Who doesn’t like to go on sudden trips with their family, right? And when we talk about trips, cycling seems to be the most loved activity by all.
Not only does it have health benefits, but it also is an excellent way of bonding with your loved ones.
You have to carry them using a bike rack that fits your car correctly. Finding the best bike rack is already a complicated task, and getting the best bike rack for 4 bikes is trickier.
But don’t worry because we have tried to simplify things as much as possible.
Here, we have picked our top 10 choices that have good built, will last you long, and ensure that all your bikes are appropriately secured without causing any damage to your car.
Furthermore, we have also tried to include a few takeaways to remember when you are getting your first family bike rack, along with a few frequently asked questions.
So, without any further ado, let’s jump in to find out which rack is suitable for you and how much we liked it or didn’t like it.
Top 10 Picks for 4-Bike Racks at a Glance
- Best Overall Bike Rack for 4 Bikes – Thule T2 Pro XTR
- Best Premium Bike Rack for 4 Bikes – YAKIMA FullSwing Hitch Mount Bike Rack
- Best Budget 4-bike Bike Rack – Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Rack
- Best Mid-Range 4-bike Bike Rack – Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack for 4 Bikes
- Best Durable Bike Rack for 4 Bikes – Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Bike Rack
- Best Low Profile 4-bike Bike Rack – Saris SuperClamp EX 4lo
- Best Hitch Bike Rack for 4 Bikes – YAKIMA, RidgeBack Tilt-Away Hitch Bike Rack
- Best Versatile Bike Rack for 4 Bikes – RockyMounts Splitrail LS Bike Rack
- Best Bang for Your Buck 4-bike Rack – Thule T2 Classic
- Best Easy-to-use Rack for 4 Bikes – Tyger Auto Deluxe 4-Bike Rack
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Top 10 Best Bike Rack for 4 Bikes for Your Family Car.
1 – Thule T2 Pro XT– “Best Overall Bike Rack for four bikes”
Product Specifications
- Integrated Lock: Yes
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Load Capacity: 120 lbs (60 lbs Per Bike)
- Weight: 52 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 2 Bikes (Extendable to 4 Bikes)
- Receiver Size: 1.25” and 2”
- Available styles: Xtr 2″ Receiver, Xtr 1.25″ Receiver, Xt 2″ Receiver, Xtr 1.25″ Receiver
Product Rating:
Structure: Whether you have 20-inch road bikes or fat bikes, the Thule bike rack hitch is quite well to fit them all. With 12 inches for each plate, the T2 Pro XT provides enough space to keep bikes from a collision. If your bars collide while loading, the wheel trays can be moved left to right up to 4 inches with the toolkit, which will assist in offsetting your bikes. The Add-on lets you add two more cycles to the existing rack.
Top features: This bike has an easy, no-reach folding mechanism making it very portable. There are individual bike locking cables and an easy ratcheting shepherd’s arm design. The top-quality construction, tilt-down for hatch access, anti-wobble hitch system really makes it the best overall rack.
Who is it for? This is for those that are looking for a rack that can fit multiple sizes of tires. You can easily fit in a 5″ wide tire without an adapter.
Personal take: The Thule T2 Pro XT is a 4-tray setup that weighs about 100 lbs., so it’s not the most fantastic option if you intend to take your bike rack on and off often. But other than that, this one is a pretty solid rack.
Why We Like It
- Safely carries 4 bikes with ample space in between
- Can be folded into a compact fit
- Straightforward installation
- The rack slants downwards, allowing plenty of area for the hatch to open
- Option for 4 cycles is available as well
- The ratchet arm locks the bike with a built-in 24" cable lock.
Keep Note
- Pretty Heavy
- Expensive.
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2 – YAKIMA – FullSwing Hitch Mount Bike Rack : “Best Premium Bike Rack for 4 Bikes”
Product Specifications
- Integrated Lock: Yes
- Material: Alloy
- Load Capacity: 160 lbs
- Weight: 56 lbs.
- Bike Capacity: 5 Bikes (Extendable to 4 Bikes)
- Receiver Size: 1.25/2 inches
- Available styles: SwingDaddy, DoubleDown 4, Hangover 4
Product Rating:
Structure: The FullSwing is Yakima’s top bike rack; hence you will be getting all the anticipated features. It does, with plenty of security and the ability to hold five bikes at once with the FullTilt five. The Yakima DoubleDown, a more budget-friendly variant of this, is almost as wonderful as this one.
Top features: The Yakima hitch mount bike’s most vital point is that it can swing away from the back and allows you to access the hatch conveniently. The bike rack is incredibly simple to set up, and it only took us a few minutes to do so. The padded arms provide complete security and protection with zip straps and latches for both the bike and the racks.
Who is it for? The Yakima FullSwing is an excellent alternative for those wanting to enjoy a fancy bike rack with tons of features to carry four bikes.
Personal take: This was undoubtedly constructed to last with a swing-away mechanism, padded arms, integrated lock, durable construction, and other functions. But the heavyweight might be a bummer as you need two people to carry it.
Why We Like It
- Anti-theft function
- Access to the trunk for swing-away feature
- Ample protection and safety for the bikes
- Quite a few other variations for different bikes
- Excellent Build quality.
Keep Note
- Because it weighs 56 pounds, you must be very careful when handling it.
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3 – Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Rack : “Best Budget Hanging Hitch Bike Rack For Minivan”
Product Specifications
- Integrated Lock: No
- Material: Steel
- Load Capacity: 140 lbs.
- Weight: 23 lbs.
- Bike Capacity: 4 bikes
- Receiver Size: 2”
- Available Styles: Deluxe, Deluxe Locking, Deluxe Quick- Install, Deluxe+ Locking, Premier, Premier Locking, Premier Locking W/ Spare
Product Rating:
Structure: The Allen Deluxe Trunk Rack is primarily made up of steel and weighs only 7.5 pounds, making it the lightest of the lot. The rack is held steady by a no-wobble bolt connected to the hitch, securing the bikes entirely.
Top features: The Allen deluxe hitch bike racks’ most noteworthy feature is the folding carry arms. Each bike you put on the carrier has its own tie-down system. Another remarkable feature is the tiltable mast, which allows you to tilt the mast backward for easier use.
Who is it for? This is for individuals looking for a worthwhile product that will provide them with a beautiful time in the long run while not breaking their finances.
Personal take: While we didn’t enjoy the quality of this bike rack as much as the other two, we can’t complain because you get it only at half the price. Other than that, it’s a great budget-friendly rack.
Why We Like It
- Convenient and reliable
- Side straps eliminate any kind of lateral displacement and perfectly secure the rack
- Reasonably priced
- Can be a good fit for SUV hitch
- Ample protection and safety.
Keep Note
- Lacks quite a few essential features.
- Not as well-built as other bike racks on the list
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4 – Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack : “Best Mid-Range 4-bike Bike Rack”
Product Specifications
- Integrated Lock: Yes
- Material: Metal
- Load Capacity: 150 lbs (35 lbs per bike)
- Weight: 35 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 5 Bikes
- Receiver Size: 2/1.25 inches
- Available Styles: Thule Apex XT Swing, Thule Apex XT 4, Thule Helium Pro 3, Thule Camber 4, Thule Range
Product Rating:
Structure: The Thule Apex XT originally stood out among hanging bike racks because of its elegant design and wide bike spacing. The Apex XT is lightweight and low-profile, thanks to a central mast and two arms hanging on their frames.
Top features: The Thule Apex XT features a large amount of storage space. It’s the most “spacious” rack we’ve seen, with 7 inches of room between bikes, making it easier to load than most hanging racks. When not being used, one of the best aspects of this hanging rack is that it has a shallow profile. The Apex XT comes in a single cable that stretches from the mast, loops over the tops of the bikes, and hooks into the front of the rack to keep your bikes safe while you’re out and about.
Who is it for? This is the greatest option for families that don’t want to deal with the weight or cost of a platform rack.
Personal take: The Apex XT 4 receives our family-friendly certificate thanks to broader spacing, the versatility to fit a broad range of bike frames and sizes, superb design and quality, and a mid-range price point. But unfortunately, you need an adapter for kids’ and women’s bikes.
Why We Like It
- Tool-free installation
- Built-in locking cable keeps bikes secure while you're on the move
- Lightweight enough to take on and off the car
- A lot more spacing between the bikes.
Keep Note
- Top tube adapter needed for most women's and kids' bikes
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5 – Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Bike Rack : “Best Durable Bike Rack for 4 Bikes”
Product Specifications
- Integrated Lock: Yes
- Material: Metal
- Load Capacity: 200 lbs
- Weight: 100 lbs.
- Bike Capacity: 4 bikes
- Receiver Size: 2/1.25 inches
- Available styles: Kuat NV Base 2.0
Product Rating:
Structure: When it comes to durability, Kuat has always managed to nail it. The powder-coated finish is just more sturdy than most other racks’ painted finishes. It’s scratch-resistant and looks brand new even after a long period of use. However, you need to use the Kuat NV 2.0 Add-On to rack up two more bikes.
Top features: We would say the rock-solid construction of it is one of the main attractions. You get integrated locks, and the rack can easily fit any wheel/tire size. Most people would prefer the optional bike stand attachment that you barely find in any other rack. Like the Thule T2 Pro, you also get an anti-wobble hitch system on this thing.
Who is it for? The NV 2.0 is a fantastic choice if you only plan on bringing adult road and mountain bikes. Still, the T2 Pro XT is a better choice for a bit of price hike, a similar weight, and other functionalities.
Personal take: The NV 2.0 is a stunning rack that is a logical evolution from the original NV, with a slew of valuable additions. Although it is appealing and typically simple to use, it falls short of the competition due to its limited tray adjustability and high price tag.
Why We Like It
- Hand tightening hitch cam system
- Tool-free installation
- Ample 11.5″ spacing between bikes
- When the bikes are loaded, the tilt lever is simple to use
- Sleek and modern design.
Keep Note
- Fat bikes require additional adapters and hardware.
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6 – Saris SuperClamp EX 4 : “Best Durable Bike Rack for 4 Bikes”
Product Specifications
- Integrated Lock: Yes
- Material: Steel
- Load Capacity: 190lbs.
- Weight: 63 lbs.
- Bike Capacity: 2 bikes
- Receiver Size: 2/1.25 inches
- Available styles: SuperClamp 4-Bike, Freedom 4-Bike
Product Rating:
Structure: Each bike features two shepherd’s hooks, one for the front wheel and the other for the back. The hook on most other racks is just above the back wheel. It’s also unique in that the horizontal rack base and pivoting arms are shared by two bikes. This design allows the bikes to be stacked closer together, resulting in a more compact rack with a shorter profile.
Top features: I would say that this one is the most lightweight tray rack, and you can also tilt it for hatch access. Being super low profile, this really stands out as a favorite for families. The usually integrated locks and anti-wobble hitch system are also available in this one.
Who is it for? Families seeking a tray rack system to be used with adult bikes and 24′′ children’s bikes for frequent use can check this out.
Personal take: The Saris SuperClamp EX-4 is a fantastic choice if you want a rack that can accommodate 24′′ kid’s bikes, is quick to lift and move, and also has a low profile that helps keep the rack installed on the car regularly.
Why We Like It
- Easy to use (for kids)
- Very high-quality and durable
- Dual shepherd hooks for extra security
- Great for family vacations as it easily holds 24″ and adult bikes
- Pretty lightweight compared to other platform racks.
Keep Note
- Bikes are more closely put together than usual
- Only one of the trays can be adjusted completely. The other can only be moved about 1
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7 – YAKIMA, RidgeBack Tilt-Away Hitch Bike Rack : “Best Hitch Bike Rack for 4 Bikes”
Product Specifications
- Integrated Lock: Yes
- Material: Steel
- Load Capacity: 160 lbs.
- Weight: 35 lbs.
- Maximum Bike Capacity: 4 bikes
- Receiver Size: 2/1.25 inches
- Other Variations: SwingDaddy, FullTilt5
Product Rating:
Structure: The cradles’ zip-strips are totally detachable, letting bike frames slip onto the rack arms without obstructing the bulky cradles. The length between the cradles on the 4-bike capacity is 5.5″ apart. We also appreciated how the Ridgeback tilted away from the back of the car more than other racks we’d tried.
Top features: The Yakima Ridgeback’s Zip-Strip system is its most distinguishing feature. The Zip Strips on the Ridgeback are solid, U-shaped elements that can be removed entirely from the rack. That means the straps won’t come in the way or get caught underneath a bike frame while loading the bikes. Three zip-strips are used on each cycle. One is on the anti-sway cradle, and two on the top of the bike’s frame.
Who is it for? Families seeking a tray rack system to be used with adult bikes and 24′′ children’s bikes for frequent use can check this out.
Personal take: If you don’t mind not fastening the anti-sway cradle to the seat tube, arranging the bikes on the rack is a lot easier.
Why We Like It
- Summer friendly and also has a bottle opener
- Smart modern design
- SpeedKnob to lock the hitch in the receiver
- High-quality materials used to make it long-lasting
- Has a reasonable price point.
Keep Note
- Bikes are spaced together, posing a high risk of collision.
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8 – RockyMounts Splitrail LS Bike Rack : “Best Versatile Rack for 4 Bikes”
Product Specifications
- Integrated Lock: No
- Material: Blend
- Load Capacity: 160 lbs
- Weight: 76 lbs.
- Bike Capacity: 4 bikes
- Receiver Size: 2 inches
- Available styles: N/A
Product Rating:
Structure: The RockyMounts SplitRail uses the same tray and shepherd’s hook system as the Thule and Kuat racks. The shepherd’s hook ratchets down into the front tire, creating a stable and robust grip.
Top features: The 20′′ and 24′′ kids’ bikes fit on the rack without the use of any adapters. The RockyMounts folds up and is out of the way when not being used and appears elegant and clean thanks to its thin profile. One of the best features of the SplitRail is how quickly it can be converted back to a two- or three-tray arrangement.
Who is it for? Those seeking a low-cost, high-quality rack can hold up to four bikes and include a tray-based mechanism.
Personal take: RockMounts SplitRail is a winner in our book because of its compact, low-profile design, outstanding spacing, flexibility to offset trays, and ease of converting between 2, 3, and 4 bike capacities.
Why We Like It
- Has the capacity of interchanging between two, three, or four bikes
- When compared to other racks, this one sits much lower on the hitch
- Each bike comes with its own locking cables.
- To avoid handlebars from rubbing together, trays could be offset left to right
- 20 lbs. less heavy than Thule and Kuat
Keep Note
- It won't fit tires that are more than 3 inches wide.
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9 – Thule T2 Classic : “Best Bang for Your Buck 4-bike Rack”
Product Specifications
- Integrated Lock: Yes
- Material: Blend
- Load Capacity: 160 lbs
- Weight: 85 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 4 bikes with Add on
- Receiver Size: 2/1.25 inches
- Available styles:Thule EasyFold XT, Thule Helium Platform 2, Thule T2 Pro XT, Thule T2 Classic, Thule DoubleTrack Pro
Product Rating:
Structure: The Classic, just like the Pro, has 11′′ between the trays and the flexibility to move the trays from left to right if required. Every tray comes with a ratcheting shepherd’s hook that fixates the front tire and unlocks with a single click. However, individual locking cables are not available with the Classic. It still folds up and tilts down, but the foldable lever is closer to the receiver, making it more difficult to reach.
Top features: The two-hinge folding technique on the T2 is a notable feature, bringing the rack the closest to the car when it is stowed. This competition is a well-built, long-lasting rack. The rack’s body is steel with a durable black paint finish. The trays are strong, and we had no concerns with durability, even using plastic wheel trays.
Who is it for? People looking for the top-notch Thule build quality without spending a lot.
Personal take: The Thule T2 Classic is a reliable, long-lasting product with a tested design. Despite fierce competition from practically every rack manufacturing company, the T2 Classic is still a good choice.
Why We Like It
- Loading any combination of bikes is simple, with a separate tray and hook for each bike
- Can fit bikes with tires up to 5 inches wide
- Allows for 11 inches of room between each bike
- With the add-on kit, you can quickly swap between 2 and 4 capacities
- Without the use of an adapter, 20′′ bikes can easily be accommodated.
Keep Note
- When installing and uninstalling a hitch pin, you'll need a few tools.
10 – Tyger Auto Deluxe 4-Bike Rack : “Best Easy-to-use Rack for 4 Bikes”
Product Specifications
- Integrated Lock: Yes
- Material:Alloy Steel
- Load Capacity: 132 lbs
- Weight: 50 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 4 bikes
- Receiver Size: 2/1.25 inches
- Available styles:TG-RK4B848B, TG-RK4B102B
Structure: The rack has a dual-arm design with a single central mast for support. When not in use, the arms can be folded down to save space, and the mast can be tilted to give access to the back trunk. The TYGER Deluxe is equipped with straps and locks to keep the bikes protected and prevent theft.
Top features: The Tyger bike rack comprises robust steel metal with rust-resistant black e-coating to guarantee quality endurance. It has a center pole that supports two soft rubber-cushioned carry arms that prevent the bike frame’s paint from damage. The motorcycles are mounted onto the racks using four soft cradles on both of the carry arms.
Who is it for? If you’re looking for a heavy-duty rack that comes at an affordable price, then this is the one you should go for.
Personal take: Because security is a priority for this company, a cable lock is offered as a standard for the safety of your bike. When not in use, the carry arms can easily be folded to save parking spaces in a tricky spot or storage. TYGER Deluxe 4-bike rack is an attractive choice if you’ve been looking for a rack that’s inexpensive, well-built, and durable with a gorgeous finish.
Why We Like It
- Easy loading and unloading
- Folds away into a very compact carrier
- Padded cradles to prevent the frame from getting scratches
- Hitch pin lock is included as a security concern.
Keep Note
- Sways constantly as the rack is attached to the frame.
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Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying a 4-bike Rack
Now that you have seen our 10 best picks of a 4-bike rack, let’s look at some essential points that you need to consider before getting your first family bike rack.
Mounting Style
In which way you would be mounting the rack onto your is the first thing that you need to keep in your mind. We have mostly mentioned hitch-mounted bike racks in our picks as they are more reliable when you are trying to haul 4 bikes on your car.
It’s neither enjoyable nor easy to load all the bikes on the roof or cram them into a trunk rack.
This is why we strongly advise getting a hitch put on your vehicle if possible. If that isn’t a possibility, the fit guides from Thule should help you select a roof or trunk rack that fits your vehicle.
Hitch Racks
We can divide these types of racks into three categories: hanging, tray-based, and vertical. Every rack type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Because tray-based and hanging racks are far more popular than vertical racks, we’ll concentrate on those two varieties.
Tray-Based Racks
The bikes’ tires are placed in their own separate tray on tray-based racks, usually secured with a shepherd’s hook.
The key advantage of tray-based systems would be that they leave enough space between bikes to keep them from colliding and becoming damaged while being on the rack.
Hanging Racks
The bikes are “hung” by their frames on hanging racks. Since the bikes are held in place by different clamps, they are much nearer and can be more challenging to load.
The bikes on the rack tend to drift and smash against each other when they are hanging. Hanging racks, but on the other hand, are far less expensive and lightweight than tray-based racks.
Bike Capacity and Expandability
What is the total number of bikes you need to carry right now? In a few years, how many bikes would you need to transport?
Growing families may consider getting an extensible rack or one that can fit their future needs.
Most family bike racks can’t fit in more than 4 racks at once. But you can check out Lolo or Northshore hanging racks for 5 bike capacities.
Most tray-based systems are extendable, with a baseline limit of two bikes increasing to four. These racks are great for growing families who don’t need a full four-bike system right now but may in the future.
If required, expandable racks can be swapped back to a two-bike capacity.
Tire Size
Wheel sizes are often limited in tray-based systems but not in hanging racks. You may attach practically any bike to a hanging rack as long it has a frame and within the rack’s weight capacity. Bikes with 20-inch wheels and up are often accommodated by trays-based systems.
But if you have a bike with fat tires, you might need an adapter to fit it in.
Installation
Since you will primarily use the bike rack for your trips, you need to get a rack to load and unload the bikes very quickly. Not only that, but the other members are also able to do it without any extra help.
Hanging racks are much preferred when it comes to ease of installation than tray-style racks.
Hatch Access
Another fantastic feature offered on relatively high-end racks is the ability to open your vehicle’s rear door while the rack is filled up. Many hanging racks include a 180-degree swing out to provide access without detaching bikes.
Even though the tray-style doesn’t have the swing-away feature, the 30degree tilt is still sufficient to open the rear door.
Budget
In this article, the price of the bikes that we have reviewed ranges from high-end to budget-friendly. So, you need to ask yourself how much you are willing to spend.
If a thing is expensive but of high quality, you should invest in it because it will last you along. The high-end racks also come with added locking systems, ensuring bike safety and security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you put 4 bikes on the roof rack?
Yes, you can put 4 bikes on a roof rack if your rack has crossbars of about 43 inches in length. The facing of the bikes might need alteration, but we don’t recommend carrying four bikes on a roof rack.
2. Which is the best 4-bike rack?
We think that the Thule T2 Pro XT is the best 4-bike rack in terms of the quality and utility you get. If you’re looking for a bit upper-end rack, then the Yakima FullSwing Rack is our next preferred best.
3. Will 4-bike rack damage my car?
No, they won’t. Suppose you are using the rack properly by maintaining the bike weight capacity and the locking system. In that case, it won’t cause any damage to your car.
Final Words
Coming to the end of our article, we hope by now you have an idea about which range of bike racks you should go for.
You can check this article out to understand the type of bike racks a whole lot better.
These best bike racks for 4 bikes will not just securely carry your bikes to your trip but also allow you to have fun with your dear ones.
Even though the price of these family racks is pretty high, we can assure you the durability and the service will not make you regret it for even a bit.
The Thule T2 Pro XT is an excellent beginner-friendly option to look for if you’re feeling a bit clueless.
SUV is a great family car if you’ve got many people to take on vacation. You can check our article about the best racks for SUVs. We also have one for the Hyundai Tucson if you have a small family.
Finally, be reasonable, sort out your needs to find your ultimate choice of bike rack, and book your trip today!
