10 Best Tray Style Platform Bike Racks

In my case, the process is simple! My bike is stowed away behind my SUV and off I go. Well, I have to arrange a bike rack to hold my transport in place. I prefer the platform-style bike racks over the hitch-style ones.

The best platform bike racks come with the added benefit of being abrasion-proof and having smooth wheels on the bottom. I will discuss the subject in more detail in a moment.

The tray style bike racks are very helpful if you’re towing your bikes somewhere. You’ll also find that these racks are much more stable and reliable than the swing-away racks I mentioned in an earlier article.

What are the best platform hitch bike racks for the interested group? This is exactly what my article is about. You will also find a guide detailing my process of choosing the best platform hitch bike racks that you will find under “Recommendations.” Are you ready then? Let’s get started!

 

Is there a reason why a platform style hitch rack should be selected over a hanging hitch rack?

Platform racks are far more convenient, safer, and easier to use than hitch mounted racks. When you mount your bikes on a platform rack, they will not swing or bang against the vehicle like they do with hitch mounted racks. In fact, this is the most common scenario with hitch mounted racks.

It is accurate to say that platform racks are one of the best options for transporting your bikes. Although, not all hanging racks are compatible with every style of bicycle, platform racks are. Their main advantage is that they remain close to the ground. As a result, you can easily access your bikes.

Having a low center of gravity means that they tend to be very stable since they are close to the ground. In most cases, platform racks have two attachment points, which are referred to as ratcheting arms and straps. The first one secures the front wheel, while the second one holds the rear wheel in place.

It allows you to load and unload your bike exceptionally quickly, which makes life easier for you. Platform-style racks are also a blessing, as they reduce any sort of wobbling while you are driving. They don’t sway that much, which makes it easier for you to load and unload your bike.

I think it’s fair to say that hitch-hanging racks are also not bad… They do have their perks as well. For example, if you’re planning to frequently unload your whole rack, you may want to go with a hanging rack. They are small compared to the platform rack, and they weigh a lot less as well.

When it comes to unmounting your bikes, platform racks are the best option if you plan to do so quickly. Besides being safe and quick to use, they are also easy to use and versatile. They do not interfere with the driving experience and they also keep the bike from coming into contact with your vehicle. This is a common occurrence with hanging racks.

There you have it. That’s all I have to say for now. Hopefully, as this article progresses, you’ll learn a lot more about platform racks, and I’ve also included a comprehensive buyer’s guide that will provide you with the information that you need to finally find the perfect platform rack that you’ve been looking for a long time.

 

Review of Platform Hitch Bike Racks

There are many factors you need to consider before you purchase a platform hitch bike rack. You can’t just go shopping, buy one, come home, install it, and hit the road. It’s just not that straightforward. It doesn’t matter how simple it seems. There are plenty of factors to take into account before you buy a platform hitch bike rack. Here are ten of my favorite platform-style bike racks that should do the trick for you.

 

1. Allen Sports Platform Hitch Mount Bike Rack

There are two types of two-bike carriers offered by Allen Sports, the XR200 and the XR200 for 1 1/4′′ or 2′′ hitches. I think this rack is perfect for carrying two bikes. Weighs less than 30 pounds and has a metallic body with a nice look. You can thus well imagine that it is both compact and strong. After all, who would trust a rack that isn’t strong and sturdy?

A platform bike rack such as this one has a couple of great features. For example, it has adjustable wheel trays and an easy-to-use frame attachment system. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about whether your bike fits into the rack because it can accommodate a wide range of bicycles.

In addition, the weight capacity of the XR200 rack is 70 pounds or 35 pounds per bicycle. Therefore, before buying the rack, you should make sure to measure the weight of your bicycle as it’s very important, as it might break under pressure if the weight exceeds the capacity of the rack.

In case you are unfamiliar with the installation process, it will take a little longer at first because you will need a wrench to do it. However, with practice, you will be able to do it in no time.

Suppose we take a closer look at the security and safety that is provided for your bicycles by the XR200. For example, it comes with an adjustable, padded upper frame connector that aims to secure and protect your bicycles from all sorts of bumps and wobbles.

The strap connection is adjustable, and they work with almost every tube size and shape, regardless of the size or shape of the tube. That’s not all. Allen Sports also added a buckle that is fully enclosed in a TPR housing to further ensure the safety of your bikes.

In the case of Allen Sports’ XR200 bike rack model, it can easily accommodate a variety of different types of bikes. As long as the weight capacity of your bike (35 pounds per bike) is not exceeded, then you will be able to easily fit your bike into this rack.

Having said that, the wheel trays can hold tires up to 3 inches wide, they can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of bicycle sizes (from a 35′′ wheelbase to a 48′′ wheelbase), along with wheels with diameters ranging from 20′′ to 29′′. No matter what type of bike you may have, you can easily mount them on the tray.

Yes, this bike rack has the flexibility that you can never ask for. The XR200 comes with a tilting back system which allows you easy lift-gate access in times of an emergency. Almost all quality bike racks feature this tilting feature. However, Allen Sports went one step further with this model.

Furthermore, they designed the rack so that you can fold it and minimize its profile in addition to the tilting system. In addition to this clever feature, there are many other useful uses for it. For instance, you can fold the rack against the vehicle when you’re not using it to transport your bike so that it can be conveniently stored in your car or garage when you’re not using it to transport it. The Allen Sports 2 bike platform hitch rack is a great choice if you’re looking for extra security and safety for your bikes. In terms of its features, the program has a lot to offer, it’s super easy to use, it doesn’t take long to install, and it’s robustly built. So, what do you think? Will you be willing to give it a try?

 

2. Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Platform Bike Rack

This hitch-mount platform rack from Swagman is decent, but it is not exactly what you would call robust, it has a two-bike capacity and is highly adjustable. Nonetheless, it is a good choice for seasonal users but not for long-term use. The main reason for this is that the bike rack does not offer enough security for the bikes, as one should expect from a good bike rack.

However, other than that, it still has some good quality features packed inside. This is an extremely lightweight product. It is even lighter than the XR200 model from Allen Sports. Being lightweight makes it much easier to assemble on the road and to use effectively on the trail.

It is one of the best riding bikes that you will ever own because it keeps your bike stable, and it is flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of bike, tire, and wheel sizes. Because it is small, you will not have any trouble storing it in your garage, and you will be able to experience an uninterrupted driving experience.

The XC2 is a good bike rack, no doubt. It is made of metal and the plastic knobs on the wheel trays as well as the rubber coating on the clamp hooks make it feel sturdy and reliable. They are built to last and will withstand a lot of abuse.

The capacity of this bike rack for two bikes is the same as the XR200, which is 35 pounds per bike and 70 pounds for the entire rack. If you exceed these limits, the rack may be damaged. However, if you use the rack carefully on smoother asphalt, you may continue to use it for several years…yes, it is that durable.

There is no doubt that the XC2 is a very simple and easy to use bike carrier, that has an extremely low loading height that should make mounting your bikes very easy. However, you will have to adjust the wheel trays by hand if your bike has a varying wheelbase.

I don’t like the fact that this rack puts you in an awkward situation while trying to load the bike close to the vehicle. This is because the clamp bar is situated in a vertical position. As a result, you have to lift the bike up between the rack and the vehicle in order to load it.

There is no doubt in my mind that the XC2 has the potential to fit a wide range of bike sizes since the wheel trays slide smoothly along the horizontal bar and are able to accommodate wheelbases ranging in size from 15 to 52 inches in diameter. This oblong wire loop wheel tray is designed to accommodate wheels with diameters of 20-29 inches and tire widths of up to 3.5 inches.

In spite of that, these wheel trays aren’t wide enough to fit fat-tire bikes. When you want to buy fat tire wheel trays, you must purchase them as an accessory, which is available as an aftermarket item. If you ask me, this accessory should be included in the package.

There is an adapter system included with the Swagman XC2 that allows it to work with both 1.25-inch and 2-inch receivers. Nevertheless, the hitch pin included with the Swagman XC2 does not work properly with the 2 inch receiver.

As far as security goes, well…there’s none. As the matter of fact, there’s not even a way to lock your bikes to your rack or your rack to your vehicle. I find that to be rather disappointing.

Although it is not a great bike rack, because of the annoying wobble, and it is not a great bike rack, it is still a good bike rack. If you are just trying out your bike, you can trust this product. It is durable, flexible, and versatile at the same time. Despite the fact that it does not fall into the same category as a premium quality bike rack, it does still have a lot of fighting power on its side.

 

3. MAXXHAUL 50027 Hitch Mount Platform Style Bike Rack

In terms of the MAXXHAUL 50027, one thing that stands out about it is that it is an extremely robust, sturdy, and reliable platform-styled bike rack. It is strong, sturdy, and well-made. It can hold up to two bikes, and it has all the good qualities of a platform bike rack.

A pair of foam-padded hooks have been added to this model. The manufacturers have added two-foam padded hooks to help stabilize the bikes when you’re on the road. As well as that, the manufacturers have included a movable vertical post for extra flexibility. In addition, you will find rubber straps added to ensure even more stability for your bike. That’s not all.

The MAXXHAUL 50027 weighs more than the previous two bike racks combined. The bike rack weighs around 33 pounds with a total capacity of 80 pounds. That is five pounds more than Allen Sports XR200 or Swagman XC2 models. Therefore, no matter what kind of monster you have, the 50027 will be able to carry it easily.

This model of MAXXHAUL 50027 is the perfect choice for any vehicle that has a 2-inch receiver, so you will be glad to know that it can be used in any vehicle – from SUV’s to trucks. Yes, you guessed it right, it has ‘universal fitment.’ Equipped with a 2′′ x 2′′ hitch bar, it is compatible with a wide range of standard hitch receivers, including those for Class III and IV.

Do you think this platform bike rack is easy to use? Sure, you bet it is. It has a unique hook design that allows you to adjust your bicycles on the rack in any way you think is appropriate. Does your bike have a unique body structure? No problem. You can accommodate them on the rack easily.

It is easy to mount your bikes on the 50027 as well. With the help of the quick hitch pins you can easily mount your bikes on the rack in a matter of seconds.

It is a friendly piece of advice that you should keep in mind whenever you are driving a vehicle with your bike attached to it. If you are overly active, it can damage your bikes as well as your vehicle if you move too much. I understand. When you’re ready to go on an adventure and you have the road ahead of you, it’s not uncommon for you to get carried away. Do not do that.’

The worst thing that could happen to you, once you reach the designated spot, is that the integrity of your bikes would have been compromised, which is why it is highly recommended that you drive steadily and use the adjustable rubber straps on your bike cradle to avoid such a situation.

If you are wondering whether or not these rubber straps really work, then you need to trust me on this. They work like a charm and provide your bikes with that bit of extra stability that they need when they are rolling on the asphalt. They keep them stable, but they also add an extra layer of safety for your precious vehicles.

The procedure of attaching and detaching the MAXXHAUL 50027 to your vehicles is also very straightforward. It doesn’t take much time at all. I mean, it shouldn’t seem like a chore, is it? That’s not the case with this model. It can be detached even more quickly than it can be installed.

In order to do that, you need to use a quick hitch pin. One of the features that makes this product unique is that you can use these pins to easily assemble and disassemble the product for compact storage.

Ultimately, all I can say about the MAXXHAUL 50027 bike rack is that it is a trusty bike rack. There are a lot of good things to say about this rack. It is very durable, the plastic parts are made with care, and it is designed to withstand a lot of rough weather conditions. Despite the fact that the rack is flexible, it does not wobble that much, and it keeps your bike safe and secure.

 

4. Leader Accessories Tray Style Hitch Mount Bike Rack

The manufacturer Leader Accessories has always been my favorite manufacturer when it comes to products that are used for outdoor activities. As the name implies, they lead the way when it comes to outdoor accessories. Thus, it should not come as a surprise that they have a very strong line-up of bike racks in their outdoor product line-up.

It has all the good qualities of a strong and sturdy rack. The manufacturer really did not leave anything out that might compromise your outdoor experience and the image you want to portray to the world. I have added their 2-Bike Platform Style Hitch Mount Bike Rack to this list.

This rack has a number of features, but what are the features of it? For starters, it has a quick-release tilt design. Is it foldable? Of course, it is. In fact, it is also possible to fold it backwards for your convenience. The rack fits almost all kinds of bikes, even the ones with enormous flat tires. Does it wobble? No, it does not.

Designed for 2 bikes at a time, it was made to last a very long time and was made extremely durable by Lead Accessories. The entire structure of this bike rack is made of steel. It weighs more than the previous three bike racks, 41.3 pounds. I guarantee you that the total weight capacity will be 70 pounds per bike.

The XR200 from Allen Sports and the XC2 from Swagman both have a distributed capacity of 35 pounds, so it would be fair to compare this to the other three bike racks that I have mentioned so far.

The best tray bike rack looks strong, feels strong, and bears the weight of 41.3 pounds when fully loaded on the bike, and they also applied an abrasion-resistant toner coating, which prevents rust, resists chipping, scratching, fading, and wearing. Last but not least, the rack is lightweight.

The assembly can be installed with only a pair of pliers, a set of Allen wrenches, a socket and ratchet, as well as an 11/16 socket and ratchet. Do not worry if it is your first time installing this type of tool. If so, you can follow the instructions. They are extremely comprehensive and straightforward.

For example, there are two types of bolts: stove bolts and standard lag bolts, which are easily identified by following the pictures. Follow the instructions and you will know what to do.

As a platform bike rack, this one from Leader Accessories is quite versatile with a variety of useful features. It has a quick-release tilt design as well as foldable and tilt-back designs. The first one can be operated pretty easily. In order to fold the rack up and down, you can use the quick release handle.

The quick release handle is fairly self-explanatory. This is for accessing the rear part of the vehicle in case it is necessary in the future. Normally hitch pins are used to do this. But I found the quick release handle to be more fun and easier to use.

The rack can be tilted without dismounting the vehicle’s rear axle, so you can gain access behind the vehicle in order to load your bikes. The rack can also be folded when you are not using it to carry your bikes, so you can save space when not in use.

There is a small issue with this rack, as it does not go with a 2′′ hitch receiver and fits a wide range of bikes, including fat tires and electronic bikes. It is compatible with a 2′′ hitch receiver. For better support, you might need to use a Bike Frame Adapter if you have a bike with a low Y-frame.

In the beginning, you might be thinking that this is a pretty heavy rack, which might have an impact on your driving. But in fact, it doesn’t have an impact. It has a system that eliminates any movement of the rack inside of the hitch, as well as an extra safety reflector.

This rack comes with a safety reflector to ensure safety while driving under the night sky and includes a tie-down strap to secure your bikes while you’re on the road. Overall, this rack is a robust one that will keep your bikes safe and secure while you’re on the road, making your driving experience more enjoyable.

 

5. HollywoodRacks Platform Hitch Mount Bike Rack

The Hollywood Racks Destination is a great rack if you need to carry more than two bikes on the rear of your vehicle at the same time. This rugged bike rack can hold up to four bikes on the rear of your vehicle. It is not only rugged, but is extremely lightweight and weighs just 42 pounds.

This platform bike rack offers a number of features, such as padded frame holders and ratcheting wheel straps. It is rather easy to use. It comes with padded frame holders and a locking mechanism to keep your bike secure. It is different from Swagman’s XC2.

Furthermore, there is an anti-rattle hitch pin which tightens the rack’s shank to the receiver of the hitch. This unique design prevents the rack from rattling around inside the receiver while the hitch is attached.

So, the padded rotating holder…What are they? The purpose of the destination rack is to secure your bikes, and this padded rotating frame is used by the destination rack to do that. The rubber-padded holders can rotate around 360 degrees and move up and down the center mast, so they are able to do that independently as well.

It is possible for them to accommodate easily the various types of bikes having different shapes and sizes because they are able to move independently. Additionally, the holders have padded ratcheting straps that further secure your bike by its frame by preventing any movement.

There is no problem if you have a bike with massive tires. The Hollywood Destination bike rack has wheel holders that can accommodate bicycles with wheels up to 48” in diameter and ratcheting wheel straps that secure the wheels to the bike trays. These straps are also padded and can be adjusted along the tray in order to ensure a solid and perfect fit.

Are you worried about wobbling? Well, it won’t be a problem with this bike rack since the ratchet wheel holders are designed in such a way that they will significantly reduce the chances of your bikes slipping and moving while on the road. By doing so, you will be able to drive more smoothly and with less wobbling.

Hollywood Destination also has the advantage of being a folding bike rack. When you’re not using it or if you don’t feel like detaching the rack at the moment, you can simply fold it up against the back of your vehicle while it’s not in use.

It is quite simple to raise the rack, as well. All you need to do is simply unscrew the knob and pull it out as far as you want your rack to go. Once you have done that, re-insert the knob and tighten it to the rack. That’s all there is to it.

It is worth mentioning that this is a very rugged bike rack…So would it be any problem to install it by yourself? Actually, no. It is a very intuitive and easy process. I will explain it to you in a moment.

In order to install it in your hitch, you’ll need to use an anti-rattle hitch pin that comes with the package. You’ll have to do this in three steps. First, you’ll need to insert the shank into your receiver. Next, you will insert the hitch pin, then tighten it down with the provided tool.

In this best 4 bike platform hitch rack we have included an anti-wobble pin that will prevent the rack from swaying or rattling when you hitch it up to your vehicle. It also comes with a hitch lock that will assist with securing the rack to your vehicle.

In my opinion, this is one of the best bike racks on this list because it is lightweight, sturdy, and well made, with an appealing design and a good build quality. It’s packed with a number of useful features, so it makes it one of my favorites.

 

6. KAC K2 Overdrive Sports 2″ Hitch Mounted Platform Bike Rack

If you are a cyclist, you probably already know what this place is, because KAC K2 Overdrive Sports is located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. This is one of the coolest mountain biking sites in the U.S. Consequently, they are aware that it is crucial for you to have a reliable bike rack in order to transport your bikes safely wherever you want to go.

Despite the fact that it’s a rear-mounted bike rack that’s designed for a 2-inch hitch receiver, the KAC K2 overdrive is a versatile rear-mounted bike rack that’s designed to support a wide range of bikes, whether they are standard, fat-tired, or even e-bikes. It supports standard, fat-tired, or even e-bikes.

There are two features about this backpack that you won’t be able to ignore. Firstly, it has adjustable padded hook arms and a heavy-duty 5 in wheel holder. By using this backpack on the back of your vehicle, you will be able to carry a wide range of bicycles regardless of the frame, suspension, or tire size.

In spite of the fact that it is made from alloy steel, the main structure of the KAC K2 Overdrive bike rack is extremely durable. This heavy duty rack has a distributed capacity of 60 pounds, so a total of 120 pounds. Those days of worrying are over now with this bike rack. Have those massive bikes with a lot of weight? With the K2 Overdrive, they can be carried as if they are nothing.

It has rugged 5′′ wide steel trays that will fit most narrow and fat tires, and the wheel holders have an adjustable knob design to allow for an axle to axle wheelbase of 54 inches, allowing for maximum versatility. The wheels will fit most narrow and fat tires on this platform-style bike rack.

As a result of the adjustable tire tray on the K2 Overdrive bike rack, it becomes a much more versatile bike rack that can be used with any type of bike.

A padded hook has also been added that can slide up and down. This hook serves two purposes: first, it keeps the bikes stable and second, it protects them from scratches and scuffs. If you are using a step-through bike or a low Y-frame bike, you will also need the KAC Overdrive Frame Bar Adapter.

It is important to note that this adapter does not come with the package. Therefore, you need to purchase it separately.

There are a lot of safety features that come with this bike rack that provide you with a good level of safety. For instance, you can secure your bikes with the safety strap that comes with the main package. It doesn’t need to be a hassle at all. You can secure both of your bikes with just one strap.

Moreover, they have integrated an Anti-Wobble System to keep your bikes safe while you’re driving on the road, which reduces the amount of sway between the receiver and the rack, which in turn keeps them stable and sturdy while you’re driving. Furthermore, there is a rear reflector on this bike rack so you will have better visibility at night (Leader Accessories also has one for the 2-Bike Platform Hitch Mount Bike Rack).

Is it possible to access your rear cargo while this rack is installed? You bet it is. Using the Quick Release Smart Tilt feature, you can move the rack away from the vehicle and get access to your cargo. By the way, you do not have to unmount your bikes since it is smart tilt.

If it has a folding feature then yes, it can be folded up flat behind the vehicle. This is a very useful feature for garage parking because it is a very compact design that can be folded up flat.

This kit comes with a key that is used to lock the top arm adjustment knob, which secures your bikes in their place, as the arm still spins independently after the knob is locked, preventing further adjustment until the key is used to unlock the knob again.

There are a number of benefits to this bike rack from KAC K2 Overdrive. It has a cool, practical design, some useful features and it’s very durable. It has nice security features, does not interfere with the driving experience and is versatile enough to accommodate all kinds of bicycles.

 

7. Stromberg Carlson BC-204 Platform Hitch Mount 4-Bike Rack

You may think that right at the start, it is a lot of praise for a company that has a great reputation for excellent craftsmanship, exceptional quality, high reliability, and impeccably durable products. That might seem quite a lot of praise at first glance.

Don’t worry…don’t worry…we are going to back up such strong praise with hard evidence, so don’t worry that you won’t have to worry.

This portable platform bike rack has universal fitment, unlike many other bike racks out there. It is designed to fit a 2-inch receiver on your SUV, monochrome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel, and can easily haul four bikes. It is the most technologically advanced bike rack available today.

A bike rack of this nature needs to be built from heavy metals. This is why they used heavy steel and zinc for the entire body. They used these high-quality materials to make the bike rack extremely durable, so it has to weigh a bit more. This one weighs 85 pounds and you can well imagine how tough it is.

In spite of the fact that most bikes currently sold today do not weigh more than 35 pounds, the BC-204 model offered by Stromberg Carlson has a total capacity of 160 pounds. You can carry your bikes without worrying too much about it. The BC-204 is built to last.

What is the chance of it fitting your bike? Yes, it supports a wide range of bikes and frames. The J-Hook has been used to enable this to happen. J-hooks are widely used for cable support because they are flexible and easy to reconfigure. Stromberg Carlson used this theory to make the rack more flexible and easier to install.

In addition to all this, you will find that the wheel cradles are totally adjustable. Have those bikes with fat tires? You won’t have to worry, they will fit right in the carrier. Let me tell you something… the carrier can expand to a staggering 51.5 inches.

The tire holders on the BC-204 bike rack from Stromberg Carlson have a diameter of 14 inches. But if you extend them to about 80 inches in total, then it doesn’t matter what kind of beasts you have, this rack from Stromberg Carlson will be able to accommodate them with ease.

In order to assemble this heavy-duty bike rack, you will need at least two pairs of hands to help you. Since this is a heavy-duty bike rack, you will need a 300mm monkey wrench, as well as a 17mm and 24mm open wrench in order to do the installation.

Despite this, these tools are not included in the package. You’ll have to follow the instructions carefully. They’re very detailed and thorough. Just follow each step carefully, and you’ll be able to do it.

As a precautionary measure, please do not place your bikes on the wheel cradle when using the tilt-down feature. Simply remove the 5/8″ pin from the bike rack so that you can access the rear part of your vehicle. This will cause the rack to tilt downward. When the pin is removed, be sure to hold the bike rack securely in order to ensure safety.

When you are going to store it, you just need to turn the L Pin at 90° (look it up in the diagram, you can’t miss it) and then pull it out from the center hole. Once you have folded the main vertical tube into a horizontal position and re-secured it with an L-Pin, you are able to store it without removing the whole thing from your car.

As well as this, the Stromberg Carlson BC-204 comes with a locking feature, so that you won’t have to constantly look behind your back to make sure all your bikes are fine. The rack is designed to meet the strict quality requirements of a magnificent bicycle rack, making it safe, robust and durable.

 

8. BUZZ RACK Express 4-Bike Platform Hitch Carrier

You should take your entire family with you when you go on a bike ride next time. Yes, you heard me right. I know that it sounds exhausting and the tasks of transportation do seem dangerous…but those days are over. BUZZ RACK Express 4-Bike Platform Hitch Carrier takes care of the safety and transportation of your bike.

As far as the design goes, this one has a state-of-the-art design. It has a revolutionary low-level bike loading system which means you won’t have to deal with awkward situations when loading your bicycles. Moreover, it offers a great deal of safety and versatility when it comes to keeping your bicycles in good shape.

In addition to looking sleek, the rack is very durable as well. The frame of this bike rack is made of alloy steel that gives it a tough, durable structure. In addition to having a special powder coating, which makes it stylish, lightweight, and durable, this bike rack performs even under heavy conditions.

You don’t have to worry anymore about carrying your heavier bikes if you have this bike rack from BUZZ. This bike rack can handle up to 132 pounds and has a distributed capacity of 33 pounds. So, you don’t have to worry about carrying your heavier bikes anymore if you have this bike rack from BUZZ.

Yes, this bike rack is quite versatile due to the fact that it has been designed with adjustable wheel trays, which allows you to fit pretty much any type of bicycle, including women’s, kids’, road, mountain, full-suspension, and electric bikes, onto this rack rack.

My favorite thing about this particular bike rack is that it has a very low platform. Because of this low platform, you don’t have to do any sort of overhead lifting, and in addition, there is no need to remove the bike tires from the bike rack.

It keeps your bikes safe because it does not lay a finger on them. It keeps them stable enough that your bike will still look the same when you arrive at your destination. The straps firmly hold the wheels and the pads protect the rims from damage.

If you aren’t using the rack for carrying your bicycles, you can fold it up whenever you aren’t using it. It is very convenient since after returning from a long trip who else would be able to detach the rack and park the vehicle in the garage after coming back from a long trip?

Now that you don’t have to worry about that anymore, you’ll be saving a lot of hassle and storage space by using the fold-up feature. However, there’s one thing you need to keep in mind. A fat tire bike or a car with an exhaust pipe that is positioned centrally can burn or melt the bike’s tires and wheel supports if you have a centrally positioned exhaust pipe.

The BUZZ RACK Express is the rack of choice for carrying all four bikes. It keeps them stable, secure, and safe throughout the trip to your destination. It doesn’t wobble when you move it, carries a lot of weight, and fits almost all types of bikes.

 

9. KAC E2 Platform Hitch Receiver Bike Rack Carrier

As a rear-mounted bike rack, the KAC E2 Platform Hitch Mounted Bike Rack is ideal for carrying two bicycles at the same time. With a 1.25-inch receiver, it is designed to be used with a wide range of bikes, including standard, road, and tough mountain bikes.

There are quite a few advantages to the E2 bike rack from KAC. First, it folds up efficiently, second, it has a premium build quality, and third, it is way more compatible than other bike racks on the market. The E2 bike rack from KAC plays host to a large variety of bikes, keeping them safe and secure at all times.

Whenever I am buying a bike rack, I always make sure it is made out of heavy-duty steel and given a powder coat finish that makes it even more durable. Well, this bike rack from KAC doesn’t disappoint me at all. It is made out of heavy-duty steel and comes with a fine powder coat finish that makes it even more durable.

Besides being able to withstand damages better and last longer, it also helps the whole rack to be corrosion-resistant, so you’ll end up with a bike rack that looks good and is extremely durable. So, yes…You’ll end up with a bike rack that looks great and is extremely durable.

Secondly, you need to know if this rack is compatible with a 1.25-inch hitch receiver. It is already known that this rack is designed for a 1.25-inch hitch receiver. Don’t worry if you already have a 2-inch hitch installed. It can work with either. You just need to use the hitch adapter that comes with the rack. It’s a good thing, since the adapter is included with the package as well.

As a matter of fact, the E2 platform hitch receiver bike rack is exactly what you need if you want to carry any kind of bicycle. It will support all kinds of bicycles including standard bikes, E-bikes, and scooters. Is it capable of bearing the weight? Yes, it is. The distributed weight of this rack is 30 pounds.

It is also very easy to mount your bicycles on the rack. E2’s innovative design will allow you to mount your bicycles in no time. Using a simple turn-knob arm mechanism, you can adjust the mounting position of your bicycles in seconds. The arms also have padded hooks for your bike’s safety.

With these soft paddings, you can rest assured your bikes are going to be protected while you’re driving them. There is more. Even the trays of this rack are padded with soft protective foam. I can bet you have never seen a bike with such protection before. They will make sure that your bikes’ paint won’t chip or wear and tear.

Another feature I like about this E2 Platform Hitch Mounted Bike Rack is the ability to fold it compactly when it is not in use. This unique feature makes it possible for the rack to fold away when it is not being used. Trust me, this feature will come in handy when you are parking your vehicle in your garage.

There is no doubt that this is a decent bike rack that can sort out all your transportation issues. It has all the safety features that every quality rack should have. It is very durable and can hold a significant amount of weight on it. It is more than capable of transporting your bike from one place to another.

 

10. Heininger 2035 Advantage 2 Bike Platform Hitch Mounted Rack

Heininger is well known for manufacturing products that enhance the travel experience. The 2035 Advantage SportsRack model from Heininger is a direct result of their unique and exceptional ideas that revolutionized the whole travel experience to some extent. Their innovative ideas have revolutionized the whole travel experience to some extent.

In my opinion, this two-bike platform hitch rack is one of the best bike racks available. I love that it doesn’t come with anything fancy. Instead, it does what I need from a decent rack. It loads your bike easily and in no time. Your bikes won’t be scratched during transport and you will get them where you want them.

Aside from a brief lift to the low mounts, it does not require any heavy lifting at all to secure your bicycles. It’s true. Many bike racks require you to lift your bikes up high on top of a tippy roof rack. With the 2035 model, however, you only have to lift your bicycles a short distance to the low mounts that secure your bicycles quickly and easily.

There are two sizes of receiver hitches that can fit this rack: a 2-inch and a 1 1/4-inch hitch. Don’t worry, the rack can be installed on any vehicle, whether it is an SUV, a sedan, or an SUV with a rear bumper. I have always considered it to be a blessing that the product comes fully assembled. That is what I call a blessing. All you have to do is put it on the hitch, and that’s it.

This entire process will take less than 2 minutes, and the process of mounting the bikes onto the platform will take no more than 5 minutes.

There’s nothing simple about this bike rack, but it’s so strong that it doesn’t shy away from being strong. It’s made from extremely strong steel that makes it extremely durable. Moreover, the wheel straps are much more ergonomic, meaning you don’t have to figure out how they work.

There are some differences between these wheel straps and the typical material straps. They work, to a certain point, better than the conventional ones. On top of that, the horizontal bar has an adjustable pad, so that it holds the straps firmly in one place when the bike is mounted.

You will be able to mount your bikes on the rack much faster since the trays will not move around or sway as you mount them. The straps also have another purpose. When you’re on the road, they will keep the bikes stable and secure. It’s obvious why they’re important.

For a 2 bike platform hitch-mounted rack, it has a well distributed capacity of 33 pounds, which is well distributed throughout the whole structure. The whole structure is also rust-resistant and will withstand a lot of abuse. Now, back to the weight capacity. Well, this Sports Rack is a carrier.

Yes, it should be able to hold two bikes comfortably. They are made to last and will not break down easily at all.

I know I would not want to detach every single part of the rack right after coming from a bike ride, so I’d rather run indoors and take a nice hot bath right after I get back from my ride. This Flat Rack can easily fold away adjacent to the bumper for compact maneuvering while it’s attached to the vehicle.

The folding up feature of this product allows you to fold it up and store it in a garage. Later, you can remove it from your vehicle and park it there.

A great accessory to have in your possession is the 2035 model. This bike rack from Heininger is lightweight, simple, and built to be able to handle heavy duties. It will keep the integrity of your bikes intact whenever you are transporting them. You won’t have to worry about it budge and leave any scratches on your bikes.

I hope that this brings us to the end of this list. I have searched high and low for the best possible platform bike rack that can be a solution to your bike transportation needs. It is my intention to make sure that all the products that I have included in this post would be able to serve as your trusted companion both on the road and off.

Now that we have covered the most important part of this article, let us move on to the last and most important part of this article: a detailed guide that will help you decide which bike rack is right for your vehicle.

 

What you need to know about buying platform hitch bike racks: An insight into my research!

There is no doubt that you already know a lot about these platform-style bike racks. However, I would like to point out some important things that you should consider when making a purchase. If you order anything or go to the market the next time, make sure you remember the things I will discuss in this article.

It is our hope that these facts will be helpful to you in finding your dream bike rack. If you are new to this area, you may wonder why we are making such a fuss about such a thing. Well, the world of bike racks is vast and full of variations. It is easy to get lost in the enormous number of options available.

Please read on, so that you can use this buying guide as a guide so that you can find your way through this vastness in order to find an awesome yet simple platform bike rack that will be easy to use. Don’t mind me. I got a bit carried away there.

 

What is the number of bikes you are going to transport?

The purpose of this article is primarily to present two types of platform bike racks. The first is capable of carrying two bikes at a time while the other can carry four. While most riders prefer to carry two bikes at a time, if you’re a family man you may want to consider buying racks that can carry four bikes simultaneously.

In other words, you have the option of selecting either two bike racks or four bike racks, depending on your lifestyle and what you need.

 

You should take into account the bike’s weight capacity when choosing a bike

The weight of your bikes should be carefully mapped out before purchasing a bike rack. As a matter of fact, each bike rack has a maximum carrying capacity for each bike. In that case, if you own heavy downhill mountain bikes, E-bikes, or cruiser models, be sure that the rack you choose is capable of supporting the weight capacity of your bikes.

You have a lot of options available for you if you are planning to buy a two bike rack. However, before you make any decisions, you will need to consider one thing. Will you be carrying standard bikes or heavier bikes. Because standard bikes do not weigh as much as heavier bikes.

It is recommended that you choose either an Allen Sports XR200 model or a Swagman XC2 model if you have a weight restriction of 35 pounds. All of them have a well-distributed capacity.

It is also not a problem if you own heavier bikes. Platform style racks are the best option for heavy-weight electric bikes. The 2-Bike Platform Style Hitch Mount Bike Rack from Leader Accessories has a massive 70 pounds of distributed capacity. Despite the size of the rack, it is perfectly capable of carrying any type of beast you like.

You might not need a heavy-duty rack to carry two bikes at once, if you don’t need one. But you don’t want a rack with a low weight capacity either. You want something in the middle. For this reason, MAXXHAUL’s 50027 rack might work for you. The capacity of this model is 40 pounds, which is a very decent amount for a rack.

BUZZ RACK Express, Destination Bike Rack from Hollywood, or Stromberg Carlson’s BC-240 are all good weight carriers which you can choose from if you want to go out with your family on a bike ride and transport four bikes at the same time. They can all carry a lot of weight on them.

 

Do you know if it comes with a tilting and folding feature?

It is a necessity for every modern bike rack to have this feature. It adds more flexibility to any bike rack. There is an obvious reason for this. For the sake of this article, I will say it out loud. Well, if you plan to keep your rack on the vehicle for a longer period of time, a tilting feature is a must.

You may want to leave the rack in the way it is when you reach your humble abode after a long drive. I know a lot of people who’d rather leave the rack as it is and take a hot bath. If you don’t have a folding feature on your rack, you will not be able to park your car within your garage.

If you have a vehicle, you will have to leave it on your driveway. You don’t want to leave your vehicle there, do you? When you fold the bike rack, you’re good to go. You also save a lot of space in your garage.

The tilt feature will also allow you to gain easy access to the rear part of the vehicle in times of emergency. This feature is very useful in times of emergency because it will allow you to get to the back part of the vehicle.

There are many bike racks in the market today that are integrated with this useful feature, except for the cheaper ones which do not. It makes it very easy to access your rear storage space quickly and easily.

 

It is important to make sure that your wheels and tires are compatible with your vehicle

It is important to remember that one of the things about a platform bike rack is that you have to take into account the wheel size and tire width when installing the rack. But actually, this is not a big deal because most road bikes and mountain bikes do not raise any issues.

Almost all of the racks on this list can fit 26 to 29-inch wheels. Keep in mind that 26- to 29-inch wheels are standard. But what if you have bikes with extremely large tire diameters and wheel sizes?

As a result, in that case, a Stromberg Carlson BC-204 Platform Mount 4-Bike Rack is capable of mounting up to 4 bikes at a maximum wheelbase of 51.5 inches. Additionally, the Leader Accessories 2-Bike Platform Hitch Rack is capable of mounting up to 2 bikes at a maximum wheelbase of 54 inches. Impressed yet?

Assuming that you do not need that much width, it would be best if you chose an Allen Sports XR200 rack or a Hollywood Racks Destination rack. They both have 48 inches of wheelbase, so you would be able to fit them both. I believe that most of the racks available today are compatible with most of the bikes currently on the market, as you can see.

As to tire width, it is exactly the same as the wheelbase. Each and every bike rack can hold a standard size bike with a regular size tire. If you want to accommodate a larger tire width, then you should consider the Leader Accessories 2-Bike Rack. These racks can accommodate bikes with tire widths up to five inches wide.

 

Can you tell me if it is versatile in any way?

My understanding of this is that it is important if the bike rack is compatible with a wide variety of bike styles. Frankly speaking, this is one of the biggest problems with hitch-hanging bike racks. They are unable to accommodate all types of bikes. The platform bike rack, on the other hand, is not affected by this compatibility issue.

It is only a matter of time before you ask yourself, Why? The answer is quite simple, and by now you must have already figured it out. If not, let me clarify for you. In platform-style bike racks, the tires and wheels of the bike are the only ones that come in contact with them. Therefore, platform-style bike racks are not affected by the shape of the bike or the size of its frame.

However, I think it is important to point out that pretty much every single bike rack I have listed here is compatible with a large number of bikes of different sizes and shapes, so you don’t have to worry about this. They are easy to put on and take off as well.

 

Don’t compromise on the durability of your products

The main characteristic of a good bike rack is its durability. In many cases, a bike rack can have all the fancy features and compatibility in the world, but if it isn’t tough enough, then what’s the point? A bike rack should have a good build quality. The main structure of most bike racks is made of steel.

There is one thing you need to take into consideration, and that is whether the steel has been powder coated or not. A metal frame is only used to carry the bikes, while the plastic parts are mainly used for holding the bikes firmly in place. The metal frame makes the rack more durable and prevents it from rusting.

If you are going to buy a product made up of plastic parts, make sure that it does not feel cheap. Also, check the quality of the padded foam and straps.

 

The final two cents of my two cents worth

There is no doubt that platform bike racks can be one of the best options when it comes to transporting your bikes. Well, they keep your bikes safe and sound when you’re on the road; they preserve the integrity of the bikes and do not negatively affect the driving experience.

The concept of planning a bike trip far away from home has always been tiresome and exhausting to me. Because we get tense about the safety of our bikes and the thought of having to install them, but in reality, this isn’t a big problem at all.

It is very easy to eliminate all the problems you may have regarding the transport of bicycles if you have a good bike rack at your disposal. With the right bike rack, you are able to make life easier, connect with nature, and improve your mental and physical health. Therefore, why not get yourself a platform bike rack and begin the adventure that you have always dreamed of?