Suggestions for trailer-hitch bike rack?

I'm hoping for some opinions on the best choices for a trailer-hitch bike rack for my '15 DCSB. I have a topper, so bed-rails are out, and I need the bed storage space for camping gear.

I had my bike mounted on top of my topper, but I just crashed my bike into a low-clearance ATM roof the other day. My own stupidity I know, but I think I should avoid putting tall things on top of my topper from now on!

I think a hitch-mounted bike rack will do it, but I'd like one that isn't a terrible PITA when I'm trying to open my tailgate or topper window.

Any suggestions?

Thank you

 

just got one for mine real simple quality 4 bike Thule rack and no wobble, I like it ,did need to get a 3/8x 2.75 square wire lock pin so I could collapse the forks with ought having to use a wrench all the time

Thule 956 Parkway 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2" Receiver)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CQ47GU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

the lock pin makes it real easy instead of bolt and nut

 

Now I get it. That looks like a good option.

Thank you

 

One up racks. Freaking amazing and worth every penny. Easily the best racks you can buy. Made in the us, Beautiful attention to detail.

I've had all kinds (swagman, Thule, Yakima, etc) over the years and they're garbage compared to the one ups. Can't recommend them enough.

 

Why do you call my rack garbage?

 

No offence intended. Speaking only from personal experience. I'm a recovering bike mechanic and racer, so I've moved A LOT of bikes and have used pretty much all types of racks you can imagine.

Tray mount is better than hangers - they don't care about top tube shape or orientation, and the bikes can't swing or rattle into eachother.

The manufacturers I mentioned use a lot of plastic and / or rubber, which usually cracks, breaks down, or permits too much movement, especially on surfaces that have to slide - the get full of grit and get harder to operate over time.

They also rust. Rock chips are real, due to location of the truck, and it's usually a season or a winter before they show rust.

Lastly is the hitch connection - all of the common manufacturers use a slide in with either a pin or bolt. After any time with loaded bikes on rough road, they open up and wobble, which is causes more wobble in a vicious circle of shit.

So yeah, not trying to call anyone out, just sharing my opinion on the internet.

 

So anyway Glock 24 man I really enjoy my rack it's simple it works and inexpensive that's my input
Have an awesome day dude

 

https://youtu.be/iWfbmJk4T0k

Quick 1Up rack review...

And link... https://www.1upusa.com/

 

i just wanted to warn you...

i got the kuat nv and you cannot fully open the tailgate without making contact with the bike rack. i also have a 3rd gen so i might be different with a 2nd...

 

I was in your situation a while back, looking for my first hitch rack. Almost bought the Kuat NV until i saw how quick and easy a 1Up is. Build quality is awesome as well. Since my purchase, trying something else has NEVER crossed my mind. My riding crew is 6 trucks and 6 1Ups.... Tells you a lot right there....

Pros:
You can open the tailgate.
Rack angles 15* upward for great departure angles.
All Aluminum means no plastic to break.
Bearing wedge in hitch holds her rock steady.
Fully adjustable from side to side to accommodate seat-handlebar interference between bikes. (terrible experience on a Thule T2 rack)
Fits Plus tires (barely)
Can operate with two broken hands.

Cons:
No built in lock
Needs special Allen key to remove/install (includes two)
Heavy?? (~50lbs)

 

Doesn't @Mobtown Offroad make a bike rack for the side of the bed that can be used with a topper?

I don't like any hitch attachments because #1 they put odd stress on the suspension and #2 they act as a wedge in an accident and a fender bender can leave you with a totaled frame.

 

Kuat Sherpa or NV are nice options.

 

OP said he's trying to avoid anything higher than the topper because he already hit something low-hanging.

 

I can get 40% off Yakima and Thule because of my past cycling endeavors and have been a fan of both roof systems for YEARS but started looking at hitch mounts when I put a tall shell on my truck. 1upusa's looked impressive so i paid full retail for one (after trying for a discount and getting rejected) and got it two days ago and used it immediately and gotta say I'm impressed and worth every penny.

 

Thanks for the all in insight, gentlemen.

After a long afternoon of research, I'm sold on the 1UP USA rack. It's an impressive piece of hardware, and very-well thought-out.

Now to start shopping replacement parts for my broken bike!

 

The 1up looks great, I have the Swagman holdup. It works great, different wheel sizes no problem. We shuttle downhill bikes with it and it handles it no problem. The shuttle roads are rough. Good luck with your search.

https://www.yakima.com/ca/holdup

 

You will be disappointed that it took you soo long to hear about and buy one.

 

Just read the review for it on pinkbike and it does look good.

https://m.pinkbike.com/news/1up-usa-quik-rack-review-2017.html