Hitch Racks

The best starting point is knowing how many bikes you need to carry, as hitch racks are available in capacities ranging from one bike up to six. From there, consider whether a platform or hanging style suits your bike types and budget. Matching capacity to your typical riding group will help you avoid paying for more rack than you need, or being caught short on a family trip.

Platform hitch racks cradle bikes by their wheels, keeping the frame free from contact points, which makes them well suited to carbon frames, full-suspension mountain bikes, and bikes with unusual frame shapes. Hanging racks hold bikes by the top tube and are generally more compact and affordable, but work best with standard diamond frame designs. If you ride a variety of bike types or want to avoid frame contact, a platform rack is usually the safer choice.

Hitch racks are designed to fit into a tow hitch receiver on your vehicle, and compatibility depends on the receiver size, which is typically either a 1.25 inch or 2 inch opening. Before purchasing, check your vehicle's tow hitch receiver size to confirm it matches the rack you are considering. Most racks are designed for one specific receiver size, though some models include adapters to suit both.

Some hitch racks are designed with expandability in mind, allowing you to add an extension to increase the number of bikes you can carry. This can be a cost-effective approach if you start as a solo rider but anticipate needing more capacity down the track. Check the product specifications to confirm whether the rack you are considering supports add-on extensions before purchasing.

Not all hitch racks are rated to carry the additional weight of e-bikes, which can be significantly heavier than standard bicycles. If you plan to transport an e-bike, look for racks that specify a higher weight capacity.