Enter the Tesla Model X, with its iconic falcon-wing doors and progressive design, embodies innovation and eco-friendly transportation. But for adventurous spirits who crave the freedom of two wheels, the question arises: how do you seamlessly transport your bikes without compromising the car’s unique features? Thankfully, a variety of hitch-mounted bike racks offer a secure and stylish solution, allowing you to explore the open road with your trusty bike steeds in tow. Let’s delve into the top 5 hitch-mounted bike rack options for your Tesla Model X, each catering to specific needs and preferences:
More features: Fits 20″–29″ wheels and up to 5″ tires; integrated cable locks; 12.5″ spacing between bikes; tilt-down design
The Thule T2 Pro Hitch Mount Bike Rack is perfect for Tesla Model X owners who want a strong, easy and convenient way to transport their bikes. This hitch mounted bike rack fits 20-29″ wheels and up to 5″ tires, making it adaptable to a variety of bike types. It also includes integrated wheels that make it easier to maneuver the rack when it’s not on the car. Plus, the adjustable side-to-side spacing (up to 12.5″) between bikes ensures a custom fit with ease of movement. The rack also comes with integrated cable locks that securely lock your bikes to the rack.
The Thule T2 Pro is no doubt a formidable bike rack, but while it comes with a lifetime warranty just like, it can only carry two bikes that are 60 lbs. each. However, what it lacks in terms of slightly lesser load capacity, it compensates for with high quality design, materials and ease of maneuverability.
More features: Foldable, adjustable front tire cradle system, fully integrated cable locks
One of the most versatile, easily installed and removed rack on the market is the Kuat Racks NV 2.0. It’s compatible with 1.25″ and 2″ hitches (2″ adapter included), so you can use it with any version of the Tesla Model Y. Moreover, since it doesn’t take up any trunk space, it’s the perfect way to transport your bikes without sacrificing storage space. The integrated cable locks keep your bikes secure, and the rear tire strap features a co-molded strap to protect your wheels.
The Kuat NV 2.0 stacks up well against the equally popular Kuat Sherpa, 2.0. They are both premium platform-style racks. However, the NV stands out with wheel cradles that can support fat tire bikes with tires as wide as 4.8 inches. It also has a higher weight capacity of 60 lbs per bike, compared to sherpa’s 40 lbs weight capacity. The two racks are similar when it comes to firm securing of the bikes and stability during travel. If you don’t have any fat tire bikes, go with the Sherpa rack because it is lighter and much cheaper.
More features: Max wheelbase of 50-inches; max tire width of 4.5-inches; includes 46-inch aluminum ramp; foldable design when not in use; locking frame; tilting design for easy cargo door/liftgate access; proprietary no-wobble hitch system eliminates slack between hitch and rack without needing any tools; adjustable locking frame clamps for safety and security.
The transportation of E-bikes (aka electric bikes) just became a whole lot easier! The redesigned Destination E-Bike Rack provides a convenient way to load and transport E-bikes, which are often much heavier than a street or mountain bike. The hitch-mounted Destination E has the hauling capacity of two bikes up to 70-lbs per bike. Although designed with E-bikes in mind, the adjustable frame grabbers will accommodate a wide variety of bicycles, including street, road, and mountain bikes with a wheelbase up to 50″ and tires up to 4.5″.
The Destination E Rack also includes an aluminum ramp right out of the box which makes the loading and unloading simple. The proprietary No-Wobble System eliminates slack between the receiver hitch and the rack without the use of tools and works very well. This rack also features balanced tilting with the pivot point between the two bikes, making tilting down for cargo door access as easy as it gets, and is foldable for aerodynamics and improved efficiency that is important to Tesla owners.
Other features: Swing-away design; zero-hassle ZipStrips; fully padded arms; collapsible, SKS locks included
The Yakima Fullswing hitch mounted bike rack is ideal for carrying multiple bikes conveniently and securely on a Tesla Model X. In addition, it has a sturdy design that guarantees safety as you drive along.
This model is sturdy and offers a stable hitch mounted platform for positioning your bike on the rack. Its rack arms are padded, elevating grip and ensuring that your bike does not incur damage or scratches when in transport.
It has a security lock that for protection when one stops over for a break or shopping. Security has been boosted as the lock secures the rack to the vehicle. However, it locks only the frames leaving the wheels susceptible. As its name suggests, the model complexly swings away from the vehicle; this ensures easy loading of your bike on the rack and provides access to the car.
Yakima customized the rack with anti-sway cradles that eradicate bike-to-bike and bike-to-vehicle contact. It also offers a low mountain height which minimizes much lifting of your bike when placing it on the rack. Yakima FullSwing consumes less space and allows easy storage as the upper arms fold away when not in use.
Yakima even incorporated a bottle opener that is vital when enjoying a cold brew, especially after a long traveling journey. The rack does not have the conventional rubber straps that were hectic to get on and off.
Other features: Fits 20″-29″ wheels and up to 5″ wide tires; adjustable tray; no-contact with frame; foldable and tilting design for easy hatch/liftgate access
RockyMounts Monorail 2 is versatile because it accommodates all styles of bikes. It attaches to the vehicle via a hitch hole and is secured by a bolt that locks on the opposite side.
The mount features a rear wheel strap and a load arm attachment that is positioned over the front wheel. This helps to eliminate frame contact.
When not in use, you can fold the mount upright or away from the vehicle to ease rear access to the vehicle. It comes with a cable lock with a metal ring on one end and a loop on the other end. The sturdy metal ring fits under the cylinder of the main pivot of the mount. There is also a lock pod to secure the mount once installed in a vehicle. The distance from the hitch pin is 32 inches when the mount is folded down and 19 inches when it is folded up
RockyMounts Monorail 2 is versatile because it accommodates all styles of bikes. It attaches to the vehicle via a hitch hole and is secured by a bolt that locks on the opposite side.
The mount features a rear wheel strap and a load arm attachment that is positioned over the front wheel. This helps to eliminate frame contact.
When not in use, you can fold the mount upright or away from the vehicle to ease rear access to the vehicle. It comes with a cable lock with a metal ring on one end and a loop on the other end. The sturdy metal ring fits under the cylinder of the main pivot of the mount. There is also a lock pod to secure the mount once installed in a vehicle. The distance from the hitch pin is 32 inches when the mount is folded down and 19 inches when it is folded up.
Assembling RockyMounts Monorail 2 takes only a few minutes.
You secure the hitch to the receiver with a bolt and the provided key lock. Ensure that the front wheel clamp is very close to the fork to secure the bike properly.
The bike mount includes an anti-wobble hitch pin and locking cable, and two locks for the cable and the hitch pin. The rack secures your bike without frame contact that could rub off the paint if there is vibration.
More features: Carries 2 bikes, 20-29 in wheel size, locking hitch pin, foldable arm, 2 in hitch
We love a good deal and when we tried out the Swagman XC2, we knew we had a good find on our hands. This alloy steel bike rack can hold two bikes and is easy to install on Model X vehicles. It works great and is actually affordable, which are two attributes that are usually in opposition. This bike rack is easy to assemble and use, and because of its compact size, we know you’ll get a lot of enjoyment out of it.
The Swagman XC2 holds two bikes up to 35 pounds in size, which is pretty standard. It has a locking hitch pin that means your rack, and your bikes, will be incredibly secure. When not in use, you can fold the rack so that it takes up less space, which is perfect if you don’t have a large area to store it in, and helps with aerodynamics and efficiency.
There are also quite a number of extra accessories you can purchase, including fat tire trays and different locking pin sizes. While these will cost extra, it’s always nice to know there are options if you need to customize your bike rack. Overall, assembly is ok but we did find there were a few extra parts. It’s best to really look at the instruction manual and if in doubt, check out some online videos.
Hitch mount racks are the best choice for Tesla Model X owners, and we completely understand why. When using a hitch bike rack, the Model X will have better range efficiency and aerodynamics than potential roof mounted rack solutions, plus you’re less likely to strain your back because you don’t need to lift the bikes very high. Moreover, roof racks may cause problems with those iconic falcon doors…
When it comes to hitch mounted racks, there are two styles: hanging and platform. Hanging cradle-style racks which are lightweight and affordable, but typically not very sturdy (bikes can swing and wobble if not set correctly)And then there are Platform-style racks which do a wonderful job of keeping bikes in place more securely, preventing damage, though these racks typically weigh more and come at a higher price premium.
We love the 2″ tow hitch receiver on the Model X and expect to see most people running a swing-away arm style with a 2-to-4 bike hitch rack and be done. No messing around with a roof rack. No worry about hitting those falcon doors. No more massive range, mileage and efficiency hits from two or more big bikes up top. No more lifting heavy things atop an expensive and iconic SUV.
The Model X’s hitch is recessed into the car, which makes accessing the hitch a bit trickier than in other cars. It also means there may be a little less clearance between the rack and the car – so you need to adjust the hitch rack to open the hatch itself. We usually evaluate these racks on two primary deal breakers: How easy to tilt the rack? How easy to install on the car?
Once you’re on the “two systems” train, you want to consider keys. If you’re just running a hitch rack, this is easy – just use whatever keys come with the hitch! But if you’re running the roof rails and a roof rack, then you’ve got at least key for the rails, and those are Yakima’s SKS system. If you get RockyMounts Tomahawks for the roof and a Kuat NV 2.0 for the rear, that’s three sets of keys you’ll need for all the locks. No fun. Sticking with all Yakima stuff means you can have a single key and be fine. You may also choose not to worry about this at all, since cable locks are notoriously easy to cut.
Not only want your bikes securely fastened but also locked with keys so that no one could thieve them. That’s why we recommend you pay extra attention to whether a bike rack has not only straps and tightening knobs but also security cables, locks, and keys.
Of course, you want the installation of a bike rack to be a breeze. Look for bike racks with clear step-by-step instructions and all the necessary hardware or tools. You can also ask for help at your local bike shop if you want so.
We awarded the Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR bike rack with our Editor’s Choice nomination. Though it can hold only two bikes at once, it has a premium alloy steel construction, tilting and foldable for space & efficiency, and built-in wheels for off-car transport. There is 12″ spacing between the bikes also prevents dings & scratches.
Choosing the perfect hitch-mounted bike rack for your Tesla Model X hinges on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like the number of bikes you typically transport, your budget, and how important features like ease of use and trunk access are to you. By carefully evaluating these factors and the strengths and limitations of each rack, you can make an informed decision that empowers you to explore the open road with your bikes and your Model X by your side!
