Hitch Mount Bike Racks

Hitch mount racks come in hanging style and platform style. Hanging style racks have one or two horizontal arms supported by a vertical post. As the name suggests, bikes carried on these racks “hang” supported by the bike frames, which rest on the rack arm cradles. On platform style, also called tray style, racks the bikes are supported by the wheels, which sit in cradles on the platform. Both kinds are super easy to load, but platform racks have a lower lift height, and some are even available with a removable loading ramp to ease loading heavier two-wheelers like electric bikes.

Hanging racks come in models that can transport up to 5 bikes. Various methods are used to attach the bikes to the carrier including top plates and adjustable straps that wrap around the frame, and some racks feature anti-sway cradles to prevent bike-to-bike contact and damage during transport. Some hanging racks feature lockable cradles or an integral cable to secure the bikes to the rack. Because of the way the bikes are supported, hanging racks are ideal for bicycles with standard frames and horizontal frame tubes. But if you’re transporting step-through or children’s bikes we offer temporary tubes that can be clamped to the seat post and handlebar stem, to simulate a horizontal frame tube and allow the bikes to hang level.

Platform racks are available in models that can carry up to 4 bikes, which are secured by lockable clamps at the wheels or frame and by straps that wrap around the wheel and tire assemblies. Platform racks provide more stability for the bikes, with less chance for sway and contact that could result in damage. Because the bikes are supported on their wheels, a platform rack is perfect when you carry a variety of bikes with different frame configurations. The platform wheel cradles can be adjusted to accommodate different size wheels and bicycle wheelbases. And if you transport bikes with fragile and expensive carbon fiber frames, a platform rack that clamps the bikes at the wheels is the ideal carrier.

Hitch mount bike racks are easy to live with. When compared to roof mount carriers, hitch mount racks are more aerodynamic and you don’t have to worry about roof clearance in parking garages, and they have greater bike carrying capacity and security than trunk mount bike racks. And even with the rack installed you still have complete access to the rear of your vehicle. Some premium hitch racks swing away even when fully loaded for access. Other racks can be tilted back for rear of the vehicle access; depending on model some can remain loaded while others require the bikes to be removed. On most hanging racks the arms fold down when the rack is not in use for additional parking and garage clearance, and the platforms can be folded up on some platform style carriers.

Some hitch mount bike racks come with adapters. The rack can be installed in a 2” receiver hitch with the adapter in place, and with the adapter removed it can be installed in a 1 ¼” receiver tube. This feature is invaluable if you have vehicles with different size hitches. We also offer hitch mount bike racks that allow you to carry your bikes and tow at the same time. We have models with vertical posts that slip over the draw bar and models that include a draw bar. Finally, if even 5 bike capacity isn’t enough to meet your bike carrying needs, consider the Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer. It can haul up to 7 bicycles or 6 kayaks loaded on their sides, or any combination of bikes, kayaks, canoes and cargo boxes not exceeding 300 lbs.