When you find the best biking spot but it is just too far from your home to ride to and fro, the best thing is to utilize the tow hitch on your vehicle and transport the bikes. This article will share the best Tesla Model Y bike rack models to try and how to fix them.
Can the Tesla Model Y Transport Bikes?
The Tesla Model Y, an electric vehicle (EV) from Tesla Inc., is one of the best vehicles you can buy when you want to reduce your carbon footprint, but that is not all to love the car for. If you own a Tesla Model Y vehicle, you also understand that it is a vehicle designed with the best safety measures in mind.
As someone who loves biking and often needs to transport bikes from one town or city to another, you need good safety assurance that your Tesla Model Y can transport them. Luckily, the car comes fitted with a sturdy hitch receiver, and all you will need to do is find the best hitch mount rack for your bikes.
Alternatively, you can also opt to mount your bikes on a universal roof rack, but that will always involve heavy lifting whenever you want to transport the bikes. This Tesla car can tow weights of up to 3500 pounds after installing tow bars on the 2-inch hitch receiver. Luckily, the best bike racks for this car carry less weight, are easy to install, and are relatively affordable.
Best Bicycle Racks for Mountain Bikes
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Before buying any rack, it is best to determine how you can safely maneuver your vehicle past various obstacles after you mount the bikes. You will need to leave enough room for drivers and objects next to you, and you must also ensure easy access to the trunk if you need it on your drives. If you are unsure which bike rack to get, here are our top picks for your best hitch bike rack.
1. Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
Sale
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R , Black
- Patented design fits sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUV's...
- Side straps for increased lateral stability. Single configuration...
- Individual tie downs secure and protect bicycles
- Padded lower frame keeps bicycles away from vehicle
- Ships in certified frustration free packaging 70 pounds max...
This Allen Sports bike rack is available in a simple design that does not require you to use the hitch receiver on your Tesla Model Y. You will only need to hook the bike rack to your car using sturdy straps, attaching these to the top of the trunk, the bottom of the trunk, and on the sides.
Image source: Allen Sports
This best bike rack is made with alloy steel which means it is quite durable, while the mounting straps will help distribute bike weight evenly as you drive. In addition, any part of the frame that comes in contact with your car has rubber pads to prevent damaging your car paint and eliminate friction while you drive on any terrain.
While the bike rack is easy to install for anyone, you will love that it comes assembled, and all you have to do is attach the mounting straps to your vehicle. Then, you can load your bikes, and the rack is available in different sizes to transport up to four bikes. Here is a video to help you with the installation process:
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2. YAKIMA, RidgeBack Tilt-Away Hitch Bike Rack
YAKIMA, RidgeBack Tilt-Away Hitch Bike Rack, 4 Bike
- Get your bikes on the road without the hassle with the RidgeBack;...
- Easily access gear in your trunk with the tilt-away design (even...
- Protect your bikes from dents and scratches with the anti-sway...
- Comes fully assembled and installs quickly and easily with no...
- Want more peace of mind? Lock your bikes to the rack with the...
Since the Tesla Model Y comes with a 2-inch hitch receiver, you need a compatible bike rack to transport your bicycles. Luckily, this model from Yakima, which comes fully assembled out of the box, is one of the best bike racks to go for. It is easy to install and is available in different models to transport up to four bicycles.
Image source: Yakima
The bike rack comes with an Upperhand control that allows you to tilt the rack for easy installation and when you need to access the trunk. When installing the rack, you will need to pull this feature, extend the tongue, align it with the hitch receiver on your car, and install the safety pin. After that, you will need to tighten the Speedknob for a good fit, then lock it so no one can remove the rack from your vehicle.
The rack also comes with a trigger finger lever to extend the rack arms away from your car. You can then start loading your bikes and using the sturdy Sipstrips to secure them. Ensure to start with the heaviest bike. The only dealbreaker here is that the bike rack is quite expensive, but it is a durable hanging style rack that works for any bicycle.
This video shows how to install the bike rack in easy steps:
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3. Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack
Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack
- Premium, high-load capacity bike rack ideal for e-bikes and heavy...
- Integrated folding bike loading ramp
- Fits 1.25" and 2" receivers
- Fast and effortless tool-free installation
- Quickly attach and secure bikes with torque limiting knobs and...
When you need to transport heavier mountain bikes, it is better to look for a bike rack designed for the weight. Luckily, this Thule bike rack is suitable and also ideal for e-bikes. Straight out of the box, the rack comes in a compact, wheelable, and foldable design that is easy to move around and store in the trunk when not in use.
Image source: Thule
The rack is also very easy to install for Tesla Model Y users as it is compatible with a 2-inch hitch receiver. To install, you will only need to align the rack's tubular frame to the receiver, then lock a good fit when you engage the auto pin to its hole. After that, you can use the Speedknob to tighten the fit, then use the anti-theft keys to ensure no one can remove the rack.
After the installation, you can proceed to load two bikes to the rack using torque-limiting knobs and the sturdy wheel straps. Of course, it is always best to start with heavier bikes for weight distribution. Another feature you will love with this rack is it comes with a foot pedal you can tilt to access your trunk easily. Finally, you can add a number plate to the bike rack if it covers your number plate.
This video details how you can install the Thule Easyfold X2 hitch mount bike rack to your vehicle:
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4. XCAR 2-Bike Universal Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier
XCAR 2-Bike Universal Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier Rack for Car Trailer with 2" Receiver
- Heavy duty steel construction.2.5mm carry arm tube max load to...
- Folding carry arm design allows the rack’s arms to be folded up...
- Adjustable mounting saddles.Please ensure mounting saddles is...
- Convenient access to rear of vehicle with easy-to-use tilt-down...
- Fits for vehicle's standard 2 inch trailer hitch. Include 1 x...
This XCAR hitch mount bike rack is another affordable option for your Tesla Model Y. It is compatible with the car's 2-inch hitch receiver and can transport a mountain and city bike with no hassle.
To install the bike rack, align the tubular frame to the car's hitch receiver, then install the necessary pins to lock in a good rack fit. As the bike rack is not preassembled, you will need to assemble the different parts, but the process is also easy for everyone. Simply join the different frames with their locking nuts and pins, then load your bikes for easy transportation.
Image source:XCAR
The bike rack is available in two options for transporting two or four bikes. The two-bike bike rack can carry a maximum capacity of 80 pounds, while the four-bike option can support up to 150 pounds. The bike racks are made with durable alloy steel, while the rubber straps will not damage your bike's paints.
The rack also tilts down to give truck access, while the arms also fold when not in use for easy storage. In addition, the entire rack eaves enough space from the car to prevent damaging the paint. This brief video details how to install this rack in a few minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=558E6BI1oJY.
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5. Vibrelli Electric Bike Hitch Rack
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Vibrelli Electric Bike Hitch Rack - 2 Ebike Rack Fits Fat Tire, Mountain Bike, Standard Bicycles -...
- Ebike Compatible - holds two bikes each weighing 65 lbs (130 lbs...
- Convenient Tilt Down & Fold Up - Quick release pedal tilts down...
- Triple Lock Security - Three locking mechanisms to keep your...
- Patented Anti-Wobble Hitch - Locks the rack to the hitch receiver...
- Ironclad Warranty - Backed by a 10-year manufacturers warranty...
E-bikes are often quite heavy, so you need a sturdy bike rack to transport them to your riding spots. This Vibrelli V70 bike rack has a load capacity of 130 pounds, making it suitable for transporting two e-bikes. Luckily, this bike rack attaches to a 2-inch hitch receiver; thus, it is ideal for your Tesla Model Y.
Image source: Vibrelli
While the bike rack is not preassembled before shipping, the installation process is easy. You will start by aligning the tubular frame into the tow hitch receiver, then lock the fit with the included hitch pin. After that, you will need to use the anti-wobble/theft knob to lock the fit. You will also need to assemble the other parts before you can mount your bikes.
Like other trunk racks, this rack has easy tilt-down and fold-up features to allow you to access the trunk or store the rack when not in use. It also comes with a safety strap to tie your bikes after mounting, while ratchet straps keep the wheels from turning as you drive.
This rack also comes with a 10-year manufacturer's warranty. You also have to ensure enough ground clearance before mounting your road bikes. Here is a video that details how to easily mount the bike rack on any vehicle:
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Factors to Consider When Buying A Bike Rack for Your Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Mod Y is a smaller car than the Model X and other crossovers, which means you have to consider a few factors when buying a bike rack. These are:
a) Type of bikes
Before you buy any rack, you need to choose one that is suitable for your bikes. Bikes differ in weight and wheel size. As such, get a rack whose load capacity can support your bike and whose wheels and arms can be supported without uneven weight distribution.
b) Number of bikes
How many bikes do you need to mount for transport? As mentioned above, different bikes have different weights, and similarly, different bike racks have different load capacities. In addition, bike racks are designed to carry a specific number of bikes. Thus, before buying any rack, ensure it can support the bikes you want to transport.
You can choose a rack for two, three, or four bikes with a compatible load capacity. While at that, also ensure the weight will not affect how your Tesla Model Y drives by ensuring the installation leaves enough ground clearance and that the bikes balance well at the back.
c) Ease of installation
A good bike rack for your Tesla Model Y needs to match the hitch receiver on your vehicle. Alternatively, a model like the Allen Sports on this list that does not require the hitch receiver is ideal.
However, ensuring easy installation goes beyond the hitch receiver or trunk mount. Before buying a rack, understand if it comes preassembled, so you only need to attach it to your Tesla. If not preassembled, ensure you can easily assemble the parts with simple tools.
d) Premium features
When buying a rack for your Tesla, understand how you can access various parts of the car even with the bikes mounted. For instance, opt for a tilt-down bike rack feature that allows you to access the trunk or charging port when transporting your bikes. On the other hand, a rack that folds when removed is easier to store in your Tesla trunk.
e) Anti-theft feature
When buying a bike rack, you need to ensure no one can remove the bikes and rack from your vehicle if you step away. Therefore, it is best to get a rack with the anti-wobble/theft or Speedknob feature that comes with a locking key. In most cases, you get more than one key for backups, while you can also use the same key on other gear from the brand you buy from.