Can't decide whether to get a hitch mounted or tire moutned bike rack. Just wanted to see what everyone else thought.

 

I don't know your driving habits but adding a rack and a bike or two to your spare is worse than adding a large (35"+) spare to the load on your tailgate if you go wheeling any significant distance. A quick search will reveal numerous threads on damage to the tailgate.

Just keep in mind if you do go offroad with it, a hitch mounted rack will severely limit your approach and departure angles.

I usually just take the front wheel off my MB in throw it in the back.

 

Thanks for the input.

 

Funny you should mention this, I have an older Rhode Gear rack, and trying to figure out the cam settings for my spare tire. It fits over the 3rd brake light arm, and I don't like that. Probably going to take my bike on a trip in 2 weeks, so I got to figure it out.

I have a hitch mount rack that I use when we go on trips, you definitely lose a lot of angle, so no offroad with them if you go that route. One thing to remember, you access to the tailgate (opening/closing) will be severely hampered if you get a hitch mount, unless it has a way to "fold" it down and out of the way.

 

Hitch is a better holding mechanism for the bike. If you like your bike, go with the hitch.

 

Same boat as you looking at options...but I am leaning towards the hitch mount more for stability...but the only pain in the rear that I can see is the swing gate...but I don't want one of those racks that you pull a pin and it collapses either.

 

I have the hitch mount. I move it from my car to the jeep when needed. It sits in garage when not needed. Yes, I have to take it completely off to swing the gate open, kind of a pain when camping but I prefer the hard mount. The hitch carriers are better, heavier duty. Depending on the make you may need a hitch extension.

 

I hate hitch mounts. Only tire mount for me. Not that worried about the xtra weight... the rack is only on when the bike is there and my bike weighs 19.5 lbs. dripping wet. Well worth the convenience of being able to open the swing gate.

 

I've got the Thule Spare Me. I like being able to open the tail gate, and I leave it on all the time so I don't have to worry about having when needed.

I also use it for carrying things like a my folding ladder.

 

If you go with a hitch mount you will likely have to get a hitch extender because the spare tire (factory) sticks out too far.