Trailer Hitch Bike Racks
People can't ride their bikes everywhere and it is often
necessary to transport bikes from one place to another. Until
recently, people would have to put the bike inside their vehicle
when transporting it, but now there are bike racks that can
secure the bike above the ground outside of the vehicle. Trailer
hitch bike racks fit into the trailer hitch receiver opening and
provide metal racks specifically designed to hold and transport
bikes.
Trailer hitches fit into the same trailer hitch receiver opening
that is used to secure the hitch ball mount. On most models, the
trailer hitch bike rack sticks up vertically behind the rear of
the vehicle. The vertical metal pole that holds the bikes up is
usually a few feet long. There are two horizontal bars at the
top of the vertical pole where the bikes are secured. One wheel
of the bike is put between the bars and then strapped in. The
bike hangs down between the bars and can be transported in this
position. These bike racks provide enough ground clearance that
the bike is not in danger of being dragged along the ground.
Other types of trailer hitch bike racks fit horizontally on the
back of the vehicle. The wheels of the bike fit into two
openings on the rack. The bike is fastened and held upright in
these racks.
There are models of both of these types of trailer hitch bike
racks that can hold several bikes. Some can transport up to five
bikes at once. These racks are larger and more cumbersome than
smaller racks, but they can be useful, especially when
transporting several bikers to a biking destination.
Bike racks are great for people going on long mountain biking
trips. The racks can accommodate several bikes at once, leaving
room in the vehicle for the riders.