Are you finding it hard to get a bike rack for your SUV with a hitch? Here are 7 of the best bike rack for SUV with a hitch that you can buy now.
During the first year after getting my SUV, I had a challenge transporting my bikes for weekend cycling. The bike rack that I had used for my Prius was not working so well on this car. To better secure my bikes, I decided to buy a new bike rack that will better suit my SUV. I did research and settled on a hitch bike rack because it was easier to use and safer for transporting my bicycles.
With the hitch-mounted rack, your car should have a trailer hitch so that the bike rack slides into a receiver. This type of rack is available in different sizes and styles. It is also easy to load and unload bikes using this rack. This is a very secure choice for transporting your bikes on your SUV. The list below has 7 of the best hitch bike racks for SUV you can get today.
The 7 Best Hitch Bike Rack for SUV- A comparison Table
Name |
Manufacturer |
Carrying capacity |
Action |
Yakima Ridgeback bike Rack |
Yakima |
2 |
|
Allen Sports Deluxe Hitch bike rack |
Allen |
4 |
|
Swagman XC Cross country Bike Hitch mount |
Swagman |
2 |
|
Yakima Full swing Bike rack |
Yakima |
4 |
|
Thule 963 PRO Spare me 2 bike rack |
Thule |
2 |
|
MaxxHaul 70210 Deluxe hitch mount rack |
MaxxHaul |
4 |
|
BV Bike Bicycle Hitch mount rack |
BV |
4 |
Yakima Ridgeback bike Rack- Tilt-Away Hitch Bike Rack
[amazon box=”B01FW6HHBG” template=”horizontal” ]The Yakima Ridgeback bike rack comes in smart design and carries up to 2 bikes. This bike rack is foldable and easily tilts away to allow you easier access to the back of your vehicle.
Specs
- Foldable
- 1-1/4†or 2†receiver required.
- Weighs 33.07 lbs
- Item dimensions: 48.00 x 15.25 x 12.75 inches
The Yakima hitch bike rack is very easy and quick to install without using any tools. The speed knob on this rack safely locks the rack to your car. The upper hand lever lets you easily tilt the bike rack so that you don’t have to remove and disassemble it to access your car.
The anti-sway cradle system on this rack reduces the chances of damage while transporting by keeping these bikes still. The molded collars on the rack make sure that the bikes are finished is protected. This rack is capable of holding 45lbs each.
Pros
- The Zero-hassle zip strips help to secure your bike onto the rack.
- This bike rack is foldable to save space on storage
- It comes fully assembled when you buy it so that you can use it immediately.
Cons
- The bikes are spaced closely together so there is still the risk of damage
Verdict
If you are looking for an easy to install and use a bike rack then the Yakima Ridgeback is the one for you. This bike is safe to transport your bikes and foldable too to make it easier to store.
Allen Sports Deluxe Hitch bike rack- 4 bike carrier
[amazon box=”B00TRTSW46″ template=”horizontal” ]The Deluxe Allen Sports hitch bike rack has a carrying capacity of 4 bikes. It is best for vehicles with a 2-inch trailer hitch only. It is an easy rack to assemble and you can start using it immediately.
Specs
- Folding carry arms
- Carrying capacity: 4bikes
- Weighs 23 lbs
- Item dimensions: 25.00 x 13.00 x 3.50 inches
The Allen Sports 4 bike rack is made of steel ensuring its durability and coated with black powder. This rack is equipped with a no-wobble bolt to keep the rack in place and not moving from side to side.
The carry arm on this rack accommodates a variety of bicycle frames and sizes so you can transport both kids and adult bikes. This hitch bike rack is easy to use so you won’t have any problems with it. This rack comes with a lifetime warranty too.
Pros
- This rack has folding carrying arms that fall away to give you access to the rear of your car.
- The set and installing only takes 5 minutes
- The long carrying arms secure the bicycles using Allen’s patented tie-down system.
Cons
- This trailer should not be used on the front of any vehicle.
Verdict
Allen’s Sports Deluxe bike rack can securely transport a maximum of 4 bikes. It is foldable, durable, and stable to ensure your bikes are not damaged. This is a great hitch bike for your SUV
Swagman XC Cross country Bike Hitch mount- Foldable bike rack
[amazon box=”B0001VO1YY” template=”horizontal” ]The Swagman XC cross Country bike rack is durable and secure for transporting 2 bikes. This is a great rack if you have limited storage space because it is foldable. Here are some of its features
Specs
- Made of steel
- The rack weighs 32 lbs
- Transports 2 bikes
- The capacity of 35lbs per bike
This bike carrier is very easy to use and durable. It can safely transport 2 bikes and is compatible with 2†and 1-1/4†receiver hitch. The cushioned hooks on this rack can be adjusted to fit different sized bikes.
The center arm on this bike rack easily folds down to give you access to the back of your car. It is suitable for wheel sizes between 20â€-29â€. You will only take a few minutes to assemble this bike rack. It is also foldable to save on storage space.
Pros
- The anti-wobble feature on this rack keeps your bikes stable and free from damage.
- The hitch pin ensures your bikes are secure and safe from theft.
- The soft frame coating is good for protecting the finish on your bikes.
Cons
- Some bike frame designs are not easy to position on the rack.
Verdict
If you are looking for a foldable, versatile, and durable bike rack, the Swagman XC Cross country is the one for you. It will keep your bikes in place and ensure they are secure. You will have an easy time if you get this bike rack.
Yakima Full swing Bike rack- Swing Away bike rack
[amazon box=”B009P3MKLK” template=”horizontal” ]The Yakima Full swing Bike rack fits up to 4 bikes. It is suitable for most bikes with a traditional frame geometry. This is a durable and easy to use bike rack for your SUV.
Specs
- 4 bike carrying capacity
- Weight per bike: 40lbs
- Weighs 75lbs
- Product dimensions: 47.50 x 26.00 x 17.50 inches
With the Yakima Full swing, you won’t need to use tools to install on your SUV. The auto-pin will properly position your rack and secure it to the hitch and receiver. This rack locks using a speed knob.
The Zip strips secure your bikes to the rack to avoid them falling off. It is a versatile rack that fits most bikes out there. The Same Key System (SKS) locks to ensure your bikes and rack are protected from theft.
Pros
- The swing-away design of this rack allows you to easily access the back of your car.
- It has fully padded arms to offer your bikes ultimate protection
- It is easy to install and use this bike rack compared to others.
Cons
- It is heavier than other bike racks
Verdict
The Yakima Full Swing is easy to install and secure for transporting 4 bikes. This offers the best protection to your bikes without causing any damage. You will enjoy using this rack.
Thule 963 PRO Spare me 2 bike rack- Heavy-duty bike rack
[amazon box=”B07WLKLR5M” template=”horizontal” ]The Thule 963 is a quality bike rack that can carry up to 2 bikes. This is a durable bike rack that comes with an adapter to fit all tire sizes.  You don’t have to worry about them being too small or too big.
Specs
- Maximum bike weight: 35lbs
- Foldable
- Carrying capacity: 2 bikes
- Weighs 34 lbs
This is a great bike rack if you are looking for durability and quality. The Thule 963 PRO bike rack comes with an integrated cable lock to secure your bikes from theft. The narrowly spaced dual arms on this rack allow for easier loading and unloading.
It is versatile and has load straps to reduce movement of your bike’s handlebars while transporting. The heavy-duty bike is powder coated and has nylon components to ensure its durability. The rubber spacers cushion the rack against the spare tire.
Pros
- The anti-sway cages prevent bike to bike contact and damage to your vehicle.
- The locking cable and knob secure your bikes to the carrier and the rack to your vehicle.
- It is foldable making it more compact for storage.
Cons
- For bicycles with a non-conventional frame, you might need a frame adapter to use this rack
Verdict
If you want a durable and sturdy bike rack for transporting your bikes, this is the one for you. It is versatile and secure to safely transport your bikes without any damage. It is worth the price of a quality bike rack.
MaxxHaul 70210 Deluxe hitch mount rack4- Best Adjustable Bike Rack
[amazon box=”B00AK9YMIM” template=”horizontal” ]The MaxxHaul 70210 Deluxe mount rack is durable, fast, and easy to use the bike rack. It is secure for transporting 4 bikes and you are sure that no damage will come to your bikes because of the safety features on this rack.
Specs
- Fits 2-inch receivers
- Transports 4 bikes
- Weighs 27 pounds
- Dimensions: 32.99 x 10 x 5.98 inches
With this rack, you are sure that your bikes finish will be protected because of the padded cradles. The powder coat finish on this rack protects it from rusting. The support bracket has been improved for better stability.
The hook and loop straps on this rack ensure that your bikes are safe and secure while transporting. It is an easily adjustable rack to fit a variety of bikes. If you usually go cycling with a group of friends or family, this is the best rack for you.
Pros
- It swings down easily to allow rear access to your vehicle.
- The top bar folds down for better storage and transport
- The steel construction is rigid to ensure durability
Cons
- It is not suitable for use on RV’s and campers
Verdict
The Maxxhaul 70210 deluxe bike rack is sturdy and compact for transporting your bikes. With a weight capacity of 150lbs and carrying capacity of 4 bikes, you will enjoy using this rack on your SUV.
BV 4-Bike Hitch mount rack- Hitch Mount Rack for SUV
[amazon box=”B075NFVW8X” template=”horizontal” ]The BV 4-Bike mount rack can carry up to 4 bikes per trip. This bike rack can firmly hold your bikes in place and comes with padded arms to protect from scratching.
Specs
- 4 bike carrier
- Weight capacity of 140lbs
- 3 point connection system
- Safety reflector included
The safety reflector included in this bike rack enhances visibility and ensures safety during the night. The 3- point connection on this rack ensures that your bikes are held firmly onto the rack. The loop and padded arms properly secure your bikes and prevent any further damage.
The BV 4-bike carrier is stylishly designed with a space-saving design. It is foldable and you are sure your bikes won’t be moving while in transit. This ensures that your bike rack is safe to use for any occasion.
Pros
- The tilt-back design lets you access the rear of your car without having to detach the hitch rack.
- This rack is foldable so that you can save some storage space when it’s not in use.
- The anti-wobble design on this rack reducing the wobbling between the rack and hitch.
Cons
- It can block your rear view visibility
Verdict
The BV –Bike hitch mount carrier is ideal for securely transporting your bicycles. It is durable, easy to use, and comes with a safety reflector for safety at night. This is a great option for your SUV.
What to consider when buying a bike rack with a hitch for your SUV
When you are buying a hitch rack for your SUV you need to consider the safety of your bikes and its compatibility with your SUV. Here are more you should consider before choosing the bike rack for you.
Bikes
How many bikes are you transporting? You need to consider the number of bikes you want to transport your SUV. For larger families and groups, you should consider racks with a carrying capacity of 4 bikes or more. You shouldn’t spend too much buying a 4 bike rack when you only need to hold 2 bikes.
Weight
Your bike rack should not be too heavy. This is important to consider because of the installation of the rack and removal at the end of every trip. The bike rack should also not be too heavy for your car because this can cause damage.
Storage
As a bike rack is only used to transport your bikes, there are times when it will just be in storage. The bike rack should be compact enough to save on storage space. Some hitch bike racks are foldable to almost half its size for storage after use. You can leave it in your trunk until the next time you need to use it.
Rear Access
If you are an experienced cyclist you know how frequently you might have to access the rear of your car. Most bike racks have a tilt-away feature so that you can easily access your car without having to dismantle the rack. Many bike racks tilt down or swing away for proper access. This will save you time and energy when using your bike rack.
Rust
If you cycle during all kinds of weather then you should consider buying a bike rack that is anti-rust. The anti-rust feature will ensure your bike rack is durable and safer to last you much longer. This will make sure you don’t have to spend more when the bike rack corrodes. Some bike racks are painted and coated to better prevent rust.
Safety
The hitch bike rack should be secure enough to transport your bike. Some bike racks come with locks so that your bikes are secure in the rack and the carrier is also secure in the SUV. Other hitch bike racks come with safety reflectors for better visibility and safety while transporting at night.
For the safety of your SUV, you should get a rack with padding and suitable spacing between the rack and your SUV. The anti-wobble feature reduces the chances of damage to your car and your bike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you should take your time when choosing the best hitch bike rack for your SUV. The bike rack should be durable, secure, and easy to use for transporting your bikes. Go for a bike rack that is easy to install, adjustable, and compact enough to save space on storage.
The hitch bike rack you chose should be the best for your needs and properly fit your bicycles. The hitch racks on this list are safe, durable, and great for transporting your bikes anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is a hitch bike rack?
This bike rack easily slides onto the receiver of a trailer rack. If the back of your car has a trailer rack then this is the best rack for you. It is secure and holds more bikes compared to other racks.
-
Are foldable bike racks less durable?
Foldable bike racks are still durable. Being foldable helps to save space and make it more compact for storage. Some bike racks fold up to half its size within minutes.