Best Four Bike Hitch Rack

Ease Of Install And Removal Total Weight Of Rack

Installing and removing a bike rack is challenging. With many of the racks weighing more than 80 lbs., they typically require more than one person to install or remove. Platform hitch racks and vertical hitch racks are significantly heavier than hanging hitch racks. If you plan on installing or removing the rack on a regular basis, a hanging rack is likely a better option for you.

The Best Bike Racks Of 2022

Searching for a new bike rack? We’ve invested six years and purchased 38 bike racks to bring you this review of the 25 best racks available today. We know just how daunting it is to find a rack that works for your bike, vehicle, and budget, which is why we’re here to help. For months, our team of bike-loving testers hauled bikes around on hitch, trunk, and roof-mount racks. We rotated them from cars to trucks to SUVs and drove up dirt roads, down highways, and parallel parked around town. Through it all, we noted how easy it was to load and unload our bikes onto each and how securely they held our beloved rides. Read on to find the perfect rack for your needs, budget, and vehicle.

We’ve been testing bikes and bike-related gear for many years. From trail mountain bikes to bicycle helmets, we have recommendations on everything you need to help improve your ride. Once you’re done riding, we have garage bike storage suggestions to help you stay organized.

Editor’s Note: We updated this review on April 12, 2022, with the addition of the Yakima StageTwo and details and information to help you find the best bike rack for your needs and budget.

Hanging Hitch Bike Racks

Unlike platform racks, hanging hitch bike racks carry bikes via their frame rather than their tires. Bikes typically hang via their frames top tube on the racks two support bars.

Hanging racks are available in capacities ranging from 2 to 5 and can often accommodate bikes with wheel sizes 16 and up.

BEST FOR

If you are on a tighter budget, especially if you need to haul 3 or 4 bikes, hanging racks are your best bet.

Compared to platform and vertical hitch bike racks, hanging bike racks are significantly lighter, making them much easier to install and remove. As a result, if you dont want to leave your rack on your car for an extended period of time, a hanging rack is a solid choice.

A PASS FOR

Bikes on hanging hitch racks are spaced much closer together and make significantly more contact with each other compared to platform and vertical racks. Scratches are common and should be expected.

If you are hauling higher-quality bikes , wed advise you to skip a hanging rack. But if you can only afford a hanging rack, be sure to buy a rack with more capacity than you need you so can leave extra space between the bikes when loaded.

Bikes with carbon frames should never be carried on a hanging rack! If you have a carbon frame, platform and vertical are your only options.

Best Overall Hanging Hitch Bike Rack

MSRP : $449

CAPACITY: 2, 4, or 5 bikes

PROS:

Best 5 Bike Capacity on a Budget

MSRP : $159

CAPACITY: 4 bikes 20 wheels +

PROS:

CONS:

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Things I Kept In Mind While Selecting Bike Rack For Jeep Wrangler

If you think I bought all the racks without any prior knowledge then you are gravely mistaken my friend. There are some tips for finding the optimal bike rack for your jeep wrangler. These tips and tricks ensure that you end up with the best bike rack for jeep wrangler and not some scrap thatll fall apart in a week.

Best 4 Bike Hitch Rack

Choosing the appropriate 4 bike hitch rack can be tough. However, if you consider these factors, your job will be easier. These factors will be discussed:

• Product Quality: One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a product is its quality. Nobody would want a low-quality or easily worn-out object. They are even willing to spend a somewhat greater price for a good product.
• Sturdiness: Reliability and durability are inextricably linked. Because it is tough and resilient, your 4 bike hitch rack will last you for many months.
• Product availability: New items are frequently introduced to replace outdated products. This new product has most likely been updated in some way and may thus have new features. Why is a 4 bike hitch rack brand item no longer available because its producers refuse to support them?
• Seller’s Rank: Don’t you find it fascinating? You must have an excellent product, be known, and grow. These are both significant objectives. The product is successful based on its growing user base. Because more people are purchasing things, producers must provide better after-sales service and quality.
• Customer Feedback: You will not be held liable for things that went wrong with previous clients, will you? If you have higher ratings, people are more likely to be satisfied with your service.

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Why You Should Trust Us

The folks behind GearJunkie spend a lot of time in the saddle. From daily office commutes to singletrack joyrides, bikes play a major role in our lives. Like most cyclists, we often use our vehicles to haul bikes around. We plug our hitch-mounted bike racks into sedans, SUVS, and everything in between. Though its always nice to start pedaling right out of the front door, we often have to drive before we can ride.

After years of regular use and testing, weve identified the best hitch bike racks on the market. We thoroughly assess every rack we test, down to the last screw. A hitch bike rack should be easy to use, durable in the long term, secure, and versatile. Weve weighed dozens of racks against these standards, and the models on this list are as good as it gets.

Many of the racks featured here have been with us for many years. Even after regular exposure to the elements and many miles of rough roads, theyre still going strong. As new racks roll out in the future, well be sure to update our list to reflect the current market.

Best Bike Rack For Jeep Wrangler Comparison

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner! It is the Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks. The competition was fierce between the number one and two however, after hours of going through their pros and cons, checking out their build and price, Ive finally concluded that this rack rightfully deserves to be on the number one spot.

Usually, I let my friends suggest a bike rack before I charge in to purchase one. But this one was all me. I found out about the rack from a neighbor of mine. Okay, so it was not all me. Apparently, he also owns a jeep wrangler, the 2014 Willys Wheeler JK.

The rack looked promising and I heard some good things about it from the guy. Hence, I thought why not give it a try. Im glad that I tried it out because the hitch rack is one of a kind, plus it is quite affordable and doesnt really dent your wallet.

So, lets hop into the details. As you can already see the rack is hitch-mounted. If your jeep doesnt come with a hitch, then you should probably install a receiver, make sure it is a 2-inch one. It doesnt cost much but if your vehicle does come with a receiver, then forget anything I said.

The unit comes with a locking knob, which allows you to keep the bike rack tightened to jeep wrangler. It eliminates the possibility of wobbling, which in terms keeps your bikes safe from falling or getting damaged.

Moreover, youll need to double and sometimes triple-check everything after securing the rack to your jeep. It is kinda annoying.

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Quick Overview: The Best 4 Bike Hitch Racks

Below, youll find more detailed reviews of our top 21 picks, and our comprehensive guide to help you choose the right one for you. But if youre looking for the quick lowdown, here are our winners in each category:

• Thule Camber 4 Hitch Bike Rack , Black

  $419.95

  If youre prepared to spend a bit more on a top-end model that will deliver the best quality and experience, we recommend the Hollywood Racks Destination 4 Bike Hitch Rack, or the Thule Camber 4 Hitch Bike Rack. Produced by two of the best-established brands for sports accessories, both models met our expectations for standout quality around the $300-$400 mark.We were impressed by the simple, fast assembly and the smart features that ensure maximum protection of both the bikes and the car to eliminate all risks of damage during transport. The racks manage to be heavy-duty despite remaining particularly lightweight and foldable, for secure holding and easy handling. Either of these racks is a worthwhile investment if you have the cash to spare.

Best For Tailgate Access

• Wide trigger handle is easy to operate when folding up and lowering the rack
• Holds tires up to five inches wide
• Pivots away for easy trunk access

Cons

Even hitch racks that tilt down can get in the way of accessing some trunks. The BackStage solves this problem with a design that pivots the bike trays to the passenger side of the vehicle. While this mechanism makes the rack noticeably heavier to lift on and off your car, the extra weight is one of the only drawbacks we encountered. Quick-release, spring-loaded locking pins keep the rack secure in both the extended and closed positions, while a screw-type clamp keeps it stable and rattle-free while driving. The BackStage fits on two-inch receivers and can carry two bikes that weigh up to 60 pounds each, with tires up to five inches wide. A locking hitch pin and cable-style lock deter theft.

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Best 4 Bike Hitch Rack 2022 According To Wild River Review

As a bike rider, you want your bicycle to be safe, secure, and dry. The best way to do that is with a bike rack. An experienced rider will tell you the importance of having a good bike rack on the back of their vehicle. You won’t be able to complete the best 4 bike hitch rack exercises with a great setup if you have a bike rack that doesn’t hold your bike safely. Read on for some of the best 4 bike hitch rack in the marketplace.

How Do I Put A Hitch On Bike Racks

First, make sure that you fit the hitch tube into the hitch receiver of the car. Ensure this by correct fitting and sizing of the tube. Then you can adjust the supporting arms and its tire trays. Now, you can load the bikes into the rack. When traveling long trips, its vital to stop and check the bikes from time to time to make sure the attachment points are still intact.

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Best For Three Bikes: Thule Helium Pro

Also available at REI

Why We Love It: Considerably lighter than steel hitch bike racks, it’s a breeze to install and remove, and both bike and rack locks amp the security features.

What to Consider: The instructions that come with the rack are a bit confusing.

The lightweight aluminum Helium Pro from Thule provides a secure, anti-sway method of easily hauling three bikes. The hitch-mounted rack provides seven inches of space between the three bikes, so you don’t have to wrestle with interlocking handlebars and pedals, and a HitchSwitch feature lets the rack tilt down so you can access the vehicle. The bike arms fold down when not in use, and the cradle design will accommodate a wide array of bike frames and sizes. The tool-free installation includes a lock to secure the rack, along with an integrated cable lock for your bikes.

Weight: 20 pounds | Weight Limit: 37.5 pounds per bike | Number of Bikes: 3

Hollywood Racks F4 Heavy Duty

MSRP:

Hollywood Racks F4 is a classic trunk mount 4 bike rack for SUVs, minivans, and Sedans. To find out if your vehicle is compatible, check out their Fit Guide.

This carrier is super easy for setup and takedown, making your journeys less of a drag. The dual-position trunk/bumper attachment system is secure and easily holds up to 140lbs .

The F4 comes fully assembled on delivery, and when youre not using it, you can fold it flat for tidy storage. Buying an extra top tube adapter might be necessary to ensure broad compatibility with kids, ladies, and mountain bikes.

This bicycle rack is made with heavy-duty steel and coated with rubber to keep your paint intact. Finally, once your bikes are in place, you can secure them with sturdy tie-down buckles and straps for maximum security.

MSRP:

Allen Sports Premier S104 bike rack 4 bikes is a premium trunk-mount carrier from a high-quality brand.

This product is made to fit most sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs. To ensure it works with your vehicle, check the compatibility finder on the product page.

Like many well-made bicycle carriers, this one connects easily and quickly to your vehicle and has broad compatibility for most styles of bike.

To keep your vehicles paint safe, it has pads to maintain the distance between the bikes and the car. Other safety features include tie-down cradles and lower straps which keep the hooks locked in while you drive.

• Rack weight: 12lbs

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Ease Of Removal And Storage

It sure would be nice if we could leave our bike racks on our vehicles all the time, but unfortunately for most of us, riding bikes is a hobby rather than a full-time job. Therefore, bike racks are often mounted and removed from our vehicles as needs or seasons change. The ease of that process depends on various factors, including a rack’s size, weight, and the method of attachment.

In the case of roof-mounted racks, manufacturers assume that you’re less likely to remove them regularly. Roof racks are more of a set-it-and-forget-it item that consumers often choose to just leave on the roof for extended periods after the initial installation. An exception is the Yakima HighRoad which is impressively easy to remove or install on your vehicle. Everything can be done with your fingers and fingers alone. Removing this rack is as simple as flipping a switch on three different contact points on the rack and loosening a screw. When the rack is unattached, it is light and easy to haul off your roof. It only weighs 18 lbs and can be conveniently shoved onto a high shelf or tucked into a tight space in the garage. Other models in our test selection, such as the Kuat Trio and the RockyMounts BrassKnuckles, require hex keys to take on and off, but they are mostly long and skinny, so you can stand them up in a corner or lay them on the floor when they’re not in use.

Thule 9027 Apex Swing Away Bike Rack

• Sort: Swing away hanging rack
• Weight: 42 pounds.
• Carrying capacity: 140 pounds.
• Hitch Type: Just 2

High Points: Swing arm enables easy access to rear of car, tool-free setup, fantastic bicycle clearance, may be folded flat against the car when not being used, integrated cable lock.Low Points: Comparatively low carrying ability, not acceptable for bicycles without top horizontal tubes.

A fully loaded bicycle rack can be very hefty, which is important to bear in mind while using the swing off feature. Adding a totally loaded rack arm off from your car or truck ought to be performed gradually and carefully, as moving away from it too fast could lead to a great deal of momentum, along with the swing could eliminate you and cause damage.

Much like almost any hanging hitch rack, its ideal for use with bicycles that have strong flat top tubes. You may have trouble attaching youngsters or step-through type bicycles with this rack.

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Swagman Chinook Hitch Bike Rack

Swagman plays a very important function as a hitch-mounted platform bicycle rack, as well as also the Swagman Chinook can conserve all kinds of shapes. The ratchet straps secure two bicycles at precisely the exact same period, and the flexible padded arms guarantee that the cover of the frame firmly.

• It will not function in addition to routine bike locks.
• Some sizes may not match.

How Often Do You Travel

If you’re planning to use the rack frequently, you’ll want to get a model that’s easy to use. For instance, a roof rack is ideal for securing your e-bikes so that they’re out of the way. Plus, you won’t have to worry about reversing or parking – and you’ll have full access to your trunk.

However, because the rack is high up, it’ll be a nightmare getting the e-bikes up. That’s why hitch racks are a more convenient solution for those dealing with heavier bikes.

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Sturdy Design Lightweight Construction

• Doesnt work for bikes with wheels smaller than 26 inches
• Not ideal for e-bikes

Add Thule to the list of brands that have adopted the system of dual ratcheting arms made popular by 1UP. But as youd expect from Thule, the Helium Platform 2 is polished, refined, and very user-friendly. Aluminum construction keeps it as light as possible without sacrificing load capacity. Once you wrestle it into your hitch receiver, it fits snug and secure without wiggling or bouncing. The ratcheting arms make it mindless and easy to load bikes of varying wheel base lengths, as there are no straps to adjust. Simply place the bike on the rack, push the arms over the wheels, and away you go. The only drawback with the Helium Platform 2 is the trays arent tiered or staggered, so you can run into fit issues from time to time, with the handlebar from one bike running into the saddle from the bike next to it. However, since there are no fixed places to mount the bikes, we found it easy to shift bikes side to side in order to fit them together when the bar from one bike ran into the rear wheel of the other.