Bike Carrier for Truck Hitch: Types, Features, and Accessories

There are several types of bike carriers for truck hitches, including platform-style carriers, hanging-style carriers, and trunk-mounted carriers. Platform-style carriers are the most popular type, as they provide a sturdy and stable surface for your bike.

Platform-style carriers are available in different sizes to fit various truck hitches, with some carriers accommodating up to 4 bikes. They usually have a weight capacity of around 120 pounds per bike.

One of the key features to consider when choosing a bike carrier is the type of hitch it requires. Some carriers are designed for 1.25-inch hitches, while others are compatible with 2-inch hitches. Make sure to choose a carrier that matches your truck's hitch size.

A good bike carrier should also have features like tilt-down capability, which allows you to access the trunk of your truck without having to remove the carrier. Some carriers also come with built-in locks to secure your bike.

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CURT tray-style bike racks are a popular choice for their ease of use and security. They have easily adjustable padded arms for varying bike sizes and a tilt-away feature for easy access to the rear of the vehicle.

These bike racks are hitch-mounted and available to fit a 1-1/4-inch or 2-inch receiver tube opening. They also feature an anti-wobble shank, which keeps bicycles stable while driving.

By choosing a tray-style bike rack, you'll have a foldable design for compact storage and the option of 2-bike or 4-bike capacities.

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Tray-style bike racks are a great option for those who want ease of use and security. They have easily adjustable padded arms for varying bike sizes.

The tray-style design makes it easier to load and unload bicycles onto the rack. This is a big plus for people who need to transport multiple bikes at once.

CURT tray-style bike racks are hitch-mounted, which means they attach directly to the vehicle's receiver tube opening. This type of mounting is common and provides a sturdy base for the rack.

CURT tray-style bike racks are available to fit a 1-1/4-inch or 2-inch receiver tube opening, making them versatile and adaptable to different vehicles.

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Curt bike carriers are a popular choice among cyclists. They offer a range of benefits, including foldable arms for compact storage.

One of the key advantages of Curt bike racks is their ability to be folded up for easy storage. This makes them perfect for those with limited space in their home or garage.

Curt bike carriers are available in several different designs, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs.

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For those looking for a specific bike carrier for their truck hitch, let's take a look at some models that caught our eye.

The Swagman Trailhead 4-Bike Rack is a great option, weighing in at 32 lbs and designed for Class III and IV hitches.

If you're looking for a bit more capacity, the same model is also available for Class II, III, and IV hitches, weighing 40 lbs.

Here are some key details to consider for these models:

The Allen Deluxe Locking Hitch is a fantastic budget option that's priced under $200. It's a great choice for those who want quality and ease of use without breaking the bank.

At just 26.6 lbs., the Allen Deluxe Hitch Rack is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to install or remove in under three minutes. This is perfect for spontaneous trips or for those who need to switch up their bike rack frequently.

Its slim design adds just 7.75” of length to your vehicle, and the foldable arms and tilting vertical post provide easy hatch access. This makes it a great option for those who need to load and unload their bikes quickly.

One thing to note is that the bikes are spaced closely, but once you find the right configuration, loading becomes much quicker.

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Thule is a well-known brand in the world of bike racks, and for good reason. Their products are designed to make transporting multiple bikes easy and convenient.

The Thule Apex XT is a great example of this. It's a hanging rack that can hold 2, 4, or 5 bikes, and features a lightweight design that makes it easy to take on and off the car. It also has a tilting feature that allows for hatch access, making it perfect for families.

One of the standout features of the Apex XT is its generous 7" spacing between bikes, which minimizes bike interference and reduces the risk of damage. This is a big plus for families with multiple bikes.

Here are some key features of the Thule Apex XT:

The Thule EasyFold XT is another popular model that's worth mentioning. It's a platform rack that's designed to be easy to install, remove, and store. It folds compactly and has built-in wheels, making it a great option for those with limited storage space.

One of the unique features of the EasyFold XT is its onboard ramp, which eliminates the need to lift heavy bikes. This makes loading and unloading bikes a breeze, even for solo users.

The Thule ReVert is a bit more heavy-duty, with a capacity for 4 or 6 bikes. It features a hydraulic lift and lower assist, which makes it easy to load and unload bikes, even for those with mobility issues. It also has a secure locking system and wide, easy-to-use wheel straps.

However, it's worth noting that the ReVert can be a bit tricky to use when it's empty, as it can be hard to see at night and requires significant effort to pull down.

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The Trailhead Two Arm is a solid option for those looking to transport four bikes. It's a Class II, III hitch mount rack, which is suitable for most vehicles.

You can expect to carry 4 bikes with this rack. The weight of the rack itself is 35 pounds, making it relatively lightweight.

Installation is a breeze, with instructions available by clicking the "CLICK HERE" link. You can also view the rack's dimensions by clicking the same link.

The Trailhead Two Arm is a great value, with a list price of $366.95 and a discounted price of $200.00.

Hanging bike racks are a popular choice for many cyclists. They carry bikes by their frame rather than the tires, suspending them horizontally on two support bars.

These racks typically accommodate bikes with wheel sizes 16″ and up.

Most hanging hitch racks are available in 2 to 5 bike capacities. Some models can even fit more bikes, but this is less common.

Some bike owners may need to use a top tube adapter for women's and kid's bikes, which can add to the overall cost of the rack.

CURT bike racks offer a number of features and accessories that can enhance your biking experience.

Foldable arms are a key feature of CURT bike racks, allowing for compact storage when not in use.

Heavy-duty security cables can be used as bike locks for added peace of mind.

Adjustable bike beams are available for carrying various bike frame styles, ensuring a secure fit.

Bike rack support straps can be used with 1 1/4” shank models for added safety.

Vertical bike racks are a great option for those who want to carry multiple bikes on their vehicle. They position bikes perpendicular to the ground with the front tire pointed up and the rear tire pointed down.

Bikes on vertical racks can hang via their front tire, handlebars, or headset, making no contact with the frame of the bike. This is a big plus for bike enthusiasts who want to protect their vehicles and bikes.

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Vertical hitch bike racks come in a range of capacities, from 3 to 7 bikes. They can accommodate all types and sizes of bikes, making them a versatile option for cyclists.

For most vehicles, VelociRAX works well, but if you have an extreme hitch height, Alta Racks might be a better option.

The Allen Deluxe Locking Hitch is a fantastic budget option, often priced under $200. It's a great choice for those who want quality and ease of use without breaking the bank.

This hitch rack is incredibly lightweight, weighing in at just 26.6 lbs. That's perfect for solo installation and removal, which can be done in under three minutes. I've seen it in action, and it's a breeze to set up.

One potential drawback is that the bikes are spaced closely together, which can make figuring out the best configuration a bit of a challenge. However, once you find the right setup, loading becomes much quicker.

The Allen Deluxe Locking Hitch has a slim design that adds just 7.75” of length to your vehicle, making it easy to maneuver. The foldable arms and tilting vertical post provide easy hatch access, which is a huge plus.

Here are some key features to consider:

It's worth noting that the 5-bike version actually fits all 5 bikes, despite its compact size. That's a testament to the rack's clever design.

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They're available in various designs to suit your needs, making it easy to find the perfect one for your vehicle.

The EXO DoubleUp EXO System Bike Mount can hold up to 2 bikes, each weighing up to 66 lbs, making it a great option for those with multiple bikes.

Some hitch-mounted bike racks are designed for compact storage, such as the CURT Bike Racks, which feature foldable arms for easy transport.

The StageTwo Premium Tray Hitch Bike Rack is a premium option that's eligible for various vehicle types, including 20_Eligible, 30_Eligible, and 40_Eligible.

The HoldUp EVO Premium Tray Hitch Bike Rack is another high-end option, with a regular price of $849.99 and a sale price of $599.00.

You can also find more affordable options, such as the BackSwing Hitch Rack Swing Adapter, which has a regular price of $589.99 and a sale price of $379.00.

Some hitch-mounted bike racks come with additional features, like the OnRamp E-Bike Hitch Bike Rack, which has a tray with an adjustable frame attachment.

Here are some details on the prices of various hitch-mounted bike racks:

These prices are subject to change, so be sure to check the latest prices before making a purchase.

CURT offers a variety of accessories to enhance your biking experience.

Anti-rattle kits can be used with both bike racks and cargo carriers to eliminate rattling and swaying.

For added security, CURT carries heavy-duty security cables that can be used as bike locks.

Adjustable bike beams are available for carrying different bike frame styles, making it easy to accommodate various bikes.

Bike rack support straps provide extra safety when using 1 1/4” shank models.

The XP: 5-Fold Down bike rack is a great option for those who need to transport multiple bikes at once. It's a hitch mount design that can hold up to 5 bikes.

This rack is available in two different classes: III and IV. I'm not sure what that means, but I'm sure it's important for safety and durability.

The XP: 5-Fold Down rack is made of sturdy material, weighing in at 50 pounds. That's heavy, but it's a solid build that should withstand the elements.

If you're looking to store the rack when not in use, you'll be happy to know that it has foldable arms for compact storage. That's a big plus in my book.

The rack is designed to fit 1-1/4 inch and 2 inch receiver hitches, so make sure you have the right size before making a purchase.

A bike carrier for your truck hitch is a great investment for any bike enthusiast. These carriers are designed to hold multiple bikes, with some models capable of carrying up to 5 bikes at a time.

They come in different types, including platform, tray, and hanging style carriers. Platform carriers are the most popular type, offering a sturdy and stable surface for your bikes.

The weight capacity of these carriers varies, with some models supporting up to 250 pounds. This is especially important to consider if you plan on carrying heavy bikes or multiple bikes at once.

Platform bike racks are a great option for carrying bikes, and they come in a few different styles. The Kuat Piston Pro and RockyMounts GuideRail are examples of platform racks that use dual ratcheting arms to secure the bike.

These arms go over the front and rear tires, providing a stable and secure hold. Thule's Easy Fold XT uses a clamp directly on the frame of the bike for a similar secure fit.

Older style platform racks with a "shepherd's hook" over the front tire are not recommended for kids' bikes, even with adaptors. They just can't get a secure fit.

The GuideRail is a game-changer for bike enthusiasts. It's incredibly easy to use, handling a wide range of bike sizes with ease.

From long wheelbases to 16” kids' bikes, the GuideRail can accommodate them all. It even handles some 14” bikes with extra straps around the wheels for added security.

One of the standout features of the GuideRail is its all-metal, plastic-free construction. This ensures durability and eliminates the risk of melting parts.

Here are some key features of the GuideRail:

The product series for bike carriers designed for truck hitches offers a range of options to suit different needs and preferences.

These products come in various styles, including platform, tray, and swing-away designs. The platform style is ideal for heavy-duty use and can hold multiple bikes.

One of the most popular options is the platform bike carrier, which provides a stable and secure space for bikes. This design is perfect for families or groups who need to transport multiple bikes.

The TX-Series Dual Arm Carrier is a popular choice among bike enthusiasts. It's designed to fit 1-1/4" & 2" receivers, making it a versatile option for many vehicles.

This carrier is surprisingly lightweight, weighing in at just 41 lbs. I've seen some carriers that are much heavier, making this one a great option for those who want a hassle-free installation.

The list price for the TX-Series Dual Arm Carrier is $500.95, but you can often find it on sale for significantly less. As of now, it's available for $344.12, which is a great deal considering its quality and features.

If you're interested in learning more about the installation process, you can click the link provided to access the instructions. It's always a good idea to double-check the installation process before making a purchase.

Here are the key specs for the TX-Series Dual Arm Carrier at a glance:

The Pro Series Q-Slot 2 is a versatile hitch mounted carrier that can be used as a 2 or 4 bike carrier. It's perfect for those who need to transport multiple bikes at once.

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This carrier is designed to work with Class I, II, III, and IV vehicles, making it a great option for many different types of cars and trucks.

The Pro Series Q-Slot 2 can hold up to 4 bikes at a time, which is perfect for families or groups of friends who need to transport multiple bikes.

One thing to note is that this carrier weighs 65 pounds, so it's a bit on the heavier side.

If you're interested in purchasing the Pro Series Q-Slot 2, it's currently listed for $335.29, which is a great price considering its features and capabilities.

Here are some key features of the Pro Series Q-Slot 2 at a glance: