Exploring 6 Excellent Full-Suspension Mountain Bike Racks

Exploring 6 Excellent Full-Suspension Mountain Bike Racks

Full-suspension mountain bikes have both front and rear suspensions to soak up most of the bumps that otherwise would be sent to your body. You will be using your MTB on various trails and you would need a good bike rack to transport it there. Best to look after versatile carriers capable of carrying wheels and tires of different sizes. Another aspect is durability: the average bike weight is around 29 lbs with a limit of 35-37 lbs. We have prepared a list of six best bike racks for your full-suspension bicycles. The majority can handle even electric bikes, fat bikes or even electric mountain bikes and impressive load capacities. Don’t forget to check the other list we created, with 10 best mountain bike racks.

 

Check out our suggestion of full-suspension mountain bikes in 2023

  1. KAC K2 Hitch Mountain Bike Rack
  2. Vibreli Hitch Mountain Bike Rack
  3. Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Mountain Bike Rack
  4. Kuat NV 2.0 Mountain Bike Carrier
  5. Hollywood Racks Destination 2-4 Bikes Mountain Bike Rack
  6.  Thule UpRide Roof Bike Carrier

1. KAC K2 Hitch Mountain Bike Rack

 

To explore difficult trails with ease and confidence, you need a full suspension mountain bike. And to get you there, the K2 2’’ hitch carrier from KAC comes highly recommended. This is a heavy duty platform rack that fits 2 bikes with a similar version that can carry 4 bikes.

It is rated for most ebikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, and fat bikes. The rack is perfect for traditional frames but it’s versatile enough to support low Y-frames with a frame adapter. It’s designed to carry bikes with tires of up to 5” tire width and a maximum wheelbase of 54’’ on sturdy and adjustable trays. These universal trays can hold 2 bikes weighing up to 120 lbs with each bike not exceeding 60 lbs.

To ensure the safety of your full suspension bikes, this KAC Overdrive Sports rack comes with a safety strap that effectively secures both bikes to the platform. It also features an anti wobble system to ensure zero slack between the rack and receiver once you hit the road. For ease of travel during the night, the rack is fitted with a rear reflector for added visibility.

Other outstanding features include a quick release smart tilt mechanism plus adjustable padded hooks with lock and key for securing frames. A lock pin is also included to secure the rack to the hitch and engage the anti-wobble feature at the same time. It is, however, worth noting that the rack is not rated for RVs and vehicles with 5th wheel couplings.

2. Vibrelli V70 Hitch Mountain Bike Rack

To transport heavy full suspension mountain bikes, an equally sturdy rack is needed. The Vibrelli V70 ebike-compatible 2-bike hitch rack with a total load capacity of 130 lbs is exactly what you need. It is rated for road bikes and mountain bikes, as well as fat tires bikes with a width of 5” or less

For your bikes’ safety, the V70 has a Triple Locking Security System. First off, it comes with a patented anti-wobble lock that secures the carrier to the hitch receiver for a smooth ride. The second lock secures padded arms that clamp the bikes by the top frames. Lastly, the third lock in the system keeps a locking cable in place once the bikes are loaded.

This is a 2” hitch rack recommended for use on SUVs and cars but not for hitching on RVs, motorhomes, 5th wheel vehicles, and trailers. That said, the rack requires a vehicle with a ground clearance of at least 12” from the lower side of the receiver.

The Vibrelli V70 features advanced functionality including custom cradles and sturdy ratchet straps for securing different sized tires. To allow fast access to the boot, the rack comes with a quick release mechanism that tilts down the platform by the way of a foot pedal. The same tool-free mechanism folds up the rack when not in use. Most importantly, the product’s durability and functionality is backed by an ironclad 10-year warranty in case of manufacturing defects.

3. Thule EasyFold XT2 Hitch Mountain Bike Rack

More than any other bike rack, the Thule EasyFold XT 2” Hitch Bike Rack is suited to safely transport full suspension mountain bikes. This 2-bike rack is easy to install and supports both heavy mountain bike and e bikes. It has fully foldable and compact loading ramp that joins with the rack for suitable storage.

And thanks to its smart foot pedal tilt, users can easily access the car trunk with the bikes on board. Even more, it’s detachable bike arms and lockable Thule AcuTight torque limiter knobs eases mounting and is good for convenient storage.

This rack is modeled to carry high-load capacity of 130 lbs (max) with each bike weighing up to 65 lb. Its fashioned for bikes with 3” tire width, 29” wheel size, and a wheel base not exceeding 1300 mm. Its wheel straps have adjustable pump buckles to ensure the wheels are secure. Still on the wheel straps, you can add the set of an extra Optional Thule Fat Bike Wheel Strap Kit, which is sold separately, to accommodate fat tires reaching 4.7”.

Other additional features include a carry handle and integrated wheels that enables easy transporting, designed to fit 1.25” and 2” receivers. It also has a fairly large distance between the wheel holders to hold longer bikes. Lastly, if you are worried about security, the Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack has an outstanding lock design that allows you to lock your bike to the rack and the rack to the receiver.

4. Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Hitch Mountain Bike Rack

This bike rack strikes a riveting balance of price and performance for full suspension mountain bikes. From design and security to durability, Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Bike Rack sits up there with the very best.

It has a spacious capacity that can accommodate a maximum of 2 bikes with each weighing 60lbs. The NV 2.0 has the ability to hold bikes with wheelbases of 48 inches and up to 4.8” in tire width and. Its adjustable front tire cradle system together with a unique tire ratchet style makes the disassembling process quick.

Other useful features include a pivot with optional foot assist, a Trail Doc feature that comes in handy when the bike is not in use and you don’t want to strap it down in the cradle, as well as a no-tool installation with tight hand cam system. However, the NV 2.0 is not compatible with an RV but is recommended to use on vans.

Unlike its previous model, the new design has great additional security features. Such include a fully integrated cable locks and hitch lock which are all keyed alike, meaning you’ll use only one key for all the locks. This ensures that both the bikes and the rack itself are free from theft. Furthermore, the rack is rated for use on 1.25” and 2” hitch sizes. When it comes to durability, NV 2.0 frame is build with a super solid metal that last a life-time.

5. Hollywood Racks Destination 2-4 Bikes Hitch Mountain Bike Rack

Made of alloy steel and plastic, Hollywood Racks Destination 4-Bike Platform Hitch Mount Bike Rack is compatible with your passenger car, SUV and Truck but not for use on a trailer or towed vehicle. It is an excellent bike rack ideal for carrying multiple bikes with ease. Further, it has a relatively lighter load capacity than most hitchers which make it easy to assemble as well mounting bikes on.

Thanks to its vertically folding mechanism, it eases storage, carrying, especially without the bikes on board. You can transport 4 full suspension mountain bikes with each bike having a maximum load of 35 lbs. A 2-bike version is also available. This lightweight hitch carrier is strictly designed to fit 2’’ hitch receivers. It is widely used to carry ladies frame, mountain bikes, kids’ bicycles, and hybrids. It has movable wheel trays which can fit wheelbases not exceeding 48’’ and tire widths of 3’’ max.

Furthermore, it has both ratchet frames holders and wheel holders. The ratchet holder hooks on the centre mast and is adjustable to fit different frames and ensures zero wobbling. Additionally, the ratchets reduce slipping with each bike sitting on its own movable wheel tray.

Besides eliminating wobbling, it has a threaded hitch pin and a frame hooks that ensure your bikes are firmly tied to the rack at 4 points. Meaning, if one straps accidentally breaks, the bike will still remain on the rack. Nonetheless, to avoid any kind of damages ensure you position the bike perfectly, as well as recommended pedal position.

6. Thule UpRide Roof Mountain Bike Rack

No matter what rack has caught your attention, picking the best bike carrier narrows down to what kind of bike rack you are looking for and how much you are willing to spend. Luckily, Thule UpRide Bike Rack is among the best roof carriers. It’s a universal upright bike carrier that can only transport one full suspension mountain bike at a time.

It was invented to fit fat bikes as well as most road bikes. The Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack has no frame contact but features a hook that perfectly holds the front wheel, suitable for carbon fiber frames. In addition, the back wheel is tightly secured by a ratcheting strap. What’s more, it has an all-round design that fits bikes with bottle cages and rear suspension.

Speaking of load capacity, it can carry bikes with weights of up to 44 lbs and is versatile enough to accommodate bikes of 20 to 29 inches. You can add a Thule UpRide Fat Bike Adapter in your collection to cover tires with 5” thickness.

Like most carriers the lock capability ensures that the rack is fully secured. You get to lock the rack to the bike and the rack to vehicle. However, the lock, as well as the adapter, is sold separately. To be honest, bike racks can be at times confusing to assemble which isn’t the case with this 18.5 lbs rack. The reason is that it has a user-friendly installation that allows switching the carrier to either side of the car.

Disclaimer: bikerackforsuv.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs and may receive a commission if you purchase a product via a link on this page.

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Exploring Exceptional 5-Bike Hitch Racks for Cycling Enthusiasts

Exploring Exceptional 5-Bike Hitch Racks for Cycling Enthusiasts

The best way to carry bikes is on a hitch platform that supports the entire weight by the wheels. A hanging rack that holds bikes by the frames is another good hitch carrier variety. These are racks that are adapted for use on cars, SUVs, trailers, and trucks.

Prices vary depending on the versatility, ease of use, safety, and anti-theft features. Typically, platform racks are easier to use and support more weight but come at a lower cost value compared to hanging racks.

These types of racks are sturdy and only require that your vehicle has a tow hitch of size 1.25” or 2”. The best part is that receivers can be adapted to fit either hitch size with locks to eliminate wobbling and vibrations during transit.

Before you purchase a rack, first find out if it’s rated for your specific vehicle type and model. This has much to do with the bumper size, how the rear hatch opens, and the clearance of a rear-mounted spare tire. Manufacturers also may also cap on the load limit allowed on the hitch and the size of a rack upon fully deployed.

Considering these and other factors here are the top 5-bike hitch racks.

 

5-Bike Hitch Racks for SUV in 2023

  1. Thule Apex XT Hitch 5-Bike Rack
  2. Yakima RidgeBack Tilt-Away Hitch 5-Bike Rack
  3. Yakima FullTilt Tilting 5-Bike Hitch Rack
  4. Curt Premium 18065 5-Bike Hitch Rack
  5. Allen Sports 5-Bike Hitch Bike Carrier

1. Thule Apex XT Hitch Bike Rack

 

Thule Apex XT 5-bike rack is a compact-build tilt away hitch rack. It has a clearance of 42.1’’ when loaded, an average size considering that some carriers extend for over 60”. For stowing away, dual folding arms reduce the size to just 14.7”.

The rack is perfected for ease of use and security for your bikes. At only 35 lbs, you can install and mount the rack without any assistance. Installation is tool-free with a manual to ensure you eliminate wobble and securely lock the rack.

It is a sturdy rack that supports 5 bikes of up to 150 lbs on a 1.25” or 2” hitch. Load is supported on a sturdy arm fitted with anti-sway cradles (5.5’’ spacing) to ensure each bike remains in position.

For maximum safety, it features an integrated heavy-duty lock, with the cable fitting inside the rack when disengaged. The rack also comes with a lock for securing it to your car.

2. Yakima RidgeBack Tilt-Away Hitch Rack

This is a tilt-away rack designed for a 1.25” and 2” hitch receiver. Yakima RidgeBack lets you haul 5 bikes on a rack that tilts away for unfettered access to the vehicle’s rear.

It is designed for bikes with traditional geometry, with a top tube adapter (sold separately) for adapting other frames. The rack weighs 40bs making installation a one-man job.

Additionally, the rack is fully assembled from the shop and all you have to do is install it onto the hitch receiver. Bikes are secured to the rack using removable ZipStraps and anti-sway cradles. You can further secure your bikes with a Yakima HandCuff lock (sold separately).

When fully loaded, it supports 150lbs with bikes spaced at 4.5’’. Note, the carrier should not be fitted on a hitch extender and neither is it rated for use on RVs, trailers, and campers. Also, the Yakima RidgeBack is best for carrying bikes of different sizes.

3. Yakima FullTilt Tilting Hitch Rack

The Yakima FullTilt is similar in functionality to the RidgeBack 5-bike rack from the same company. It weighs 18kg (approx. 40lbs) and helps you transport bikes of up to 150lbs with each bike weighing not more than 40lbs.

You only need to mount the rack onto a 1¼” or 2” hitch receiver, deploy it, and start loading your bikes. It comes from the box fully assembled for a truly tool-free installation.

Further, the product has an AutoPin for positioning and securing the rack onto the receiver plus a SpeedKnob for locking the connection. Security for your bikes is enhanced by an integrated cable lock.

Yakima FullTilt is made of alloy steel for durability and resilience. With well-padded arms, the design eliminates scratches on the frames. Bike-to-bike contact is avoided by having anti-sway cradles in addition to ZipStraps for better stability on the road.

4. Curt Premium Hitch Bike Rack

Made for both big and small bikes, the Curt 18065 Premium bike rack carries a whopping 225lbs! It is rated for a 2” hitch with tapered arms to make it easier to hold bikes of varying sizes. The design is further boosted by adjustable cradles made of rubber to avoid scratching the bike frames.

Installation is fast though it does require a steady hand to tighten bolts and clips. Once assembled though, the carrier is strong, featuring an anti-rattle bolt and clip for the rack-hitch connection. Resistance from the element is ensured by a durable coat finish of black powder that also improves aesthetics.

For balance, the manufacturer recommends that you arrange bikes in alternate directions (left vs. right). A support strap is also included for improved stability for your bikes. To access the cargo section, you need to remove a bolt and tilt the rack away from the car.

5. Allen Sports 5-Bike Hitch Carrier

This is a rugged 5-bike rack with a rack capacity of 175lbs. Only minor assembly is required to connect the carry arm, main post, and hitch insert. The item is only 24lbs in weight and fits into a 2” hitch receiver with a knob and key for engaging the locking mechanism.

The rack folds when not in use and snaps into an upright position by way of squeezing tabs. You can fit and secure bikes with varying frames using separate anti-wobble tie-down cradles that rotate freely.

Allen Sports Deluxe Locking rack is free of wobble due to sturdy carry arms that fold easily when not in use. The assembly tilts away to give unrestricted access to the liftgate.

The rack is designed for traditional frames but can accommodate y-frames when an adaptor bar is installed (sold separately). Best use calls for bikes to be arranged alternately, with the heaviest bikes positioned near the vehicle, plus extra padding on bike-rack contact points.

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Saris Superclamp EX 4-Bike Hitch Rack Review

Saris Superclamp EX 4-Bike Hitch Rack Review

Built ground-up to be the safest, toughest and lightest 4-bike platform hitch rack on the road. Fits mountain bikes, electric bikes, kid’s bikes, road bikes.

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Saris Superclamp EX is a lightweight and versatile hitch platform rack. This tough steel construction can support 2 or 4 bikes. The rack is rated for types of bikes including eBikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes, fat bikes and even kid’s bikes. Additionally, it comes with a tilting feature to allow hatch access when in use. For security, there are integrated locks as well as reflectors to ensure visibility during your road trip.

HIGHS (+)

Lightweight

Can hold kids’ bikes- from 20”

Compatible with a wide range of wheel and tire sizes

Support wheelbases of up to 50’’ fat tires of up to 4”

LOWS (-)

Might wobble

Using a wrench, instead of a simple knob, to secure the rack to the hitch

Max. nr of bikes

Hitch size

Load capacity

Max. tire width

Ease of Assembly

Installation of this low-profile rack is quite easy since most of the parts are compact and pre-assembled. Without any load the platform has a total weight of 63 pounds with parts that are light enough for a one-man operation.

In total, it takes around 45 minutes to complete the assembly and all you need is an adjustable spanner, or 19mm and 17 mm fixed spanners, and an 8mm allen wrench (included). Start by installing the hitch receiver and secure it using a pin and lock. Next, secure the front plate with the receiver followed by attaching the outer horizontal bar.

The next step is to slide on the wheel trays with the reflectors facing away. To complete installation, slide open the arms by pushing and holding a button. Once fully assembled, the rack can carry 4 bikes with a total weight of 190 lbs.

Versatility

The Saris Superclamp EX is designed to function as a 2 – 4 platform bike carrier. In the 2-bike configuration, it can carry 120 lb with each bike at 60 lb max. For the 4-bike set up, the heaviest bikes go near the car while the 2 outer trays support up to 35 lbs each.

This hitch platform rack uses wheel trays for clamping down bikes, ensuring that no contact is made with the bikes’ frames. Further the trays and arms can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of tires and wheelbases. The rack also features a built-in bottle opener. It is this kind of versatility that makes Superclamp EX a truly universal bike rack.

However, the rack is only rated for passenger cars with 2 inch hitches. It is also worth noting that unlike many hitch racks, the Superclamp uses a lockable bolt to attach to the hitch as opposed to just turning a knob with your hand. 

Security

The Superclamp EX hitch rack is designed with the security of your bikes and car in mind. First off, the hitch receiver locks securely using a pin and lock. Secondly, ratcheting arms are held on hardened brackets to ensure bikes do not wobble or scratch each other, or your car during transit. For added grip, there is a locking cable to pin your bikes to the rack. Lastly, wheel trays are secured using straps plus the whole assembly can be folded up when not in use.

Safety

The rack comes with a manual that outlines measures for keeping you and other road users safe. For the rack’s visibility, ensure the reflectors are visible and clean. Keep your speed below 10kph when going over bumps, reduce speed on bends and avoid emergency braking.

As a rule of thumb, never exceed 70kph when the rack is loaded. Also, the Superclamp EX is not rated for off-road use or hitching onto trailers or RVs. Additionally, when on the road, periodically checking the mounting straps for slackness. 

Quality

With a 4.2-star rating on Amazon, the Superclamp EX is one of the high-quality bike racks in the market. The rating is from 299 reviewers with 79% of the score being 4- 5 stars.

Why the Superclamp Ex Bike Rack Is Rated Highly

Versatility, durability, and weight (light) are some of the factors that make this American-made bike rack rank so high. For a 4-bike rack, the Superclamp EX is light weight at only 63 pounds; by industry standards, this is around 40% lighter than its competitors.

The rack also gets high points for its built-in tilt feature that allows you to open the back hatch when in use. Further, it takes a short time to assemble the rack and load bikes. Its dual wheel clamps ensure no contact with the frames or car.

As such, the rack is handy when hauling antique bikes that require extra safety to keep the frames scratch-free. The wheel clamps also make it easy to carry bikes with oversized tanks and fat tires (up to 4’’). And the fact that the clamps and arms are adjustable makes it easier to carry kids’ bikes (from 2’’).

You will also be happy to know that no extra gear is required to secure y-frames or bikes of the step-through variety. However, the Saris Superclamp EX is not designed to carry tandem and recumbent bicycles.

Verdict

The Saris Superclamp EX is arguably the most versatile back rack for a 4-bike setup. It is also a light weight product made from durable alloy steel. This is also the go-to rack for bikes with wheelbases of up to 50 inches. It doesn’t have many moving pieces, making it compact and easy to store away.

That said, the rack has a lesser load capacity compared to similar racks such as the KAC Overdrive Sports K4 that can carry up to 240 lbs. The rack is also only rated for a 2’’ hitch unlike the Superclamp EX 2 bike rack that is adapted for both 1¼” and 2” hitch systems.

Nevertheless, this rack is well suited to carry bikes of varying designs including y-frame and BMX bikes. As a precaution though, ensure that the bike tires are well inflated and secured away from the exhaust pipe. Also, for added security you need sturdy u locks to supplement the provided cable locks, especially when camping in the wild.

Disclaimer: bikerackforsuv.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs and may receive a commission if you purchase a product via a link on this page.

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KAC K4 Sport Hitch Platform Bike Rack Review

KAC K4 Sport Hitch Bike Rack Review

A versatile rear-mounted bike carrier designed for a 2 inch hitch receiver, the K4 supports standard, fat-tire, or ebikes up to 60 lbs. each. 

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Made for most types of bike tires, KAC K4 2” overdrive carrier is a versatile toe hitch platform carrier. The rack is rated for Cars, Trucks, and SUVs with a patented anti-wobble system that ensures safety for your bikes and vehicle. What’s more, the platform comes with foam padded hooks that ensure your paint job remains intact. This 4-bike carrier has a smart tilt feature that makes rear cargo access fast and easy.

HIGHS (+)

The build is strong and durable

Loading and accessing the rear door is easy

A collapsible design for when the rack is not loaded

Can support fat bikes with tires of up to 5”

LOWS (-)

Cannot be configured for 3 bikes

Not suitable for small-size bikes with wheels below 24”

Max. nr of bikes

Hitch size

Load capacity

Max. tire width

Ease of Assembly

Most of the platform is pre-assembled which makes mounting and adjusting easy. It has a total weight of 79 pounds, with most of the parts being steel tubing that is light. An installation manual is, however, provided for detailed instructions on how the parts fit.

Basically, you need a wrench and an extra pair of hands to get KAC Overdrive Sports K4 into position. Start by attaching the Hitch Tube to the hitch receiver securely to ensure that the anti-wobble mechanism works. Next, install the 4 lateral tubes and slide them in the wheel holders in sequence. Lastly, starting with the long hooks, slide the hooks onto the posts that you position vertically by pressing the push button.

Note, there are washers, bolts, and knobs for fastening the different joints together.

Versatility

The KAC Overdrive Sports K4 bike carrier is designed to conveniently hold 2 or 4 bikes. To split the rack into a 2-bike version, you just need to unfasten 2 bolts to remove the hitch tube extension.

The rack can carry road bikes, electric bikes, gravel bikes, and mountain bikes securely. This versatility is made possible by adjustable wheel holders that can accommodate a wide range of tire sizes. The hooks are also adjustable to secure different frame sizes.

In addition, the rack has a sturdy build that can support a total of 240 lbs in the 4-bike assembly. The platform is however not recommended for hitching onto RVs or fifth wheel coupling.

Security

As a precaution, all moving parts need to be tightened before you take off. Most importantly, always check that both the top arm and hitch pin are locked securely (keys are provided). You should also make use of the safety straps that come with the KAC Overdrive Sports K4 rack for your bikes not to slide off their positions. Nevertheless, the platform is designed for adult-size bikes with wheels of 24 inches or more.

Safety

First off, before you buy this rack, check with your dealer if your car is specified for this type of hitch platform bike carrier. When on the road, keep your speed at or below 80mph to ensure the KAC Overdrive Sports K4 and bikes remain secure. Transporting bikes on a platform carrier also calls for observing local traffic rules such as weather updates. It’s also advisable that you get u-locks as an anti-theft measure.

Quality

This is a high-quality bike rack with a 4.6-star rating on Amazon. The exceptional score is from 402 reviews with 78% of the customer giving this KAC Overdrive Sports K4 rack 5-stars, the highest possible ranking.

Why The KAC Overdrive Sports K4 2” Platform Bike Rack is Unique

The KAC Overdrive Sports K4 2’’ is a sturdy platform bike rack that is made from heavy gauge powder-coated steel. This is a versatile hitch-mounted rack that can carry 4 bikes of up to 60 lbs each. The rack can also be adapted into a simpler configuration to carry 2 bikes.

In the folded position, the rack is just 18 inches long and about a foot long when fully deployed. Play between the rack and the receiver is eliminated by tightening a lock pin. Bikes are well spaced and held on padded hooks to avoid wear and tear from rubbing against each other and the rack.

Included in the package are safety straps and keys for locking the patented anti-wobble hitch system and the top adjustment knob. You also get extra

Even with its versatility and top-notch security features, the KAC Overdrive Sports K4 is disadvantageous in some aspects. For example, the rack only works on a 2’’ hitch while competitors like the Apex XT Bike Hitch rack are adaptable for both 2” and 1.25” hitches.

The item also requires additional accessories (sold separately) when carrying low y-frame and step-through bikes. It is however very ideal for transporting bikes with fenders since you can secure bikes on adjustable top frame hooks that are padded. A reflector is also provided to ensure other road users can see the rack at night and during poor visibility weather. 

Verdict

When transporting your bikes for an out-of-town exercise, you need a rack that is reliable. The KAC Overdrive Sports K4 2” hitch platform bike rack is just the carrier you need. This is a sturdy rack built from steel tubing with intricate parts to keep your bikes secure, even on a bumpy road.

As a precaution though, when on the road, it helps to keep checking the tightness of the locking hitch pin, safety straps, and the reflector. The quick-release tilt is another feature that needs to be operated delicately.

At 70 lbs unloaded and 310 lbs when loaded with 4 bikes, the rack is heavy. Safe operation calls for supporting the weight when tilting and dropping the rack to access the rear cargo access. So, apart from being extremely cautious, always have a friend help to tilt the rack, especially when it’s fully loaded.

Disclaimer: bikerackforsuv.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs and may receive a commission if you purchase a product via a link on this page.

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Yakima FullSwing 4-bike Hitch Rack Review

Yakima FullSwing Hitch Rack Review

A premium hitch bike carrier which swings away from SUV with bikes loaded to provide easy access to rear of vehicle.

.

View on Amazon

Yakima FullSwing hitch mount bike rack is a heavy duty carrier that is designed to help transport your bikes in style. The rack can carry most traditional-frame bikes including fat bikes, kid bikes, and mountain bikes. One of the rack’s outstanding features is the full swing design that allows you to open the trunk or hatch while fully loaded. The carrier is also lightweight, easy to install, and comes with theft protection features.

HIGHS (+)

Sturdy ZipStrip cradles

Fullswing for unrestricted rear hatch access

Lightweight

Solid and compact build

LOWS (-)

Short cable lock (can only lock the frame leaving tires unsecured)

No enough distance between bikes

Max. nr of bikes

Hitch size

Load capacity

Weight

Ease of Assembly

The racks arrive in a box with individual parts partially disassembled. All the tools you need to complete the assembly are provided. Speaking of tools, you also get a bottle open as a freebie.

It takes around 10-30 minutes for assembly and installation on the hitch. What’s more, at just 56 pounds, the Yakima FullSwing Hitch Rack is light enough for you to complete the installation alone. You get a wrench with a soft rubber-coated handle to use for the installation.

After you are done with the assembly, the FullSwing becomes a tool-free hitch rack. Attachment to the hitch receiver only requires you to press down a button and slide the rack until the pin connector pops into place.

Known as an AutoPin, this is a foolproof design with a green tab indicator that shows when the pin is in position. There is also a knob (SpeedKnob) at the opposite end of the mast which helps you tighten the rack without the need of a wrench.

Versatility

The Yakima FullSwing rack is a versatile hitch rack that helps you carry 4 bikes of up to 150 lbs. The maximum weight per bike is capped at 40 lbs with the rack holding the bikes by the frames. With padded arms, the design ensures that the frames are not scratched plus ample clearance between the bikes and your car.

Whether a bike has a smooth, wide, or flat frame, the rack features dual-sided straps for fast attachment to a sturdy standard cradle. Moreover, the straps also attach the frame to an anti-sway ZipStrip cradle. This unique design makes sure your bikes don’t bump into each other during transport.

As the name suggests, this 2” hitch rack is designed to fully tilt away from the vehicle. This invaluable feature makes it easy to access the rear hatch with the bikes staying put. The full swing is made possible by an articulated hinge that locks the arm 90º off the original setting. And when unloaded, the arms can be folded by just pulling on a lever.

Security

Security for your bikes and car is enhanced by both the SpeedKnob and AutoPin locks. Nevertheless, rocking the rack gently as you tighten the knob ensures better leverage.

Once there is no play on the hitch receiver, you get to disengage the SpeedKnob via a Single Key System (SSK), making removal of the rack basically impossible. The same key is used to lock an in-built cable lock that fastens the bike frames to the arm.

Safety

The Yakima FullSwing Hitch Rack provides a perfect balance between safety and usability. Starting with short arms, the design ensures optimal support for the bikes and less strain on the hitch receiver. Additionally, the rack is compact making it lighter than its competitors.

Even with the compact build, locks, and the SKS, safety for your vehicle and bikes is pegged on proper installation of the rack, loading bikes, and driving carefully.

Most importantly, the product comes with a vehicle fit guide that directs you on proper usage. So, before installation, ensure that the rack clears the spare tire and that at the full swing position it also clears the side of your vehicle. More to this, lower your speed on bumps and never exceed 70mph.

Why the Yakima FullSwing is a Best Seller

Some of the features that get the Yakima FullSwing favorable ratings include lightweight, FullSwing, easy installation, sturdy build, durability, and secure locks. The carrier weighs 56lbs which is considered light compared to most 4-bike hitch carriers.

That said, the rack has a lesser load capacity (150 lbs) unlike competitors such as the KAC Overdrive Sports K4 that carries 240 lbs. However, its full-swing capability makes it preferable than the common backwards tilting feature that makes accessing the rear hatch a bit burdensome. At the same time, actuating the swing is a one touch operation without the need for supporting the rack.

The rack is also exceptional due to its tool free installation plus SKS locks and ZipStrips that are easy to operate and nearly impossible to break. Lastly, your bikes are held on an anti-sway cradle that is padded to ‘hug’ the frame, reducing shaking during transit.

Verdict

The Yakima FullSwing rack gets points for tool free easy installation and compact build. Positioning the rack onto the hitch is nearly automatic with a pin that aligns and pops into position without hassle. Also, locking the hitch receiver only requires you to turn a knob and your bikes’ security is assured with a cable lock that is secured with a keylock.

The rack’s compact design, however, reduces its versatility. First off, it is nearly impossible to carry 4 bikes with fat tires without the tires touching. Secondly, since the rack holds bikes by the frames, you’ll find it ineffective when it comes to oddly-shaped frames.

Nonetheless, the rack is versatile enough to carry 1, 2, 3, or 4 diamond frame bikes. Luckily, for bikes without a top bar, such as some kid’s and lady’s bikes, Yakima has a top tube adapter ready (sold separately). And when it comes to fat bikes, the rack can carry 2-3 bikes easily plus.

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