What hitch mount bike rack???

So I'm on the hunt for a good bike rack that attaches via the hitch. I need it to hold 3 bikes (currently 2 adult and 1 children's). I was hoping some of you guys have had some experience with different models and can make some suggestions. I'm not looking for anything expensive, just something that gets the job done. Thanks!

 

Yakima makes great racks but can get pricy, check out the "allen deluxe 3" I think its under $100 and does a decent job.

Why not just fab something up? I made one awhile back for 2 bikes, I used 2" square up, 2" square out about 14" and notched for 1 3/4" pipe, cut a 2" section of 1 3/4" pipe then cut it down the middle and welded that back into the 2" square I notched. Put some strips of rubber on it, threw the bikes on and used a ratchet strap to hold them down, it was solid and worked, only cost about $20.

 

I've got a Thule and it's alright but there are a lot of things that pissed me off about it but they can be redone. It attaches to the receiver with a bolt rather than a hitch pin and the top part that folds down also requires tools to take the bolt out. I replaced the top part with a cotter pin and drilled out the hitch portion so it will accept a standard locking hitch pin. If you don't do this, Thule requires that you buy their lock kit for another $60. I've only got the 2 bike carrier and it seems that everytime I use it the bike that's further out slides down on the bars and into the inside bike. In short, don't buy a Thule...

BTW, I've got the Roadway bike carrier.

 

This is the one I have. It is great.

http://www.swagmanbikeracks.com/shopnew/product.php?productid=16164&cat=24&page=1

 

Another vote to get something other than thule. The bolt thing in the hitch pugga talked about & I had to buy some other accessory from yakima to keep the wheels from swinging without having to use 30 extra bungy cords to tie my bikes on there.

 

We have a Yakima 4 or 5 bike carrier that is pretty sturdy, I forget how much it was. I like the fork mount in the bed for longer trips but for just running back and forth to school this works great and is easier than removing the front wheel every time.

 

Yea I had a fork mount in the bed for my bike and just threw the kiddos in the bed but now that I have the bed rack the bike doesn't fit anymore.. I may end up getting some mounts for the bike and fabbing my own rack to suit me.

 

Ive had this one for several years. cheap and works great

Rage Powersport - Horizon x 3 Hitch Bike Rack - 2"

 

I picked up one of these. have had it for 5 years now.
Works great. With the extension i can fit 4 bikes. no wobbling. Its nice cuz i hate taking off the front wheel (20mm thru axle)
Its stable...held 4 DH bikes...at least 120 lbs

Got it for a steal at a REI used gear sale.

http://www.thule.com/en/US/Products/BikeCarriers/Hitch/916XTR T2.aspx

 

I have a Thule 2 bike rack. The bolt in the receiver keeps the rack from rocking back and forth by wedging the rack in the receiver mount. This keeps the rack from rocking back and forth. It's a bit of a pain to get my Santa Cruz on it because of the frame design but otherwise, it works great and I've no complaints at all.

Oh yeah, I use a bungie cord for the front tire--takes all of 2 seconds to fasten and I'm good to go. The rack came with locks for both the bikes and hitch mount.

A couple of weeks ago, a guy backed into it. It's bent a bit but his car is a whole lot worse off (rear taillight assembly, trunk lid bent, etc.) which makes it pretty sturdy too. I used the Hi-Lift to straighten it.

 

Anyone have any experience with the Rhino Rack 4 bike hitch mount? I can't seem to find many reviews online. Seems reasonably priced and folds down which is nice.

http://www.rhinorack.com/AccSubCate...-Arm-Hitch-Mount-Bike-Rack-w-Lock_558_11.aspx

 

Looks like the same retention mechanism as the Thule. Works pretty well for frames that are fairly straight backed. More difficult for frames like the Santa Cruz.

 

I just designed one for my teacher who is an avid mountain biker. Who shared the design with another teacher, who also bikes. He wants to start producing the design. It it actually quite simple to make, and breaks down easily.

This is the design, it is aluminum and adjustable for different sized bikes.





The design can be tweaker to hold as many bikes as you want, and have them sit closer together so they dont hang back as far. His was designed so each rack would sit far apart because of the way his bikes would sit.

They would also be facing opposite directions, which I forgot to change when I was editing them.... damn

 

Forgot to add it will also have an extension to add two more bikes, for a total or four. The design could be tweaked to however you would want.

 

That design is similar to the Yakima & Thule versions--except they fold up when not in use. How will you hold the bike to the rack?

 

Old thread...I know....

We bought a Yakima Double down 2. It's a NICE rack for the receiver and definitely worth the money!! Folds down easily to put the tailgate down. Arms fold down also. It secures in the receiver nicely with no rattles/shakes. Very happy with it!

 

I have been using a Rhode Gear 4 bike carrier since last summer. It is quite nice for the money, and has adjustable mounts that will take anything from a mountain bike to a kids bike. Velcro straps, on ridged (for cables) rubber feet. The upright swings down to allow access to the tailgate, trunk, etc. It is very sturdy, and didn't cost an arm and a leg.

 

There will be tie downs on each side, in the middle, because he wants to be able to just throw one strap over the center of the bike and sinch it down with no worries