Allen 542QR Deluxe 4 Bike Hitch Mounted Rack

If your car has a 2″ hitch the Allen 542QR Deluxe 4 Bike Hitch Mounted Rack will allow you to safely and securely carry up to 4 bikes. This rack uses a locking, quick install hitch insert which tightens inside the receiver for a secure fit that will prevent excessive movement when bikes are loaded. The arms can be folded out of the way to reduce the profile of the rack when no bikes are loaded and the whole rack can tilt out of the way to allow for access to the boot of the car. The cradles have individual tie-downs for each bike for easy installation of a variety of frame shapes.

Who’s this item for: Anyone looking for an affordable, easy to install hitch-mounted bike rack that can carry up to four bikes. You’ll need a 2″ hitch on your car to fit this rack though.

How many bikes does it carry: Carries up to four bikes.

How does it carry them: The rack attaches to the top tube of the bikes. This is a great option for steel or aluminium frames but is not recommended for carbon frames as carbon as thin carbon tubes are susceptible to damage from impact and crushing forces.

How much weight can it carry: The four bike rack is rated up to 63.5kg which is approx 15.8kg per bike.

E-Bike rated: No, this rack is not suitable for carrying e-bikes as they exceed the weight rating for the rack.

How does it mount to the car: This is a lockable, quick-install hitch-mounted rack that will fit into a 2″ hitch receiver. The hitch expands inside the hitch receiver for a secure fit and can be locked to the vehicle.

Does it tilt or swing to gain access to the vehicle: Yes, you can tilt the rack down to allow for access to the rear of the vehicle.

What size bikes (wheelbase) can it carry: As the rack attaches to the top tube rather than cradling the wheels it is suitable for use with most adult-sized bikes, although it may require an adaptor bar to carry step-thru frames, or bikes with dropped top tubes. It may not be suitable for small children’s bikes if there is not enough space inside the frame to accommodate the arms on the rack.

How much does it weigh / dimensions: The complete weight and dimensions of the rack are not stated by the manufacturer but the arms are 22″ long. See the link below to view the hitch base dimensions of the 542QR rack.

Does it fold up for storage: The arms of the rack fold down to reduce the profile of the rack for storage or when bikes are not loaded.

Does it include a lock: The rack features a lockable hitch mount to secure it to the vehicle but does not include a feature to lock the bikes onto the rack.

Does it have an integrated licence plate holder / brake / reverse lights: No, none of these features are included so you may wish to pair this rack up with a light board to ensure that you comply with the relevant laws in your state.

Pros: Affordable hitch-mounted rack that can be locked onto your vehicle. Easy to install.

Cons: This rack holds the bikes by the top tube and does not support the wheels so it is not suitable for carrying carbon framed bikes. You’ll need to carry a long cable lock if you want to secure your bikes to the rack.