Best Bike Rack for Truck Hitch
Best Bike Rack for Truck Hitch
If you like taking long journeys or hanging out around the city with your bike buddy, then the best option for transporting your bikes is with the use of bike racks.
This type of accessory for your vehicle will help you transport your bikes safely and conveniently. Bike racks have different types and can be attached either on the trunk, roof, or hitch of your car.
Types of Bike Racks
Bike racks come in different types. Before spending your money on such a product, you need to know first what type of bike rack will fit your preference. Here are some of the types of bike rack you might want to know:
Roof Rack
This type of bike rack consists of a metal luggage rack that is being positioned on the roof of your car and holds your bike upright. This type of bike rack is ideal if you are on a long road. This is because the roof rack places the bike on top of your car and giving you a line of sight while driving.
However, if you are planning to travel in areas with minimal spaces, then a roof rack may not be suitable especially in places with low bridges, low hanging trees, and parking lots.
Lastly, roof racks are only ideal for light bicycles and not for the heavy ones as they may damage both your car and the bike itself. Most roof racks are being used to transport equipment such as surfboards and cargo boxes.
Hitch Rack
This type of bike rack is popular today. This type is heavier and more expensive but offers many advantages and comes in a number of designs. The hitch rack is perfect for fat tire bicycles.
The hitch rack offers a stable platform so that the rear and front wheels of the bike sit on a tray. This results in minimal damage and lesser risk during travel. Hitch racks reduce the risk of damaging the frame of your bike since it has minimal contact during transport.
Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
This type of bike rack is also called the mounting trunk. If you want convenience in carrying your bicycles, then this type is the best option. Truck-mounted bike rack does not require too much installation. It is usually easy to use and very light.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Safety
Make sure that your bike rack will not cover or hide your license plate or the rearview mirror of your car.
Stability
This is one of the most important factors you need to consider when buying a bike rack. If you have heavier or multiple bikes, then a sturdy and durable bike rack is a must. Make sure to have a bike rack that can withstand different weather conditions.
Efficiency
Choose a bike rack that will give you the ease of loading and unloading your bikes.
Security
Also, choose a bike rack with lock features to make sure your bike is protected.
Compatibility
Most vehicles are compatible with any bike rack. But before buying, make sure to check the height of your car and the compatibility between your bike frame and your bike rack.
Top Three Best Bike Racks for your Truck Hitch
1. Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack
When it comes to standard quality for hitch mounted tray racks, the Thule T2 Pro XT is at the top of your list. This product has received various awards as one of the best choices for hitch racks in the market today.
What separates the Thule T2 Pro XT from other products is that it comes with several smart features such as the superb user-friendly design. It has an easy to reach tilt release handle located at the end of the rack and comes with a tool-free mounting system.
The Thule T2 Pro XT has able to maintain its benchmark features such as tool-free vehicle attachment, easy tilt release handle, and more. This premium hitch bike rack offers optimum strength, user-friendliness, and added security. The Thule T2 Pro XT has an AutoAttach knob that makes it easy to install or remove.
It also includes a built-in lock cylinder for security. This hitch bike rack also comes with a HitchSwitch lever that tilts the rack up and down without hassle to achieve functionality. The Thule T2 Pro XT can be conveniently folded up when not in use.
The unit has a free ratcheting arm that can secure the bike without frame contact. It fits bicycles with 20 to 29 inches’ wheel size. The rack also provides enough spacing between bikes and can be adjusted side to side.
The integrated lock that comes with the product can secure the bike to the rack itself and retracts into ratcheting arm when it is not in use.
The best part about the Thule T2 Pro XT is that it can carry up to 4 different bikes for an ad-on. If you are looking for an excellent unit, then this product is a combination of all great features a hitch bike rack could have.
PROS
– Durable
– Tool-free installation
– Easy tilt release function
– Compatible with a fat bike
– Easy to remove and store
– Ease of everyday use
CONS
– Expensive
2. Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Mount Bike Rack
The Swagman Chinook Hitch Mount Bike Rack is one of the most affordable hitch mount rack in the market today that does not compromise quality even at a cheaper price. This product has a wide range of adjustability.
It can fit different types and sizes of bikes as well as tires, and wheels. It has locking clamps and locking hitch pin for extra security. If you are looking for an everyday use bike rack, then Swagman Chinook Hitch Mount Bike Rack is the right one for you.
Loading your bike with Chinook is easy because of its low loading height and with the simple clamp system which is slid down in order to put downward pressure going to the top tube. The Swagman Chinook Hitch Mount Bike Rack is attached to a received through a locking hitch pin which requires a wrench to install and remove.
The Chinook has a slimmer look and is super light yet still reliable. One good thing about the Swagman Chinook Hitch Mount Bike Rack is its flexibility on different sizes of wheels, bikes, and tires. Its wheel tray can accommodate wheelbase from 20 to 50 inches.
Another good thing about the Swagman Chinook Hitch Mount Bike Rack is that the rack is very easy to assemble. It comes easy to follow instructions and the necessary tools you need for assembling the unit. With this rack, you will only need about 20 minutes to finish your installation.
The hitch pin and clamp locks of this Chinook bike rack can keep your bike away from thieves.
The body of Swagman Chinook Hitch Mount Bike Rack is primarily made of thin square tubing making the whole body of the unit strong and durable. With its affordable price, the Swagman Chinook Hitch Mount Bike Rack is a decent option.
PROS
– Ease of everyday use
– Versatile
– Durable
– Ease of storage and removal
CONS
– Awkward shape
3. BV 2-Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack
The BV Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack is another great option if you are looking for the transport of more than one bicycle. With this hitch rack, you can easily install this in your car. It has folding capabilities.
If you are in need of a convenient and practical bike rack, then BV Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack is definitely a must-try. This unit has a 3-point connection that provides extremely sturdy and reliable attachment to the hitch of the car. Its tilted design gives you a chance to access your car trunk without hassle.
This tray-style rack is able to keep the wheels on its place firmly while securing tightly its frames. This means you can enjoy a smooth ride while transporting your bike with less movement or tangling handlebars. The BV Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack is a strong unit as it can hold up to 70 pounds of weight.
This rack is very convenient and easy to install on your car and offers no bounce properties when properly tightened. The car rack provides a reliable function that can last for years. This BV Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack can also protect the bike from scratching because of its padded arms.
The bolts and other components of the bike are of high quality which means you can store or use this rack as much as you like.
Another good thing about this bike is that it comes with a safe reflector placed on the rack itself which can ensure your safety, especially during night driving. Overall, if you have lightweight bikes, then choosing the BV Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack is a great choice.
PROS
– Tilt-back design
– Safety reflector
– Tray-style
– Padded arms
– Compatible
– Lock system
– Can be folded
CONS
– Bike tires can’t exceed more than 3 inches’ wide
FINAL WORDS
Choosing the best bike rack will depend on your preference. Bike racks are not so affordable that is why you need to carefully choose the right one that should suit your requirements. These products above are some of the finest quality bike racks you can find in the market today.
