Transporting more than 2 bikes on your vehicle is easy if you have the best 4 bike hitch rack installed.
Bike hitch racks like the Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack are specifically designed to support up to 4 bikes mounted on top.
This model, in particular, is well-recommended. Many people love the solid build quality and beautiful design. It can also be folded when not in use and is easy to install, as well as secure.
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Scroll down below to find more information about best 4 bike hitch rack for you.
1. Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack
Best Overall
The Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack is the ideal bike rack for those who want a carrying capacity of 4 bikes.
The best part about this Thule 4 bike rack is it offers 7 inches of space in between bikes. This minimizes if not eliminates any rubbing between the bikes during transport. Meanwhile, for added security, you can use the integrated cable lock to secure the bikes onto the rack.
Speaking of the rack, the compact cradle design gives the rack near-universal compatibility. It’ll hold different frame styles and bike sizes just fine. The anti-sway cradle extensions then help improve bike stability while on the road. This is on top of the ratcheting cradle straps. Then, once you no longer need it, you can fold the bike rack away to save space.
Other noteworthy features include the SnugTite stinger and the HichSwitch level. The former allows for an easy and tool-free installation process. It also comes with a rack lock for your vehicle. You can also use the latter to tilt the rack down. This allows for easy and convenient access to the rear compartment of your vehicle.
As a bonus, the hitch rack comes with an integrated grab handle. This makes carrying and handling easier.
Pros:
- 150-pound max load capacity
- Tool-free installation
- Rear compartment access
- 7-inches of space in-between bikes
Cons:
- Expensive
2. Swagman XTC4 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Runner-Up
The Swagman XTC4 Hitch Mount Bike Rack is a slightly more affordable alternative to our top pick.
Although the XTC4 is not cheap, by any means, its slightly lower price point makes it an interesting choice. This is especially true when you consider that it doesn’t really give up much in terms of features.
Naturally, it can support 4 bikes. It also has an edge compared to its competitors because it’s easy to assemble. It even comes with detailed instructions. Also, further adding to its value is how convenient and easy the hitch rack is to adjust. It uses quick-release tire hoops for a convenient bike loading and unloading process.
For further convenience, you can fold the center arm so you can still access your vehicle’s rear compartment.
You can use this bike hitch rack on Class 3 and 2-inch hitch receivers. It has a maximum weight capacity of 35 pounds per bike.
Locking hitch pins are also included in the package.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Easy to assemble
- Adjustable
- Quick-release tire hoops
Cons:
- Still relatively expensive
3. Saris SuperClamp EX 4
Best for Premium Option
Just in case you’re willing to throw your money at a 4-bike hitch rack, you might as well buy the best option available today.
While not everyone can afford the Saris SuperClamp EX 4, those who can afford it will find their money well spent. This is because this Wisconsin-built low-profile bike rack has a total carrying capacity of 190 pounds. It is also backed by the company’s lifetime warranty for the ultimate peace of mind.
More importantly, this premium bike rack doesn’t just load 4 bikes. It can load any kind of bike. This includes everything from kids’ bikes to women’s bikes, road bikes, and even mountain bikes. It can even fit wheelbases up to 50 inches and it has reflectors on the outside wheel trays as an added safety feature.
Just be sure to keep in mind that not all trays have the same load capacity. The 2 trays closest to the vehicle has a maximum load capacity of 60 pounds. Meanwhile, the other 2 can only accommodate bikes up to 35 pounds each.
When not in use, you can take advantage of the hitch rack’s tilting feature. It folds up for easy storage. You can also use the same feature to access the rear part of your vehicle without doing any disassembly.
TLDR; the Saris SuperClamp EX 4 is proof that you get what you pay for.
Pros:
- Can carry all types of bikes
- 190-pound loading capacity
- US-made with Lifetime Warranty
- Included cable locks with a strap option
Cons:
- Steep asking price
4. Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks
Best for Those on a Budget
If budget is a concern, the Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks is the lowest we’d recommend.
This affordable 4-bike hitch rack won’t win any design or functionality awards anytime soon. It will, however, win over the masses with its low asking price. Besides, it’s not like you’re compromising the quality here. Because, despite how affordable it is, this is still a legitimate bike rack that can fit 4 bikes.
Each bike mounted on to it will have an individual tie-down for optimal security and stability. The foldable carry arms are also designed to accommodate a variety of bike designs and frames. Meanwhile, the quick installation process means that it won’t be that big of a problem taking this hitch rack on and off of your car.
So long as you don’t plan on fitting heavy bikes or using it on trailers, this budget-friendly hitch rack should not disappoint.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Quick installation
- Individual tie-downs
- Foldable carry arms
Cons:
- Won’t fit on trailers
- Low maximum loading capacity
5. Capston 4 Bike Hitch Mount Folding Bike
Best for Security Features
Simple, competitively priced, and secure.
These are the three words that we’ve chosen to use to describe the Capston 4 Bike Hitch Mount Folding Bike.
This simple-looking bike hitch rack comes finished in a rather vanilla gray powder coat paint. But, what this coating lacks in flashiness, it makes up for in durability and functionality. This is because it guarantees that the hitch rack will last for a long time, even when exposed to all sorts of weather.
However, that’s not the main selling point of this bike hitch rack. Instead, it’s the anti-wobble securing system. This, along with the durable rubber straps, help make sure that all mounted bikes keep still even when you’re on the road.
Pros:
- Anti-wobble security system
- Durable gray powder coating
- Competitively priced
Cons:
- Looks bland
6. BV 4-Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack Carrier
Easiest to Fold Up
When you’re willing to spending money on a 4-bike hitch rack, your options open up a lot.
You can choose to optimize security and stability. You can also choose to prioritize fit and versatility. You can even choose something easy to fold like the BV 4-Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack Carrier.
This 4-bike hitch rack makes the rear part of your vehicle accessible thanks to its tilt-back design. Not only will you not need to detach the hitch rack, but it’s also very convenient to use. Plus, with its fold-up design, you can fold the rack up to save space whenever you’re not using it.
For added safety, this bike hitch rack has a safety reflector on its rear. It also uses a patented 2-way anti-wobble system. This helps prevent the common issue faced by other hitch racks concerning wobbling between the hitch and the rack.
Lastly, this bike hitch rack has tray-styled loops and padded arms. This helps hold your bike firmly in its place. At the same time, the added padding helps protect your bikes from visible scratches.
Pros:
- Secure and stable hold
- Patented 2-way anti-wobble system
- Tilt-back design
- Folds up when not in use
Cons:
- Not cheap
Read More: 7 Best Rear Bike Racks
7. Tyger Auto TG-RK4B102B Deluxe 4-Bike Carrier Rack
Best for Universal Fit (1.25” & 2” Hitch Receiver)
A common issue with bike hitch racks is the compatibility with the hitch receivers. Some are compatible only with 1.25-inch hitch receivers. Meanwhile, others are compatible only with 2-inch hitch receivers.
Now, this is where the Tyger Auto TG-RK4B102B Deluxe 4-Bike Carrier Rack comes in. It’s compatible with both kinds of hitch receivers.
Versatility isn’t the only strong suit of this bike hitch rack. It also comes with soft cushion protectors and user-friendly ratchet-buckles. It’s also foldable to save space when not in use. Lastly, it’s easy to install and coated for optimal rust resistance.
Pros:
- DIY-friendly installation
- Keeps bike protected from rubbing and collision damage
- Rust-resistant coating
- Ratchet buckles
Cons:
- Straps need constant retightening
- Noisy
8. Thule Camber Hitch Bike Rack
Best for All-Around Performance
The Thule Camber Hitch Bike Rack is different from our top pick from the same manufacturer.
It is slightly more affordable and it doesn’t come with the same multiple layers of security. This means that it doesn’t come with receiver locks, tool-less installation, nor bike locks. However, this 4-bike hitch rack is still well worth recommending for its all-around performance and versatility. The latter it owes to how it can fit on both 1.25-inch and 2-inch hitch receivers.
Besides, this hitch bike rack still benefits from the same 7 inches of space in between the bikes. This means that there’s still minimal contact between the bikes when in transit. It can also fold when not in use. Also, it uses an integrated anti-sway cradle with quick-attaching ratcheting straps that are designed to fit on a variety of bike frame styles and sizes.
This 4-bike hitch rack could very well end up being the best mid-range offering Thule has in its product range.
Unfortunately, because it’s a new product, we’ll have to wait and see how it stands up over time.
Pros:
- Excellent all-around performance
- Reasonable pricing
- Flexible
Cons:
- Fairly new product with a non-existent track record
9. Yakima RidgeBack 4-Bike Hitch Rack
Best for Safety Features
The Yakima RidgeBack 4-Bike Hitch Rack is a common choice for bike enthusiasts willing to pay the price. Although we won’t say that it’s the best out there, this Yakima 4 bike rack is right up there.
Many cyclists love the fact that this bike rack comes with a multitude of safety features. In addition to the anti-sway cradles, you can also use zip trips to secure the bike on your rack. This is especially useful when you have to leave your bikes on your rack. Doing so helps deter thieves from stealing your bike.
Additionally, the RidgeBack is designed to be easy to use and attach. All you need to do is to use the SpeedKnob to tighten the rack into a hitch, and that’s it. Removing it is just as simple since you’ll just have to untwist and loosen the knob. It even comes with a lever for easy access to your trunk without having to remove the bike hitch rack.
Perhaps the best thing about this 4-bike hitch rack is that ships pre-assembled and it comes with a beverage holder.
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- Zip trips
- Speed knob tool-free installation
- Integrated beverage opener
Cons:
- Material tends to bend when fully loaded all the time
4-Bike Hitch Rack Buying Guide
Consider these factors if you want to get the best 4 bike hitch rack you can afford.
Weight Carrying Capacity
Make sure that you take note of the weight carrying capacity of the bike. It’s one of the most featured specifications of a bike rack.
As much as possible, avoid maxing out the rack’s weight limit. If you feel like you’re close to maxing it out, consider upgrading to one with a higher capacity. The last thing you want happening is you dropping your bikes while you’re on the road. In worse cases, you might end up causing an accident and/or being in an accident yourself.
Tilting Feature
There are generally two types of tilting features with bike hitch racks. They either swing or tilt away.
Of the two, the latter is far more convenient. It’s not as laborious if you plan on keeping the bike hitch rack all the time. This is because all you need to do is to tilt it down if you want to open the rear part of your vehicle. They’re also more affordable. The only problem is that you’ll have to remove the bikes to tilt the bike hitch rack.
On the other hand, bike hitch racks can take a bit more effort if you want to access the rear compartment of your vehicle. However, the main advantage here is that you can access the rear without having to remove the bikes.
Compatibility
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Wheel Size
The general rule of thumb here is that the more wheel sizes a bike hitch rack can accommodate, the better.
You’ll want to get the bike hitch rack that fits the most wheel sizes. There’s a really good reason for this. You don’t want to limit your bike’s wheel size just because it is not compatible with your installed bike hitch rack.
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Tire Width
If you use slim bike tires, then that’s no problem. Most will mount on bike hitch racks with ease.
Unfortunately, if you use mountain bikes or hybrid bikes or simply prefer fatter tires, you’ll want to double-check first. You’ll need to make sure that the rack and its cradles can accommodate the bike tire size. Otherwise, you might just end up with a non-compatible bike hitch rack.
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Bike Frame
Some bike frames are not compatible with hitch racks. This is especially true for non-standard bike frames. Although some do have adapters that help them fit, they’re not always available. In such cases, you might want to consider getting a roof bike rack instead.
Material
When it comes to bike hitch racks, the more expensive it is, the better the quality of the bike rack. Of course, there comes a point where the law of diminishing return applies. However, if you’re choosing between a $100 and a $150 bike rack, we recommend the latter just because it’s more likely to be made out of better materials.
Poor materials can result in loose screws and bent arms, which can cause an accident.
Durability
Bulkier frames and tubing are usually signs of a high-quality bike hitch rack.
Don’t be afraid of the added weight of having a more durable bike hitch rack. A slight hit to your car’s mileage is still a better compromise than having a bike hitch rack come loose on your while you’re on the highway.
Conclusion
Hitch bike racks are some of the best transportation options for avid cyclists. They let you transport bikes safely and mount them easily. Most hitch racks can also be used to carry other accessories outside of bikes.
With that said, it’s the simple truth that some bike hitch racks are just better than others.
Our choice for the best 4 bike hitch rack, the Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack is well warranted. It brings multiple safety and security features onto the table. This includes tool-less installation, and it even comes with an integrated grab handle.
If it’s enough for you, the much more expensive Saris SuperClamp EX 4 ups the ante with its 190-pound max load capacity.
Outside of these two, the other products we recommend are also worth checking out. They’re each worthy of being called the best 4 bike hitch rack. It all depends on whether or not their features and price meet your preferences, needs, and budget.
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