# 1
Swagman Truck Bed Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Fork Mount - 9-mm Skewer
I bought this bike rack because I didn't want to have to remove my bed cover every time I wanted to take our bikes on a trip. This rack works perfect because I can roll up my cover and this thing just clamps across the bed. Taking the front tire on and off is kind of time consuming but when I travel with my brother who has a hitch mount rack, it takes him just as long to unload his bike as it takes me to unload. The wheel mounts tighten easily and the bikes appear secure during long drives, so I don't worry about them coming loose. Of course, you'll want to wrap a bike chain around the bike and rack if you plan to leave them out to make sure no one can steal the bike (although it would be missing a wheel)
I used 2 inch square tubing cut the length of the tie down support bracket in my 2007 Honda Ridgeline and secured with a stainless bolt and wing nut, use a large enough washer to cover the diameter of the supply hole in the Honda Ridgeline bracket on the truck. A couple of notes: Be sure to use something as a cushioning gasket to insure a snug fit and to protect your truck lining. I used rubber or foam exercise mat cut to the same as the aluminum square tubing. Use a washer that a combination of hard plastic and metal to avoid the corrosive effects of dissimilar metals in contact with each other. last: My 26" full suspension bike fits, but I have swing it to one side slightly before i close the tailgate and lift the bike up and slide it down....It's a very snug fit but the suspension adds pressure to the tailgate and its works out very well. Or you could just use a tailgate extender.
# 2
Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
First-time rack buyer / owner / installer. The rack arrived in a timely fashion, maybe a day or 2 ahead of schedule. It was well packaged. I’m LOVING this bike rack. It was easy to put together and to mount on my new Honda Passport. Thus far, no squeaks in my 2” receiver. Hardest part of initial set-up is figuring out the best way to position two bikes. Trial & error and some patience. The directions weren’t clear as to where the 2 left-over screws went. I found the answer in another review and have posted a pic in case others have the same problem (photo with pen pointing at screw). These screws go in the underneath side of both of the folding arms. They appear to keep the wheel wells from sliding off in case in you drive with an empty, un-folded rack, and forgot to tighten down the wheel wells. The folding arm push / pull pins can be difficult at times. I coated the tips with some lube. That and a little jiggling seems to solve that issue. I guess it’s better for the pins to be snug vs popping right out. I added a small Master lock to the hitch pin (in lieu of the provided cotter pin) as a theft deterrent. I read that a 3/16 shackle lock will fit into the bike clamp down arms to also act as a deterrent. I had an old 3/16 lock that did snugly fit and appeared to be locked. HOWEVER, I yanked on the lock and it came open as there isn’t quite enough clearance for the shackle to lock. I discovered that longer 3/16 shackle locks are hard to find. Have attached a photo of the lock that actually fits and works (Ace Hardware). One lock on the upper clamp down arm will secure both arms as the lower arm can’t be removed without removing the upper arm. The clamp down arms appear to be coated to prevent damage to your bike. I’ve tried a simple rag and ultimately settled on pool noodle pieces as a precautionary measure. I CAN NOT open my tailgate (regardless of whether or not the rack is fold up and in the bike carry position). If that’s a concern for you, then spring for the more costly titling version. My back-up camera still functions.
The Swagman XTC-2 platform bike carrier arrived very quickly from etrailer and in good shape, the actual carrier box is inside another shipper box, which I'm sure helped with its condition. Assembly was relatively quick and painless, even though the instructions could be a little more thorough. Installing the carrier on the back of our Jeep Patriot also was quick, it helps to have an extra ratchet & 3/4" socket laying around for just this purpose. Installing the bikes takes a little patience and trial and error the first time you try and put them on the carrier. It's easy enough to adjust the wheel holders to fit the wheelbase of your bikes, but for us at least, the challenge was trying to swing the vertical support bar up into position after putting on the first bike (closest to the Jeep). We couldn't angle the bike enough toward the Jeep to have the bar clear the bike. We learned that the easiest way to secure the first bike was to remove the ratcheting frame hooks altogether, put the bike in the carrier, swing up the vertical support bar, put in the pin, and then slide one of the frame hooks down on the bar. The outside bike is much easier because you can set the bike in the carrier at whatever angle you need, not being limited by the back of the vehicle. One thing we did to protect the bike frames was to use some foam pipe insulation as cushion between the frame hook and the frame (see pictures). Once you get a system for installing the bikes, it is very quick to load/unload them. The rack seems to be well made and doesn't wiggle excessively when traveling. All in all a good product for a good price, would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a platform bike carrier.
# 3
Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
I own a 2005 Jeep Wrangler X with 31x10.5x15 oversized tires and wheels. I installed B6196001 HighRock 4x4 Oversize Tire Carrier by Bestop to carry larger spare tire. I needed a bike carrier that would carry our two crusier bikes and clear my spare tire. After measuring, I ordered: -> S64650 - Swagman 2-bike carrier -> 80300 - 7" Hitch Adapter 2" to 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receiver -> RM-061 - Roadmaster Quiet Hitch for 2" Trailer Hitches Our order arrived very quickly, etrailer.com upgraded the shipping. All these products arrived well packaged and without damage. In 15 minutes I had every thing assembled, installed on my Jeep and bikes loaded. The bike carrier is very well constructed, finish is excellent and easy to adjust. When adjusting wheel loops and loading bikes, make sure you pay attention to bike pedal position. I chose this extension because I did not want to use the adapter that comes with the bike carrier, I wanted as few parts as possible to keep rattles to a minimum and gives me more options for towing. The anti-rattle bolt/pin firmly secures the bike carrier to the extension and the Roadmaster Quiet Hitch keeps the extension adapter from rattling in the receiver. Road tested approximately 25 miles over rough city roads ( including railroad tracks ), county roads and highway. Bikes traveled very well without any rattles. I can remove my complete setup quickly, fold and put in rear of Jeep if desired. I am very well pleased with my purchase. Note to etrailer: Please consider offering Roadmaster Quiet Hitch in black to match receiver and accessories. Paul In the Land of Oz . . . Just South of the Yellow Brick Road!
I like the overall design of this rack, but unfortunately after hauling a couple bikes around for a while the point where the crossbar connects has apparently rounded off so the rack swings back and forth. I've used rope to tie the ends of the rack to the car to stop this from getting worse, but it's inconvenient. Note: the hitch connection itself is good and solid, but the point where the crossbar connects to the bar coming from the hitch has gotten loose and there's no way that I can see to tighten it.
# 4
Softride Shuttle Pad Tailgate Pad for Full-Size Trucks - Up to 6 Bikes - 61" Wide
The product review/installation video helped me make my selection. I selected the full size pad for 2001 Silverado 1500. Installs easily, fits nicely, flap in pad is positioned for easy access to tailgate latch.
The fit for a 2014 Ram was spot on, no issue with the wide style tailgate top and the access flap for the tailgate handle lined up perfectly. Material is durable and easy to clean, the only thing holding it from a 5 stars is if it had the padded dividers on top to keep the bikes separated. But for the price, the fit and finish was exceptional, great value !!!
# 5
Hollywood Racks Truck Bed Bike Carrier - Fork Mount - Bolt On
The Hollywood Racks Truck Bed Bike Carrier - Fork Mount - Bolt On, is just what I was looking for to be able to build a bike rack for carrying one of my bikes on my motorcycle. It was easy to mount and it holds my bike in place while riding on bumpy dirt roads, city streets, highways and even when I hit some twisty country roads. It's really easy to load and unload my bike when I get to where I want to ride. I use a velcro strap around the quick-release and the fork arm as an added safety as well as a couple tie-downs from my bike handlebars to my motorcycle passenger pegs to help distribute the weight on my rack. If you want to build your own DIY bike rack I totally recommend the Hollywood Racks Truck Bed Bike Carrier - Fork Mount - Bolt On.
Love this product! I built a great bike carrying system for my F-150 using two of these fork clamps. They are easy to install and extremely well made. No more tangled bikes and lots more room in the bed for other stuff! Best way to go for a nice bike rack system. Thanks, Phil T.
# 6
Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
I had to put my electric bikes into this rack, backwards, to make them fit. Not ideal, but it works.The receiving 'trays' that are intended to provide support for holding the bikes, by being placed under the bike tires, are forced to be moved to a location that is not directly under the bottom of the bike tires. While it works in this manner, it is not ideal.For the support that attaches to the diagonal bike frame, we had to remove it from the vertical rail of the rack. We reinstalled it, upside down, because that's the only way we could make it fit, or 'grab', the bike frame. Again, we made it work, but it's not ideal. We chose to keep the rack because it was so much less expensive than the Thule rack we considered buying. The bike shop owner didn't agree with us. He observed that we are putting $3000 worth of bikes on the rack and risking that investment. So far, no problems, other than the ill-fitting installation.
Loved our Saris rack that went on the trunk but love having the bike rack on a hitch even more! Now we can take the bikes AND put the top to the convertible up and down as we please :)
# 7
Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Black
Great bike rack! Easy to setup and get bikes on and off. Fair comparable pricing and fast delivery by etrailer.
This rack is great. The adjustable tilt feature is convenient. The price point is solid for the quality. The 4 star rating is simply because some of the plastic melted due to exhaust heat when the rack was in the bikeless up position. Küat warranty and customer service was great. They are replacing the hook. If you're thinking of this for a 2021 Forester, definitely get the Hi-lo adapter so that the hook doesn't sit in line with the exhaust.
# 8
Inno Fork Lock Roof Bike Rack - Fork Mount - Channel Mounted - Aluminum
the T-Bolts and Allen nuts are really prone to corrosion. Make sure you unscrew them 2-3 times a year to apply anti-seize and corrosion inhibitor on the threads. Have 3 of these racks and all T-bolts sheared off when I tried to remove them after 1.5 year. Other than that, its a really good bike rack for the price, will buy a 4th one
This is an outstanding rail. And is the second one that I have bought. For a matched set. They were great on my BMW roof racks. Outstanding product as always. Thank you
# 9
Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gunmetal Gray
This thing is built like a tank! It is of the best fit and funtion I have seen in a bike rack! Solid as can be, fits my bikes perfectly and looks awesome! Plus it folds completely out of the way to access the rear liftgate on my 2022 Rav4!
Great service from etrailer and the rack arrived as expected. Fairly easy assembly. OK video on Kuat’s site, but didn’t cover the foot pedal. Really glad we got the 2” hitch. It tightened up and we’re impressed with the quality and the stability of the rack. We haven’t done a road test yet, but look forward to putting it to the test. We have a Ford F-150 and it works great. The bikes were fairly easy to load with the batteries out and two people. We do need the strap extenders for our RadMini Step Thru’s. The tires are too big for the ones that come with. Only one set of extenders came with the bike and one adapter for a smaller tire. It’s okay, but since it’s a two bike unit, would have been nice to have both extenders. Otherwise, we are really liking the look and stability.
# 10
Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Metallic Black
EVERY BRAND HAS ITS PROS AND CONS. THE PROS ON THIS RACK IS THE HIGH QUALITY OF MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION AND THE INNOVATIVE FEATURES. THE RACK IS EASY TO USE AND EASY TO INSTALL. I ESPECIALLY LIKE THE INTEGRATED BIKE STAND. IT IS EASY TO USE, UNOBTRUSIVE, AND COMES IN VERY HANDY WHEN YOU WANT TO MAKE A TWEEK ON YOUR BIKE WHILE AT THE TRAIL HEAD OR IN THE PARKING LOT. I KNOW THERE MUST BE A NEGATIVE TO THIS RACK, BUT AFTER A YEAR OF USE I HAVEN’T FOUND IT YET. IT IS A BIT PRICEY, AND IF YOU DON’T CARE ABOUT DURABILITY, QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION, OR ADDED FEATURES, THEN A LESS EXPENSIVE BRAND MAY WORK FOR YOU AND YOU WILL SAVE A FEW BUCKS. ALSO, IT IS A BIT HEAVIER THAN SOME OTHER RACKS, BUT I AM IN MY 70’S AND I CAN HANDLE IT FINE.
Fantastic bike rack!! After getting fed up with loading my bike up repeatedly in the back of my 2003 GMC Sierra pickup (with a hard top cover) I decided to purchase this kuat rack. I wish I would’ve sooner. Assembly was easy and straight forward however I would use a magnetic parts bowl if I had it to do over. Kuat doesn’t included any extra nuts so I had to contact them to get another after I dropped and lost one (they were very polite and shipped one right away.) As far as function goes this rack is really easy to use. Just slide it into the receiver and put the lock pin it. Just like in the video you then tighten the knob at the back to secure the hitch so there is no movement. Load your bikes up and secure them and you’re ready to go. I did utilize the retractable cable locks after my ride when stopping to eat and they are very easy to use. No worries at all about a stolen bike. And the tilting feature is great too. It does allows you to access your truck bed with the tailgate down just as in the video. As an added bonus this rack fits perfect in my standard size truck bed even with the hard top cover closed (my truck is too long to fit in the garage with the rack folded up installed in the hitch.) Michael H. was outstanding providing schematic drawings with the dimensions so I would know this before my purchase (they’re on the Q&A page.) The free shipping was very fast so that made the purchase even better. I will definitely be a repeat customer as eTrailer is the one of the best companies out there with great customer service and timely communication. Great job!!
# 11
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
Super sturdy and easy to use/install. Love the bolt hitch attachment, keeps the rack from swaying/wobbling. Attachment points are very solid and the anti swing clips keep your bikes from smashing into each other and the rack during fast starts and stops. I use for all types of bikes, road, mountain, cruiser, children's, etc.
The good: I like the way the bikes are held in and the ability to add the upright adapters to the bike frame holders. The straps are quality too. For a jeep with a spare tire, this is the perfect length to clear it. This rack is 5 stars from the bike holders to the base of it. The bad: the 2"receiver adapter and bolt are insufficient. I wish they made this in a solid 2" hitch. The entire setup is held into the receiver by a very short bolt. It only goes about half way into the receiver tube. So your hitch is only "secured" on one side. A hitch pin or bolt should go through the receiver tube completely imo so it can be secured on the other end with a retaining clip or nut. Because this only goes in the one side, the entire weight of the rack plus bikes are held tight to one side of the receiver by the undersized bolt and washer. A few bumps down the road and that bolt loosens. Now instead of distibuting the weight of the rack and bikes on the receiver and post, it's completely up to the bolt to keep you from losing the rack. The bolt threads get damaged too. I took this down a dirt road and nearly lost everything. I had to buy my own bolt with hd fender washers and lock washers to correct this. Thule should've provided this from the start. The current short bolt design where only one side of the receiver secures the rack is unacceptable. This rack is 1 star at best for the connection to the receiver.
# 12
Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gray
So after much research into bike racks, I decided on pulling the plug on the Kuat Sherpa 2.0. I've looked into the Kuat NV and other brands, but they were just too much for my needs. If you've got "regular" bikes and not the heavier eBikes, then this rack is perfect. I wanted a hitch rack that was user friendly and not overly complicated. I have a mixed bag of bikes and this rack can handle them all, from mountain bikes, street bikes, and BMX bikes. I like that this rack comes with an adapter piece for 20"-24" wheels. Assembly of the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is really a no-brainer. I think it's only 4-5 bolts really. Everything else is ready to go. The anti-rattle hitch ball mechanism is simple to use with just a twist of the dial, easy. The tilt pedal/lever is also easy to access should you need to open your hatch, a solid "click" assures it's in place. So far, loving this rack. Fit and finish is superb. Thanks to Jerred and etrailer for answering my questions, always helpful.
OMG!! I have been researching and pricing bike racks for a month. Every time I thought I was ready to pull the trigger, I have a question or review that through me off the trail. I was ready to purchase the rack from outdoor retail store and drive 2 hours to pick it up from store to save the $75 shipping, when I thought about etrailer that I had used when I had a travel trailer. Checked them out, they had the exact rack I decided to buy, with $[XX] discount and free shipping. Life doesn’t get any better. It was delivered right on time and in great shape. BTW etrailers website description and videos were better than the racks manufacturer site. You are Rock Stars in my book. Overall, start to finish was above and beyond expectations.
Thule Vertex 4 Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2012 GMC Sierra
Today on our 2012 GMC Acadia, well be test fitting the Thule Vertex 4 Bike Carrier, part number TH9029. To begin our test fit, well slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch tube, align our threaded pin holes and well then thread our anti-rattle bolt through the threaded pin hole and tighten with a wrench. Now lets go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together. There are about 16 and a half inches of ground clearance. The closest part of the vehicle to the closest part of the carrier is about two inches. Weve added about 12 inches to the overall length of the vehicle.
Thule Apex 4 Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2012 GMC Sierra
Today on our 2012 GMC Sierra, well be test fitting the Thule Apex 4 Bike Carrier, part number TH9025. To begin our test fit well slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch and turn the black knob located at the base of the carrier to engage our anti-rattle device. Now lets go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together. There are about 16 inches of ground clearance. The closest part of the vehicle to the closest part of the carrier is about four inches. Weve added about 12 inches to the overall length of the vehicle.
Thule Doubletrack Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2012 GMC Sierra
Today on our 2012 GMC Sierra well be test fitting the Thule Doubletrack Platform Style 2 Bike Carrier part number TH990XT. To begin our test fit well slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch, line up our threaded pin holes, thread our anti rattle bolt through the threaded pin holes and tighten with a wrench. Now lets go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together. There is about 16 inches of ground clearance. The closest part of the vehicle to the closest part of the carrier is about 3 inches. Weve added about 12 inches to the overall length of the vehicle.
Thule Apex 4 Swing Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2012 GMC Sierra
Today on our 2012 GMC Sierra, we'll be test fitting the Thule Apex Swing 4 Bike Carrier, part number TH9027. To begin our test fit, we'll slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch, inserting the black knob located at the base of the carrier to engage the anti-rattle device. Now, let's go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together. There is about 16-1/2 inches of ground clearance. The closest part of the vehicle to the closest part of the carrier is about 1-1/2 inches. We've added about 13 inches to the overall length of the vehicle.
Swagman Titan Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2012 GMC Sierra
Today on our 2012 GMC Sierra, we'll be test fitting the Swagman Titan 4 Bike Carrier, part number S63410. To begin our test fit, we'll slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch. Align up our threaded pin holes, thread our anti-rattle bolt through the threaded pin holes and tighten with a wrench. Now, let's go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together. There is about 16 inches of ground clearance. The closest part of the vehicle to the closest part of the carrier is about 8 inches.
SportRack Escape 3 Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2012 GMC Sierra
Today on our 2012 GMC Sierra, well be test fitting the Sport Rack Escape three bike carrier, part number a30403. To begin our test fit well slide the shank of the carrier and to the opening of the hitch, line up our thread and pin holes, and thread our anti-rattle bolt through the thread and pin holes and tighten them with a wrench. Now lets go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together, theres about 16 inches of ground clearance, the closest part of the vehicle to the closet part of the carrier is about six inches, weve added about 12 inches to the overall length of the vehicle. To access the cargo area, pull the safety pin located at the base of the carrier and tilt the carrier down, this will allow you to have access to your truck bed. To load the bike, first make sure the mast is in its up right position, pull the safety pin located at the top of the mast, pull the cradle arms towards you and undo the cradle straps, set the bike onto the frame cradles, and secure it with the cradles straps and that concludes todays test fit for the Sport Rack Escape three bike carrier, part number a30403 on our 2012 GMC Sierra.
Softride Dura Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2012 GMC Sierra
Today on our 2012 GMC Sierra, well be test fitting the Softride Dura Parallelogram tilting four bike carrier, part number sr26247. To begin our test fit well slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch, line up our thread and pin holes, and thread our anti-bolt through the thread of pin holes and tighten them with a wrench. Now lets go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together, theres about 16 inches of ground clearance, the closet part of the vehicle to the closet part of the carrier is about six inches, weve added about 38 inches to the overall length of the vehicle. To load the bike hold on to the cradle straps, set the bike onto the frame cradles and secure it with the cradle straps. To access the cargo area well pull the black handle located at the top of the mast and tilt the mast down, this will allow you to have access to your truck bed and that concludes todays test fit for the Softride Dura Parallelogram tilting four bike carrier, part number sr26247 on our 2012 GMC Sierra.
Kuat Sherpa Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2012 GMC Sierra
Today on our 2012 GMC Sierra, well be test fitting the Kuat Sherpa aluminum two bike carrier, part number s102. To begin our test fit well slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch and turn the black handle located at the base of the carrier to engage our anti-rattle device. Now lets go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together, there is about 16 inches of ground clearance, the closet part of the vehicle to the closet part of the carrier is about two inches, weve added about 14 inches to the overall length of the vehicle. To load the bike well pull the gold handle located at the base of the carrier and tilt the carrier down, well unfold the mast and raise the frame hook and undo the cradle strap, well set the bike onto the wheel trays, secure the frame hook tightly just before the front caliber, and then secure it with the cradle strap. With this bike carrier youll not be able to access your cargo area as the tailgate hits the bike carrier and that concludes todays test fit for the Kuat Sherpa aluminum two bike carrier, part number s102 on our 2012 GMC Sierra.
Yakima HoldUp Hitch Bike Racks Review - 2011 GMC Sierra
Today on our 2011 GMC Sierra we're doing a test fit of the Yakima HoldUp platform-style 2-bike rack. That part number is Y02443. Now we already have our bike secured down. First going to show you one of the key features. We're going to come here to the back and lift up slightly, and then pull out on our red pin. Then we'll show you the access that we have into our truck bed.
What our customers are saying:
"I ordered a bike rack for my trailer hitch. It is a great product, very reasonably priced on April 10th. I installed it on my car on the 14th in time for the weekend. How can you go wrong?"