Best 4 Bike Hitch Rack Reviews (Top 9 In 2023)

When you are taking the whole family or group of friends for a ride, you want to know that you can easily fit everyone’s bike on the rack and that each bike will arrive at your destination safe and secure. For easily and securely transporting bikes with your car or SUV, we really like the style of hitch-mounted bike racks. Hitch-mounted bike racks allow you to use space outside of your car so you have plenty of room inside for the whole group. And, with these racks you don’t have to deal with the drag you may encounter on the road if you were to use roof racks. There are a lot of bike racks out there and not all of them can handle the weight of 4 bikes. So we’ve researched and reviewed racks of all types and picked out the best 4 bike hitch racks.

Overall the Thule T2 Pro XT is our top choice as the best 4 bike hitch rack. With its platform style design, your bikes are sure to stay secure, avoid any paint damage, and will be easy for you to access as you need. We like that it is super easy to get the add-on so you can have the option to either just have a 2 or a full 4 bike rack. As a longstanding, well respected brand, they definitely delivered with this particular model.

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Best 4 Bike Hitch Rack Reviews

1. Thule T2 Pro Hitch Bike Rack – Top Pick

When evaluating the 4 bike hitch racks on the market, the Thule T2 Pro XT Bike Rack stood out. With its quick setup and secure system, we chose it as the best 4 bike hitch rack.

Ease of Use

Some initial assembly of this rack is required, but even that is pretty simple. Once it’s together, you will use the tool-free AutoAttach system to attach it to your vehicle. Once it’s mounted to your hitch, this platform-style bike rack is incredibly user friendly. It is quick and easy to load and unload bikes onto the rack. The frame free ratcheting arm works easily and secures the bike without frame contact. After placing the bike on the rack, you just lift the arm up and over the front wheel and pull down on the handle so it secures the tire. The strap loops on the back tire. The rack easily tilts up and down with the HitchSwitch level, and can compactly fold us when you aren’t using it.

Quality

Not only is this rack easy to use, but it’s also a high-quality, heavy duty rack for your car. The T2 Pro is constructed of a metal frame, providing long lasting durability and value. The Thule T2 Pro Hitch Rack has a 2″ receiver and can comfortably hold 2 bikes with as much as a foot of space in between them. The capacity per bicycle is 60 lbs., for a total weight limit is up to 120 lbs. However, even though this is actually a 2 bike rack, you can purchase the add-on, which then accommodates 4 bikes. It makes it just as sturdy and we actually like that this gives you the option to be a two bike or four bike carrier, whichever you need.

Security

Another great quality about this rack – the security of your bike on the rack. The ratcheting arm is a feature that people really like about these bike racks, and one that makes it so sturdy. Once you put your bikes on the rack and use the ratcheting arm to secure them, they will not move, regardless of bike. This is one of the features that makes this bike rack ideal for carbon frames, mountain, downhill, ebikes, and fat bikes. The 24″ cable lock will secure your bike to the rack, and when you aren’t using it, it retracts into the ratcheting arm.

Features: Platform style, AutoAttach setup system, ratcheting arm, integrated cable lock

Pros

• Easy to install
• Sturdy construction
• Easy to load and unload bikes
• Secure system
• No frame contact

Cons

• Doesn’t work with recumbent bikes

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2. Kuat NV 2.0 Rack – Most Heavy Duty

Kuat is well known in the cycling world, and for good reason. The NV 2 0 is full of updates to one of their most popular products, making it a heavy duty, easy to use rack.

Ease of Use

The Kuat NV 2 0 has incorporated a lot of changes with this rack that make using it easy to do. The installation requires no tools, using only a hand tight hitch cam system. As a platform style rack, the loading and unloading of bikes is pretty easy. It’s also a cinch to lower the rack with the new pivot system that has a foot assist. You don’t have to lean your bike up against anything. One of the most unique features about this rack is the Trail Doc. It’s a workstand that allows you to easily make repairs while on the road or trail. It’s important to note that the workstand isn’t locked to the rack, so you may want to keep it in your vehicle.

Quality

Overall, Kuat does not disappoint with the quality of this rack, which is a good thing because it is on the more expensive side as a 2 bike rack. This rack is definitely a close second to the Thule T2 Pro XT, but we think the Thule is a better value than this Kuat. Though, you really can’t go wrong with either choice. It’s easy to get the add-on piece to make it a 4 bike rack, but it will be a separate purchase. We like that with the add-on you have the option to use it in a more compact design for just 2 bikes or for 4 when needed. Depending on the type of bike you are riding, the adjustable cradle can adapt to fit fat bikes and longer wheel bases, making this a nice, versatile option. It also helps to prevent any contact between bikes while on the rack. The rear tire strap is a co-molded strap to help protect the wheels as well. The carrying capacity per bike is 60 lbs. and the color is a premium gloss metallic powder.

Security

Another great update for this rack is that the fully integrated bike cable locks are longer and more durable. That’s an important feature to keep your bikes safe and secure. For increased stability, the ratchet arms have been updated as well. A hitch lock is also included.

Features: Adjustable front tire cradle system, fully integrated cable locks, hitch lock included

Pros

• User friendly
• Durable
• Can make repairs on the go with Trail Doc

Cons

• Expensive for a 2 bike carrier

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3. Hollywood Rack 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack – Best Pre-Assembled

The Hollywood Racks HR1400 Sport Rider is another great hitch mounted bike rack. It comes pre-assembled as a 2 bike rack, but also includes an add-on kit in the box to make it a 4 bike rack.

Ease of Use

We like that this rack comes pre assembled as a two bike carrier, making it easy to install and ready to go if you are just using it as a 2 bike rack. If you are going to be carrying around four bikes however, it’s really simple to install the add-on kit by sliding it into the base unit and tightening the lever. Now it will function great as a four bike carrier. Once you install the rack, you place each one of your four bikes on the wheel holders and clamp them down. The hitch tightening system is also very user-friendly to keep your bike locked down and secure while in transport. When you aren’t using the 4 bike rack, it can fold flat against your vehicle. It also tilts down to easily access the back of your vehicle.

Quality

This is a pretty heavy duty hitch mounted bike rack. It can hold a 50 lb. weight capacity per bike, making it a good, versatile option. We like that this rack comes with multiple options to customize it how you need it to work for you on your vehicle. The base model can fit tires up to 3″ wide, but there is a fat tire kit available for purchase separately, as well as a trike adapter for trikes or recumbent bikes.

Security

The patented “No wobble-no tools” hitch tightening system helps to eliminate slack between the hitch receiver and the rack, ensuring that your bike won’t wobble while you’re driving down the road. The bikes are placed into the adjustable wheel holders and then secured with adjustable padded clamps. Since the locking hooks hold the bike by the frame, it’s important that there is padding to protect your bike’s finish. The last thing you want to have happen is the paint damaged on your bike.

Features: Platform style, hitch tightening system, 50 lbs per bike

Pros

• Comes pre-assembled as a 2 bike carrier
• Heavy duty
• Optional accessories for fat tires, trikes, and recumbent bikes

Cons

• Heavy

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4. Thule Apex XT 4 Bike Hitch Rack – Best Swing Away Hanging Rack

The Thule Apex XT Rack is our favorite swing away hanging rack. It features one vertical tube that connects to one horizontal hanging rack, and is easy to swing the rack away from your vehicle for easy access to the rear, with minimal effort.

Ease of Use

This hitch mounted bike rack is quick and easy to install without the need for tools. And, the rack itself is light compared to other ones, making it easy to maneuver and put on and take off the hitch receiver of your car. When you need to access the rear of your vehicle, the rack tilts down. The bike arms also fold down when not in use. To secure the bikes onto the rack, you can easily secure them with the ratcheting cradle strap. Due to the hanging design, it’s best for bicycles that have strong flat top tubes.

Quality

Another solid option from Thule, we think this rack is a high quality choice. There is no direct contact made between the rack and your bikes because of the anti-sway cradles, ensuring your bikes remain undamaged and making it ideal for a variety of bike types, from road bikes to kid bikes. The versatility of the rack make it a nice option. This bike rack is designed to fit 1.25″ or 2″ hitch receivers and can handle a total carrying capacity of 150 lbs.

Security

One thing we really like is the stability that the Apex XT 4 Bike Hitch Rack provides you for a long road trip. The ratcheting straps, along with the integrated cable, make it easy to secure the bikes to the rack. We also like the locking knob that keeps the rack snug and secure to the car.

Features: Swing away rack, anti-sway cradle, integrated cable, 150 lb capacity

Pros

• 7″ spacing between bikes
• Quick install
• Lighter than others

Cons

• Fitting 4 bikes on this rack can be a tight fit

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5. YAKIMA, RidgeBack Tilt-Away Hitch Bike Rack – Best Entry Level

The Yakima Ridgeback is a nice entry level option for families. It’s simple to use and is lightweight. As a fun extra, the hitch mounted bike rack features the Yakima signature bottle opener so you can enjoy a cold beverage after your ride.

Ease of Use

Let’s start with the fact that this 4 bike hitch mount rack comes pre-assembled, making it very easy to install and use! All you have to do is use the SpeedKnob to easily tighten and lock the rack to your vehicle, no tools required. You are ready to go. This is one of the many reasons we think this is such a great entry level carrier option, particularly for families who may not be using it that often or just don’t want a very complicated system. If you need to access the back of your car, the UpperHand lever tilts the rack down for you and it folds flat for storing. It’s one easy rack to get on and off the hitch receiver.

Quality

This Yakima bike rack is pretty durable, particularly for the value. It can hold up to 4 bikes and fits most 1.25″ and 2″ hitch receivers. We especially like the cradle system to secure the bikes, but with limited space between each bike on the rack, the bikes have the potential to rub against each other, damaging the finish on the bike. However, the anti-sway cradle feature should help to prevent this. It is something to be aware of, though. If you want to carry step-through bikes or full-suspension mountain bikes, you will need to purchase a separate adapter.

Security

Yakima’s removable ZipStrips are easy to use and help to make sure the bikes are securely fastened to the rack. One other notable security feature with this rack is the ant-sway cradle design, helping to keep the bikes in place once you are traveling down the road.

Features: SpeedKnob, removable ZipStrips, UpperHand lever to tilt rack, anti-sway cradle, Yakima bottle opener

Pros

• Fully assembled
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Lightweight

Cons

• Little space between bikes

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6. Allen Sports Premier 4-Bike Hitch Rack – Best Value

The Allen Sports Premier Rack is a user friendly 4 bike rack that boasts an easy assembly and loads of features for a great price.

Ease of Use

An easy to use bike rack, assembly is required for this one, but it only requires three bolts. The carry arms simply snap into place during setup. That makes for a quick and easy assembly, getting you on the road sooner. You can easily fold the arms with its patented design, and when you aren’t using them, you can squeeze the rack’s release buttons and they will drop out. When you need it, the single handed tilt-away makes it convenient to access the rear of your vehicle.

Quality

One thing we really like is the durability of the individual features on this rack. The rubber cradle straps that secure your bike to the rack are UV resistant and incredibly durable and versatile, working with a range of tube sizes. To help protect your bikes while in transport, the tie-downs include a soft cradle bed. This helps to ensure that the paint on your bike doesn’t get damaged from the bikes rubbing together. The Spine Shield helps to protect the bike that is on the far inside by providing a large landing pad that snaps in place over the vertical mast. The carrying capacity is 140 lbs. for up to 4 bikes, and the hitch inserts fit 2″ receiver hitches.

Security

Between the tie-down cradles and quick-set straps, your bicycles will be secure on this quality bike rack. The bike rack bolts are no wobble, which will eliminate any movement inside of the hitch. There is also a rugged internal mechanism that makes sure the rack stays securely in the receiver hitch while you are using it.

Features: Rubber cradle straps, tie-downs, Spine Shield, 140 lb weight capacity

Pros

• Easy assembly
• No wobble bolts
• Durable

Cons

• Low weight capacity for 4 bikes

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7. YAKIMA – FullSwing Hitch Mount Bike Rack, 4 Bike Capacity – Best Mid-Range

Another great hitch mounted bike rack from Yakima, the winning feature here is the ability to swing the rack away from the vehicle for easy access, and is available at a reasonable price.

Ease of Use

The Yakima Fullswing features a quick and easy assembly that doesn’t require any tools to install the rack to your vehicle. It has the SpeedKnob that allows you to tighten and lock the rack to your vehicle. It’s a simple process to get you on the road and using your bikes. If you need to access the rear of your vehicle, this rack has a swing away design that allows you move the rack away from your car with a single touch.

Quality

Yakima is a well established, trusted brand that is known for producing quality products. This one is no different. Typically, with hanging-style hitch racks, it’s easy for bikes to make contact with each other on the rack since they are secured by their frames in the air. We like that Yakima really thought about this and included fully padded arms to help provide protection for your bikes. When you aren’t using them, the arms fold down. There is a 40 lbs. weight capacity per bike and it fits on a vehicle with a 2″ hitch receiver.

Security

The AutoPin feature of this rack automatically positions the rack and secures it to the hitch and receiver. Pair that with the easy to use ZipStrips that secure the bike to the rack and you have a good system from Yakima for keeping your 4 bikes safe and secure in place. We really like that with this rack, you also get bike locks and a receiver lock at no additional cost.

Features: Speedknob, AutoPin to position rack, ZipStrips, 40 lbs carrying capacity for each bike

Pros

• Fully padded arms for protection
• Swing away rack
• Bike and receiver lock included

Cons

• More expensive hanging style rack

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8. Tyger Auto Deluxe 4-Bike Carrier Rack – Most Versatile

The Tyger Bike Carrier Rack can fit all types of dual-arm bikes on vehicles equipped with either a 1.2″5 or a 2″ hitch receiver.

Ease of Use

Included with the package are easy to follow DIY instructions, that show you how to easily install the rack on your car in just a few minutes. The tilting function makes it’s simple to access the rear of the vehicle. When not in use, the carry arms can be folded down to keep them out of the way.

Quality

This 4 bike rack is well made, featuring a sturdy construction. It even has a black color e-coating to help it resist rust. We like the soft cradles that are on this rack to protect your bike frames from getting scratched up. Another feature we really like about this rack is its versatility since it can accommodate all types of dual-arm bikes. The versatility, along with the affordable price makes this another good option for beginners.

Security

To help minimize the rattling from the bikes and help to stabilize the bikes while in transport, an extra safety strap is included in the box. It’s important to note that if you don’t use both of the safety straps and there is an accident, the damage will not be covered by the warranty. So naturally, we recommend using both of the safety straps when you are transporting your bikes on this rack. In addition to the safety straps, a cable lock and hitch lock are included.

Features: Soft cradles, rust resistant color, safety straps

Pros

• TYGER No-Hassle Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Easy install
• Cable lock and hitch lock included

Cons

• Must use both safety straps for warranty coverage

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9. Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Rack – Best Budget Rack

The main reason we rated the Allen Premier Hitch Rack several spots above this one is the quick release functions that the Premier has, which the Deluxe does not. Other than that, this is a good quality, inexpensive rack.

Ease of Use

We really like how very easy to install and use this bike rack is. The hardware that is needed to set up this rack in included in the box and makes it easy to do, with total install time of just a few minutes. The No-Wobble Bolt makes it simple to fully tighten the rack into the receiver hitch. The hitch insert is user-friendly. You just attach it to your hitch and secure each one of the bikes individually using the tie-down cradle system. We like that a range of frames can fit on the carry arm, from a mountain bike to road bike to kid’s bike, allowing for maximum versatility of this rack. When you need to access the back of your vehicle, the rack tilts back and can also fold out of the way if you aren’t using it.

Quality

This is a sturdy, user-friendly rack that you can use to safely carry your bikes down the road. We find it to be an incredible value, too, especially for the money. The Allen Premier fits 4 bikes with a 2 inch hitch and the vehicle will require professionally installed Class III or IV 2 inch hitch.

Security

As far as the security of this rack goes, we like that you can individually secure each bicycle to the rack using the tie down system on the 22″ long carry arms. This tie down system is unique to Allen and makes sure your bikes are protected. They are in a fixed position on the carry arm but can rotate to accommodate various bicycle types.

Features: No-wobble bolt, tie-down system, 22″ long carry arms

Pros

• Sturdy
• Hardware included
• User-friendly

Cons

• Bolt is not a quick release, requires a wrench to remove it from the vehicle

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10. Thule Camber Hitch Bike Rack, 4 Bikes – Affordable Thule Option

A more affordable option from Thule, this is an all around good value and easy to use rack to hold 4 bikes.

Ease of Use

The diagrams on the instructions included with the Thule Camber make installation of this rack a breeze. That’s not the only easy feature that we like about this rack. When you need to access the back of your vehicle, the HitchSwitch lever effortlessly tilts the carrier away so you can get into your car and get what you need. When you aren’t using the rack, the bike arms fold down for easy storage.

Quality

The Thule Camber is one sturdy rack, weighing 34 lbs. We like the value that this models offers as a 4 bike carrier. With 7″ of spaces in between each cradle, the design helps prevent any contact between bikes, ensuring your frame stays in tact without scratches. The total carrying capacity for the rack is 150 lbs and it is designed to fit 1.25″ or 2″ hitch receivers.

Security

You can rest assured that your 4 bikes will be safe and secure in this rack while on the road. The anti-sway cradles along with the ratcheting straps helps you quickly and snugly secure the bikes to the rack.

Features: HitchSwitch lever, 150 lb carrying capacity, rack weighs 34 lbs.

Pros

• 7″ spacing in between bikes
• Sturdy
• Easy to follow instructions and assembly

Cons

• No locks included

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Buyers Guide

When it comes to the best 4 bike hitch racks, there are a lot out there to choose from. It’s no wonder really. Cycling is a popular thing to do and has become a great family bonding activity for a lot of people. With so many choices out there, it’s important to make sure that you select the one that will work the best for you and your family, as well as your car. We’ve researched the options on the market and have a list of things you should consider when purchasing a 4 bike hitch rack: versatility, safety, type of hitch rack, stability, bike weight capacity, and cost. You can also check this graber bike rack reviews for 20231 that will help you for your needs.

Versatility

It’s important that the rack you choose is the one that will best accommodate your family. Perhaps you ride most often with just 2 bikes, but sometimes the whole family might go out for a ride together, making a 4 bike rack a must. However, you could always consider purchasing one of the racks in our list below that could be a carrier for two bikes as well as four.

You should consider what kind of bicycles the rack is able to accommodate as well to make sure it will work for everyone in your group. Some can accommodate many styles and frame types, while other are more limited or may require an additional accessory to support a particular style. For instance, city style bikes and recumbent bikes may require an additional part so those particular features will be important for you to pay attention to.

Safety

The safety and security of the rack to your vehicle as well as your bikes to the rack are a top priority. Various racks have different methods of securing the bikes to the rack and some even include locks for the bikes and hitch. If the rack you purchase does not include bike and hitch locks, you should definitely look at purchasing one. Even if they are included, you may find that you need additional one or two. While some inexpensive bike carriers can be appealing, if they are not able to safely get your bikes to your destination, then the price saving is not worth it. We should point out that all the racks we’ve featured in our list below are safe and secure.

Type of Hitch Rack

There are two types of hitch mounted racks, platform racks and hanging racks, both of which are great choices for taking your bikes for a road trip. Which style you decide to go with will really depend on what your need or preference is. There are some differences between the two types of hitch racks, which we’ve pointed out below.

Platform Racks

With platform racks, the bikes sit lower to the ground on a platform. Many people consider these to be the best hitch racks. This design makes them incredibly stable and easy to access. Typically, the bikes are secured to the rack by their wheels. The benefit to the platform rack is that it is easy to load and unload your bikes, and also has little bike movement while in transport. That means the bikes do not typically endure any damage to the frame (or paint) since they contact point is the wheel. One downside though, to platform racks. is that they tend to be heavier and bulkier than hanging racks. If you are someone who is a more casual rider, this one may not be the best option for you since they tend to cost more and weigh more. But, they do offer great security for four bikes and are easy to use.

Hanging Racks

Different from platform style racks, hanging racks suspend the four bikes so that they hang by their frames on the back of your car. Hanging racks are typically much lighter and a more compact design than platform racks, and are also generally less expensive. If you will need to take your rack on and off of your car a lot, this is probably a good option for you. Because the bikes are secured to the rack by a strap or rubber wrapped around the bike frame, there is greater potential for damage to the paint of your frame over time than with the platform rack. However, several models we highlight in our list below featured additional cushioning or padding on the straps to help prevent this issue. A particular style of hanging rack is the swinging hanging rack. We are particularly fond of this style. These racks are a great option that allows you to move the entire rack away from the vehicle so that you can easily access the rear of your vehicle.

Stability

The stability of the rack once it is fully loaded with 4 bikes is incredibly important, especially for long distance road trips with your bikes. The way that the bikes are secured onto the rack and how far apart they are from each other will make a difference in how stable your bikes will be during transport. Getting to your destination with your bikes still on your rack means making sure that the rack you decide to purchase is a sturdy, stable one.

Bike Weight Capacity

Different racks will be able to handle varying weight capacities, so it is important to know not only the maximum weight capacity of the racks you are looking at, but also how much each of your bikes weight. For instance, mountain bikes or road bikes weight much less than e bikes, which is something to consider. Once you determine the total amount of weight of all your bikes you will be transporting on your car, make sure that they will work on the rack you are planning to purchase. If it seems like it could be close, we would suggest choosing a heftier four bike rack to be on the safe side. The last thing you want is to bend or break your brand new rack. If it will involve heavy lifting, I suggest getting a roof-mounted racks and view our recent article about roof mounted bike racks. Also, our recent post about hitch cargo carrier might be helpful for you if you want an alternative way to store the things you need for your road trip. If you’re looking for more options on how to carry your bikes, out post about truck bed bike rack might help you. If you need something that can carry a motorcycle, check out our reviews on the best dirt bike and motorcycle hitch carriers.

Cost

Cost is something most people will need to consider when looking for the best 4 bike rack for you. Racks can vary greatly in price, and while often times, price can correlate directly to quality, that is not always the case. We have a few budget and mid-range options featured in our list below that are still durable, solid racks. Generally speaking, hanging racks are going to be less expensive than platform style racks, though that’s not always the case. If money is not really one of the purchasing factors for you, then you will want to consider our top pick.

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FAQs

What is the best 4 bike hitch rack?

After doing our due diligence, we can confidently recommend the Thule T2 Pro XT as the best 4 bike hitch rack. It’s easy to load and unload your bikes, keeps your bikes secure during transport, and is made of sturdy construction.

What is the best 4 bike rack for SUV?

Hitch-mounted 4 bike racks works great for SUVs since they can easily attach to the existing tow hitch. The height makes it easy to load and unload the bikes on the rack.

Which bike rack is best for my car?

Hitch mounts are ideal for SUVs and trucks, but they also work great on a car. You just need to have a receiver hitch. If you don’t, you can get one pretty easily installed on your car. If you don’t want to do that, you could always consider trunk racks or roof racks for your car. If your car has a spare tire, I recommend you to view our recent post about the 9 best spare tire bike racks. Also, we have posted a blog talking about the best hitch cargo boxes that would help you in terms of storing and carrying your bike accessories and other travel necessities. We have also posted about the best cargo box between Thule or Yakima to guide you on your purchase.

Can you fit 4 bikes on a roof rack?

It depends on your vehicle as to whether you can fit 4 bikes on a roof rack. Ultimately, it will depend on the overall width of your vehicle. Certainly if your vehicle is wider, you should be able to, though you might need to alternate the direction of each bike so the bikes can fit closely together.

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Final Thoughts

While there are a lot of things to consider when looking for the best 4 bike hitch mount rack, the Thule T2 Pro XT checks all the boxes and then some as far as we’re concerned. With an easy to use platform style, loading bikes on and off will be a breeze. And, thanks to its sturdy construction, you won’t have to worry about the bikes wobbling while going down the road. Though it’s sold as a 2 bike rack, the add-on makes it easy to upgrade to a 4 bike rack, durable and big enough for the whole family to use.