The Best Bike Racks for Jeeps in 2022: An In-Depth Analysis
Nothing goes together like Jeep and outdoor adventures — and that pairs perfectly with a good cycling session through the woods. However, taking your bike over the road with you can be an issue without a good bike rack. With dozens of options on the market, settling on one can be difficult — so we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on the best bike racks for Jeeps in order to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
- Jeep Bike Rack Reviews: The Quick Comparison
- Do I Need a Bike Rack to Carry a Bike In My Jeep?
- Types of Bike Racks for Jeeps
- How Fast Can You Go With a Bike Rack?
- Jeep Bike Rack Review
- Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch
- Hollywood Racks Bolt-On Bike Rack
- LEADRACKS 3 Bike Hitch Rack
- YAKIMA SpareRide Bicycle Rack
- Thule 963PRO Spare Me
- MaxxHaul 4-Bike Deluxe Hitch Mount Rack
- Surco BT300
- Apex Rage Powersports Bicycle Carrier Rack
- Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack
- Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack
- SportRack Ridge Hitch-Mount Bike Rack
- Our Top Choice
Jeep Bike Rack Reviews: The Quick Comparison
| Our Rating | Bikes | Mount Type | |
| Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4 | Hitch |
| Hollywood Racks Bolt-On Bike Rack Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 2 | Spare Tire |
| LEADRACKS 3 Bike Hitch Rack Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 3 | Hitch |
| YAKIMA Bicycle Rack Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐ | 2 | Spare Tire |
| Thule 963PRO Spare Me Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 2 | Spare Tire |
| MaxxHaul 4-Bike Deluxe Hitch Mount Rack Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4 | Hitch |
| Surco BT300 Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐ | 3 | Spare Tire |
| Apex Rage Powersports Bicycle Carrier Rack Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐ | 2 | Spare Tire |
| Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 2 | Spare Tire |
| Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 2 | Hitch |
| SportRack Ridge Hitch-Mount Bike Rack Check Price | ⭐⭐ | 4 | Hitch |
Do I Need a Bike Rack to Carry a Bike In My Jeep?
Technically, no, you don’t need a bike rack to transport a bike in your jeep. One bike can fit inside a Jeep. But it will take away available seating space. And you risk damaging both the bicycle and the Jeep in doing so. This is when you need to consider a bike rack. Thankfully, there are models to help you carry one or two bikes that are truly affordable.
If you plan on carrying multiple bikes, however, then a bike rack becomes more of a necessity. If you like cycling with your family or friends, then you can find bigger models. They will allow you to carry three to four bicycles at once.
Ultimately, a bike rack is a perfect choice to lug around your bike when it comes to safety, convenience, and comfort.
Types of Bike Racks for Jeeps
There are several options to consider when shopping for a bike rack. Here are some of the most important factors you’ll have to decide on.
Roof-Mounted Bike Rack
Perfect for hardtop Jeeps but not usable on soft-top ones. This option is great to allow you accessibility to the rear hatch or even tow a trailer. All while you carry your bikes on top.
Downsides? Well, it is kind of awkward to mount the bikes. It is also hard to use for shorter individuals.
Hitch-mounted Bike Rack
These racks offer great capacity (easily holding 4 bikes) and are easy to install. In addition, they are compatible with most Jeeps, and it doesn’t affect the roof.
It does need a hitch, as its name states. But you can solve this at the dealer and get one installed on your Jeep.
The downside is that not all models allow you to tilt or fold them. This means that you won’t be able to access the rear hatch in most cases unless you dismount it.
Spare Tire-Mounted
This option is relatively easy to handle if you have a standard-size spare tire. It also allows you to keep using your hitch to tow a trailer. One downside is that some models may damage the spare tire’s rim, especially if your spare tire is larger than normal.
Number of Bikes
Obviously, the number of bikes that you’ll need to carry is a major factor in determining which bike rack to purchase.
Most basic models allow you to mount one or two bikes. Larger models can hold up to three or four bicycles.
When it comes to carrying more than 3 bikes, make sure to pay attention to user reviews. Some manufacturers claim that their racks can hold 4 bikes, however, users claim that only 3 fit comfortably and a 4th causes the bikes to get rattle into each other.
Type of Bike Attachment
How you attach the bike to the rack is another essential feature to keep in mind. Some racks require you to attach your bike by its wheels, others use the bike frame.
Most models that are affordable use the frame to secure the bikes. This is because it is much easier to install them and hang them on your Jeep.
Models that use the bike’s wheels are usually either roof-mounted or hitch-mounted. If they are hitch-mounted, they are generally on the more expensive side.
Locking Mechanism
Securing your bikes is essential when driving, taking a break, or leaving your bikes on the rack when parked, so a suitable locking mechanism is crucial. This is another essential factor to consider when choosing a bike rack.
There are three types of lock mechanisms for bike racks:
- No locking mechanism: Some bike racks will come without one. We always suggest getting one with locking options.
- External locking mechanism: This means the bike rack doesn’t offer its own lock but has room to add your own.
- Built-in locking mechanism: Some bike racks come with a built-in lock mechanism. This adds to convenience because you don’t need to buy or lug around your own lock, but there are some downsides. For example, some built-in locks are much thinner than an aftermarket lock and are easier to break into.
How Fast Can You Go With a Bike Rack?
With most racks, you can drive up to 75mph or more without having to worry about your bikes. However, you should exercise extra caution and consider slowing down in difficult environments such as:
- Extremely bumpy roads
- Intense rainfall, ice, or snow
- Extreme winds
Jeep Bike Rack Review
Without further adieu, let’s get into our top picks.
Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch
Type of Mount: Hitch
Number of Bikes: Four
Bike Attachment: Hanging Racks
Locking Mechanism: Built-in
Pricing: Medium
Pros
- Durability (made out of heavy metal)
- Affordable pricing
- Flexible paddle cradles
- A tension bolt that stops the bike from rattling
- Folds easily
Cons
- The bikes mount close together
- Extra bungee cords are needed for spinning wheels and handlebars
The Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch is an excellent rack that can hold up to four bikes. It’s easy to use and fits comfortably on your Jeep, even with a spare tire on the back.
This bike rack comes with durable cradle straps to hold your bike steady when mounted. The soft cradle bed will also prevent your bikes from getting scratched.
Installation is relatively easy, with the help of a locking knob.
When you are not using the rack, you can fold it with just the press of a button in order to save room.
The built-in locking mechanism is designed to secure the bikes to the rack, however, it does not protect your bikes from theft so you’ll have to buy an external lock if you’re concerned about someone snagging your bikes.
This rack’s extension will prevent your bike from touching the spare tire, no matter how big it is. As a result, you can also gain access to your spare tire in no time if needed.
There are some concerns from users who claim that fitting the maximum 4-bike capacity is a relatively tight fit. However, user reviews are mainly positive.
Overall, the Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch is an excellent value for the money and is one of the best bike racks for Jeeps.
Hollywood Racks Bolt-On Bike Rack
Type of Mount: Spare Tire
Number of Bikes: Two
Bike Attachment: Hanging Racks
Locking Mechanism: Built-in
Pricing: Medium
Pros
- Comes with three extension brackets to suit a variety of tire sizes
- Bike cradles made of soft rubber
Cons
- Can be difficult to mount
The Hollywood Racks Bolt-On Bike rack comes with high-quality components and is easily assembled.
This rack is a great solution for one or two bikes. It mounts to the spare tire, meaning you can easily access your trunk any time you want. Its discreet and unique design allows you to keep it on even when you are not using it.
Its main pro is also a con, however, as it only works with Jeeps that have an outside spare tire.
The reviews for this rack are generally positive. Users point out that it’s relatively affordable and does a great job at holding one or two bikes.
Unlike some larger bike racks, it doesn’t look bad if you decide to keep your bike rack on when not in use.
LEADRACKS 3 Bike Hitch Rack
Type of Mount: Hitch
Number of Bikes: Three
Bike Attachment: Hanging Racks
Locking Mechanism: Built-in
Pricing: Low
Pros
- Saddles that are long-lasting
- It also comes with a hitch tightener
Cons
- Bikes that aren’t correctly fitted will sway.
- The rubber straps have the potential to scratch the bike.
The Leadracks is an inexpensive Jeep hitch bike rack that can hold up to three bikes simultaneously.
Although it won’t affect its carrying capabilities — it’s worth noting that it comes with orange straps, so it is a good choice for people who like the color and want to give some extra personality to their car.
The LEADRACKS bike rack comes with a hitch tightener, which will help prevent your bikes from swaying while driving.
This rack is also quite sturdy, you don’t have to worry about bending or even breaking the rack.
Reviews for this bike rack are mainly positive. Many customers boasted about the rack’s experience quality material and simple installation. They also loved the company’s excellent customer service.
YAKIMA SpareRide Bicycle Rack
Type of Mount: Spare Tire
Number of Bikes: Two
Bike Attachment: Hanging Racks
Locking Mechanism: Built-in
Pricing: Medium
Pros
- Simple to load and unload bikes
- Durable
- It fits all standard tire sizes
Cons
- May block rear camera
- Smaller children’s bicycles will not fit
This YAKIMA bike rack comes with SuperCush ZipStrip Cradles, which allow for stress-free loading and unloading.
This model also adds an anti-sway feature on the cradle, which prevents your bikes from bumping into each other while being hauled.
The installation process is relatively straightforward and should take about 30 minutes.
The rack comes with a locking cable and tether point to secure the cord. While it’s enough to keep trustworthy individuals trustworthy, you may want to invest in a more robust cable for peace of mind.
Thule 963PRO Spare Me
Type of Mount: Spare Tire
Number of Bikes: Two
Bike Attachment: Hanging Racks
Locking Mechanism: Built-in
Pricing: High
Pros
- You can fold the arms when not in use
- You also get the locking cable and knob
Cons
- It does not work with cameras in the back
- Smaller bikes will not fit properly
This bike rack is on the more expensive side, but it’s worth it — especially if you love taking a long road trip with your bikes.
Thule bike rack comes with stay-put cradles and detachable anti-sway cages. The cradles will keep your bike in place, so you don’t have to worry about your bikes clanging into each other when your Jeep hits a ditch.
Thule rack is compatible with all types of Jeep Wranglers’ spare tires.
It can hold up to 2 bikes, with a max carrying weight of 75 pounds.
When not in use, the rack’s arms are easily foldable so they won’t get in the way.
Because of its feature, the bike is a bit more complex to install when compared to other bike racks. Although user reviews are generally positive, the installation process is the one major gripe from customers.
MaxxHaul 4-Bike Deluxe Hitch Mount Rack
Type of Mount: Hitch
Number of Bikes: Four
Bike Attachment: Hanging Racks
Locking Mechanism: Purchased Separately
Pricing: Low
Pros
- Sturdy and high-quality materials
- Affordable pricing
- Straightforward to assemble
- Built-in reflector
Cons
- Installation can be complicated
- Even though its made to hold four bikes, some users say its a tight fit
Like most MaxxHaul’s bike racks, the 4-Bike Deluxe is an excellent unit. Boasting space for four bikes and padded cradles, it is a great choice for those that wish to bike in groups.
The MaxxHaul is quite affordable, especially considering the bike capacity and the rack’s advanced features.
The 4-Bike Deluxe Hitch Mount Rack fits into any 2-inch hitch, so it’s compatible with most Jeeps.
It is a very sturdy, high-quality steel rack. It also provides several safety features to keep your bike tightly in place. Some of these are loop straps, padded cradles, and hook straps.
Just like with most other hitch-mounted bike rack, the downside is that you won’t have easy access to your rear hatch.
Surco BT300
Type of Mount: Spare Tire
Number of Bikes: Three
Bike Attachment: Hanging Racks
Locking Mechanism: Built-in
Pricing: Medium
Pros
- Built-in locking mechanism
- Padding protection to prevent scratches
- Easy to mount
Cons
- There is only one key for the locking mechanism.
For those who prefer a spare tire-mounted rack, the Surco BT300 is a great option. With enough space for up to three bikes, it is small yet sturdy.
Its quality is comparable to many of its higher-priced competitors. And the same goes for its features. It’s an optimal choice if your budget is low, but you still want to get a quality bike rack.
With over 30 years of manufacturing car accessories in the U.S., Surco is definitely a trusted brand.
Made of heavy-duty steel, the BT300 attaches directly to the spare tire. In addition, it features a powder coating to help prevent rusting and damage.
It allows for up to three bikes, but it is advised to carry a maximum of two if they’re big. This will prevent scratching or damage to both the bikes and the spare tire.
Most users are content with this bike rack. However, even 5-star reviewers have a few gripes with this rack such as the bikes wiggling while attached, and the locking mechanism only coming with one key.
Despite some of the negative remarks, the reviews are generally positive. Most users agree that the bike is effortless to assemble and that the frame is sturdy.
This rack is a good option if you’re looking to transport a couple of bikes and have full access to the trunk.
Apex Rage Powersports Bicycle Carrier Rack
Type of Mount: Spare Tire
Number of Bikes: Two
Bike Attachment: Hanging Racks
Locking Mechanism: Built-in
Pricing: Low
Pros
- High-mount
- Easy to assemble
- The cradle can be moved to the side to allow for more storage
Cons
- Tight fit when mountain two bikes
Apex is a well-known brand when it comes to bike racks and a good choice for affordable options. This model allows you to carry up to two bikes. However, it’s best to use it with only just one bike (or a smaller second bike) due to its tight fit.
The bike rack also features a built-in locking mechanism for added theft protection. You can also fold the cradle sideways to allow for more storage.
Overall, the Apex Rage Powersports Bicycle Carrier Rack is excellent for small bikes. It fits great on Jeeps, and it is very easy to assemble on your spare tire.
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack
Type of Mount: Spare Tire
Number of Bikes: Two
Bike Attachment: Hanging Racks
Locking Mechanism: Not Present
Pricing: Low
Pros
- Intelligent design that allows use of rear camera
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight
- Affordable pricing
- High-mount
Cons
- If carrying two bikes, you will need extra safety straps
The Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack has many upsides. Unlike many spare tire-mounted bike racks, the unique design allows the back camera to function perfectly.
The relatively high mounting position helps keep dirt and mud off the bikes while they’re being transported and also helps prevent rapid temperature change on your bike’s frame from your Jeep’s exhaust.
Although the bike rack is made of high-quality steel, it’s surprisingly lightweight.
The built-in cradles allow mounting two bikes with enough separation to not rattle into each other. You can also tilt the cradles to adapt to your bike’s design. This bike rack can handle up to 70 lbs.
Since it does not include a built-in locking mechanism, you’ll want to purchase a lock separately to make sure your bikes are secure if left unattended.
The Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack is, all in all, a great product. Most users are happy with their purchase and would recommend it to others. It adapts to most spare tires, and it comes in handy for many Jeep Wrangler models.
Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack
Type of Mount: Hitch
Number of Bikes: Two (Four with an attachment that is purchased separately)
Bike Attachment: Tray Racks
Locking Mechanism: Built-in
Pricing: High
Pros
- Easy to assemble without any tools
- Supports up to two bikes of 60 lbs each
- Enough space to carry the bikes without touching each other
Cons
- The locking mechanism is not secure enough
- Quite expensive
Thule is a fantastic manufacturer of bike-related accessories. Even though this model might be above budget for many people, users who have purchased this rack rarely regret forking over the extra cash.
First and foremost, the Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack doesn’t need any tools to be installed.
This hitch-mounted rack holds up to two bikes. Each bike can weigh up to 60 lbs, meaning you can use it for even the heaviest bikes.
Additionally, the cable locks integrated into the rack help secure the bikes even further. There are over 12 inches of space between the bikes, so you won’t have to worry about the bikes rubbing against each other and getting scratched.
SportRack Ridge Hitch-Mount Bike Rack
Type of Mount: Hitch
Number of Bikes: Four
Bike Attachment: Hanging Racks
Locking Mechanism: Built-in
Pricing: High
Pros
- Can tilt the rack side to side to access the rear hatch or spare tire
- It can hold up to four bikes
- Rubber cradles to prevent damage to the bike finish
- The arms can fold when not in use to save space
- Heavy-duty: It can hold up to 180 lbs
Cons
- It is quite heavy
- Sometimes the straps are challenging to use
- It is pricey
- It can be hard to assemble
The SportRack Ridge Hitch-Mount Bike Rack is convenient for those looking to carry four bikes. It comes with a truly sturdy design and can hold up to 180 lbs.
This rack is quite practical for Jeep drivers since it allows access to the spare tire and rear hatch.
The SportRack Ridge Hitch-Mount Bike Rack has a unique design. It looks like a spare tire-mount rack because of its shape, but it mounts on the hitch. And its movable arms make it so that you can easily move the rack side to side even when loaded.
Most users are happy with this model, but there are a few persistent issues such as the difficulty of installation and some complaints of cradles moving when under pressure (especially when fully loaded with four bikes).
Despite the issues mentioned above, most users are quite happy with their purchase.
Our Top Choice
Even though there are several great bike racks mentioned above, the Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Rack stands out from the rest.
When it comes to bike supplies, Allen Sports is synonymous with quality. They tend to develop unique designs that do not seek to imitate other best-sellers. Instead, they create products based on customer feedback.
In this case, the Deluxe 2-Bike Rack design is top-notch. Originally designed to solve two customer problems surfaced from other models:
- To allow for the rear camera to function fully without being covered
- To remove pressure from the tire rim, avoiding any damage to it
It also provides a high mount. This may seem trivial if you haven’t driven your bikes over muddy trails, however in practice, it’s great to keep your bikes clean. As an added benefit, the higher mount also prevents your bikes from getting hot from the exhaust.
Its design is also lightweight, which makes it easy for most users to mount and dismount it, no matter their age, gender, strength level, or knowledge.
Another plus that’s often mentioned by users is the distance between the bike cradles. There is more than enough separation to prevent any damage to the bikes.
All in all, the highly affordable pricing of the Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Rack, together with its unique design and features, makes it a winner in our books.
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