Bike racks with hitch are the easiest way to haul multiple bicycles behind your vehicle. They are available in various hanging designs and come with various features to make loading and unloading your bikes safe and easy.
A hitch-mounted bike rack can help you take your bike adventures to new heights. But finding the right one depends on your budget, how often you plan to use it, and what type of bicycles you want to carry.
Versatility
Hitch bike racks are an excellent way to transport bikes, and there are several models to choose from. Some have a higher weight capacity than others, so it is important to check that the rack you buy can accommodate all your bikes.
Safety
Hitch racks are a much safer option than trunk and roof racks, which can cause your vehicle to sway or move while driving. They’re also much less likely to snag on rough roads, which can lead to breakage. Also, your car will not damage or get scratched due to these racks. It means that your car paint is safe with these racks.
Unlike hanging systems, which use straps to secure bikes, hitch-mounted racks are mounted to your vehicle via a receiver instead of with straps. This makes them incredibly stable, especially when transporting multiple bikes.
Some are designed to hold bikes without touching the frames. They can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of bike sizes and suspension styles. Others are vertical hanging, which suspends the bike from its frame. They can carry a more significant number of bikes at once and are usually less expensive.
Accessibility
Hitch racks attach to your vehicle’s 1 1/4-inch or 2-inch receiver hitch, depending on the model. The receiver hitch is typically located behind the back of the rear door, where it’s most convenient for loading and unloading bikes.
Many racks also feature a tilt-away feature, which allows you to open a hatchback or drop down a tailgate without removing the rack. This helps reduce the length of the bike rack, which is important if you plan to store bikes in your trunk or cargo area.
Durability
Hitch racks are a sturdy alternative to trunk-mounted racks for frequent users. They are also easy to remove and store should you not use them for any period.
Many racks come with a shepherd’s hook or strap system, which secures the frame and fork. These straps are typically made of durable elastic material that can withstand the rigors of transporting bikes over rough terrain. However, a strap can break and cause your bike to fall off the rack.
Ease of Use
A hitch-mounted rack can be one of the most convenient options for bike towing. They don’t require fastening to the car, making them easy to remove and install when you need them.
Hitch-mounted racks also don’t have any contact with the car body, which helps to minimize rubbing and scratching. Some models even feature tilt features that allow easy access to the vehicle’s rear.
Depending on the type of rack you choose, you can load bikes by simply attaching them to the frame with a secure strap. Some have ratcheting arms that make it easy to adjust the position of the bike cradles so that you can fit different types and sizes of bikes.
Final Words
This post has given us the top reasons to consider a hitch bike rack. Overall, suppose you are looking for a safe, secure, affordable bike transportation solution. In that case, a hitch bike rack is an excellent option.
