Dion Lewis
Hitch mount bike rack is one of the most popular types of bike racks that can be used in any type of vehicle except for some RVs, 5th wheel campers, trailers, or similar type vehicles. Hitch mount bike racks are considered the most perfect bike racks for transporting your bikes from one place to another. They can be seen in three different styles based on how they mount your bicycles. Hanging-Style hitch mount bike rack, tray/platform style hitch mount bike rack, and vertical-style hitch mount bike rack – are the three types of hitch mount bike racks available in the market. Most of these hitch mount bike racks can accommodate 1¼” and 2” hitch receivers.
How to properly utilize your hitch mount bike rack
This portion of the article is only for the very beginners who are quite new to using a hitch mount bike rack. Bike racks have made it possible to carry around your bikes while you are driving your car. Here, we are going to show you how to properly use a bike rack if you are trying to get the most out of it.
(i) Check the instruction manual first
To properly assemble your bike rack, there must be an instruction manual included with the bike rack. Read it carefully and once you have finished reading it, you will find it easier to assemble. Maybe you are a mechanical type guy and you believe that reading the installation manual will be a waste of your time, but you may miss out on some installation points. As a result, you will find the rack not working properly as you expect. Especially, when your rack has a tricky installation process, then it is wise to read the installation manual or watch the installation video first, no matter how mechanical you think you are.
(ii) Before placing the rack on your vehicle, assemble it first
Do not install the rack on your vehicle before you have assembled it. If you mount it on your vehicle first, then have made a grave mistake. The method is to assemble the rack first, then mount it on your vehicle. Just start by assembling the small pieces like fastening the hooks, inserting the screws and nuts accordingly. Then go for the big parts like installing the masts, bike holding arms and when you think you have successfully completed assembling the rack, then your rack is ready to be mounted on your vehicle.
(iii) Mount the rack on your vehicle
After you have successfully assembled all the parts of the rack, then mount the rack to the vehicle by inserting the hitch to the receiver. There are basically two sizes of hitch receivers – 1.25” and 2”, so buy your rack according to the size of your vehicle’s hitch receiver. If your bike rack has some special locking features, then you need to adjust them. Also, make sure you have tightened any type of straps that your hitch mount includes. Double-check your installation procedure so that you can be sure that your rack is ready to support your bikes.
(iv) Carefully place your bikes on the vehicle
When your bike rack is ready to transport your bikes, then it’s time to load your bikes on the hitch rack. Loading and unloading of your bikes depend on the type of hitch rack. You may have a hitch rack that holds your bikes hanging, where there is a mast to handle the overall weight of your bikes. You have to hang your bikes on the cradles of the carry arms and secure them with tightening straps. Also, lock them with any type of cable locks if your rack permits. The difficulty of loading and unloading of your bikes are similar for a vertical-style hitch mount bike rack.
A tray-style hitch mount bike rack keeps your bikes in position by holding them by their wheels with the help of wheel-loops. Loading and unloading bikes are comparatively easier than other types of hitch mount bike racks. They include adequate locking mechanisms for extra security and they are capable of carrying bikes with different frame sizes i.e. eBikes.
(v) Take your bikes off the rack
When you have reached your destination mounting your bikes on the rack, then you need to take them off the rack. Release any type of anchor locks or open any type of key-locks if your bike rack includes. Carefully take off your bikes from the rack and that’s it, you are ready to haul with your bikes.
Our Top Pick(s)
There can be astronomical numbers of hitch mount bike racks for 4 bikes available in the market. Because of this huge selection, it is normal to suffer from impotence. That is why we have presented you with this article with a list of some of the best hitch-mount bike racks.
We’ve selected Hollywood Racks HR1400 Sport Rider SE4 as our overall best choice.
Our Overall Best Choice
A heavy-duty fold-able bike rack. The patented anti-wobble system makes it popular among outdoor travelers who do not always choose the smooth roads for traveling. Safe and secured. This rack can fit bikes having 60” wheel with 3” tire. But you can adjust this rack up to 72” wheel using kits that are available with this rack. This rack is tilt-able, so access to the hatch or trunk of your car is easy.
- Type: Hitch Mount (Tray)
- No. of Bike Load Capacity: 4
- Weight Capacity: 50 x 4 = 200 lbs
- Adaptable Hitch Receiver: 2”
We have dedicated Küat NV 2.0 as our premium choice. Although this rack comes as a 2-bike rack at the time of purchase, this rack lets you attach an extension so that you will be able to carry 4 bikes with this rack.
Our Premium Choice
The Küat NV 2.0 is available in two different forms to accommodate 2” and 1.25” hitch receivers. With many amazing features such as Trail Doc, Integrated Locks, Adjustable Tire Cradles, Patent Design, and other features; this rack will be a complete package for people with all types of demands. This rack will suit most types of vehicles and has an incredible bike load capacity for various types of bikes.
- Type: Hitch Mount (Tray)
- No. of Bike Load Capacity: 2 (Can be increased to 4 using an add-on). Here is the add-on.
- Weight Capacity: 60 x 2 = 120 lbs / 40 x 4 = 160 lbs
- Adaptable Hitch Receiver: 1¼” / 2”
8 Best Hitch Bike Racks You can Buy Today for Carrying 4 Bikes
We have divided our selection based on the additional extension that can be attached to the bike rack to increase the loading capacity of the total number of bikes. We have chosen 6 bike racks that are able to load 4 bikes without any extension and we have chosen 2 bike racks that need an extension to carry 4 bikes as they come in 2-bike versions. We just couldn’t ignore them for being exceptionally good at quality and features. Our selection includes the following bikes:
| Bike Rack | Bike Capacity |
|---|---|
| Hollywood Racks HR1400 Sport Rider SE4 | It carries 4 bikes. |
| BV (BV-HR) | It carries 4 bikes. |
| Küat NV 2.0 | Carry 4 bikes with Extension |
| Allen Sports Deluxe (542QR) | It carries 4 bikes. |
| Tyger Auto TG-RK3B101S | It carries 4 bikes. |
| Thule T2 Pro XT | Carry 4 bikes with Extension |
| Yakima Hangover | It carries 4 bikes. |
| Yakima SwingDaddy | It carries 4 bikes. |
But if you don’t have spare time to read the whole post to find out which one is the most suitable for you and reading the whole post will be hard for you to compare then we have made a comparison table that will help you to compare among the racks.
| Racks | Preview | No. of Bike Load Capacity | Total Weight Capacity (lbs) | Hitch Size | Style | Dimensions (inch) | Weight (lbs) | Foldable Arms | Rear Liftgate | Lock Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Racks HR1400 Sport Rider SE4 |  | 4 | 200 | 2″ | Hitch Mount (Tray) | 27 x 10 x 36 | 81 | Yes | Yes | No |
| BV (BV-HR) |  | 2 / 4 | 140 | 1¼” / 2” | Hitch Mount (Tray) | 36 x 27 x 10.6 | 38.6 | Yes | Yes | No |
| Küat NV 2.0 |  | 2 (Can be increased to 4) | 160 | 1¼” / 2” | Hitch Mount (Tray) | 36 x 23 x 11 | 52 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Allen Sports Deluxe (542QR) |  | 4 | 140 | 1¼” / 2” | Hitch Mount (Hanging) | 26 x 14 x 3.5 | 22 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tyger Auto TG-RK3B101S |  | 3 / 4 | 132 | 1¼” / 2” | Hitch Mount (Hanging) | 83 x 10 x 6 | 20 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Thule T2 Pro XT |  | 2 (Can be increased to 4) | 120 | 1¼” / 2” | Hitch Mount (Tray) | 54 x 15 x 43 | 52 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yakima Hangover |  | 4 / 6 | 150 | 2″ | Hitch Mount (Vertical-Style) | 22 x 69.5 x 60 | 73 | No | No | Yes |
| Yakima SwingDaddy |  | 4 | 160 | 2″ | Hitch Mount (Hanging) | 38 x 13 x 43 | 47.8 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
1. Hollywood Racks HR1400 Sport Rider SE4
Our Overall Best Choice
- Type: Hitch Mount (Tray)
- No. of Bike Load Capacity: 4
- Rack Weight (lbs): 81
- Dimensions (inch): 27 x 10 x 36
- Weight Capacity: 50 x 4 = 200 lbs
- Adaptable Hitch Receiver: 2”
- Adaptable Wheelbase: Wheel holders can be adjusted to support bikes that have a maximum of 60” wheelbase and 3” tires.
- Keyed Alike Locking Hitch Pin: Along with an 8” security cable and locking frame hooks, a locking hitch pin is included.
- No-Wobble Hitch System: Don’t need to use any tools to reduce the slack between the receiver and the rack.
- Folding Capability: When it is not being used, you can fold it flat against the car.
- Tilt-Down Feature: You can tilt it down for convenient cargo access.
- Hollywood Racks offer a limited lifetime warranty for this rack.
- This rack was not built to be used on any trailer, fifth wheel or towed vehicle.
- Heavier than most other tray-style hitch racks.
- At the bottom of this rack, there are holes for mounting screws that may become rusty when exposed to water.
- Many of the holes won’t allow the pins to go all the way into the locking position.
- Sometimes the adjustable wheel holders are hard to slide.
- Instructions for assembly are horrible.
Where each bike remains 9.5” far from each other and the total length of the tray from the receiver is 43” that ensures sufficient space for 4 bikes and to keep the bikes away from the vehicle’s body. This rack is only able to fit vehicles with 2” hitch receivers and will not fit 1.25” hitch receivers.
You can easily fit cycles with 60” wheelbases and 3” tires. But if your bike’s wheelbase is more than 60”, then a 72” long wheelbase kit is available for this rack. This rack has an outstanding weight load capacity – with a maximum weight load capacity of 200 lbs, this rack can carry up to 4 bikes where each bike weighs almost 50 lbs.
This following video from ‘Hollywood Racks’ demonstrate how to install this rack and its features
2. BV (BV-HR) rack
Best Value of Your Money
- Type: Hitch Mount (Tray)
- No. of Bike Load Capacity: 2 / 4
- Rack Weight (lbs): 38.6
- Dimensions (inch): 36 x 27 x 10.6
- Weight Capacity: 35 x 4 = 140 lbs
- Adaptable Hitch Receiver: 1¼” / 2”
- 2-way Anti wobble Design: Eliminates any kind of jerk between the hitch and the receiver with its patented 2-way anti-wobble design.
- 3-Point Connection System: This feature allows you to install this rack within a limited time.
- Tilting Feature: Its tilt-back design allows you to access the rear gate without detaching it.
- Folding Feature: Convert it into a concise form by folding it when you don’t want to use it.
- Safety Reflector: This will ensure a trip at night.
- The design of the tray and the wheel-loops will secure your bikes at a considerable height and won’t permit any contact between your car and bike.
- Keeps your bikes stable for its platform and safe for its soft padded arms.
- One year warranty will be offered.
- This rack won’t hold a fat tire bike, tire-width should not cross 3 inches.
- The arm-pads will shrivel over time and tear up.
- The bikes might keep bouncing over extreme bumps and jolts.
- Relatively heavy that makes it hard to carry around.
This rack is the cheaper option for you when you are looking for a tray-style hitch-mount bike rack. You can feel safe during the entire journey when your bikes are mounted on this rack. With solid construction and a versatile platform, this rack vows to secure your bikes under extreme conditions.
The model (BV-HR) is able to carry 4 bikes where each bike weighs close to 35 lbs, which makes the total weight load capacity of this bike rack 140 lbs. The motto of ‘BV’ that made this bike rack is to provide 100% satisfaction to the customers.
3. Küat NV 2.0 rack
Our Premium Choice
Note: We have selected this bike rack with a 2-bike load capability. Even though this bike rack is not able to carry 4 bikes when you purchase it, still we want to put it on our list because of its excellent features, build quality and durability. Then again, there is an extension available for this bike rack that will allow you to carry 4 bikes at a time when you are using this bike rack.
- Type: Hitch Mount (Tray)
- No. of Bike Load Capacity: 2 (Can be increased to 4). Buy the extension.
- Rack Weight (lbs): 52
- Dimensions (inch): 36 x 23 x 11
- Weight Capacity: 60 x 2 = 120 lbs / 40 x 4 = 160 lbs
- Adaptable Hitch Receiver: 1¼” / 2”
- Adjustable Tire Cradles: You can easily adjust the tire scoops to choose from three different positions to hold up to 4.8” tires and that will provide better clearance between the handlebar and seat post.
- Trail Doc: The most unique and cool feature of this rack is the integrated repair stand. All you need to do is – twist and push the clamp to hold your bike.
- Integrated Locks: Secure any bike frame as the integrated cable locks are long enough to suit any bike frame.
- Foot-Assisted Pivot System: Your hands are full? Don’t worry because the new pivot will gently drop-down when you tap your foot on it.
- Easy to Install: With a hand tight hitch cam system, you don’t need any tools to install the rack.
- Ratchet arms are updated for an intuitive release of the front tires of the bike and for keeping the toe stable.
- The co-molded straps secure the rear tires of the bike.
- Patent Design: Looks stylish with any type of vehicle for its patent-pending design.
- Colors: Anodized with two prismatic colors – Black Metallic with Silver Anodized and Gray Metallic with Orange Anodize.
- Premium matte or gloss metallic finish protected with powder coating.
- No Worries Warranty: Submit your product details and claim a limited lifetime warranty.
- This rack is a little bit expensive to buy.
- Trucks like Ford F259 (2019) with 2.5” hitch receivers will not accommodate this rack.
- Some users objected that the trays are not leveled even when the rack is properly assembled.
- Won’t provide convenient storage as the rack is quite heavy and it does not fold.
- The lock key is very stiff to turn and it is not very accessible.
The Küat NV 2.0 is available in 2 forms to fit both 2” and 1.25” hitch sizes. This bike rack has a weight load capacity of 120 lbs for 2 bikes where the weight of each bike should not cross 60 lbs. However, if you add the Kuat NV 2.0 Add-On, you can increase the weight load capacity of this rack to 160 lbs where each bike weighs not more than 40 lbs. But it is possible only for the variant that supports 2” hitch size, you cannot attach the add-on with the 1.25” hitch variant.
All of the Küat products are marked with a sticker of Future Forest Initiative that will represent the efforts of all Küat team members. With the cooperation of the National Forest Foundation, the main purpose of this program is to plant trees as much as possible mostly in the forests that were damaged by fire within the US region. With the blessing of this program, there have been more than 352,875 trees being planted until now.
4. Allen Sports Deluxe (542QR) rack
Our Budget Choice
- Type: Hitch Mount (Hanging)
- No. of Bike Load Capacity: 4
- Rack Weight (lbs): 22
- Dimensions (inch): 26 x 14 x 3.5
- Weight Capacity: 35 x 4 = 140 lbs
- Adaptable Hitch Receiver: 1¼” / 2”
- Tilting Feature: You can keep the mainmast out of the way by tilting it down when you need to open the rear hatch
- Locking Option: At the bottom of the main mast there is a key slot that locks the rack to the vehicle.
- Folding Feature: Keep the arms folded down when you are not loading your bikes.
- With the help of its patented designed cradles, you can tie down your bikes one by one.
- Bike Compatibility: Cycles with miscellaneous frame designs will suit this rack.
- Easy to Install: Without using any tool you can easily assemble this rack.
- Connects with the hitch receiver very tightly that keeps the bikes free from swinging.
- You will get a limited lifetime warranty when you buy this rack from an authorized dealer.
- This rack is unable to fit trailers, so don’t buy this rack for a trailer.
- The arms of this rack may not fit a bike that has a frame size lower than 17.5 inches.
- When the quick-release pin that holds the shank gets rusty, then it can break.
- This rack includes a third-rated locking mechanism.
- Won’t accommodate class-I hitch receivers.
- Miserable customer service.
The Allen Sports Deluxe (542QR) will present you with a perfect tour with your friends or maybe family members, the kind of tour that you have always dreamed of. This rack is able to carry 4 bikes with a maximum weight capacity of 140 lbs, so be sure each bike is equal or less than 35 lbs. However, there are three other variants of the Allen Sports Deluxe series, they are –
- 522QR: Offers the same features as the 542QR, but loads only 2 bikes.
- 532QR: Same as the 542QR that can load 3 bikes.
- 552QR: This particular version has a greater number of bike load capability. This rack can carry 5 bikes at a time with similar features as the 542QR.
The company’s founder Dick Allen started back in 1967 to make the name ‘Allen Sports’ as a renowned brand. Today, this company is one of the paramount companies that make great bicycle-related products owning 4 warehouses, 6 factories in several countries and serving customers from some of the developed countries if the world.
If the installation process is a little challenging for you then this video from ‘Allen Sports’ might help –
5. Tyger Auto TG-RK3B101S rack
Good Choice at Budget
- Type: Hitch Mount (Hanging)
- No. of Bike Load Capacity: 3 / 4
- Rack Weight (lbs): 20
- Dimensions (inch): 83 x 10 x 6
- Weight Capacity: 33 x 4 = 132 lbs
- Adaptable Hitch Receiver: 1¼” / 2”
- DIY (Do It Yourself) instruction: Install the rack easily by yourself with its DIY instruction manual.
- Folding Capability: Fold the arms down when the rack is not being used.
- Tilt-Down Feature: The tilt down option assists you to open the rear hatch easily and includes a safety pin that helps the rack to get back to the same position.
- Locking Option: A cable lock, a hitch lock, and security straps will be provided with the rack.
- Your Bike-frames remain free from scratches crossing over any type of uneven roads.
- The rack remains intact and the E-Coating won’t let it get rusty over time.
- ‘TYGER’ offers a No-Hassle limited lifetime warranty.
- If you lost the key that comes with the lock, you won’t be able to buy it again or retrieve it from the company.
- This rack won’t adjust vehicles with spare tires at their backs, a hitch extender will be required.
- Vehicles longer than 18 feet will not be able to accommodate this rack. For example – Toyota Tacoma.
- Any type of RV, a trailer or a camper is not acceptable for this rack.
- The bolts that hold the shank may vibrate out crossing a bumpy road, this will damage the rack along with your bikes.
The Tyger Auto (TG-RK3B101S) is one of the best hitch-mount bike racks you will find in the market under a lower price. This rack is available in two variants with a 3 or 4 bike-loading capability. You will also get an additional cable lock and a hitch lock with this rack and they are good locks that you can rely on to protect your bikes and your bike rack from theft.
This rack has a maximum weight load capacity of 132 lbs where each bike should weigh 33 lbs. We have already mentioned some of the weaknesses of this rack, then again you will need a TYGER adaptor bar (TG-RK1B108B) if you want to carry bikes without top frame bars such as women’s bikes or some sort of mountain bikes.
6. Thule T2 Pro XT rack
Expensive but Good Choice
Note: We have selected this bike rack with 2-bike load capability. Even though this bike rack is not able to carry 4 bikes when you purchase it, still we want to put it in our list because of its excellent features, build quality and durability. Then again, there is an extension available for this bike rack that will allow you to carry 4 bikes at a time when you are using this bike rack.
- Type: Hitch Mount (Tray)
- No. of Bike Capacity: 2 (Can be increased to 4). Buy the extension.
- Rack Weight (lbs): 52
- Dimensions (inch): 54 x 15 x 43 & 54.7 x 22.5 x 33.8 (When Folded)
- Weight Capacity: 60 + 60 = 120 lbs
- Adaptable Hitch Receiver: 1¼” / 2”
- Frame-free ratcheting arms: Contains frame-free ratcheting arms that will keep the bikes in place without making any contact with the frames.
- Bike Compatibility: A great rack if you are planning to carry a Carbon-frame bike.
- Adaptable Bike Wheels: This rack can support bikes with 20 to 29” wheels and up to 5” tires.
- Locking Option: Promotes complete security where there is an integrated cable to lock the bikes to the rack and a lock-knob to lock the rack to the receiver.
- Hatch Access: This rack features a flexible tilting option with an accessible HitchSwitch lever, so opening the rear hatch of your vehicle will be a breeze.
- AutoAttach System: Feature like this helps you to easily install and uninstall the rack without any tools.
- There is sufficient space between two mounts, so there won’t be any interference between your bikes.
- Colors: Available in two different colors – Silver and Black.
- You will be getting a lifetime warranty from Thule for purchasing this rack.
- Not compatible with towed vehicles. For example, this rack won’t suit trailers.
- The integrated locking mechanism is not very functional.
- After using this rack for a few months, there is a possibility for the straps to rip off.
- Being expensive, this rack is very hard to afford.
The Thule T2 Pro XT is the ultimate bike rack that supports a variety of bikes such as Mountain bikes, Downhill, Ebikes, Fat-tire bikes and even Carbon-frame bikes. This bike rack is able to carry only 2 bikes when purchasing it. This bike rack provides an option for you to carry 4 bikes and to make that happen you have to buy and install the Thule T2 Pro XT Add-on.
Erik Thulin, the company’s founder was making fishing equipment (pike fishing trap) for the Scandinavian fishermen. Then he started to make bike tools or other equipment for bikes and gradually the company started to gain a lot of reputation by producing bike-related accessories since 1942.
7. Yakima Hangover rack
A Superb Vertical Hitch Rack.
- Type: Hitch Mount (Vertical-Style)
- No. of Bike Load Capacity: 4 / 6
- Rack Weight (lbs): 73
- Dimensions (inch): 22 x 69.5 x 60
- Weight Capacity: 37.5 x 4 = 150 lbs
- Adaptable Hitch Receiver: 2″
- Within a limited space, your bikes will remain in a vertical orientation that enhances a greater balance of the rear wheels of your car.
- Foot-Operated Tilt Mechanism: The rear access becomes easier than ever, all you have to do is to press a foot pedal and the rack will tilt down.
- Rotating Wheel Cups: You can rotate the wheel cups to adjust various wheelbases.
- Locking Option: Keep the rack protected with a hitch lock that is included.
- Build Material: The rack is made of solid steel.
- Lock-Loops: By enabling you to add extra locks, the lock-loops reinforces the overall security.
- For better stability, the upper horizontal mast will support your bikes with their fork crowns.
- The soft padding on the upper mast will protect the fork’s structure.
- The two horizontal masts keep your bikes at such a height for getting a better ground clearance.
- The adjustable angles of the horizontal masts will ensure no collision between your bike and car.
- Integrated Bottle Opener: With Yakima’s signature bottle opener enjoy a cold drink or a beer any time you want.
- A limited lifetime warranty will be provided.
- One of the big weaknesses of this rack is – it only supports 2” hitch receivers.
- Only mountain bikes or similar type bikes with suspension-forks can be carried with this rack.
- Supports fat bikes that have suspension-forks.
- At the beginning of the installation of this rack, you can face some difficulties.
- This rack is quite heavier than most usual hitch bike racks.
- It might be an overpriced rack for some people.
The ‘Yakima Hangover’ 4-bike hitch mount rack can be too pricey for many people, but your money will be worth it and I am sure you will not regret it if you are going to buy or already purchased this rack. From the expert’s perspective, this rack is the most versatile rack that is able to load bike vertically and it is the first-ever vertical-style hitch mount bike rack from ‘Yakima’.
Although this rack offers a tilting feature, it is not functional when your bikes are loaded. If you want to tilt down this rack while your bikes are mounted on this, then you have to spend a bit more money and buy the BackSwing. And you should also know that this rack is only for the vehicles that contain 2” x 2” hitch receivers and it is suggested that the tongue rating of the hitch should be 113 kg or above.
8. Yakima SwingDaddy rack
Our Swing-Away Choice
- Type: Hitch Mount (Hanging)
- No. of Bike Load Capacity: 4
- Rack Weight (lbs): 47.8
- Dimensions (inch): 38 x 13 x 43
- Weight Capacity: 40 x 4 = 160 lbs
- Adaptable Hitch Receiver: 2”
- SwingAway™ Technology: Even when the rack is fully loaded with bikes, it lets you access the rear hatch or trunk by swinging away.
- Sliding SwitchBlade™: This anti-sway cradles ensure no contact between 2 bikes and help to load bikes easily.
- TriggerFinger™ Folding Technology: This feature lets you fold down its arms just by pressing a button.
- Integrated LockDown Feature: Lock the bikes to the carrier with security cables that are included with this rack.
- Hitch Locking Option: You will also get a hitch lock to secure the rack to your vehicle.
- Easy Installation: Smooth and effortless installation with integrated Speedknob where you don’t need to use any tool.
- Zero-Hassle ZipStrips: Protect your bikes with hassle-free strips that will prevent your bikes from bouncing.
- Premium build quality with metallic powder coating.
- Integrated Bottle Opener: Enjoy a cold drink or beer anytime, anywhere as Yakima’s integrated bottle opener will make it very easy to open up bottle caps.
- A limited lifetime warranty will be provided with this rack.
- Some people have faced difficulties in closing the swingarm.
- Lacks in durability while all 4 bikes on a bumpy road.
- Unable to accommodate modern mountain bikes with full suspension.
- While removing the rack from the hitch, the wedge assembly may fall apart.
- If you have a vehicle where the rear hatch swings out to the side i.e Lexus GX 460 (2014-2018) or Toyota RAV4 (2006-2012), then buying this rack will be a waste of your money.
- Need to buy an additional tool for mounting bikes with low top tubes.
The Yakima SwingDaddy is integrated with all the important features that you need for safe and secure transportation of your bikes. This rack is the ultimate rack when you are planning to take a family tour along with your bikes, as this bike rack ensures ample space for the whole family’s bike. This rack’s maximum weight load capacity is 160 lbs where each bike is around 40 lbs, but it is recommended that the total weight should not exceed 150 lbs. If you want to carry bikes that have lower top tubes like women’s bikes, city bikes, kid’s bikes and some sort of road bikes; then you need to buy the Yakima Top Tube Adapter.
This rack is one of the most secure bike racks that you can find in the market as this bike rack has integrated hitch lock as well as integrated bike lock cables. You can also add an extra layer of security with the SKS Handcuff bike locks that are sold separately.
Check out this Yakima’s official video which was made for this rack so you don’t face any difficulties while installing it.
How did we choose the best hitch mount bike racks for 4 bikes
There were a few things in our minds when we made the list for the best hitch mount bike racks for 4 bikes. There are always some basic features that you need to look forward to when you are going to buy a rack. These features can be considered not only for the hitch mount bike racks but also for most types of bike racks. The key features that are must when you are going to buy a hitch mount bike rack are – Durability, Quality, Security and Budget. So let’s talk about these features in detail.
Durability
When you are going to transport your bikes from one place to another, safety and security are the most important things that you will be looking forward to your bike rack. Here safety means one thing and security means another thing. The word ‘safety’ is mainly referring to the durability of the rack. If your bike rack is too weak to carry your bikes and may break or fall off while carrying them, then you obviously don’t need such a type of rack. That type of rack will not only damage your bikes but also it can cause major damage to your vehicle. There are many bike racks available in the market that are advertised to carry a greater number of bikes. But in reality, when you put a little bit pressure on them they will break in a blink of an eye. Doing such type of work signifies a betrayal to their customers and we should all be careful about these types of manufacturers and their advertisement.
Quality
The quality of a bike rack indicates several features of the bike rack. These features can be mandatory or optional to prove the rack’s overall quality. Build material is one of the main topics that show the quality of the rack. Premium quality bike racks are built with fine materials that are light and at the same time durable and strong such as – Aluminum. The build material indicates how durable the bike rack is. These types of racks can be pricey sometimes. So if you are looking for a cheaper version with the moderate build quality, you can go for the racks that have Steel construction. They are durable but they will add extra weight at the back of your vehicle.
Other properties like tilting feature, fold-down option, anti-sway cradles and so on – can be considered as optional features. The more you pay, the more these benefits will continue to add up.
Security
Security is one of the key features that need to be considered thoroughly. Bike racks with only straps will not ensure the best security for your bikes and if you use this type of rack, you may find your bikes gone when you have reached your destination. There are bike racks with different levels of securities. You should always go for the bike rack that has superior security features as there can be highly prone to bike theft. Check if your bike rack offers locking features for your bike as well as your rack. Some top grade bike racks allow you to add additional locking features that will enhance the overall security.
Budget
Finally, when it comes to the budget you should consider buying a good bike rack as an investment. You should not hesitate to spend some money on a good quality bike rack. This will help you to find a rack that meets your demands and this will also narrow down the options for you. Because of their availability at different prices, you can find at least one bike rack for any budget.
Conclusion
There can be a lot of hitch mount bike racks available in the market for carrying 4 bikes at a time. Just use your instinct and take expert’s help if you still have any queries or you can also comment below, we will try to respond as soon as possible. If you choose any of the racks from our selection, we hope you won’t regret your decision.
Again, you might be an expert yourself and you have a better option, you are always welcome to go for your own decision. In fact, we firmly believe having confidence in mind for making any decision will always bring the absolute solution. But we have made this article for users from all expertise. We really hope this article will help you to find the best hitch mount bike rack when you want to carry 4 bikes.
