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Basic Guide to Hitch Racks

For vehicles with a hitch installed, a hitch rack is one of the most stable and affordable rack solutions out there. All hitch racks offer similar design advantages such as:

  • No contact between the rack and painted surfaces of the vehicle
  • A very secure interface between rack and vehicle
  • No need to lift bicycles overhead when loading
  • Quick and easy installation compared to roof racks.
  • No danger of damaging bikes when pulling into a parking garage, drive-through, your own garage or other limited clearance situations.
    •  Hitch Types
    Let's take a look at the types of hitches so you can determine what application is required for you vehicle...

     Ball Hitches
     Ball Hitches are typically simple holes in the recessed area of a step bumper.

    Shop Hitch Racks

      Quick Installation Guide
      • To mount a rack to a ball hitch the ball must first be removed with a big wrench.
      • The rack is mounted with a very large bolt replacing the hitch ball.
      • Pay close attention to the weight rating on the bumper; some step bumpers on small SUVs are not very sturdy.
      • In some cases a reinforcing plate must be added under the ball area to stabilize the rack.

     1 ΒΌ" Receiver Hitches
     1 ¼" Receiver Hitches are typically found on passenger cars and light SUVs.

    Shop Hitch Racks

      Quick Guide
      • Class I hitches are only rated to carry 200 pounds including the rack.
      • Class II hitches are rated to carry 300 pounds including the rack.
      • 1¼" hitch rack will plug into the vehicle's receiver then be secured with a pin.
     2" Receiver Hitches
     2" Receiver Hitches are found on larger trucks and SUVs as well as RVs and other vehicles.

    Shop Hitch Racks

      Quick Guide

      • Most 2" hitches are Class II hitches and are rated to carry 300 pounds including the rack.
      • 2" hitch racks will plug into the vehicle's receiver then be secured with a pin.
      • Multi-fit racks frequently include a 1¼" foot plus a sleeve adapter to expand to fit 2" receiver hitches.
     

     
     Rack Types
    Now let's take a look at the types of racks available so you can make the best choice for fitting your bike to the rack.
     Single Arm Racks
    Shop Hitch Racks  Single Arm Racks have only 1 main arm that supports the load of the bicycles.
      Overview
      • Simplest design
      • Quick and easy to mount
      • No adjustments required
      • May not work with all frame types without an adapter
      • Usually the least expensive
      • Frequently the last bicycle will lock down, preventing the removal of the inside bicycles
      • Most fold down out of the way to allow tail gates to open without removing the rack
     Double Arm Racks
    Shop Hitch Racks  Double Arm Racks have 2 smaller arms that support the bicycles.
      Overview
      • More stable for the bicycles due to the distance between the arms
      • Frequently include "anti-sway" brackets that prevent the bikes from swinging into one another
      • Compatible with more frame designs; frequently one arm can go through the rear triangle and the other can go in the main triangle.
      • Deluxe models include arms that fold down when not in use
      • Most fold down out of the way to allow tailgates to open without removing the rack
     Tray Style Racks
    Shop Hitch Racks  Tray Style Racks support bicycles by the wheels and may have an upper boom to support the top of the rack.
      Overview
      • Work with the widest range of bicycles
      • Very easy to load
      • Top models will only touch the rubber of the tires, preventing paint damage
      Other Hitch Rack Considerations
    Shop Hitch Racks
      Watch out for "Recessed Hitches"
      • Some hitches are recessed several inches from the rear plane of the bumper. Most standard hitch racks will not work with this type of hitch without a hitch extender.
      Re-learn how to back up
      • Depending on the rack and the number of bicycles carried, your vehicle may be up to 3 feet longer than usual, so pay special attention when backing up.
      Use a locking hitch Pin
      • Even without bikes attached, hitch racks are expensive enough to be attractive to thieves.
      Secure Spinning Wheels
      • Run a rope, strap or bungee through unsecured wheels so they don't spin while going down the road. While the wear on bearings is minimal, it is still wear.
      Look out for steep driveways
      • Low set tray type racks can scrape the ground on steep driveways and entrances. Reduce the risk of scraping by crossing steep pavement transitions at an angle.

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