Hitch Racks
06-09-18, 01:40 PM
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Hitch Racks
I am looking for a relatively affordable hitch bike rack to carry my family’s bike. We currently have two adult bikes and a child bike, but will eventually have 2 children’s bikes, so it will preferably need to hold 4 bikes. What are some recommendations. I was looking at a Yakima Double Down. Looking to spend no more than $200 but closer to $150 or less would be great.
06-09-18, 02:34 PM
#2
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Allen racks are the best deal out there for the money. You can get one for around $100 from Amazon that holds four bikes. The only downside is the safety people made it difficult to operate. They only provide a bolt - on option for mounting. Making the rack a permanent attachment on the hitch. So, you have to find a 5/8" drill bit & "modify" the rack in order to use it with a removable hitch pin & make it portable. Thanks Allen. Smart move. (If you modify their design it's "unauthorized" and, if your bikes fly off the back it's not their fault.).
06-09-18, 02:54 PM
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I've found rack capacity to be overstated depending on the bikes. I couldn't always fit 4 on my 4 racks.
06-09-18, 05:17 PM
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What brand bike rack did you have issue with? I know for certain that a rack made for 2 bikes isn’t going to hold four, and definitely not four safely and securely. But, I would like to travel with our bikes, so I do need a rack.
06-09-18, 05:18 PM
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Allen racks are the best deal out there for the money. You can get one for around $100 from Amazon that holds four bikes. The only downside is the safety people made it difficult to operate. They only provide a bolt - on option for mounting. Making the rack a permanent attachment on the hitch. So, you have to find a 5/8" drill bit & "modify" the rack in order to use it with a removable hitch pin & make it portable. Thanks Allen. Smart move. (If you modify their design it's "unauthorized" and, if your bikes fly off the back it's not their fault.).
06-09-18, 06:03 PM
#6
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https://www.amazon.com/Prorack-80624.../dp/B00BQUK3NC
I have the two bike version and it works well. A mounting screw locks it to your hitch through the hitch pin hole. The screw is removable and thus allows the hitch to be removed easily.
I have the two bike version and it works well. A mounting screw locks it to your hitch through the hitch pin hole. The screw is removable and thus allows the hitch to be removed easily.
06-09-18, 07:59 PM
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The "hold by the frame" style of racks end up with the bike interfering with each other. To get 3 bikes on a 3 bike rack I had to take the pedals off of all the bikes, and the front wheel off of one. To fit 4 bikes on a 4 bike rack of that style it might require removing handlebars.
Because your last 2 bikes are kids bikes it might not be such a problem for you though. I haven't tried it with kids bikes.
06-09-18, 11:41 PM
#8
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What size receiver do you have? This one is a bit more. https://www.performancebike.com/shop...h-rack-40-0176
06-10-18, 12:08 AM
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Try Craigslist. I got a really nice Thule rack for $70. Mine is for 2 bikes because that's all I need.
06-10-18, 01:35 AM
#10
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Bought mine through this place - KUAT 2 bike transfer hitch rack. Assembly required but pretty easy. You can but up to a four bike KUAT rack depending on your needs. Shipped to you door in like 3-4 days.
https://www.etrailer.com/Bike-Rack?g...UaAqzUEALw_wcB
https://www.etrailer.com/Bike-Rack?g...UaAqzUEALw_wcB
06-10-18, 05:53 AM
#11
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Yes, I've modified the Allen. It requires a 5/8" drill bit. So, you either have to borrow one or buy one. After you drill it out you can use a regular removable 5/8" hitch pin. The rack can easily be removed, folded over and, stored in the trunk. There's no way I'm going to get out two wrenches & unbolt the darn thing every time I want to put the hitch away. I put it away in the trunk after each time I use it.
06-10-18, 06:10 AM
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It's not a brand issue, it's mostly a frame style issue.
The "hold by the frame" style of racks end up with the bike interfering with each other. To get 3 bikes on a 3 bike rack I had to take the pedals off of all the bikes, and the front wheel off of one. To fit 4 bikes on a 4 bike rack of that style it might require removing handlebars.
Because your last 2 bikes are kids bikes it might not be such a problem for you though. I haven't tried it with kids bikes.
The "hold by the frame" style of racks end up with the bike interfering with each other. To get 3 bikes on a 3 bike rack I had to take the pedals off of all the bikes, and the front wheel off of one. To fit 4 bikes on a 4 bike rack of that style it might require removing handlebars.
Because your last 2 bikes are kids bikes it might not be such a problem for you though. I haven't tried it with kids bikes.
06-11-18, 08:12 AM
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I also used threaded pins (bolts)
one if my racks has a threaded hole, so I bought this
Swagman Anti-Wobble Threaded Hitch Pin for Universal Racks, 1/2-Inch
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004J0O6S4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I added this threaded pin to my other rack
Let's Go Aero (SHP 2080) 1/2" Silent Hitch Pin with Lock
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AC80T9W/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also use these stability straps when I load up 4 bikes on my Swagman Titan (I use 3, top & to ea. side)
CURT 18050 Bike Rack Support Strap
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003721CC8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
one if my racks has a threaded hole, so I bought this
Swagman Anti-Wobble Threaded Hitch Pin for Universal Racks, 1/2-Inch
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004J0O6S4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I added this threaded pin to my other rack
Let's Go Aero (SHP 2080) 1/2" Silent Hitch Pin with Lock
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AC80T9W/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also use these stability straps when I load up 4 bikes on my Swagman Titan (I use 3, top & to ea. side)
CURT 18050 Bike Rack Support Strap
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003721CC8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Last edited by rumrunn6; 06-11-18 at 09:56 AM.
06-11-18, 08:51 AM
#14
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Allen racks are the best deal out there for the money. You can get one for around $100 from Amazon that holds four bikes. The only downside is the safety people made it difficult to operate. They only provide a bolt - on option for mounting. Making the rack a permanent attachment on the hitch. So, you have to find a 5/8" drill bit & "modify" the rack in order to use it with a removable hitch pin & make it portable. Thanks Allen. Smart move. (If you modify their design it's "unauthorized" and, if your bikes fly off the back it's not their fault.).
06-11-18, 09:37 AM
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I also use this stability straps when I load up 4 bikes on my Swagman Titan (I use 3, top & to ea. side)
CURT 18050 Bike Rack Support Strap
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
CURT 18050 Bike Rack Support Strap
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
However I haven't actually tried carrying 4 bikes with it yet, haven't use it with more than 3.
06-11-18, 10:17 AM
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Anyone know where I can get a hitch installed on a beetle convertible. Just spent 2 hours at Uhaul (with an appointment) and left empty handed. They never got the part in.
06-11-18, 11:18 AM
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good luck
06-11-18, 11:31 AM
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Swagman makes a good 2 or 4 bike wheel support hitch rack. I’m not really sure of the price now but I remember them as reasonable when I bought mine.
06-11-18, 11:53 AM
#19
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I have an older Reese Outfitter 2" square tubing 4 bike trailer hitch rack I picked up off Craigslist for $100. It has a ball hitch which allows me to pull my trailer while I have the bikes loaded. It takes a little while to get them loaded and unloaded becuase I use the hand tightened nuts on the plates and 2 matching key padlocks to secure the bikes. If we're traveling farther with stops I'll add cables and u-locks to secure the tires when we stop. I use a locking anti-rattle bolt through the reciever. If I'm pulling the trailer I lock the ball release and lock the chains with matching key padlocks. I wouldn't but people like to steal stuff in some places so you have to make things difficult for them.
It looks like this. Ball coupler padlocks make them harder to cut.
It looks like this. Ball coupler padlocks make them harder to cut.
Last edited by InOmaha; 06-11-18 at 12:03 PM.
06-11-18, 02:02 PM
#20
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Sorry to tell you this but, going to Uhaul was your first mistake. Don't bother with Uhaul unless you're driving a standard size 1/2 ton pick up truck. Mounting a receiver on modern sedans is a very difficult operation that is beyond Uhauls capabilities. Your VW doesn't have a frame. And, if you look in your owners manual the VW company will have something in there about hitches being disapproved for use. yada, yada, yada. Regardless, there's still a couple of companies that make them that will fit. You just have to find an authorized dealer that knows how to install them. It's a difficult process that includes removal and re-installation of certain parts of the exhaust system and drilling into the car body. Make sure you find a authorized installer that will guarantee the installation.
06-11-18, 02:32 PM
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no trouble with my 2014 Jeep Cherokee
Last edited by rumrunn6; 06-15-18 at 07:44 AM.
