What Type Of Hitch For Bike Rack Do You Need?
What type of hitch for bike rack do you need? There are two types of hitch that you can use for your bike rack. It is recommended to use a trailer hitch and connect it with a hitch-mounted bike rack. This is because utilizing a trailer hitch rather than one of the other types of hitch offers a multitude of benefits over its counterparts. We also found out some disadvantages of a trailer hitch.
However, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, which is why we recommend a trailer hitch to use more than other hitches.
In this guide, we will tell you the pros and cons of a trailer hitch, different types of hitches, and a hitch buying recommendation guide. So, stay tuned to know more.
What Type of Hitch for Bike Rack?
You will require a trailer hitch on your vehicle to use a hitch-mounted bike rack. Other bike racks like roof and trunk racks do not need a trailer hitch. The hitch mount bike rack is a bike rack that connects to the trailer hitch receiver on your truck or car. You can install a trailer hitch on almost all the vehicles, from little hatchbacks to minivans to large-sized SUVs.
A trailer hitch is an excellent option for bike racks because it does not require drilling holes or permanent changes to the vehicle. You can install and remove the hitch in minutes, and it provides an easy way to carry bikes without taking up space in the trunk or backseat.
The downside of using a trailer hitch is that finding one that fits your specific car can be challenging, especially if you have an older model vehicle.
There are many advantages of using the trailer hitch for the bike rack. These include:
On the other hand, the disadvantages of the trailer hitch are:
In simple words, a trailer hitch is the finest choice for a bike rack. It is because it can easily hold up to four bikes. However, you need to ensure you have a 2 inches receiver hitch.
Types of Hitches
There are five types of hitches. Class I hitches can hold a weight of 2000 lbs and is recommended to carry up to two bikes. It is appropriate for compact full-size, and crossover vehicles. Class II hitches can hold 3500 lbs and are suggested to carry not more than four bikes. They are designed for SUVs, full-size cars, and quarter-ton trucks.
We found out that the class III hitches have a weight capacity of 3500 lbs to 12000 lbs and are recommended to carry up to 5 bikes. They are suitable for crossover vehicles. Class IV and V hitches are heavy-duty hitches with a weight capacity of around 8000 – 20000 lbs. Using this hitch type info, you can easily choose the hitch per your vehicle type.
Hitch Buying Recommendation Guide
A hitch rack is a great way to transport your bike to the back of your vehicle. It can be mounted on a hitch receiver or the spare tire. It is a secure and convenient way to transport your bike while not riding it.
When you are going to buy a hitch rack, you need to keep in mind that the hitch size should fit your bike rack. The hitch size depends on your vehicle’s type and the number of bikes you want to hold. The standard sizes for a hitch are 2 inches and 1-1/4 inches. The 2 inches hitch is relatively more robust and can maintain more weight.
Moreover, they are generally for trucks, large SUV-type cars, etc. You will not find a 2 inches hitch on the passenger car. In contrast, 1-1/4 inches hitch is available on vehicles for which 2 inches hitch is thought to be strong for what the vehicle will carry. 1-1/4 inches is the best choice if you want to hold bicycles.
Another crucial thing you should keep in mind before buying a hitch is the towing ball mount. Towing ball mounts are available in various sizes. You should make sure that the mount and ball you have must either meet your trailer’s weight rating or should surpass it to keep the trailer level.
Last but not least, you also have to consider the trailer balls’ size when choosing the hitch. You can find three different sizes of trailer balls on the market. The bigger the trailer ball will be, the more weight you will be able to hold.
The best type of hitch for a bike rack depends on what you need it for, how many bikes you have, and what kind of bike rack you have.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of hitch do I need for a bike rack?
It mainly depends on the type of bike rack you have. However, the best hitch recommended for a bike rack is a trailer hitch. It is because it can easily hold up to four bikes. Also, you need to ensure that you have a 2 inches receiver hitch.
Do you need a hitch for the bike rack?
For some bike racks, you do need a hitch. Bike racks like roof bike racks, hitch bike racks, etc., require a hitch. On the other hand, you will not need a hitch for some bike racks. Bike racks like trunk-mounted bike racks, spare tire bike racks, etc., fall in this category.
How much is a hitch for a bike rack?
The hitch for a bike rack’s price can vary substantially based on the functionality and model. The higher the carrying capacity of the hitch is, the higher the price will be. No matter what the price is, you are spending your money on a quality piece of tool that will last for many years to come.
What size is the hitch needed for a bike rack?
Most bike racks are built to fit either 1-1/4 inches or 2 inches hitches. These two are the most common hitch sizes you will find in the market. However, you can also find a few newer vehicles that use a 2.5 inches hitch. Check the hitch’s size before buying it, and make sure that you are using a bike rack suitable to these specifications.
Conclusion
Finding the correct type of hitch for your bike rack can be difficult. You might get into trouble if you do not buy the correct type of hitch for your bike rack. It can make you stressed as your bike will not be there to accompany you on your picnic journey. You don’t have to worry about grief.
We are here to help you. If you have read this entire article, then hopefully, you can now easily select the correct type of hitch for your bike rack. This article will help you know everything about what type of hitch for bike rack you need.
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