Are you a cycling enthusiast? Are you looking to buy the best trailer bike carrier in 2020? If so, youve come to the right place. Dont look any further! Here we can help you.
Storing and transporting your bike can be an easy job. But choosing a suitable bike carrier can be challenging if you dont have the knowledge or expertise. Also, you may find it worrisome if you want to transfer multiple bikes at the same time. If you are a beginner, you must learn the essential variables before making your final choice.
You will be confused when you see that many bike carrier options are on the market today. These carriers come in various mounting styles, designs, and features. Therefore, dont rush into a decision, as it is possible to damage your car, truck, or bicycle by using the wrong type of carrier.
By studying our detailed analysis, you can find the perfect option. Also, remember that the best hitch-mounted bike carrier is the one that can meet your needs and requirements.
Table of Contents
Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack
With its comprehensive feature set and superior construction, the Thule T2 Pro XT is our valuable universal hitch mount for 2020, which helped us win the crown in our search for the best bicycle hitch mount. We put this mount to the test during nearly two decades of analysis - more than 20,000 miles away from the process - and came away very impressed.
This rack provides quick and effortless access to the trunk of the car. Its flexible transportation system distinguishes everything from large bicycles to 20-inch childrens versions. At $620, the T2 Pro is not cheap nor exceptionally light at over 50 pounds, but its sturdy and durable layout is excellent for dedicated cyclists.
The drawbars are an aggressive zone, but what sets the T2 Pro XT apart from this zone is the wide variety of features it offers. In other words, this stand does it all. Its enlarged leash attachment system allows for a swivel-free connection.
You get plenty of clearance from your car or truck, and you can use bicycles, with the additional integrated locks providing an extra measure of security. And as we said before, every Thule component is incredibly well made, and investing pay off over time.
Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
The Kuat NV 2.0 is a two-bike rack that offers advanced features, comfort, and much capacity. Its a platform-style mount uses the wheel attachment to hold your bike in place without touching the frame. In addition, it provides a flexible front cradle system to ensure that you will find the best fit for each wheel size.
The pivot system and built-in foot support are fascinating features of this newly redesigned NV 2.0. This allows you to tighten the carrier without using your foot, making loading and unloading easier.
The integrated cable locks guarantee a high level of security for your bike during transport. A Trail Doc closed work rack allows you to easily grab your bike for repairs or maintenance work while moving.
Yakima HoldUp 2-Bike Hitch Rack
The Yakima HoldUp is just another scenic style bike carrier that focuses on protecting your bike without touching the frame.
Like the Thule and NV 2.0 mentioned above, this rack provides adjustable tire cradles and a locking bolt that hooks onto the tire surface to hold the bike in position without damaging the frame.
In addition, it features the StrongArm design to make installing your bike on the mount more accessible and straightforward, regardless of its weight.
One of the unique selling points of this specific bike carrier is that it allows the weight to be limited to 60 pounds per bike, giving the entire carrier a capacity of 120 pounds.
You should know that it is only one rack for two bicycles. However, an optional +2 attachment allows you to go to four simultaneously.
Saris Superclamp EX 2-Bike Rack
The Saris Superclamp EX 2-Bike Rack has an attractive design and is made to accommodate several types of bikes in a single bar.
This rack will catch your eye if you have a Subaru or even a hatchback SUV for camping or other uses.
To rank 251st in Amazons best-selling Bicycle Car Racks, the Superclamp EX 2 reacts exactly to what a stand is supposed to do.
The construction process takes less than half an hour because it was built out of the box using additional tools and easy instructions.
As the Superclamp EX 2 has many settings that can be found on the tilting bike carrier, any bike can be installed on it, including street bikes.
Allen Sports Deluxe
If you dont intend to take your bikes out on the road, Allens Sports Deluxe version is a hitch-mounted bike carrier priced favorably for casual users.
It fits both 1.25-inch and 2-inch containers and comes in iterations that require two to five bikes, enough for the whole family to venture out.
You can be sure that the bikes will remain safe and stable, even on rocky mountain roads, thanks to a docking cradle system that connects the bikes separately (although it moves to take a huge assortment of frames) and also thanks to the anti-jam bolt on the hitch.
The stand can be tilted so that you can stand on your back without having to dismantle the whole operation. The installation is not entirely without tools, even if it is not delicate: only three bolts are needed to place the hitch support collectively.
Two bikes have a maximum capacity of 70 pounds, which should suit many. Its price and convenience have made it one of the best-selling models.
Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
During your trip, you can use the Swagman XTC to deliver your bikes with you.
This version has been designed as a sturdy towing bike carrier to hold two bikes safely. The cost is low compared to other models.
This model is simple to use and build. Just follow the instructions provided to build it.
Once installed, you can load and unload your bikes into and out of the car quickly and safely.
This version can fit most frame sizes, shapes, and designs (perfect is from 20″ to 29″ wheel sizes). This rack can fit 1.25-inch hitches into 2-inch hitches.
BV Hitch Mount Carrier
The BV Hitch Mount Carrier is an excellent alternative in the middle of the road.
Less expensive than manufacturers such as Thule or Yakima and more durable than other cheaper choices on this list, its an excellent carrier for fresh bikers and fans looking to save a little money.
The fold-down layout allows you to access the rear as needed.
The tray layout keeps mountain bikes in place, and road bikes and the hooked and padded arms lock the bike in place while protecting it from scratches and bumps during transport.
Although the rack can hold two bikes, its weight capacity is only 70 pounds. This may not be a suitable model for you if you have two bigger bikes.
Saris MTR Bike Hitch Car Rack
The Saris MTR Bike Hitch Car Rack is another large platform-style stand with wheel straps.
Unlike other hitch-mount bike rack options, the wheel straps are located side by side, parallel to the body of this bike carrier, instead of at the bottom of the stand.
It is one of the softest bike carriers available today, weighing only 35 pounds but with a capacity of 60 pounds per bike (up to 4 bikes, depending on the option chosen).
The rack bottoms out to provide access to the cars trunk and folds down when not in use. The hooks that secure the wheels fold down and lock in place for easy installation, and the rack is also equipped with reflectors for better visibility in low-light driving situations.
Finally, the rack is also equipped with built-in locks to protect your bikes during the trip.
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Best 3 Bike Hitch Rack
If you hesitate between 2 and 3 bike racks, here are some options to consider
Hollywood Racks Baja Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
This version is of high quality, which allows you to load your bikes for your car safely.
This model can be adapted to a wide selection of bikes. Moreover, it is considered an impressive number of vehicles. So, no more worries about potential and capacity.
This version is entirely pre-assembled, so no worries about installation. This version was made easy to use and fold flat for effortless storage in your trunk or garage.
Tyger Automobile TG-RK3B101S
Finally, the Tyger Automotive TG-RK3B101S also deserves its place among the best trailer-mounted bike carriers today. This Tyger carrier is built with variants for four and three bikes and is fantastic for those who ride in the city (it holds three city bikes) and on the trails (it holds two mountain bikes). Its compatible with a 1.25-inch or two-inch receiver.
However, an extension cord may be required for several trucks and cars. (Caution: this mount will not fit Toyota Tacomas.) The bikes are protected from a soft palate, which prevents the bike frames from scratching and rubbing against the steel construction of the mount.
It includes a cable, hitch lock, and safety straps to hold the bikes in place - most of them can often be extras, especially at this price level.
Just like the more expensive versions, this rack includes a tilt arm so you can reach behind your back without the rack getting in the way.
Cyclists love the firmness with which this stand holds bikes in place, even on bumpy streets. When you encounter jolts, it adds wedges in the receptacle, which significantly helps.
Retrospec Critical Cycles Lenox Hitch Mount Bike Rack
The first suspended bike rack on the list, the indispensable Cycles Lenox, allows up to two bikes to be attached.
The L-shaped frame slides easily into the hitch and locks into position with a nut and bolt. Youll find that a handy box allows you to fold down the rack so you can ride in the back of the car even when fully loaded.
You should know that this rack is compatible with Class III and IV two-inch hitches.
The rack includes a weight limit of 80 pounds, meaning each bike can weigh up to 40 pounds.
Both bikes have separate cradles on each arm of the rack, allowing the frame to be securely fastened and protected in contact with the metal rack alone.
The attachment straps are specially designed for worry-free operation. Be aware that this rack requires a minimum amount of assembly but comes with all the necessary resources in the box.
Types of bicycle racks
There are mainly 3 bike carriers:
- mounted on the roof
- mounted on the truck
- mounted on the hitch
Lets dig into each of them.
Roof Bike Rack
Their name says it all. A bike means a roof connected to the current luggage rack of an SUV or Wagon. In addition, some roof-mounted bike carriers are attached to the gutters or the upper frame of a car door. They are perfect for vehicles that do not have a roof rack. If your vehicle is already equipped with a roof rack, the cost of installing the rack is considerably reduced.
The significant pros of the models are that the rack can be used for various applications and the distribution of your bike. Again, the roof racks allow you to continue transporting up to seven bikes with large vehicles. For example, this is a wonderful feature to get a group of cyclists who want to use one car to transport their bikes.
The disadvantage is that roof-mounted bike carriers are difficult to install and not as easy to use as the best hitch-mounted bike carriers. They also involve a lot of lifting, which is very difficult for off-road vehicles. You can easily scratch your car or break the mirrors if not done carefully.
Trunk-mounted brackets
The supports mounted on the trunk would be the cheapest of the lot. Unfortunately, they also tend to be the least secured. These versions have adjustable straps on their frames. These frames are connected to a cars trunk, rear bumper, or tailgate.
Although they are comparatively cheaper and simpler than other versions, truck-mounted luggage racks are a little more likely to damage your car or truck. Again, the straps can break quickly or be cut easily. These racks also make assembling the truck with the mounted bikes difficult.
Bicycle racks mounted on a hitch.
The last category of bike carriers is related to the hitching of a vehicle in the trunk, hence their name. Experts agree that the best models of bike carriers mounted on the hitch are the safest and most flexible for transporting bikes. Even though they are the most expensive models of bike carriers, they are still the most popular alternatives for cyclists.