Best Bike Rack for SUV with a Hitch – Buyers Guide
One of the best ways to transport your bikes is with a hitch-mounted bike rack. You can securely attach them to the hitch of your SUV, and they are easy to use and versatile. They can function as platform bike racks, which is convenient and provides stability. They can also be hanging bike racks, which are more compact.
The platform models will work for a wide range of bike styles, and they are stable and easy to access. However, hanging bike racks are popular because they are lightweight and compact. They work well for people who plan to remove the bike rack often. Take a look at the best bike racks for an SUV hitch.
1. Allen Sports 2-Bike Hitch Rack
This two-bike hitch rack from Allen Sports is great for road trips or camping excursions. It fits receiver hitches that are 1-1/4 or 2 inches, and it has a no wobble belt. There is a tie-down cradle system that will secure and protect each bike, and the hitch carries a number of different types of bikes and frame sizes.
The rack can tilt back so that you can lift the back of your SUV, and it comes in a black powder coat finish. The maximum weight it carries is 70 pounds, and it is lightweight and easy to use. It has folding car arms, and you only need three bolts to assemble it. You can get it up and ready for use in minutes because it is so easy.
Allen Sports was started by Richard Allen in 1967 in his garage, and the company’s goal is to make bike racks that are high quality and easy to use. The company is still family-owned, and they have the same goals of quality, convenience, and ease of use.
Pros:
- Tilting track for easy access to the back of your SUV
- Tie down cradle system keeps bikes secure and safe
- No-wobble bolt keeps bike rack secure
- Works for a wide range of frames and sizes
Cons:
- Only carries two bikes
- You might need extra tie down straps
2. Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack
This four-bike rack from Allen Sports works with a two-inch trailer hitch. You will need to make sure that the hitch is professionally installed to work effectively. It has arms that are 22 inches long, and it can secure bicycles with the tie-down system that is patented by Allen Sports. You can set it up and install it in less than five minutes, and it comes with a no-wobble bolt that secures the rack inside of the receiver hitch.
This bike rack can handle a variety of bike frame types and sizes, and it is easy to lift the back to enter your vehicle by tilting the bike rack. It is attractive with its black powder coat finish, and it is very popular because it does a great job. This bike rack lives up to the Allen family’s reputation. The founder, Richard Allen, was an aerospace engineer who built the first prototype in 1967 out of electrical conduit, metal strapping, and fire hose casings. The company is still family-owned, and they have more than three dozen patents for their products.
Pros:
- Carries four bikes
- Stable with tie down system and wobble-free base
- Tilts out of the way for access to the back of the SUV
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Only works on two-inch hitches
3. MAXXHAUL Hitch Mount Platform Style
This bike rack is a platform-style bike rack with two foam-padded hooks that secure and stabilize your bike without scratching its finish. It has hooks and tire cradles that can adjust to fit bike frames with between 20” and 26” wheels. The vertical post can be removed quickly for compact storage, and you can adjust the bike tire cradles along the horizontal bars with the quick knobs. They are convenient and they have rubber straps for added stability.
The bike rack is made of steel, and it fits class III and IV standard two-inch hitch receivers. It has a maximum capacity of 40 pounds per bike, or 80 pounds total. It has a universal fit, and the unique hook design makes it easy to adjust using the quick hitch pins that make it easy to use different-sized bikes and frames.
Pros:
- Platform style bike rack with padded hooks
- Tire cradles that adjust to fit different frames
- Vertical post is removable for compact storage
- Stable and made of steel
Cons:
- Only holds two bikes
- Takes some work to fit bikes without them touching each other
4. IKURAM 4-Bike Double Foldable Bike Rack
This bike rack is from Ikuram, and it is all steel, rigid, and durable. It is long-lasting with its protective powder paint finish, and it has a dual-arm mounting design. The dual-arm feature is optimized to allow you to use it with a lot of different bike designs and sizes. It is stable, and it is easy to use with up to four bikes. It also has easy tilt down access, which makes it convenient to use.
The arms fold down, and they can fold up quickly when you aren’t using the bike. This makes it easy to remove and store because it won’t take up a lot of room. It’s a hanging bike rack that has bike cradles, hook and loop straps that protect the bike finish, and it fits most Class III and IV two-inch receiver hitches. You can open the back gates without detaching them, and it is perfect for families who enjoy taking their bikes with them on excursions. It is easy to assemble and install in just minutes.
Pros:
- Easy to install and holds up to four bikes
- Fold down arms make it compact and easy to store
- Swing down backward design so you can open your rear gates
- Padded bike cradles and hook and loop straps
Cons:
- Only works with a two-inch receiver hitch
Final Words
If you are looking for a hitch mount bike rack, you can choose one that holds two or four bikes. Decide whether you want a platform mount or a hanging bike rack, and get one that is high quality, durable, and easy to use.
