10 Best Bike Racks For Cars and Trucks When Traveling

Last Updated on January 29, 2023 by Rose Morah

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure to learn more.

There are many bike racks in the market today. They come in different designs, weights, and qualities, which may make it hard to choose the best one for your car or truck when traveling.

To save you time, money, and the regrets of purchasing a poor-quality bike rack, we have compiled a list of the best bike racks, as recommended by cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.

We will cover: 

• The best bike racks for a hatchback car.
• The best rooftop car bike racks. 

NB: This list is not in a particular order.

1. Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Bike Rack Plus Add-On

Kuat NV 2.0 Add-On is by far one of the best and most recommended bike racks. It addresses all the concerns that you may have, especially when driving.

It also has a great unique design, which comes with quality integrated locks. 

Summary of its features;

1.	Can only carry 2 bikes with capacities of up to 60 lbs each.
2.	Holds wheelbases of up to 48″.
3.	Holds tires as large as 4.8″.
4.	It has an adjustable front tire cradle system.
5.	No-tool install with a hand-tight hitch cam system
6.	It comes with fully integrated cable locks.

PROS

1. Guaranteed security. It has 2 separate integrated locking cables.
2. It is easy to assemble —does not take much time. It takes less than 10 minutes to assemble.
3. It comes as a complete set— with all the tools needed to assemble it.
4. It handles the rough back roads very well. It does not bounce or rattle. It completely secures the bike and does not move.
5. Have excellent tray support.

CONS

1. It can be hard to reach the lever when trying to raise or lower the pivot.
2. It can be quite heavy.

I am 5’0,” and it is usually not a problem for me when I want to raise and lower the rack!

When carrying more than 2 bikes, I use the Add-On, which allows me to add up to 4 bikes. 

Check out its current price on Amazon.

Are you looking for a stylish e-bike at a budget-friendly price?

Check out these varieties of models designed for every rider.

2. Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0-2 Bike Rack

This rack is quite similar to the one above. However, this one is much cheaper.

It comes with the following features. 

1.	Carries a maximum of 2 bikes of up to 40lbs each.
2.	It holds wheelbases of up to 47″ and tires as large as 3″

PROS

1. When the bikes are properly secured and tightened, they don’t move at all.
2. The stabilizer is easy to reach.
3. It is coated to protect the bike from scratches.
4. It comes with a strap to help keep the tires in place.

Check out the current price on Amazon.

See also: Must-Have Hi-Lift Jack Accessories.

3. Hollywood Racks Sportrider SE2 HR-1450Z – 2” Hitch Rack

This is yet another great bike rack that comes with the following features:

1.	It holds up to 2 bikes with a maximum of 50 lbs per bike.
2.	It includes a locking hitch pin and security cable.
3.	It has adjustable wheel holders.

PROS

1. Great quality. You get what you pay for.
2. It can be pivoted with bikes on it when you are accessing the truck bed or the trunk.
3. The bikes are firmly secured, thus great when going on a long road trip.
4. It has got heavy-duty construction.

CONS

1. It is a bit heavy.
2. Can take so much time to set up, especially for a beginner/first-timer.
3. It uses cables to lock the bikes — I wish it used clamps instead.
4. It takes up much space when folded, as it gets pretty large.

Check out the current price on Amazon.

4. KAC K2 2″ Hitch-Mounted Rack

This is a good Bike rack. But honestly, its quality cannot be compared to the ones listed above. However, if you are looking for something affordable, this hitch-mounted rack will do.

1.	It has an anti-wobble system.
2.	You can easily access the rear cargo due to its quick-release tilt design.
3.	It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

PROS

1. It comes with easy-to-follow instructions.
2. It can be easily folded when not carrying a bike in your vehicle.
3. It is a great bike rack for a fat tire E-Bike.
4. The bike properly sits well and very securely without hanging.
5. Its tilt feature allows you to easily load the trunk.

CONS

1. Not great if you are looking for that extra security.

Check out its current price on Amazon.

5. Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack

The Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack is very well designed. You can easily tell the design was well thought out and manufactured.

Here’s a summary of its top features;

1.	Carries up to 2 bikes—maximum 35lbs per bike.
2.	It has a locking hitch pin and locking ratchet hooks that provide extra security for your bikes.
3.	It easily folds up into a vertically compact unit, which saves you storage space.

PROS

1. The bike rack is fairly light. This makes it easy to carry.
2. It is easy to install bikes.
3. It has a hitch adapter. 
4. When carrying two bikes, they do not rub or bump into each other.
5. Secures the bike tightly. The bike remains stable, with very minimal movements.

CONS

1. Your carbon bike could easily be scratched. 
2. If you have small hands, it can be difficult to release its hold mechanism.

Check out its current price on Amazon.

6. Hollywood Racks Destination 2-4 Bikes Mount Bike Rack

Hollywood Racks Destination bike rack has been around for quite some time. But it has managed to stay competitive because of its features.

Here is a summary of its top features;

1.	Can transport up to 4 bikes—maximum 35lbs per bike.
2.	It uses ratchet straps to secure the wheels.
3.	When the rack is not in use, it can be folded against the car.
4.	Accommodates Hybrids, ladies’ frames, kids’ bicycles, road, and mountain bikes.

PROS

1. It is lightweight. You won’t use so much energy installing or removing it.
2. Saves time. There’s no need to remove it when done because it can be easily folded up against the vehicle.
3. It comes with a hitch lock, unlike other brands which sell it as an optional accessory.
4. It easily fits any frame size (including bikes with fenders).
5. Tightly secures your bike.

Check out its current price on Amazon.

7. SeaSucker Talon Single Bike Rack for Cars

If you own a car that is not designed to transport a bike, the SeaSucker Talon Single Bike Rack comes in handy. No need to buy another car!

See also: How To Camp In A Tesla Like A Pro! (Tesla Camping Tips).

Here is a quick summary of some of its features;

1.	Secures 1 bicycle up to 45 pounds.
2.	Works well on any car.
3.	They are portable. Can easily fit in your bike bag, backpack, or even your carry-on.
4.	It weighs 6lbs.
5.	Install within seconds.
6.	Attaches to the roof, trunk, hatchback, or truck bed.

PROS

1. It is a quality product. The suction cups tightly secure your bike.
2. It is easy to install and uninstall. You easily mount it through a push-button pump. Can be used by anyone, even those with no experience.
3. Can be used on any car.
4. Easy to clean.

CONS

1. First-timers might get nervous on their first ride with their bike mounted. This is because it may be hard to believe that your bike will remain secured by the suction cups. But it does a great job.

Check out the latest price on Amazon.

8. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack

Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack allows you to properly secure your bike onto your vehicle’s spare tire.

Here’s a summary of its best features;

1.	Can easily accommodate up to 2 bikes of up to 70 pounds.
2.	It has a tie-down system that ensures that the bike is well-secured and protected.
3.	It is coated with a rugged powder finish.
4.	It fits nearly all mounted spare tires. (However, before you buy, check if yours is supported).

PROS

1. The bike remains steady even when driving on off-roads with occasional bumps.
2. It is easy to install.

Check out its latest price on Amazon.

9. Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R

Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack has a great patented design that fits hatchbacks, minivans, sedans, and SUVs.

Here are some of its best features;

1.	Two side straps.
2.	It has got rugged finishing on the top and bottom straps.
3.	Its patent single-configuration design allows the bike rack to fit different types of vehicles.
4.	Has got Allen’s lifetime warranty.

PROS

1. Easy to install. Only takes a few minutes.
2. Its straps are solid.
3. No scratches, because of the rugged straps.

CONS

1. If you do not properly follow instructions, you may end up scratching your vehicle.

Check its current price on Amazon.

10. RockyMounts Driveshaft HM Bolt-On thru-axle bike rack

This is a high-quality and reliable bike rack for trucks, vans, and SUVs. 

It carries only one bike of up to 35 lbs.

PROS

1. It is a great way of securing your bike in the back of the pick-up.
2. The locks help protect your bike from getting stolen when you are not around.
3. It is the best bike rack when driving across the country.

Check out its current price on Amazon.

Summary of the Best Bike Rack Prices for Long Distance Travel

	BEST BIKE RACKS	PRICE
1.	Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Bike Rack	$849
2.	Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0-2 Bike Rack	$629
3.	Hollywood Racks Sportrider SE2 HR-1450Z – 2″ Hitch Rack	$469.99
4.	KAC 2in Hitch-Mounted Rack	$399.99
5.	Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack	$205
6.	Hollywood Racks Destination 2-4 Bikes Platform Hitch Mount Bike Rack	$399
7.	SeaSucker Talon Single Bike Rack for Cars	$289.93
8.	Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack	$88.32
9.	Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R	$88.90
10.	RockyMounts Driveshaft HM Bolt-On thru-axle bike rack	$79.95