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!
What hitch mounted bike rack???
- Thread starter fire931
- Start date
Gooseberry
Explorer
I have a swagmann and like for the most part. The longer arm offset went straight on saline valley road but it could do it to anything. this is the 4 bike unit and does adjust to any bike pretty good. note to self watch your hands while sliding the clamps up and down.
DaveInDenver
Middle Income Semi-Redneck
Is that a BOB Gooseberry? Digging it. 
To the point, I have a Thule Hitching Post. It was not expensive and has held up for almost 10 years now. It flips down, very basic 2-arm carrier but I'm looking at replacing it, I would really like a swing away type to make getting into the back of my truck easier with bikes mounted.
To the point, I have a Thule Hitching Post. It was not expensive and has held up for almost 10 years now. It flips down, very basic 2-arm carrier but I'm looking at replacing it, I would really like a swing away type to make getting into the back of my truck easier with bikes mounted.
MakersTeleMark
Adventurer
tchughes
Observer
I'm not a biker but needed something to carry the kids bikes when camping or headed to the park. I picked this one up at Academy for 100 bucks and has worked well for my needs over the past year.
Allen bike rack @ Academy
Allen bike rack @ Academy
Thanks for the input guys! I'm still looking around some. I'm not to concerned with getting anything overly beefy since when we take the bikes it's typically when we're headed to state parks. When I go offroading the bikes stay at home. I used to use a fork mount on the bed but not that the RTT is going on that won't work anymore, I figured a hitch mount would be the next best thing for our setup.
I have been using the 1up USA rack for the past year behind both a Horizon trailer and a Sprinter. The rack "folds down" to allow easy rear door entry without removing the bikes. When not in use it folds up into a reasonable amount of space. Works well with all sizes of tires.Hopefully its the last rack that I'll buy.
http://www.1upusa.com/1upusarackhome.htm
DocD
http://www.1upusa.com/1upusarackhome.htm
DocD
John Willis
Observer
I have a Yakima swing out 4 bike carrier. Have used it for years on my yukon and two suburbans. Its so easy to use and works so well we use it on our super duty now. Best 400 bucks spent. I see them at the REI used gear sale often. Picked one up for a friend for $65.00 all it has wrong was a cross threaded bolt that was replaceable.
John Willis
Observer
I have a Yakima swing out 4 bike carrier. Have used it for years on my yukon and two suburbans. Its so easy to use and works so well we use it on our super duty now. Best 400 bucks spent. I see them at the REI used gear sale often. Picked one up for a friend for $65.00 all it has wrong was a cross threaded bolt that was replaceable.
Gooseberry
Explorer
yep its been through well you know. I have done tours with it and now its the chariot for the Real Gooseberry dog. She rides in it when we hit the road sections.
Is that a BOB Gooseberry? Digging it.
To the point, I have a Thule Hitching Post. It was not expensive and has held up for almost 10 years now. It flips down, very basic 2-arm carrier but I'm looking at replacing it, I would really like a swing away type to make getting into the back of my truck easier with bikes mounted.
t4rman
Adventurer
First off, I would only get a rack that supports the bikes from underneath and them well. A rack that clamps onto the frame and lets the bikes swing freely is hard to deal with and it is IMPOSSIBLE to keep the bikes from banging together and destroying the paint or other components.
The swagman will get the job done for not a lot of money. I worked at a bike shop for a while. We carried them and the customers never had any issues. I once saw a swagman with $15k worth of bikes on it! However, if you feel like you are going to use it frequently I would invest in one that might have more features like a Thule or Kuat.:coffeedrink:
The swagman will get the job done for not a lot of money. I worked at a bike shop for a while. We carried them and the customers never had any issues. I once saw a swagman with $15k worth of bikes on it! However, if you feel like you are going to use it frequently I would invest in one that might have more features like a Thule or Kuat.:coffeedrink:
SLO_F-250
Explorer
I didn't like any on the market, not to mention the outrageous prices, so I built my own. I buddy gave me an old Yakima swing out. I cut the thing off right at the swing arm and fabbed up my own system. I apologize for not having more picts, but Ive used it on a few trips and bombed some dirt roads not holding back. Its solid. They hang from the fork, and the rear wheels are strapped down. The departure angle is good as well so it wont hinder me there.
Best part is it swings out and I can get in and out of the camper without taking the bikes off.
In this picture I had only finished 2 mounts and it was unpainted. I designed it to hold 4 bikes. I covered the fork holders in rubber gas line. Holds up well and protects the forks.
Cheers,
Paul
Best part is it swings out and I can get in and out of the camper without taking the bikes off.
In this picture I had only finished 2 mounts and it was unpainted. I designed it to hold 4 bikes. I covered the fork holders in rubber gas line. Holds up well and protects the forks.
Cheers,
Paul
ericvs
Active member
SLO_F-250
Explorer
HAHA! Theirs don't swing out though! Rookies! :sombrero: $550 sure hurts the wallet! I had mine fabbed up in a Saturday. Impressive product though. Thanks for the link.