| Some basic facts about hitch mount bike racks | | | | With the exception of the fixed frame rack, most of |
| If you're a cyclist, or family of cyclists, on the go, a | | | | the hitch mount bike racks fold or tilt for ease of |
| safe and efficient way to transport your bikes to and | | | | access to the rear of the vehicle or for parking. Racks |
| from your destination is absolutely essential. The idea is | | | | that fold down do not allow easy access to the |
| to safely carry your bikes without at the same time | | | | vehicle's rear cargo area, but are convenient for |
| doing any damage to the body of your vehicle. | | | | parking. |
| Of all the methods available for bike transport, by far | | | | If you have more than one type of bike to tow, the |
| the easiest to use and least expensive are the hitch | | | | best choice for transport is the tray hitch mount rack, |
| mounted bike racks. These carriers fit on or in the | | | | which accommodates all types of bikes, and can carry |
| trailer hitch of your vehicle and are a snap to install or | | | | up to four safely. |
| remove. Most are heavy duty steel construction, | | | | Look for locking features in the bike rack you buy. |
| making them durable to withstand many long road trips. | | | | Most will have a method of locking the bikes in place, |
| Bike Rack Basics | | | | and also a pin for locking the rack securely to the |
| Hitch mounted bike carriers fit on the trailer hitch of | | | | trailer hitch. You will also want to consider a rack with |
| your vehicle, either the hitch receiver, or the ball affixed | | | | anti-vibration technology to prevent your bikes from |
| to the bumper. Hitch mount back racks that fit into the | | | | banging together on bumpy roads, or worse, bumping |
| receiver, come in either 1.25-inch or 2-inch shank sizes, | | | | against your vehicle and damaging the finish. |
| so it is essential that you know the size of your | | | | Hitch mounted bike racks are the least expensive way |
| receptacle. Consult the vehicle owner's manual for this | | | | to carry your expensive bikes. Available at many |
| information. Many racks, however, can be adapted to | | | | Internet sites, they can be purchased for prices starting |
| fit either trailer hitch. | | | | as low as $90 and up to $300. |
| The size and style of carrier you buy will depend upon | | | | Styles of Hitch Mounted Bike Racks |
| the type and number of cycles you have to transport. | | | | Hanging: This is the most common type of hitch |
| Know the tongue weight (TW) of the bike rack you | | | | mounted bike rack, and comes in a number of sizes to |
| plan to buy, which is not a difficult task as there are | | | | accommodate up to five bikes. They do not, however, |
| only two. The 1.25 TW (1.25-in shank) can safely carry | | | | accommodate non-standard bikes. |
| one or two bikes, while the 2 TW (2-inch) can handle | | | | Full Tray: In the full tray hitch mounted bike rack, bike |
| up to five. | | | | wheels rest on a tray; and this type will accommodate |
| If you opt for a towing hitch mount bike rack, the kind | | | | any type of bike, and can carry multiple types at the |
| that allow you to transport bikes and tow at the same | | | | same time. Most have a two bike capacity, but a |
| time, be aware of the maximum tow weight (normally | | | | converter kit can be purchased to carry two additional |
| from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds). Some of the towing hitch | | | | bikes. |
| mount bike racks come with a tow bar attached, but | | | | Towing: This type of hitch mounted bike carrier will hold |
| you can still only tow small loads, such as small trailers | | | | three to four bikes and can tow a load of 2,000 to |
| or boats. | | | | 3,500 pounds at the same time. |