Do You Keep Your Hitch Rack Mounted on Your Vehicle?

Hitch racks are super convenient, except when they're not.

By Jeff Barber
October 24, 2021

10 comments

Singletracks may receive compensation for purchases made through any affiliate links in this article.

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!

Culture

What Type of Rack do You Use to Haul Bikes to the Trail?

Bike Racks

On Trend: 5- and 6-Bike Vertical Transport Racks for Big Group Rides

Bike Racks

What is the Best Type of Vehicle for Transporting Mountain Bikes to the Trail?

Bike Racks

Kuat's New Bike Hitch Rack has Kashima-Coated Arms Because Why Not

10 Comments

Please log in or create a free account to join the discussion.

Sam James British Columbia // 2018
Oct 26, 2021

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.

1 reply

whiplash44276 Ohio // 2016
Oct 26, 2021

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

Hap Proctor Florida // 2014
Oct 30, 2021

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.

0 reply

AUTHOR

Jeff Barber Georgia // 1998
Oct 26, 2021

Good to know. I believe in Europe hitch racks have to include a license plate holder and even brake lights wired to the car.

Entrenador California // 2015
Oct 24, 2021

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.

Spec_7 Tennessee // 2019
Oct 24, 2021

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.

Called2RideMTB Maryland // 2017
Oct 24, 2021

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.

shwrth Wisconsin // 2020
Oct 25, 2021

I have it on all the time during NICA season. Otherwise just when needed.

Elkhornsun California // 2021
Oct 24, 2021

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.

Featured Articles

10 Comments