Can You Put A Bike Rack On A Car Without A Hitch?

Are you a cycling enthusiast without a hitch? Ever wondered,

“Can you put a bike rack on a car without a hitch?”

Let’s uncover the secret together! I’ll guide you through the process of safely securing your bikes for those adventurous road trips.

Can You Put a Bike Rack on A Car Without A Hitch?

Absolutely! You can mount a bike rack on a car without a hitch.

Options include roof-mounted racks, trunk-mounted racks, and vacuum-mounted racks. Each type has its benefits, but the key is to ensure a secure installation for the safe transportation of your bikes.

Which Bike Racks Can be Used Without a Hitch?

As you know, four main types of bike racks can be used without a hitch: Trunk-mounted racks, Roof-mounted racks, Hitch-mounted racks, and Vacuum-Mounted Racks.

Trunk-Mounted Racks

Trunk-mounted racks are popular. They’re easy to use and quite affordable. However, safety depends on proper setup. Make sure you secure the bikes well.

Also, double-check the straps often to avoid accidents. One good example is the Saris Bones trunk rack. It’s durable and highly rated for safety.

Roof-Mounted Racks

Roof-mounted racks carry your bikes on the car’s roof. They’re great for keeping bikes secure and out of the way. They can also carry other sports gear.

But remember, loading bikes onto the roof can be hard. The Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack is a safe choice. It has a unique design that protects both your car and bike.

Hitch-Mounted Racks

Hitch-mounted racks attach to your car’s hitch. They’re easy to use and can carry many bikes. However, you need to check the hitch strength.

Also, it’s important to secure the bikes well to prevent wobbling. The Thule T2 Pro XT is a safe, hitch-mounted rack. It can hold bikes of various sizes securely.

Vacuum-Mounted Racks

Vacuum-mounted racks use suction to stick to the car’s roof or trunk. They’re easy to install and remove. The SeaSucker Talon is a reliable vacuum-mounted rack.

It uses strong suction cups for a safe grip. Make sure to check the suction regularly to avoid losing your bikes.

Spare-Tire Racks (Optional Use)

Spare-tire racks attach to the spare tire on the back of some SUVs and off-road vehicles. They’re easy to use and keep bikes away from the car’s body.

The Thule Spare Me 2 is a good option. It’s sturdy and locks bikes in place. Proper installation and regular checks are key to safety, as with all racks.

Top 10 Hitch-less Bike Racks

After looking at many reviews and ratings, here are the ten best bike racks that don’t need a hitch.

1. Allen Sports Deluxe Hitch Mount Rack

This rack is at the top of our list. It’s well-made, flexible, and reliable. It fits both smaller and larger receivers. So it can hold up to four bikes. This is great for family bike trips or outings with friends.

2. Thule T2 Pro XTR

This rack is known as the best of all the hitch bike racks. It has a tilt feature that’s easy to use. It’s also well-built and has plenty of space between the bike trays.

So it can hold up to two bikes. And, if you need more space, you can add to it.

3. 1UP USA Equip-D Single

This rack is also a great choice. It makes it easy to carry your bike safely. It can hold one bike, and it comes with a hitch. This makes it a good fit for cars without a hitch.

4. Yakima HighRoad

The Yakima HighRoad is the best pick for roof racks. It can hold bikes with different tire sizes. This means it can hold many types of bikes.

5. Saris Bones 2-Bike Trunk Rack

If you like trunk-mounted racks, this one’s for you. The Saris Bones 2-Bike Trunk Rack fits securely and can hold up to two bikes.

6. Kuat Sherpa 2.0

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is a stylish and light platform rack. It’s easy to install and can hold bikes with tires up to 3 inches wide. So, it’s good for both road bikes and mountain bikes.

7. Hollywood Racks Over-The-Top Trunk Rack

This trunk rack is made to fit over spoilers. It can also fit on many types of cars. It can hold up to three bikes. So, it’s good for larger families or groups.

8. RockyMounts BackStage Swing Away

For top convenience, pick the RockyMounts BackStage Swing Away rack. It swings to the side. This makes it easy to get to the back of your car. It fits both smaller and larger receivers and can carry two bikes.

9. Allen Sports Ultra Compact Trunk Rack

If you need to save space, this rack is a great pick. The Allen Sports Ultra Compact Trunk Rack can hold up to three bikes. When you’re not using it, it folds down to a small size.

10. SeaSucker Talon Bike Rack

The SeaSucker Talon Bike Rack uses vacuum mounts for quick and easy setup. It can fit many types of cars and can hold one bike. So, it’s a great choice if you often go biking by yourself.

How To Put A Bike Rack On A Car Without A Hitch?

To install the bike rack on a car without hitch, you will need to follow the below steps:

Step 1: Select the Rack Type

First, you need to select the rack type that you want to use.

As mentioned earlier, there are three main types of racks that can be used without a hitch: trunk-mounted racks, roof-mounted racks, and hitch-mounted racks.

Step 2: Place the Rack on The Car

Once you have selected the rack type, you can now place it on the car.

For trunk-mounted racks, you will need to position them on the car’s trunk lid or rear hatch.

For roof-mounted racks, you will need to position them on the car’s roof.

And for hitch-mounted racks, you will need to attach them to the car’s hitch.

Step 3: Secure the Rack to The Car

After you have placed the rack on the car, you will need to secure it in place.

For trunk-mounted racks, this is typically done with two or three straps that attach the rack to the car’s trunk lid or rear hatch.

For roof-mounted racks, this is typically done with four or six straps that attach the rack to the car’s roof.

And for hitch-mounted racks, this is typically done with four or six straps that attach the rack to the car’s hitch.

Step 4: Attach Your Bike To The Rack

Once you have secured the rack to the car, you can now attach your bike to the rack.

This is typically done by attaching the bike’s frame to the rack with a strap or by placing the bike’s wheels in the wheel holders on the rack.

Step 5: Adjust The Straps

After you have attached your bike to the rack, you will need to adjust the straps to ensure that everything is secure.

For trunk-mounted racks, you will need to adjust the straps that attach the rack to the car’s trunk lid or rear hatch.

For roof-mounted racks, you will need to adjust the straps that attach the rack to the car’s roof.

And for hitch-mounted racks, you will need to adjust the straps that attach the rack to the car’s hitch.

Step 6: Test The Rack

Before you hit the road, it’s important to test the rack to make sure that everything is secure. 

Start by driving slowly and then gradually increase your speed. If everything feels secure, then you’re good to go.

So there you have it! These are the steps that you need to follow in order to put a bike rack on a car without a hitch.

Why You Should Put A Bike Rack On A Car Without A Hitch?

There are several reasons why you might want to put a bike rack on a car without a hitch. First, it’s a great way to save money.

Hitch-mounted racks can be quite expensive, so if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, then a trunk-mounted or roof-mounted rack is the way to go.

Second, it’s a great way to avoid drilling.

If you’re not looking to drill any holes in your car, then a trunk-mounted or roof-mounted rack is the perfect solution.

And third, it’s a great way to avoid damage to your car.

If you’re worried about damaging your car’s paint job, then a trunk-mounted or roof-mounted rack is the way to go.

On the other hand, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about putting a bike rack on a car without a hitch.

First, make sure that your car can handle the weight of the rack and the bikes.

Second, make sure that you follow all of the instructions carefully.

And third, make sure that you test the rack before hitting the road.

What Is The Safest Bike Rack For A Car?

If you’re looking for the safest bike rack for a car, then a hitch-mounted rack is the way to go.

These racks are typically the most expensive, but they’re also the most secure.

That’s because they’re attached to the car’s hitch, which is a very strong and sturdy part of the car.

Plus, they typically come with a locking mechanism, which makes it even more difficult for thieves to steal your bikes.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, then a trunk-mounted rack is the next best thing.

These racks are attached to the car’s trunk lid or rear hatch, so they’re not quite as secure as a hitch-mounted rack.

However, they’re still a very secure option, and they’re much less expensive than a hitch-mounted rack.

FAQs on Putting A Bike Rack On A Car Without A Hitch

Final Thoughts

Putting a bike rack on a car without a hitch is a great way to save money, avoid damage to your car, and avoid drilling.

Now that you know how to put a bike rack on a car without a hitch. 

Also, you understand the reasons why you might want to do this, as well as the things you need to keep in mind.

We hope that after reading this article, you feel confident about putting a bike rack on your car without a hitch.