:

  • Not use for tandems and recumbents
  • Not suitable for off-road

7. Thule Doubletrack Pro 9054

  • Capacity: 2 bikes
  • Style: platform hitch bike rack
  • Expandability: none
  • Weight: 35 pounds

Although this Thule Doubletrack Pro is not a world-class hitch rack, it makes us surprised with its usability and qualified build.

This model weighs 35 pounds so that it’s easier to install or remove.  Also, the design is versatile with the frame-friendly clamps coming along with a lock that makes it hold the bikes.

However, it can’t hold up the overweight bikes. Instead, being building well with strong materials, this model is still reliable and sturdy.

Notably, the hitch rack can hold a wide range of bike wheel sizes due to the sliding wheel trays and the adjustable straps designed for 2 bikes. So, even if the bike wheels are up to 48”, this rack can be comfortably compatible with them.

As usual, you can fold down the Thule model when not using it. Moreover, being a universal hitch rack, it fits both 2″ and 1.25″ receivers and uses the provided STL2 bolt into lock the carrier to your vehicle.

Pros:

  • Fit 2” and 1.25” with no-wobble
  • Construct well with good materials
  • Compatible with fat wheelbases
  • Frame-friendly clamps

Cons

  • Cannot hold the heavy bikes
  • Long and bulky straps
  • Cannot tilt down to open the hatch if the bikes are mounted

8. Critical Cycles Lenox 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack

  • Capacity: 2 bikes
  • Style: fit 2’’ trailer hitch
  • Expandability: up to 4 bikes
  • Weight: 20.9 pounds

Following the call from the adventure is not a big deal in your riding journey. You need the convenience and the Lenox hitch mount tray rack can be a good choice.

The design of wheel mounting allows you to load or unload by sitting lower in an easy way. Also, you don’t need to take too much effort to lift when mounting your bicycles.

It is straightforward to use the rack: lift your bicycles onto the hoops of the wheels, use the rubber straps and arms to tie down. Then, your bikes are secure.

This model features carrying arms that is also compatible with bike-wheel sizes from 20 to 29”.

Like most of the other bike racks, this Lenox rack can be folded down for storage.

Pros:

  • Sturdy and durable
  • Carrying arms designed for adjusting many types of frame sizes/styles
  • Rubber straps
  • Affordable price
  • Work well on off-road
  • Good customer service

Cons:

  • Not for trailer or RV’s use
  • Not excellent design
  • The quality of the components is not the same

Which hitch bike rack is the best?

Now that you’ve got some information about the top hitch bike racks. It’s time to think about which one is best? The list as above is refined from high to low in the rating according to the customer’s review on Amazon.

The racks of Allen Sports and Omni are excellent and worth buying. The others are still good models for you to consider although they have some drawbacks.

Before purchasing, you can determine what you need from a bike rack and which type you want? Or you can detail as the followings:

  • Type and style
  • Your bike types
  • Weight
  • Hitch size
  • Capacity
  • Features (folding, storage, …)

Wrapping Up

No matter which racks you pick, you should always consider the security and safety that the rack can ensure while using. It will be a fantastic device for your family trips.

Spending some time on comparing the outstanding types of racks will be better for you to choose the right one.