You’ve spent a lot of time and money to find the right gear for your outdoor excursions. You’ll want to ensure that equipment gets where it needs to go so you can spend less time worrying about gear and more time having fun. Car racks let you haul outdoor toys while freeing up room inside your vehicle. In this article, we’ll cover tips to narrow your choices when picking a car rack for your next big adventure.
Here are some things to be sure you know before choosing a car rack:
What do you need to carry? Do you need to carry bikes, stand up paddle boards and/or skis—and how many? Don’t forget to consider all the activities you’ll do throughout the year and plan accordingly. You could save money by choosing a more versatile system, especially if you add new gear over time.
What year, make and model of vehicle are you fitting? You’ll need to get a car rack that fits your specific vehicle, whether you have a sedan, SUV or pickup truck. The major car rack manufacturers have vehicle fit guides that will help you determine which racks will work for your specific situation.
How are your vehicles outfitted? Does your vehicle already come with roof crossbars or a receiver trailer hitch (if so, what size?) or will you need to get those installed as well?
Types of Car Racks
Below is a quick overview of your gear-hauling choices, followed by a more detailed look at car rack options based on the activity or activities you’re doing.
Hitch racks: Hitch-mounted bike racks slide into the receiver of a trailer hitch. A hitch receiver usually can be installed on a vehicle not originally equipped with one, but it’s an additional expense to consider.
Roof racks: These are the most versatile because you can customize accessories to transport just about any outdoor toy, including kayaks, surfboards, snowboards, bikes and cargo boxes. Roof racks are stable, keep gear out of the way and don’t block access to vehicle doors. But they're expensive and require lifting gear overhead, which may be difficult for some.
Cargo boxes, baskets, bags: Cargo boxes are hard-sided containers that mount to a roof rack and keep gear out of sight. They’re ideal for skis, snowboards and large amounts of gear (excluding bikes or boats). They hold loose, odd-size gear in an enclosed system, but they generate wind resistance and noise during travel.
Trunk racks: These racks fasten to trunks or hatches with a system of straps and hooks. They carry one to three bikes that rest on support arms. They’re easy to use, economical and lightweight. On the downside, they only transport bikes and limit access to the trunk. Also, bikes may sway or bump into each other during transport.
Truck racks: Truck racks involve internal rails or support bars that can be temporarily installed in a truck bed to anchor bikes in place. Racks are available to haul boats and cargo boxes.
Spare tire racks: These racks are lightweight, affordable options for vehicles with exterior spare tire racks.
Rack Style
Accommodates
Pros
Cons
Hitch Racks
($$-$$$$)
Bikes
Can be adapted to carry skis, snowboards, cargo holders
Simple installation
Easy to load and access bikes
Some models allow clear access to rear door
Good for frequent use
Advanced models can be expensive
Basic models interfere with access to trunk or rear cargo area
Bikes may sway
Roof Racks
($$-$$$$)
Bikes
Boats
Skis
Snowboards
Paddle boards
Surfboards
Cargo boxes
Most versatile system
More secure and stable
Unimpeded access to car doors, rear hatch or trunk
Some hoisting and reaching required
Wind resistance
May not fit in low-clearance spaces
Cargo Boxes
($$$-$$$$)
Skis
Snowboards
Loose gear
Enclosed
Lockable gear storage
Can hold wet or dirty items outside of vehicle interior
Keeps gear out of sight
Cost
Wind resistance
May not fit under low-clearance spaces
Trunk Racks
($-$$)
Bikes
Less expensive
Portable
Easy to load and access bikes
Can be used on multiple vehicles
Good for occasional use
Interferes with access to trunk or hatch
Bikes may sway and contact one another
Truck Racks
($$)
Bikes
Boats
Cargo boxes
Easy to load and access bikes
Can handle heavier loads
Can be attached to toolboxes
Bikes dominate storage capacity within truck bed
Spare-Tire Racks
($$)
Bikes
Can be adapted to carry skis, snowboards
Easy to load and access bikes
Provide clear access to trunk/rear door
Dependent on tire size
Can carry 2 bikes max
Bikes may sway
$ = Up to $120 $$ = $120-$200 $$$ = $200-$400 $$$$ = $400+
Car Racks for Bikes
If biking is your sport, you’ve got several options for hauling one or more bikes.
Hitch bike racks: These racks mount on the trailer hitch at the rear and allow you to easily get to your bikes with moderate lifting (unlike roof racks). They’re simple to install and easy to use. They extend the length of your vehicle so backing up or maneuvering may be a concern for some. They also limit rear access but many models tilt down or swing away from the vehicle. Make sure the rack you choose is compatible with the size hitch receiver you have.
There are two types of hitch bike racks:
Platform-style bike racks: Bikes are anchored in place on trays, which resist bike sway and minimize risk of bike-to-bike contact during transport. They typically carry two bikes, but you can use extensions to carry up to four bikes. They’re more expensive than the hanging style. They handle a wider variety of bike sizes and shapes; some can haul heavier electric bikes.
Hanging (mast-style) bike racks: These racks have a mast with arms that support bikes by the frame. They’re compact and tend to be cheaper than platform bike racks. Some can haul multiple bikes, even four to five at a time. But they don’t fit as many bike shapes and sizes (such as kids’ bikes) as the platform-style racks.
Rooftop bike racks: You may want to put your bike on the roof because it’s more secure, you need access to your rear trunk or you don’t want to install a trailer hitch. Roof racks are a good choice if you don’t mind lifting the bike onto the roof and low-clearance garages or ceilings aren’t an issue. Some roof rack styles let you secure bikes while keeping both wheels on while others require you to take the front wheel off and secure the fork.
Trunk racks are mounted to the trunk of your sedan or hatchback and secure bikes using a system of straps. They’re the most economical option for hauling bikes and don’t require a hitch or rack system. These racks can carry one to three bikes.
Truck racks: If you have a pickup truck, you have several truck bike rack options for hauling bikes. Using different mounts and other accessories, you can carry your bikes on a protective pad over the tailgate, upright in the truck bed or with bike forks secured onto a bar across the bed, in the bed or on the truck side rail. Some tailgate pads can handle up to seven bikes.
Spare-tire racks: Fewer vehicles have spare tires in the rear these days, but if you do, spare-tire bike racks are affordable options for hauling bikes. They typically carry about two bikes.
Car Racks for Camping Gear and Other Cargo
Cargo carriers provide secure, streamlined options for hauling a lot of camping gear and other cargo on top of the vehicle.
Rooftop cargo boxes: Hard-sided cargo boxes are more durable, can hold odd-shaped items and can haul a lot of gear in all weather conditions. They’re a lot more expensive than cargo baskets or bags and take up storage space when not on the vehicle. Many open on both sides to make loading easier. In order to use most of them, you have to have a base roof rack with crossbars.
Rooftop cargo bags: If you’re limited on space, cargo bags hold a lot of regular-size gear such as luggage and fold up compact when not in use. They’re also less expensive than cargo baskets or boxes but may not be as durable. Most soft-sided carriers do not need a roof rack system.
Hitch mounted cargo carriers: These cargo trays or boxes go in the back of the vehicle. They’re great for loading large coolers or other gear that you need quick access to. However, hitch racks extend the length of your vehicle and you won’t be able to put bikes in the back.
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