As a result, we become uninspired because we do not have the best hitch bike rack for SUV that would be able to safely carry our bike to the desired spot. This kind of setback is what puts us off having quality time with nature.
I’ll give you a brief introduction to hitch mount bike racks if you’re not familiar with them. Hitch mount bike racks, to put it simply, are a kind of tool that you can attach to your vehicle’s hitch to transport bikes. You may have seen your neighbors using them from time to time.
You can use this SUV hitch bike rack to transport your bikes if your SUV does not have any crossbars or a trunk of its own. These racks are easily bolted to the hitch of your vehicle using a pole and a bolt and trail behind the vehicle, carrying your bikes as you drive.
In the first place, why should you purchase a SUV Hitch Bike Rack?
Firstly, I would like to bring your attention to some questions that you might have: Why do you need a hitch mount bike rack for your SUV? Do you ‘really’ need one? And what are the benefits that it offers?
Considering the fact that they cost more than SUV trunk-mounted racks, this is a very reasonable question to ask. If you are not a frequent user of these racks, then I would advise you to steer away from them and stick with truck-mounted racks. However, if you are a frequent user, you cannot afford to have one of these racks in the first place.
In general, hitch mount bike racks are designed to carry several bikes. In fact, hitch racks are designed to carry up to five bikes. Why go alone? Take your entire family on your next adventure! The purpose of family tours is to bring out the best in everyone, strengthen the bond between family members, and to create values.
The hitch bike racks are far superior to roof racks and trunk racks. This is especially important if you don’t have crossbars on your vehicle or a suitable trunk hatch for fitting a bike rack on. On the contrary, the hitch bike racks have the advantage of being easy to install and provide more stability for your precious bikes.
In addition to this, these racks do not pose as much of a threat to your vehicle because they do not come very close to the vehicle to which they are attached, so they are less likely to damage it. In fact, they are designed to be extremely aerodynamic, to carry heavy loads compared to roof or trunk racks, to have diverse styles, and to fit with almost any automobile.
5 Top-Rated Reviews of Hitch Bike Racks for SUV
At the beginning of the article, I mentioned that finding a sturdy SUV hitch bike rack can be quite challenging and time-consuming. For your convenience, I have provided you with five cool hitch bike racks for your SUV that could do the trick for you. For your convenience, I will try to make your life as easy as possible in this article.
1. Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks
As a well-known brand specializing in the manufacture of high-quality bike racks, Allen Sports is a well-respected name in the bicycle rack industry. On top of that, the product is easy to use, has a good build, and transports bicycles safely.
There are two long 22 inch carry arms that can hold two bicycles each. These arms are connected by Allen’s patented tie-down system so you can secure each bicycle individually.
There are only three bolts needed to install it and it weighs just about 0.26 pounds. This is a lightweight item, but that doesn’t mean it’s weak. The structure is made of steel, which means it’s built to withstand heavy usage. Furthermore, the dimensions (26.38 x 12.2 x 13.98 inches) are perfect and will not interfere with your driving experience at all.
It is possible to carry three bicycles on this SUV hitch rack. However, this rack is restricted to vehicles equipped with a 2-inch trailer hitch only. Your vehicle should have a professionally installed Class III or IV 2-inch hitch in order to use this rack.
It is as simple as connecting it to your hitch. In order to secure and protect your bicycles, you need to use the tie-down cradle system. It has a 22-inch long arm with a variety of frame sizes and designs that you can choose from. So, regardless of what kind of bike you have…you will be able to carry them safely and without any hassle.
This Allen Sports 4-bike Hitch Rack has even more flexibility than you might expect with its ability to fold up when not in use, meaning you can use your vehicle with this rack installed without feeling like it is a nuance at all. It adds up to the flexibility that this Allen Sports 4-bike Hitch Rack offers you.
There will be times when you may think that you will have to detach your bikes from the rack in order to access the back of your vehicle. However, this is not the case. There is an effective tilt system that allows you to fold the main mast out of the way completely.
As well as its durability, the rack offers a lot more than just that. The individual tie-down system is just one of the things you’ll love about it. When the terrain gets tougher, the tie-downs kick in. They protect your bikes while you’re on the move. Other than that, they are also fixed on a position on the carry arm that can be rotated.
The feature allows us to mount our bikes on the rack a little more easily than we would otherwise be able to. By rotating the arm of the rack, I am able to mount my mountain and road bikes according to their different sizes and shapes.
Last, but not least, Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks ensure that you don’t have to worry about them wobbling when you’re taking your SUV for a drive. Honestly, they don’t leave things up to chance. They’ve included a No-Wobble Bolt that ensures the rack stays in place when you’re driving.
In addition to this, Allen Deluxe Hitch Racks have all the necessary features that are needed in order to meet your needs. Allen Deluxe Hitch Racks are strong, sturdy, and offer a great deal of flexibility, all of which are a must-have for any hitch rack.
As an added benefit, this sleek-looking rack that I am advocating for has a powder-coated finish that gives it a sleek appearance.
I think that it is a great buy not only because it works like a charm, but because it also helps you to look classy while you’re on the road all the time! All in all, it is a great buy in every way.
2. IKURAM Hitch Mount 4 Bike Rack
There is no doubt that IKURAM’s Hitch-Mount 4 Bike Rack is one of the top selling products in its category. It is a well-designed product that incorporates innovative technology and is easy to use. The Hitch-Mount 4 Bike Rack is no exception. It is durable, it has a dual-arm bike carrier rack, a tilt down access, as well as many other nice features.
Now, I put this on my list of SUV hitch bike racks for a reason. Scratch that! It’s a list of reasons for multiple reasons. One of them is that you will be able to carry heavy bikes with this rack.
What makes it so great, you ask? First of all, it has a solid steel construction. There’s another “Good News.” With this, you can transport four bikes. The padded bike cradles are equipped with hook and loop straps, so you don’t have to worry about your bike when you’re driving. They work just fine and protect the bike finish as well.
There is a 1-inch receiver hitch that is used with this bike rack, and just like Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks, it fits perfectly into any standard Class III or IV 2-inch receiver hitch. The installation is a breeze.
With only three bolts, you will be able to assemble your KRB-H040B Hitch Rack, so you can get out of your driveway in no time at all with your SUV attached to the rack.
The bikes that you ride on the asphalt should be secured when they are on the road, don’t you think?
In order to address this issue, IKURAM came up with an excellent solution. They have added durable, UV-resistant rubber cradle straps, which do a wonderful job in keeping your bike safe and secure.
It is also important to note that the tie-downs don’t put any restraints on your bike as well. This is because they have a soft cradle bed that fully protects your bicycles as you are driving them. So, yes…your precious bikes will be safe and sound.
As for the flexibility of the IKURAM hitch, it has a unique design. It’s called Swing-Down Backward. What this does is that it allows you to access the back of your rear vehicle easily. Once you’re done, you can with a simple hitch locking pin mechanism either swing it back up to its primary position or you can push it back down to its secondary position.
This rack comes with easy-fold arm designs. This particular arm design allows for a 24.8 inch range of motion. This is a very useful feature when you have to move it around. The long folding carrying arms can be rotated out of the way if you’re not using the rack as a transportation tool.
Do you have any worries about that annoying wiggle that a trailer usually makes when you pull it up? Don’t worry, IKURAMI is a solid product that is designed with a no-wiggle design just like the first product on this list and it comes with a free additional anti-rattle hitch tightener.
Therefore, as a result, the whole structure will not wobble, rock, bang, clank, or jerk as a result of poorly fitted receivers. We all believe that towing is supposed to be quiet, and as you can see, this SUV hitch bike rack from IKURAMI guarantees that you will have a smooth and quiet towing experience.
Getting out in nature and being one with nature is what IKURAMI’s SUV Hitch Mount 4 Bike Rack inspires you to do nothing but enjoy it. With it, you do not have to worry about all the little annoying issues you usually encounter when putting your bike on the rack or towing it. Moreover, it offers a great deal of safety and security for your bicycles and looks cool.
3. Allen Sports 2-Bikes Rack
You don’t have to worry because this one is also from Allen, but this one is a bit different from the first one in that it can transport two bicycles, as you can tell from its name. This in particular makes it perfect for road trips and camping excursions as well.
Since it is designed to carry only two bikes, it naturally weighs less and has a less capacity than the Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack and IKURAMI Hitch Mount 4 Bike Rack. Since it is designed to carry only two bikes, it naturally weighs less and has a smaller capacity than the other two.
It seems that there is no heavy lifting involved in this thing, but on the other hand, if you think about it, it makes the whole thing perfect for you to just hit the asphalt with your vehicle and bike. Have a partner? Great…two bikes and terrain, nothing else. Or, if you don’t have a partner, take on the wilderness all by yourself.
By the way, the hitch insert fits both 1-1/4 and 2 inch receiver hitches and is easy to maneuver. This Allen Sports 3-bike Hitch Rack from Allen Sports is easy to assemble and secures your bikes as well. Assembling it is just like the Allen Sports 4-bike Hitch Rack. In order to assemble this Allen 2-sports bike rack, only three bolts need to be used.
Are there folding arms on the rack? Yes, of course, the carry arms on the rack are designed to fold down easily so you can access the rear part of your vehicle without any troubles. Whenever you need to move them, simply fold them down and they will no longer be in the way.
In addition to this, it comes with a unique tie-down system. That’s not all…the tie-downs are fixed in position on the carry arm so that they do not move around when your bikes are bumped on the road. As you rotate them, you can adjust them so that they fit whatever type of bike you own.
When you need to use the back of your car, you can tilt the main mast on the rack in a flash. You do not need to detach the main mast at all. We have made it so that you do not have to do anything else.
There are a lot of people who don’t tolerate the idea of towing. It affects the driving experience mainly due to the swaying of the trailer. However, you might be happy to know that Allen Deluxe Hitch Racks has come up with a solution to that problem.
Amount of hardware is included in the package so that you can safely install the rack in your SUV’s receiver hitch. When you consider the No-Wobble Bolt in your calculations, you will realize that your rack won’t shake or jitter when you’re driving. By keeping the rack in the same place, you will be able to keep your driving experience smooth.
It has to be said that there really isn’t much difference between the Allen Sports 4-Bike SUV Hitch Racks and the Allen Sports 2-Bike SUV Hitch Racks. I’m serious, there isn’t much difference apart from the fact that one can hold 4 bikes and the other can hold two.
I guarantee you that you won’t be disappointed, no matter which option you choose. In the end, the choice is up to you. Do you wish to carry more than two bikes at a time? Or, are two bikes more than enough for you? In the end, the decision is up to you. But whatever option you choose, you won’t be disappointed…I promise you that.
The two products are almost identical in terms of their build, their features, and the same spirit that has made Allen Sports a leader in the sports industry for decades.
4. MAXXHAUL 50027 Hitch Mount Platform 2-Bike Rack
Lastly, we have two products on this list that are manufactured by MAXXHAUL. The first is MaXXHAUL 50027, which is a platform model that is made of solid steel and can carry up to 2 bikes, just as the name suggests. It is sturdy and will perform well even under extreme conditions.
As an additional feature, the bike racks have two foam-padded hooks that are used to secure and stabilize the bikes. Each hook is padded with foam and designed to prevent any loss of strength. The vertical post is movable to add flexibility, and some rubber straps are included for extra stability.
The MAXXHAUL 50027 hitch ball is suitable for any vehicle from a SUV to a truck or a sedan with a 2-inch receiver. It has what has become known as the universal fitment, a hitch bar with a diameter of 2 inches that attaches to standard 2 in. Class III and Class IV hitch receivers.
You won’t have any problems mounting your bikes on this rack if you use the quick hitch pins that come with it. In addition, their unique hook design makes sure you don’t have to waste any time accommodating your bicycles.
If you are going to use this rack or any other rack from other manufacturers, make sure that you do not let your bicycles fall victim to excessive movements while you are on the asphalt because those movements could negatively affect the integrity of your bicycles. Therefore, use straps to reduce any possible movements of your bicycles before you begin using them.
When you get to your designated campsite, you might be disappointed to find that your bikes will have been compromised due to the jittering and wobbling in the bike cradle. It happens. But to save you from that kind of disappointment, there are adjustable rubber straps added to the bike cradle to prevent this kind of disappointment.
In addition to providing your bikes with the stability that they need when they’re transporting from one place to another, these rubber straps also provide your bicycles with another layer of protection when they’re transported.
The SUV platform hitch racks are intended to make our lives easier and more convenient in the first place, so they are made in such a way that they will not take up a lot of your valuable time in the long run. It is certain that this MAXXHAUL 50027 is not the type of hitch rack that takes a long time to attach to your vehicle.
As a matter of fact, detaching the vertical post is even simpler than installing it. Since it shouldn’t be a stressful task, it was designed so that it can be easily removed using the quick hitch pins. With these hitch pins, you can assemble and disassemble it for compact storage using these hitch pins.
In conclusion, the MAXXHAUL 50027 bike carrier is a good looking, sturdy, and safe way to transport your bikes to and from your vehicle. Furthermore, if you attach it to your vehicle, it looks cool whenever you do so.
5. MAXXHAUL 50025 Hitch Mounted 2-Bike Rack
Lastly, I would like to recommend the 50025 Hitch Mounted 2-Bike Rack from MAXXHAUL as it is also one of the SUV Hitch Bike Racks I have listed in this article. It is one that can be used with any SUV with a receiver hitch and has a very sleek design. It can be installed in a matter of minutes and it is really durable.
There is an integrated bike cradle and straps that are part of the MAXXHAUL 50025. These cradles and straps can be used to secure up to two bikes to the truck. I will elaborate more on this later.
It is one of the main strengths of this particular MAXXHAUL model that the hitch adapter is made of all steel which makes it more durable and there is also a built-in locking knob which helps to keep the main mast still and sturdy so that there is less wobble during transport.
It is genuinely a versatile model from MAXXHAUL that fits 1-1/4 inches to 2 inches of hitch receivers. It can be used with hitch receivers of Class I, II, III, and IV. However, Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks, IKURAM Hitch-Mount 4 Bikes, and even the MAXXHAUL 50027 model are only compatible with Class III and IV hitch receivers.
While you’re on the road, you’ll be safe and secure because the entire column of this hitch bike rack is padded. As you can see, while you’re on the road, you’ll be able to focus on driving while your bikes are being protected. It often occurs that when carrying bicycles on a bike rack, they can cause scratches to the vehicle.
While you are driving towards your destination, the padded column ensures that your bikes won’t be scratched during your journey.
It should come as no surprise that the MAXXHAUL 50025 offers as much flexibility as its competitors if you think about it. This bike rack is already versatile, but what about its flexibility? As a matter of fact, the MAXXHAUL 50025 offers as much flexibility as its competitors.
This rack, just like the Allen and IKURAM models, features a nice swing-down feature. If you need to stop for an emergency and need to access the rear part of your vehicle, you can easily do this and more importantly, quickly. It is possible to access the rear of this SUV hitch bike rack by gently tilting it downwards and without detaching the entire rack.
There’s nothing worse than having your bike move around too much after you have mounted it on your rack and you’re driving. It can cause damage to the bike and you don’t want that to happen. If it moves while it’s mounted on the rack, then it may move even more when you start driving.
That is exactly why MAXXHAUL has added bike cradles and sturdy straps to the arms of its truck. They are designed to keep the bike in one place tightly. However, too much rigidity can lead to unwanted outcomes. To resolve this issue, the manufacturer made sure that the bike cradles swiveled a little in order to solve this problem.
As a result, your bikes will stay in one place, safely and securely, allowing you to keep an eye on them as you drive to your chosen destination without worrying too much about them.
In conclusion, I hope that you have found the best hitch bike rack for SUV that might be just what you are looking for. In this list, you will find some of the best hitch bike racks for SUV that come from well-reputed manufacturers and have become reliable companions for many happy customers.
Buying Guide for SUV Hitch Bike Racks
It is my belief that you are already familiar with the SUV hitch bike racks and that you are ready to purchase the best hitch bike rack for your SUV. However, before you begin shopping, I want to take a moment to discuss a few things in more detail. The information will certainly help you get a better sense of what these products are about and you will be able to make an informed decision.
Make Sure That You Choose the Right Type of Rack for Your Needs
Among the five SUV bike racks that I have listed in this article, I have included two different types of SUV hitch bike racks in one piece. One of the five SUV bike racks that I have listed is a platform hitch bike rack (MAXXHAUL 50027), the other four are hanging hitch bike racks for SUVs. It would be best for you to have a basic understanding of these two types of racks before you choose which to choose.
In spite of the fact that most of them are pretty self-explanatory, there are still some areas that should be your primary focus.
We will begin by talking about platform hitch racks. As a matter of fact, this type of rack is a very good choice for a number of reasons. It is naturally compatible with a wide variety of bikes. Also, it has a low center of gravity, which provides more stability. Platform racks are also more stable than hang hitch racks.
Furthermore, they are easier to mount and detach. Also, platform-type bike racks are easier for you to mount and detach than other types of bike racks because they are easier to mount and unmount. They offer less amount of wobble during driving and will protect your bike.
In spite of the fact that their platform design makes these types of bike racks very heavy and large, the fact remains that you will want to be very careful when it comes to the load you intend to carry with this bike rack.
The most popular bike rack would have to be the hanging hitch racks. This is due to the fact that they are compact, lightweight, and inexpensive as well. They can transport as many bicycles as the platform-style bike racks. They are so easy to operate and don’t take up much time to install.
There is no problem with storing them either. Since they’re compact, it’s very easy to tuck them away in a corner of your garage even if some would argue that they don’t have the same versatility as platform-styled racks.
It is true that this can sometimes be the case, but the racks listed on this page are more than capable of fitting any type of bike you possess. However, there is one thing that might be problematic with this type of rack, and that would be that the bikes tend to sway and come into contact while being driven.
The truth is that both types are perfectly acceptable. However, if you have any personal preferences then you may want to cross-check that with the points I have mentioned so far. It never hurts to know more, right?
Can you tell me how many bikes you will be transporting?
The decision here should be easy. If you’re a family man with the intention of bringing the whole family with you, then I would recommend that you opt for a bike rack that can carry at least four bikes. If not, then you’ll be fine with a bike rack that can at least hold two bikes.
Take into account the weight of your bicycles when selecting a bike
If you are considering purchasing a hitch bike rack for your SUV, it is advisable to carefully consider the weight of the bikes. Why? Well, every bike rack has a maximum load capacity per bike. You should check the capacity of your bike rack before you purchase it if you plan to haul heavier downhill mountain bikes, e-bikes, fat bikes, or cruisers.
There is no doubt that both the Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack and the IKURAM Hitch Mount 4 Bike Rack have a maximum weight capacity of 140 pounds. As a result, they are great choices for those who wish to carry much heavier loads. These two also serve well for those who wish to carry more than two bikes.
It is also possible to use the three other bike racks that I have mentioned in this list if you don’t have a lot of bikes or your bikes don’t weigh very much. For example, Allen Sports’ 2-Bike Hitch Rack can handle up to 70 pounds. You may wish to consider MAXXHAUL’s 50027 or 50025 models if you need a bit more weight capacity.
There is a good possibility that these two models will both have a distributed capacity of 80 pounds. This means that they can carry 40 pounds. per bike. Mountain bikes and road bikes weigh around 35 pounds on average. However, e-bikes can easily weigh more than 50 pounds.
It is important that you take into account the weight of your bike before purchasing a bike rack. Check your bike’s weight and your desired rack’s weight capacity before you buy a bike rack. It often happens that we forget to check these things.
In the event that the cycling equipment’s weight exceeds the capacity of the rack or if the rack is unable to handle the weight of your bicycles, you may end up breaking the rack and resulting in your bicycles being damaged. In that case, it would be better to invest in an upgrade or to get a rack that can handle more weight.
Check if it has a tilting feature or not
In my opinion, this is a feature that is a must-have for your bike racks. If your rack is normally left on a vehicle for a longer period of time or if you want to gain access to your rear part of the vehicle, you cannot do without this feature.
Imagine if there was an emergency and you needed to access your cargo area in the rear. If your bike rack did not have the tilting feature, you would have to dismount all of the bikes that were on the rack and then detach the whole rack to gain access to your cargo area. The idea sounds so horrifying already.
It is possible to do this with the tilting feature of your car and you don’t have to detach anything at all. In addition, it offers you flexibility and saves you a great deal of time. By pulling a lever, you can tilt the rack so that the rack is far enough down to open the rear hatch on your car. Another option for accessing cargo without removing the bike racks is using a hitch mount swing away bike rack.
You won’t have to worry about titling as all of the hitch bike racks on this list come with this feature, so there’s no need to worry.
Are There Any Versatility Issues With It?
Having versatility is mainly about the compatibility of your rack with your bike frame. It is simply about what style your bike’s frame is that can be mounted on the rack or cannot be mounted on the rack. However, if you plan on buying a platform-style bike rack, such as the MAXX HAUL 50027, you won’t have to worry about this.
As a matter of fact, this is only the case because a platform-style SUV hitch rack does not come into contact with your bike’s tire or wheel, but instead the top tube of your bike’s frame should be examined if you’re considering a hanging rack. In most cases, traditional road bikes or hardtail mountain bikes are safe and do not pose any threats.
Because of their triangular frame with a standard level top tube, these bikes can easily be mounted on a hanging hitch rack due to their triangular design. Nonetheless, if you own a cruiser bike or a mountain bike with a full suspension, it can be quite a challenge to mount them on hanging racks. In addition to that, the unique design of the kids’ bike can also be problematic.
All the racks that are included here, however, are capable of being used on a wide range of bikes, so you don’t need to worry about that right away. I told you I would try my best to find you a rack that will do the trick for you.
It Is Important Not To Forget About The Vehicle Clearance
When it comes to buying a hitch bike rack for SUV, there are many things that we overlook that are very important to verify. If you don’t take the time to verify the clearance between the rack, your bicycles, and the vehicle, then you’ll end up facing a lot of problems.
The first example that I would like to give you is that you will not be able to open your vehicle’s rear door more than a couple of inches…it’s because the racks sit too close to the vehicle’s rear door. In addition, there is a very good chance that the handlebars of your bike would come into contact with the back of your vehicle.
Last but not least, make sure that the build quality of the product is good
In general, SUV hitch bike racks are made to be strong and durable. In order to do so, they are designed so that they can withstand a lot of abuse. I mean, they have to be able to hold a large amount of weight as well as keep the bikes safe while you drive.
You shouldn’t be surprised to find out that the main body of the hitch bike racks is made of steel. There’s nothing more to tell about this fact, but what you do want to pay attention to is the build quality of the straps because in the end, the straps are what keep the bikes in one spot.
Despite the fact that the straps may be made of plastic, you do not have to worry. Just make sure they are sturdy enough to hold the bikes securely in a fixed place and don’t feel cheap. The racks on this list are of excellent quality. They have a clever design which ensures the integrity of your precious bikes remains intact.
Lastly, I would like to share my final thoughts with you.
You can’t argue with the fact that hitch-mounted racks are the best option when it comes to transporting bikes with your SUV. They are secured to your SUV’s receiver hitch and offer flexibility. They make the whole towing thing a lot easier by letting you worry a little more about it. They make the whole thing comfortable and as I have mentioned before, they make it a lot easier by letting you worry about a little bit.
You are almost tempted to get out of your house and drive to the wilderness with these bike racks because they are very easy to use, take up very little space, and do not take a lot of your time to install. Just buy the best bike rack for SUV and mount your bikes on it and you are good to go.
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