What Is Hitch Mount Bike Rack

A hitch mount bike rack is a type of bike rack that attaches to the hitch receiver on a vehicle. Hitch mount bike racks are generally easier to install and remove than other types of bicycle racks, as they do not require any tools.

A hitch mount bike rack can be installed on any vehicle with a hitch receiver, but is usually found on SUVs and hatchbacks. They are most commonly seen in urban areas where there is limited parking space for vehicles.

Hitch mount bike racks are typically made from steel or aluminum and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.

What is a hitch mount rack?

Hitch bike racks: These racks mount on the trailer hitch at the rear and allow you to easily get to your bikes with moderate lifting (unlike roof racks). They’re simple to install and easy to use. They extend the length of your vehicle so backing up or maneuvering may be a concern for some.^[1]

Do I need a hitch for a bike rack?

Do you need a trailer hitch for a bike rack? To use a hitch mount bike rack, you do need a trailer hitch on your vehicle, while roof and trunk racks don’t require a trailer hitch.^[2]

What are the different types of bike racks?

There are four primary types of bike rack mounting systems: trunk mount, roof mount, hitch mount and spare tire mount. Within these categories, there are different brands and styles, which will be explored in this article.^[3]

What kind of bike rack is easiest to use?

The best bike rack Of the tray-style hitch racks (a very popular type) we tested, this is one of the easiest to install and use. It’s lightweight, holds one or two bikes securely, and lets you access your vehicle even when the rack is loaded.^[4]

How much does a hitch cost?

You can expect hitch installation to start around $100 and go up to $800. Keep in mind, that you’ll also have to buy the tow hitch and other parts separately (which can easily run you another $150–$200). Here are the auto parts associated with tow hitch installation (plus our top Amazon picks for each): Class 3 hitch.^[5]

How can I ride my bike without a hitch?

Various Methods of Transporting Bikes Without a Hitch. There are a bunch of alternatives to hitch-mount bike racks out there. Roof racks, spare tire bike racks, truck bed racks (if you have a pickup truck), trunk bike racks — you name it. Sure, one could even throw the bike in the back of the car and call it a day.^[6]

What is a hitch on a car?

A trailer hitch (also called a tow hitch) is a sturdy metal device mounted to the frame of your vehicle. Trailer hitches connect your vehicle with attachments—like trailers, bike racks, kayak racks, and more—allowing you to tow a wide variety of items.^[7]

Can you put a bike rack on any car?

Whether you have a sedan, hatchback, SUV, or van, there’s a trunk bike rack that should fit your vehicle. But be aware that every trunk rack doesn’t fit every car. While basically any hitch rack will fit your car as long as you have a hitch receiver, trunk racks aren’t as simple.^[8]

Do I need wiring for a hitch?

To legally tow a trailer, your vehicle’s brake lights and turn signals need to be wired to your tow hitch through a trailer wiring harness. A trailer wiring harness is a wire that extends from the back of your vehicle to your trailer.^[9]

How do I choose a bike rack?

The first questions you should ask when choosing a bike rack for your vehicle is what type of vehicle you have and how many bikes you would like to carry. Bike racks come in a variety of styles and can be mounted on a vehicle’s roof, on the towbar, on the trunk, or in the bed of a pickup truck.^[10]

What kind of bike rack should I get for my car?

Hitch mounted bike racks are considered by most to be the ideal way to carry bikes on a car. They are sturdy, reliable, easy to load, and carry nearly zero risk to damaging your vehicle. The catch is you need to have a receiver hitch installed on your vehicle (again, we install these).^[11]

Can you open your trunk with a bike rack on it?

Expert Reply: If you need truck access often, I have a solution for you, but bike rack manufacturers do not recommend opening the rear hatch or trunk with a bike rack installed. The door hinges are not designed to hold the extra weight and the rear door could come down on whoever is underneath.^[12]