The Best hitch bike rack for 4 bikes in 2022

Yakima is a leading and reliable brand for bike racks. They have marketed the Hangover for the precise niche it is built for. Bikers or tour operators who need to carry suspension fork mountain bikes along with other passengers may benefit from this hitch bike rack for 4 bikes.

They have not confused the rack with any of the other racks meant for road biking or weekend riders who seldom use their racks. For that, they have a completely different variety of racks. This vertical loading style uses minimum space for maximum bikes and can fit vehicles with 2″ hitch receivers only.

We like the approach of keeping it simple and focusing on quality rather than offering multiple features. The only extra they have thrown in there is a built-in bottle opener. Nice touch! Read the full review.

Find reviews about other vertical hitch bike racks for multiple bikes.

Saris Superclamp EX 4 hitch mount rack for 4 E-bikes

Saris SuperClamp EX is another 4-bike rack, but it provides more value due to its high load-carrying capacity. It can carry 4 bikes with a total weight of 190 lbs but on the condition that the outer two bikes do not weigh more than 35lb.

Even after this, you can load two e-bikes weighing no more than 60 lbs. This rack ranks high on our rating system with an R score of 8.55. This rack is recommended for families who want to carry adult as well as kids’ bikes on a road trip.

You can get it if you have to carry your bikes around frequently and keep it installed on the hitch of your car. Want to know more about the security features, compatibility with vehicles, and customer response? Read the full review on Saris Superclamp EX 4.

Thule Range – RV compatible hitch 4 bikes rack 

If you’re an RV owner, hitch bike racks would be compatible but still, not all of them are RV-approved. Thule Range is a hanging-style hitch bike rack with 4 bikes designed for an RV. The most common problem faced with RV bike racks is that the bikes get unstable.

Thule Range ensures the stability of the rack and stops bikes from moving thanks to the anti-sway cradles. Also, there’s a safe distance of 7″ between the bikes that protects the bike frames from damage.

You can carry 4 bikes with a weight of no more than 37.5 lbs each to reach a total load capacity of 150 lbs. you can get this rack for less than $500 and enjoy the integrated locking system. But unlike Thule Apex, this rack does not tilt or swing so you will not be able to access the rear door of your RV. Like most 4-bike racks, Thule Range also fits only the 2” hitch receiver.

Other options for hitch bike rack for 4 bikes

Apart from the hitch bike racks mentioned above, there are certain other racks that you can consider. Yakima HangTight is just like Yakima Hangover except that the bikes are loaded from the handlebars instead of the crown. You can also load 4 mountain bikes on this rack and you can buy it for around $900. 

Thule Camber is also a good bike rack for four bikes and especially if you’re looking for a rack to be installed on a 1 ¼” hitch although it also fits a 2” receiver. As compared to the other Thule hitch racks mentioned above, it costs less but lacks most features. For example, the locks for bikes and racks are not included in the price. But the rack tilts so you can buy it as long as you can sort out a way to lock the bikes on the rack. 

Another option is the Modular Hitch System Base by Saris. This is a unique system for transporting bikes on the back of a car. But it is built for 1-3 bikes and for loading 4 bikes, you will have to get an add-on separately. A good thing is that even after getting the add-on tray, it still costs less than some hitch bike racks for 4 bikes. You can buy this rack if you have a 2” hitch receiver. 

Other than Saris SuperClamp, you can also consider INNO tire hold platform hitch mount rack for your electric bikes. This rack fits both 1 ¼” and 2” hitch receivers and has separate trays each with a capacity of 60 lbs. You should buy this rack if you own 4 bikes of different geometries. 

Thule apex xt swing 4 vs Yakima fullswing

What is the difference between Apex and Yakima FullSwing hitch mount racks?

Yakima Fullswing and Thule Apex, both are priced at around 550 USD on amazon and are hanging-style hitch bike racks competing in the same category. Both racks are equally priced and rated as well. Also, they come with a similar built-in security system. Not RV-approved Yakima Fullswing can perhaps hold 10 more pounds of weight.

Thule ensures 7 inches of space between bikes while Yakima has allowed the cradles to be adjusted (more flexibility). Thule Apex itself is a lighter bike rack but that’s not much of a deciding factor once the bike rack is installed on your vehicle.

Important considerations before buying a hitch bike rack for 4 bikes

Since you have already decided that you want to go for a hitch bike rack, we will not go on to other bike rack types. But even within hitch bike racks, there are multiple considerations to account for before purchasing a bike rack for 4 bikes.

Platform or Hanging hitch bike rack for 4 bikes?

Platform hitch bike racks: If you have very expensive carbon frame bikes or generally do not want any physical connection between the bike and the rack (avoid scratches). The platform hitch bike racks are the best type for you. The way they work is that you place your bike on the top of the platform or the tray and then you simply anchor it using an anchor arm or any other accessory as per the rack. Generally, they are pricier and can hold up to 4 bikes. Most platform bike racks will allow you to access your cargo area without taking them off. Platform hitch bike racks also prevent swaying of bikes. 

Hanging hitch bike racks: Also known as the frame-mounted hitch bike rack, a hanging style rack is generally a more economical option. On a hanging bike, the top tube of the bike is placed on the rack arm and different straps are used to lock it into position. It’s generally easy to install a bike on a hanging-style bike rack and the rack folds to make it more compact. Some reasons to not go for this type of bike rack include that you have a very expensive frame, your frame has open wires below the top tube or your bike’s top tube is not straight. In case your top tube is not straight you might have to use an adapter to adjust it. Most hanging-style bike racks will NOT allow you to access your cargo area without taking them off.

Does the hitch receiver support require weight for four bike racks?

You might already be aware of the opening size of your vehicle’s hitch. If not it’s best to confirm the size of your vehicle’s hitch receiver before you get a hitch bike rack for 4 bikes. Just take a measuring rule or tape and check one side of the opening. A 1 ¼ hitch would have a 1 ¼ inch side. Both the width and height would be 1 ¼ inch (1 ¼″ x 1 ¼″). Similarly, a 2-inch receiver would have all sizes individually 2 inches long. Normally the bigger hitches can carry/pull more weight.

Similarly, hitch classes determine the amount of weight they can pull. Class 1 normally carries a maximum of 2000 pounds while class 2 has a maximum weight rating of 3500 pounds. While class 1 products will fit class 2 hitches (since class 1 has a lower weight rating than class 2), class 2 products would not fit in class 1 hitches. The shank on class 2 accessories is longer and the space in class 1 is less hence the hitch pin holes would not match.

You must determine the compatibility between your vehicle, hitch receiver, and the bike rack you intend to purchase before making the transaction. Most hitch bike racks 4 bikes operate on a 2-inch hitch receiver since they allow more weight as compared to a 1 ¼-inch hitch. 

Why is it recommended to use a hitch bike rack for 4 bikes as compared to trunk bike racks?

Hitch bike racks usually have a higher load-carrying capacity which allows you to mount 4 bikes at a time. But you will also find trunk bike racks for 4 bikes. The reason a hitch mount rack is recommended over a trunk mount is that, in the case of a platform hitch rack, there is no frame contact. This means that you will not have to worry about the safety of bike frames and paint. 

Secondly, most hitch-mount racks would allow you to access the rear of the car which is not possible with trunk bike racks. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to open the hatch or trunk, you will have to remove the 4 bikes one by one and then the trunk mount rack. Whereas, a hitch bike rack for 4 bikes would have tilting or swing-away features for easily accessing the rear of the vehicle. 

Would there be a lot of swaying with 4 bikes on a hitch bike rack?

In case you are not sure if you want to go ahead with a hitch bike rack and want to consider other bike rack types as well. We would recommend you start your research by initially understanding the type of bike racks out there in the market. For your understanding, we have listed the main types below but if you want to go through a longer guide with pictures click here