Tow Bar Bike Racks for Cars And SUVs

Are you considering a tow bar bike rack or carrier for your car? If so you probably already realize there are several choices. There are basically three different designs for bike racks and carriers for cars: Trunk Mounted, roof mounted and tow bar bike racks and carriers.

Although they tend to be a little more expensive, tow bar bike racks do have some really good features.

Of course it is obvious that you have a hitch or tow bar on your car for this to be an option.

One of the benefits of tow bar mounted racks is they generally do not restrict your vision from your rear window.

If your budget allows there are tow bar bike racks which pivot out of the way allowing access to the rear of the car.

Another benefit of a tow bar bike carrier is they reduce the chances of your bike scratching your car.

If you are transporting more than one bike, they are also less likely to damage each other in transit.

Tow bar cycle carriers for cars are a little more expensive but do offer many benefits when you need to transport more than one bike with your car.

As with the tow bar bike carriers for cars, this rack fits right into your tow bar or receiver hitch of your SUV. There are several reasons so many people choose this option when purchasing bike racks for a SUV.

Here are a few of the reasons:

• Less wind resistance

Roof mounted bike racks add considerable height and drag to any vehicle, and if you are driving a SUV, it will also eat up your fuel mileage.

• Bikes are protected

Bikes are protected by the body of the SUV.

• Ease of access to the back door

Since the tow bar bike carrier is fitted separately to the body of the vehicle you may still have access to rear of your SUV. Depending on your needs or specific type of SUV, you might consider the little extra investment into a tow bar bike rack that also pivots or swings away.

• Quickly load and unload bikes
  

Since the bikes are loaded at the back of the vehicle, it's just a matter of unclipping them from the rack. Sure beats climbing on top of the vehicle to get them off roof mounted bike carriers.

• Takes weight off of back door
  

The tow bar racks are great for carrying more than one bike, especially if traveling over rough terrain to get to the trail. Unlike some cycle carriers for cars that are designed to fit over the spare tire which can cause damage to the rear door from the weight of the bikes.

• Security

The tow bar bike rack can easily be locked to the vehicle and the bikes locked onto the rack. Making it a great theft deterrent.

Some of the most popular makers of tow bar bike racks are: Thule, Saris and Yakima. They have excellent reviews and you can find some great deals on Ebay. Other makers you might also consider are Hollywood, Allen, Sportsrack and Topline. Although not as popular, you can still find some great deals and may also find they suit your specific vehicle better.

Regardless of which brand you choose, Tow Bar bike racks for cars and SUV's are an excellent choice to haul multiple bikes safely and securely.