Hitch racks are super convenient for hauling bikes to the trailhead. Just throw the bikes on, crank down the rack arms and/or straps, and roll! But what about when the ride is over?
On the one hand, it’s a pain to remove the rack and then replace it every time we ride. On the other hand, it’s equally annoying to shimmy around it when picking up giant bags of dog food at the store. Sure, today’s racks tilt and swivel out of the way, but then there’s weatherization to consider too.
Share any tips you have for dealing with your hitch rack in the comments below!
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I run a North Shore rack so I’m not too concerned about it weathering, they’re pretty sturdy with almost no moving parts, but it can be a pain to get larger items in/out of the car with it mounted. Thankfully the tailgate still opens with it mounted but I’m thinking of getting a Kuat Swing Away to make it easier to get into the trunk when I have bikes on the rack.
I’m also a little concerned about theft but not enough to remove it. I have the hitch pin padlocked in place and park off the road and back into my space so that hopefully would-be thieves can’t see it when parked up at night.
I have a pickup and one of the “over the tailgate pads” that stays on all the time. The only time I use the rack is when I need to carry more than 6 bikes or when we take my wife’s 4-runner to New England.
The dual platform 1Up rear rack interferes with the backup sensors and the rear camera of my SUV and also blocks loading of the SUV from the rear. When it is off the vehicle it is attached to the excellent Hollywood Rack Valet so I can wheel it around. The Valet allows for mounting both 1-1/4″ and 2″ hitch type racks and all four of its wheels have brake mechanisms.
For taking only one bike the SUV has enough inside room to put any of my bikes inside without removing the wheels. It is why I bought the SUV that I did.
I was rear ended at low speed (sub 10mph) with the rack folded up on the back. Felt like a higher speed impact, which makes sense: the hitch is attached to the frame, so the rear end impact effectively bypasses the energy absorbing bumper and related crumple zone components.
I came away a bit sore but otherwise okay, and was glad no one else was in the car. Rear racks are the best except when it comes to this matter. For this reason I remove it when not in use now.
Been rear ended twice with a hitch rack on the car, both times with bikes on board. Fortunately both were low speed and the first time the rack was salvageable, but not the second. Not sure if people mis-judge the distance to the back of the vehicle with a rack (even with bikes!) but those are the only times I’ve been rear ended.
1UP USA Single bike hitch rack on a 4Runner. Doesn’t interfere with the tailgate or backup camera when folded up so it stays on most of the time. I work from home, so it stays put with the 4Runner in the garage most of the time.
I have it on all the time during NICA season. Otherwise just when needed.
I used to keep my Kuat NV on all time but I got pulled over by the local sheriff because my license plate was not visible(A hole) anyhow I’ve not had it on the truck since
Good to know. I believe in Europe hitch racks have to include a license plate holder and even brake lights wired to the car.
I heard of folks getting pulled over in central Florida, but never ticketed. Seems I saw where the Arkansas state legislature addressed the problem, so bike racks are legal statewide.