How to Choose a Hitch Bike Rack
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A hitch-mounted bike rack keeps bikes low, easy to load and off your roof. Choosing one comes down to your bikes, your hitch and how often you need to open the back of your vehicle.
Platform vs hanging racks
| Platform (tray) rack | Hanging rack | |
|---|---|---|
| How bikes sit | On trays, held by the wheels or frame | Hung by the top tube from two arms |
| Best for | E-bikes, heavy bikes, carbon frames, step-through frames | Lighter bikes with a standard top tube |
| Bike contact | Little or no frame contact | Bikes can swing into each other |
| Weight and size | Heavier and bulkier | Lighter and more compact |
1-1/4" or 2" receiver?
Many racks come in both sizes. A 2" receiver generally carries more bikes and more weight. Measure yours — see receiver sizes explained.
The weight check most people skip
A bike rack puts all its weight on the hitch as tongue weight. Add the rack's weight to the weight of every bike you'll carry, and make sure the total is within your hitch's tongue weight rating (see hitch classes). This matters most with e-bikes, which are much heavier than regular bikes. Also check the rack's per-bike capacity and whether it fits your tire width.
Features worth having
- Tilt or swing-away so you can open the hatch or tailgate with bikes loaded.
- Anti-rattle hitch pin to stop the rack wobbling in the receiver.
- Locks for the bikes and the rack itself.
- Folding arms or trays so the rack sits upright when empty.
- A loading ramp if you carry heavy e-bikes.
Before you drive
- Make sure your licence plate and lights are still visible.
- Check that nothing touches the exhaust.
- Re-tighten straps and the hitch pin after the first few kilometres.
Browse bike racks, and add your vehicle at the top of the page to find a hitch if you don't have one yet.