Best Hitch Mounted Bike Rack For Carrying 2 Bikes Off-Road

Question:

What’s the best style rack for off-roading? I inherited a Hollywood hanging style hitch rack and have a Yakima roof rack. Neither is ideal as it’s hard to get my bike on and off the roof and the hanging style rack won’t carry my wife’s bike. I was looking at the Kuat Sherpa or NV or a similar Thule rack for around town and other adventures. Are any of these style rack suitable or better for off-roading in the desert? I think the Yakima instructions said to not use off road.

asked by: Bob S

Helpful Expert Reply:

I recommend the Yakima StageTwo Bike Rack # Y47VR as being the best for carrying 2 bikes while off-roading in the desert. This rack is capable of carrying 2 bikes weighing up to 42lbs each while being used off-road. The design of this rack makes it great for off-road use as the carrier angles up away from your tow vehicle giving you increased departure angle. This will reduce the chances of the rack dragging when on rocks and hills.

The Kuat NV 2.0, Sherpa and Piston Pro specifically call out to not be used off-road.

expert reply by: Bud M