The Best Hitch Bike Rack For 4 Bikes For 2024

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Best hitch bike rack 4 bikes
Best hitch bike rack 4 bikes

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack

Take your bike ride with you with the Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack. With its folding carry arms, the rack quickly drops out of the way when it's not in use and requires minimal assembly. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: IKURAM R 4 Bike Rack

This streamlined dual-arm bike carrier rack accommodates bicycles of various frame sizes and designs, making them more stable and easy to use. You'll never leave someone behind with its 4-bike capacity! Read Review

3. Best Performance: Hollywood Hitch Mount Rack

This SUV bike rack fits a standard 2" hitch and carries up to four bikes with a maximum of 35 lbs per bike. Loading and unloading are quick and easy thanks to the wheel trays that make loading and unloading hassle-free. Read Review

4. Best Compact: Allen Sports Premier 4-Bike Trunk Rack

This trunk rack secures four bikes in your hatchback or trunk. Two innovative sure straps lower straps secure the bottom hooks, and dual compound tie-down cradles hold and protect each bicycle. Read Review

5. Best Convenient: Thule Apex XT 4 Bike Hitch Rack

Enjoy the adventure with the Thule Apex XT 4 Bike Hitch Rack. This premium hanging hitch bike rack is designed to hold up to four bikes securely and safely. Its bike arms fold down when not in use and the anti-sway cradles prevent bike contact. Read Review

Have you ever wanted to take your family out on a cycling adventure? Now you can, with the best hitch bike rack for four bikes! This bike rack will make it easy to bring your whole family along. It is designed to fit up to four bikes securely, so you can be sure your bikes will stay safe and secure during your ride.

With various features such as adjustable arms, integrated security locks, and easy installation, you can quickly get your family out on the trails without worrying about the safety of your bikes. Plus, the hitch bike rack is built to last, so you can count on it to provide years of reliable service. So what are you waiting for? Get the best hitch bike rack for four bikes today and start exploring with your family!

After 19 hours of product research and analysis, We can identify the best hitch bike rack for 4 bikes is Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack which has the no-wobble bolt that prevents the rack from shifting about inside the hitch. The performance of this product is of an excellent standard, and it offers a complete set of features that can satisfy your requirements.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack
Our Score:
9.7
Allen Sports

With the Allen four-bike carrier hitch, you can transport up to four bicycles on outdoor adventures such as camping or road trips. The hitch insert is simple to use and offers a high level of protection for your bikes. It is designed to suit receiver hitches that are 2 inches wide. Your bicycles are protected and kept safe by Allen's tie-down system. The tie-downs are mounted in a stationary position on the carry arm; nevertheless, they swivel to accommodate a wide variety of bicycle frames, both in size and appearance. 

You won't need to take your bicycles out of the rack to access the cargo area of your pickup truck or sport utility vehicle (SUV) since the frame can be tilted back to provide convenient access to the liftgate and can be folded away entirely when it is not in use. When the rack is installed on your vehicle, the main mast may be swiftly tilted back for convenient lift gate access in a matter of seconds. The no-wobble bolt prevents the rack from shifting about inside the hitch. However, it would be most convenient if this rack included a hitch lock so that the bike could be removed from it quickly and easily.

TOP Choice #2 IKURAM R 4 Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.5
IKURAM R

The Swing-Down Backward Design enables easy access to the car's rear, such as when getting anything out of the trunk and swiftly pops back up to its original position using locking pins. Rubber cradle straps that are not only long-lasting but also resistant to ultraviolet light can swiftly keep your bicycle with various tube sizes in place. In addition, your bikes will also be securely in place by the tie-downs, which have a plush cradle bed for further protection.

Although this rack's arm is a bit short, it is sturdy and can easily transport up to 4 bicycles. This product has padded bike cradles with hook and loop straps to preserve its finish. When the rack is not being used, the Easy Fold-Down Arm Design allows the 24.8-inch long folding carrying arms to rotate out of the way so they can be transported more easily and stored more efficiently.

TOP Choice #3 Hollywood Hitch Mount Rack
Our Score:
9.4
Hollywood Racks

With this rack, transporting bikes safely and securely is ensured by locking threaded hitch pins and ratchet straps. Wheel holders with ratchets prevent your bikes from slipping and eliminate the wobbling that can occur while transporting. However, as it does not come with a bicycle lock, you must attach a locking cable to the rack to protect your bike from thieves.

The loading and unloading process is streamlined because of the individual wheel trays. Bike frame holders may swivel to 360 degrees to fit bikes of varying shapes and sizes. You can quickly carry children's bicycles and frames designed for hybrid, road, and mountain bikes. The ratcheting hooks on the center pole provide your bike with an additional fastening point, which helps to prevent it from wobbling and rattling. In addition, this bike rack can be folded vertically, making it much simpler to transport and store. 

4 Allen Sports Premier 4-Bike Trunk Rack
Our Score:
9.3
Allen Sports

The Allen Rack is designed to be used with four-door sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Your car will experience remarkable stability thanks to the combination of two side straps. However, the instructions for this product are a bit complicated. Therefore you will need to view some instructional videos on Youtube to understand how to assemble thoroughly.

Rubber cradle straps that are not only long-lasting but also resistant to ultraviolet light can swiftly keep your bicycle in place and work with various tube sizes. During transport, your bikes will be held in good condition thanks to the tie-downs, which have a plush cradle bed. This rack has a bottom foot that is particularly wide, which contributes to its ability to hold the weight of up to four bicycles fully. This safeguards your automobile and your bikes while they are being transported securely. In addition, the rack can be folded entirely flat with one hand when not in use.

5 Thule Apex XT 4 Bike Hitch Rack
Our Score:
9.2
Thule

The hanging hitch bike rack offers excellent bike protection and various size options to accommodate the requirements of two individuals or a complete family. Thanks to the heavy-duty, built-in cable lock, you can lock the bicycles to the rack quickly. The integrated anti-sway cradle provides superior bike stability and fit.

Pulling the HitchSwitch lever allows you to be tilted away from the vehicle and quickly access the trunk, hatch, or tailgate. In addition, when the bike rack is not used, the arms can be folded easily. Although the straps are initially a bit tight, making it a little challenging to tighten the bike, you do not need to be concerned about this because, after a few uses, they will become loosen, allowing you to use them more easily.

With this rack, you may carry any bike with a standard frame geometry so you and your companions can quickly set out on a cycling journey. Its SwitchBlade anti-sway cradles keep everything securely in position and prevent any worries about bikes bumping and scratching each other along the way. In addition, the bolt for the hitch is easy to tighten with a socket wrench and gives your bike stability when transported.

Thanks to TriggerFinger technology, the arms may be folded down into a smaller profile with just the push of a button. In addition, it may protect your belongings with a DeadLock, which allows you to attach your bicycles to your hitch mount and your hitch mount to your vehicle. When you are transporting bikes, the support bars may be folded down and stored out of the way until the time comes when you will need them again. Nevertheless, before using this rack for the first time, you need to break in the straps a little bit so that it is simpler for you to close it.

7 KAC K4 2” Hitch Mounted Rack
Our Score:
8.8
KAC

The KAC rapid-release clever tilt tilts the complete bike rack away from your vehicle within one operation. This enables you to reach the rear cargo area and fully open the hatch doors without removing the bikes from the rack. Your bike will have the highest possible level of safety and protection with the locking hitch pin. Not only does it prevent theft by locking the frame to the hitch, but it also removes slack between the receiver and the track, providing you with a smooth ride devoid of rattles for your enjoyment.

This hitch-mounted bike rack has a platform style and fits into a 2-inch hitch receiver. Therefore, it can handle bicycles of varying sizes, from the leanest road bike to the heaviest e-bike. The adjustable heavy-duty crabs on this rack allow your bike to stand more compactly. When you want to fold the rack up for storage, you can easily alter the length of the tire holders so that they are shorter, or you may adjust them to accommodate any wheelbase. Although this rack is a bit heavy, it is an excellent choice for everyone.

More To Consider

10 Young Electric 4-Bike Rack
Our Score:
8.4
Young Electric

What Should You Know Before Selecting best hitch bike rack for 4 bikes?

Our website is an online source that provides clients with a diverse selection of best hitch bike rack for 4 bikes. Many items on the site perfectly suit the demands of clients and serve their intended function.

So, how can you determine which of the best hitch bike rack for 4 bikes is the best fit for your needs? Don't be concerned! This article will walk you through all you need to know about the best hitch bike rack for 4 bikes before you buy it.

 

Bike Weight

Maximum bike capacity
Maximum weight capacity for a bike
If you plan on transporting heavy downhill mountain bikes or e-bikes, fat, and/or cruiser bikes, make sure to check the rack's weight limit. Each design listing will indicate the bike's maximum weight. This amount may vary greatly. For comparison, standard road and mountain bikes weigh less than 35 pounds. E-bikes, however, can be up to 50 pounds. We recommend that you upgrade to a more robust model if your weight is close to or above the max. It's worth it to avoid breaking the rack or invalidating your warranty.

Tilting Feature

A tilt-feature hitch rack is a good choice if you are like many cyclists and plan on keeping your rack attached to your car for extended time periods or want access to your rear cargo space. With the exception of a few very inexpensive options, almost all bike racks with a hitch mount have this feature. Tilting racks are able to be tilted over using a lever. This allows you to lift the rear hatch of the vehicle or open its tailgate. Tilting is possible on platform and hanging racks. However, platform racks can be tilted with bikes loaded. Hanging racks must first unload bikes. It's another reason why we like the platform rack design.

Security

Two main vulnerabilities of bike racks are theft. The bikes can be taken off the rack and the rack can be taken down. It doesn't matter if the bikes are there; racks can also be valuable items to potential thieves.
It only takes seconds for someone to steal your bicycle from the rack, whether you are going to a shop or just to get you home at night.
Your entire rack can be taken if someone is equipped with the right tools. If you don’t own a garage, this can pose a problem.

Bike Capacity

Generally speaking, platform racks are capable of holding anywhere between one and four bikes (if an extension is purchased), while hanging racks hold up to five bikes. The 1UP Recon Rack 6 can hold six bikes vertically and is a notable exception. Most riders prefer the 2-bike model, however families and those who plan to take their bikes on group rides may want to consider a hanging model with a larger capacity or one of these platform add-ons.

Mounting Systems

Two ways can you lock your bike on a mounting system are available. First and foremost is the strap system. The strap system is usually composed of an elastic or ratcheting strap that covers a portion of your bicycle. It's usually the frame in hanging racks, but it can also be used for platform racks to hold the wheels.
This is most commonly used in platform racks. It is an arm that extends from the platform to ratchet down on your bike's tires. They secure the bike to the platform. They are often reinforced with straps that run around the wheel's bottom to increase security.
The strap system is used in every hanging rack that we have seen. It's strong and reliable, but it can be damaged or broken by users. Many straps secure bikes with at least two straps at every attachment point. Your bike could fall off if the shepherd's hook is broken (which happens very rarely).

Ease Of Use

You've likely had to lift a mountain bike with full suspension onto a hanger rack. Or, if you have tried to Tetris on four bikes from a rack that was poorly made, then you understand the importance of ease-of-use.
Hanging racks are a great option for a common bicycle, the diamond-frame. You can lift the bike and slide it on the rack. Once it is secured, you can bungee it to the front wheel. It also gives you the opportunity to do some bicep curls before going on your ride.
A platform rack is a better choice for bikes with heavier frames or unique designs. It is easier to transport the bike because it has a lower frame. Once you get it on you won't need to move it around to make adjustments. It can be difficult to hang a bike on a rack.
The ramp is often the most cost-effective option, but it's also the most convenient. You can simply place your bike on the platform rack using this feature. This feature is great for riders with heavy bikes such as e-bikes and cruisers.

 

FAQs

What Is The Best Bike Rack For Four Bikes?

There are versions of both platform and hanging racks that can accommodate four bikes. The hanging racks are more difficult to protect your bikes as they attach from the top. The bikes can swing or hit each other while traveling thanks to this.
It is possible to space out fewer bikes, which reduces risk. Space is constrained with only four bikes. Make sure that your cradles are sufficiently spaced so the bikes don't collide, even with minimal swings.
Platform racks make this less problematic as bikes can be locked in place by both wheels. This adds stability and strength. Because the platform racks are lower, it's easier to place the bikes onto them.

Are Hitch Bike Racks Better?

Hitch racks can be a good option if your car has that capability. Mounts that attach to the hitch receiver are better than trunk racks and roof racks. They also protect your vehicle's finish.
These racks are also easier to set up than any other option. This is great news for those who don't need a rack in their car all day. It's attached with a steel pin so it takes only one step to attach it to a trailer hitch and then one to take it off when it's time to go.

Can You Put A Bike Rack On Any Car?

You should find the right bike rack for your vehicle amongst many options. For some styles, you will need to attach a hitch or crossbars/tracks to the roof. Before you make a purchase, be sure to check the specifications on the rack.

Do Bike Racks Damage Your Car?

A hitch-mounted rack has a greater chance of being preferred to a trunk-mounted one. This is because the hitch does not have contact with the vehicle's body. It reduces rubbing on the paint. This keeps the rack from contacting any parts of the body where it could damage or dent.
No matter how careful a company takes when creating a rack system, human error is always possible. If the rack is not on the car, opening the hatchback can cause the rack to be lifted off the vehicle.
It can damage the rack and cause scratching. When you reach the back of your car, make sure that the rack is not in the way.
If you aren't careful, bikes can contact your car. Sometimes platform racks are used to transport the bike near a car's rear window. If the road is particularly bumpy, this can make it more likely that the handlebar will pass through the window.
This can be solved by moving the cradles closer to the windows. The front tire can hang unsupported, which could lead to it bumping into your car.
Although it's not as serious as breaking windows, the damage to the finish can be severe over time. This is a simple fix. To solve the problem, secure the wheel using a strap and bungee rope.

What Is The Easiest Bike Rack To Use?

Each type of rack has its advantages. Hanging racks can be used if you don't have to lift your bike. You can secure your bike by placing it on the arms. Then tie the straps and bungee your front wheel.
The platform racks are easier to use than the cradles, but they require less muscle. They do require a little more effort to secure the bike. Swing-away racks make it easy to reach the rear of your bike. If you have a lot to carry (for example, camping trips), one of these racks might be a good choice. ).

Do All Bike Racks Fill All Cars?

Although most bikes racks can be adjusted, they are not universally compatible. There are simply too many shapes and sizes of bikes to make this possible.
You need to know the dimensions of your rear bumper if you are thinking of buying one. There are different rear racks that work well with various cars, such as saloons and hatchbacks. You can find the manufacturer's website to check which racks will fit your vehicle.
A roof rack that is not compatible with the current roof bars may also be incompatible. There are two types: the traditional square-profile or more modern, oval aero bars. Oval bars cut through air and reduce drag. They also produce less wind noise. Make sure your roof rack will fit with any shape of roof bar you choose.

Conclusion

In short, you have just been shown all the things related to best hitch bike rack for 4 bikes, including the top models, buyer’s guides, and the comparison between products as well. At this moment, it’s obvious that you acquire the mentioned information and are ready to pick one among the list of best hitch bike rack for 4 bikes above. In case there is no model that suits your needs, then Saris Superclamp EX 4-Bike Hitch Car Rack will be the best to pay attention to. Hopefully, our sharing today will help you choose the best item for your requirement. 


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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

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