Bike and Cargo Hitch Options and Features

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Young Man Placing His Bike Near a Post
Credit: pexels.com, Young Man Placing His Bike Near a Post

If you're looking to transport your bike and cargo with ease, you'll want to consider the right hitch options. There are several types of bike hitches available, including Class I, Class II, and Class III hitch receivers, each with its own weight capacity.

Some bike hitches come with a built-in anti-rattle mechanism, which helps to reduce noise and vibration while driving. This feature is especially useful for long road trips.

Bike carriers can be mounted to the hitch using a variety of attachment systems, including bolts, screws, and clips. Make sure to choose a system that fits your hitch and carrier.

Types of Cargo Carriers

There are several types of cargo carriers that can be used with a hitch bike rack. Hitch cargo carriers with a bike rack combination are ideal for long trips that require both bikes and a lot of luggage, offering a platform-style design that securely holds bikes and provides a flat surface for carrying cargo.

For another approach, see: Trailer Hitch Cargo Racks

White and Green Bike Leaning on Wall
Credit: pexels.com, White and Green Bike Leaning on Wall

A swing-away arm is a useful feature in some hitch cargo carriers, allowing users to tilt the carrier away from the vehicle to access the trunk or tailgate with minimal effort. This design offers convenience and flexibility.

Folding hitch cargo carriers are great for users who don't need to transport bikes or cargo frequently, as they can be folded when not in use to save space and reduce clutter.

Here are the different types of hitch cargo carriers:

  • Hitch Cargo Carrier with a Bike Rack Combination
  • Hitch Cargo Carrier with a Swing-Away Arm
  • Folding Hitch Cargo Carriers

These types of cargo carriers offer various benefits, including convenience, flexibility, and space-saving features.

Choosing a Cargo Carrier

Choosing a cargo carrier for your bike and cargo hitch is a crucial decision. It should be suitable for your specific vehicle type and model.

The first thing to consider is the capacity of the cargo carrier. You'll want to determine how many bikes or how much cargo it can accommodate. Make sure it can fit within the carrier's capacity limits, taking into account the size and weight of the items or bikes.

Electric cargo bike loaded with groceries parked outside a market in France, showcasing green urban mobility.
Credit: pexels.com, Electric cargo bike loaded with groceries parked outside a market in France, showcasing green urban mobility.

There are different types of cargo carriers to choose from, including hitch cargo carriers with a bike rack combination, swing-away arm, and folding cargo carriers. Each type offers unique benefits, such as convenience, flexibility, and space-saving features.

Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a cargo carrier:

  • Vehicle Compatibility: Check if the cargo carrier is suitable for your vehicle type and model.
  • Carrier Capacity: Determine how many bikes or how much cargo the carrier can accommodate.
  • Mounting System: Look for a cargo carrier with an easy-to-use mounting system.
  • Security Features: Consider security features such as lockable hitch connections and integrated locks.
  • Durability and Build Quality: Look for cargo carriers made from durable materials such as steel or heavy-duty aluminum.

Lolo 6 Standard

The Lolo 6 Standard is a great option for those looking for a reliable cargo carrier. It's designed to carry two bikes, making it perfect for families or small groups.

This rack is incredibly versatile, able to carry nearly all types of bikes, including mountain bikes, kids' bikes, BMX bikes, fat bikes, and road bikes. It's also lightweight, weighing in at just 71 pounds.

The Lolo 6 Standard is designed to be adjustable, allowing you to tune the hitch depth and upright angle to fit your specific vehicle. This ensures a secure and stable fit.

One of the standout features of this rack is its easy access to hatches and tailgates. The foot-activated tilt system allows you to fold the rack part way or all the way down to clear van doors.

The Lolo 6 Standard is built to last, with beefy steel construction throughout and no plastic parts to snap. It's also user-repairable, making it a great option for those who value sustainability.

Recommend Allen Deluxe Rack

Silhouette of Person Riding on Commuter Bike
Credit: pexels.com, Silhouette of Person Riding on Commuter Bike

The Allen Deluxe Hitch Rack is a top-notch choice for many cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. It's a great option for carrying bikes, as it's designed to securely transport them, and many users have reported excellent results with their bikes.

One user, who owns a Nissan Cube, was thrilled with the rack's performance, even with a grandson's trail bike. They noted that the welds, paint finish, and graphics on the rack are all top-notch.

If you're considering the Allen Deluxe Hitch Rack, be sure to check out the YouTube video on how to tighten the carrier to the hitch, as it can be a bit tricky. You'll also want to consider adding a stabilizing plate, which can be purchased separately online, to eliminate bike sway while driving.

A bike rack hitch cargo carrier is ideal for transporting bikes, especially when going on long rides or exploring new trails. It's a great way to avoid the hassle of trying to ride in the neighborhood or nearby areas.

Some popular items that can be carried with a hitch cargo carrier include luggage, camping gear, kayaks, canoes, and other outdoor equipment.

Long Term User

A sleek, modern bike rack in a quiet Doha courtyard with potted plants and concrete walls.
Credit: pexels.com, A sleek, modern bike rack in a quiet Doha courtyard with potted plants and concrete walls.

A long-term user of a cargo carrier has put it to the test with multiple trips and heavy loads. They've used the rack for 3 years, taking round trips from Boston to Naples, Florida, and shorter trips, with no issues.

The rack has held up really well, showing its durability and sturdiness. It's easy to assemble and has a secure trailer hitch with no wobble.

This user has also tried out the rack with an e-bike that weighs about 50 pounds, demonstrating its ability to handle heavy loads.

See what others are reading: Bicycle Cargo Trailer Heavy Duty

Cargo Carrier Function, Features, and Design

A hitch cargo carrier bike rack can be a game-changer for transporting bikes and cargo. They come in different designs, including tray-style, hanging-style, folding, and platform designs.

The tray-style hitch cargo carrier bike rack is a popular choice due to its stability and protection for bikes. It has trays that hold the bikes in place, secured with straps. The hanging-style hitch cargo carrier bike rack is less expensive and lightweight, but bikes may swing and scratch each other.

Black and white photo of a steel bike rack with a sticker in Magdeburg, Germany.
Credit: pexels.com, Black and white photo of a steel bike rack with a sticker in Magdeburg, Germany.

Most hitch cargo carrier bike racks are made of steel or aluminum, with steel being strong but heavy, and aluminum being lighter and more expensive. The carrying capacity of a hitch cargo carrier bike rack is also important, with some racks able to carry up to 60 lbs and others up to 150 lbs or more.

Here are some common features of hitch cargo carrier bike racks:

  • Material: steel or aluminum
  • Carrying capacity: up to 60 lbs or 150 lbs or more
  • Adjustability: adjustable to fit different bike sizes and frames
  • Locking mechanism: locks bikes in place and prevents theft
  • Ease of installation: easy to install in minutes without tools

Function

A hitch cargo carrier bike rack's main function is to transport bikes, and it can carry many bikes, making it easy to transport different bikes.

You can transport multiple bikes at once, which is super convenient for bike enthusiasts who have a collection of bikes. This feature also comes in handy when you're traveling to a new place and want to bring your bike along.

A hitch cargo carrier bike rack is also useful for carrying other things, especially when traveling. It can be used to transport luggage, camping gear, kayaks, canoes, and other outdoor equipment.

Man on Bike with Trailer on Street
Credit: pexels.com, Man on Bike with Trailer on Street

Here are some examples of things that can be carried on a hitch cargo carrier bike rack:

  • Luggage
  • Camping gear
  • Kayaks
  • Canoes
  • Other outdoor equipment

This versatility makes a hitch cargo carrier bike rack a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers. It's also a great option for people who move around a lot with their bikes.

Features

Most hitch cargo carrier bike racks are made of steel or aluminum, with steel being strong but heavy, and aluminum being lighter and more expensive.

Steel is a popular choice for hitch cargo carrier bike racks because it's strong and can carry many bikes, but it's also heavy and can make the rack difficult to handle. Aluminum, on the other hand, is lighter and more expensive than steel, but it doesn't rust.

The carrying capacity of a hitch cargo carrier bike rack is also important, with some racks able to carry up to 60 lbs, while others can carry up to 150 lbs or more.

Bicycles parked in a modern city bike rack in downtown Dubai, reflecting urban lifestyle.
Credit: pexels.com, Bicycles parked in a modern city bike rack in downtown Dubai, reflecting urban lifestyle.

A locking mechanism is also a crucial feature for the safety of the bikes, with most racks having a locking mechanism that locks the bikes in place and prevents theft.

The hitch cargo carrier bike rack is adjustable, allowing it to fit different bike sizes and frames, and can also be folded when not in use, making it easy to store.

Here are some key features to consider when choosing a hitch cargo carrier bike rack:

  • Material: Steel or aluminum
  • Carrying capacity: Up to 60-150 lbs
  • Adjustability: Adjustable to fit different bike sizes and frames
  • Locking mechanism: Locks bikes in place and prevents theft
  • Ease of installation: Easy to install in minutes without tools

Design

There are different designs of hitch cargo carrier bike racks, each with its own unique features and benefits. The tray-style hitch cargo carrier bike rack is a popular choice, with trays that hold the bikes in place and protect them from scratching.

The tray-style design is more stable and less shaky than other options, making it a great choice for those who want a secure ride. The hanging-style hitch cargo carrier bike rack, on the other hand, is less expensive and lightweight, but the bikes may swing and scratch each other.

An urban street scene in New York City showing a building facade with a bike rack and green awning.
Credit: pexels.com, An urban street scene in New York City showing a building facade with a bike rack and green awning.

The folding hitch cargo carrier bike rack is a great option for those who need to store and transport their bike rack frequently. It can be folded up when not in use, making it easy to store in a garage or shed.

Here are the different designs of hitch cargo carrier bike racks:

  • Tray-style hitch cargo carrier bike rack: More stable and less shaky, with trays that protect the bike from scratching.
  • Hanging-style hitch cargo carrier bike rack: Less expensive and lightweight, but bikes may swing and scratch each other.
  • Folding hitch cargo carrier bike rack: Can be folded when not in use, making it easy to store and transport.
  • Platform hitch cargo carrier bike rack: More stable and less shaky, with a platform that protects the bike from swinging and scratching.

I've personally seen how a tray-style hitch cargo carrier bike rack can provide a secure ride, and it's definitely worth considering if you're in the market for a new bike rack.

Cargo Carrier Scenarios

Hitch cargo carriers are primarily used as bike racks to carry bikes, which is super helpful when you want to go bike riding in places far away from where you live.

Bike rack hitch cargo carriers allow bike lovers to enjoy the excitement and fun of biking in different places.

If you're planning a trip, a hitch cargo carrier is a great way to transport big things like luggage, camping gear, or even kayaks and canoes.

a Man riding a bike in front of the building
Credit: pexels.com, a Man riding a bike in front of the building

Hitch cargo carriers are also beneficial when there's not enough space in the car to carry things, making them a must-have for road trips.

A roof rack hitch cargo carrier is perfect for transporting large items like surfboards, paddleboards, skis, and other winter equipment.

Here are some common applications of hitch cargo carriers:

  • Bike racks
  • Carrying things
  • Roof racks

RucRak Recruit Fixed Mount

The RucRak Recruit Fixed Mount is a highly versatile cargo system that can be mounted to any vehicle with a 2-inch receiver. It's a combination cargo carrier, bike rack, and wagon that can be accessorized with various kits.

This system is designed to last, with all-aluminum parts and stainless steel hardware that will withstand the elements. The rucRak Recruit Modular Cargo System has a 200 lb weight capacity for cargo, bike carrier, and wagon.

Here are some key features of the RucRak Recruit Fixed Mount:

  • 16×40 cargo basket and bike carrier combination
  • All aluminum chassis and sheet metal for a lifetime of rust-free service
  • Adjustable steel hitch mount
  • Allows for tailgate access even loaded
  • Durable Powder-coated parts for a durable finish
  • All Stainless steel hardware
  • 200 lb weight capacity for cargo/bike carrier/wagon

One of the best things about the RucRak Recruit Fixed Mount is that it folds up and away when not in use, giving you access to your SUV door. This makes it a great option for those who need to carry gear but also want to be able to open their trunk or tailgate.

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

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