Many manufacturers make bike racks with vehicles in mind, and if you have the right rack, you will appreciate this feature and compatibility. With the right bike rack, you can attach your bike to your minivan and take it wherever you want.
However, there are plenty of models available on the market, so can be somewhat tricky choosing the best model. In this post, we review some of the best bike racks for minivan. In choosing the models that we reviewed, we considered important features like the type, number of bikes and overall weight capacity, durability, and ease of use. We discuss these features later in the buying guide. In the meantime, let’s have an in-depth review of the best options right now.
More features: patented tie-down system; folding design; dual compound cradles; padded spine pad; carry bag included; lifetime limited warranty
Our first choice is the Allen Sports Ultra Compact. This unit comes as the best option if you are looking for a compact option. If you are going on a solo trip to the countryside and need a portable bike rack, then this is a good option. It is so small that you can even put it in a backpack.
Another nice thing about this unit is that it comes with a nylon carry bag. With this, you can store it wherever you want.
Although it is pretty compact, you still get some of the best protection for your bike. The design ensures that the bike remains stable even when you travel on a rough or bumpy road.
More features: E-Coating for rust resistance; safety strap included; padded lower frame; limited lifetime warranty
If compatibility is what you are after, then we believe that you’ll love using this bike rack. Part of its appeal lies in its versatility. It is easy to fit on different vehicles, including a minivan. With its weight capacity, you have a rack that can carry up t three bikes.
Installation is straightforward and doesn’t require setting up a hitch. It also comes with a safety strap. This strap is sturdy and is not easily cut through.
Additionally, the material of build means that this unit will last for a relative long time. It is not only made of strong material, but it is also coated to prevent corrosion.
The bottom of the rack is padded correctly, which will reduce the chances of scratching your van. This padding also comes in useful because it will prevent impacts from affecting your van so much.
More features: fits most standard 2-inch receiver hitches; rust-resistant paint; red reflectors on tail pipe plugs; rubber straps; 16.5 in folding arm mounting design
The GUDE 2 Bike Rack is a two-bike rack that offers decent carrying capacity and will hold your pair of bikes without much of a fuss. If you are looking to transport bikes that are designed for off-road trails, for example mountain bikes, then you will enjoy using this model.
The rack is made with excellent parts that will last for a good while. It might cost more than some others we review, but the extra features make it worth the price. For example, the arms can be folded down to make it easier to load and remove your bikes.
More features: 12-inch-long carry arms; extra-large car pads; 2 patented sure-strap lower straps; lifetime limited warranty
If money is no issue, then you will be well-served by our premium model. The Allen brand is a popular brand in the bike equipment industry, and the brand lives up to its reputation of making high quality products with this product.
The design is slim and sleek. Although the design is slim, don’t be fooled – this model can still carry substantial weight.
While it is more expensive than others on this list, its features make it worthy of the price. It makes your journey smooth and effortless as it can carry up to three bikes at a time.
Another good thing about this frame is that the carry arm is longer than usual and features a unique design. Due to the design and length, it holds your bikes securely.
The frame is padded at important places, which will prevent damage on your minivan.
More features: 2-inch hitch receiver compatible; anti-sway design; heavy-duty iron construction with powder coating and rubber straps; foldable design; tilt down
This next model comes with a heavier weight than all the others we have reviewed so far. This bigger weight gives it several advantages. For one, it allows you to load the model with heavy-duty bikes that might ordinarily not fit into other racks.
It is a rack that is compatible with most minivans and can also be used with other types of vehicles. However, you might have to take time to ensure that all parts fit in correctly.
Despite the slight hiccup in installation, there is no denying the high quality of this model. It comes with rubber straps that will hold your bikes securely and a long, foldable arm for holding down your bikes.
More features: powder-coated hooks; fully pre-assembled; foldable; paddle bike cradle; hook & loop straps; built-in reflector
When looking for the best bike rack for minivan, you will likely have come across the MaxxHaul brand. Well, this is one of the most popular brands on the market and in the biking community. Their racks are known for being very durable and being made of excellent quality. This unit is no exception.
If you are looking to carry heavy bikes, then this is the best we have reviewed so far. It can carry up to four bikes and has a total weight capacity of over one hundred and fifty pounds.
Installation is relatively easy as well. Part of the appeal is the heavy duty constructions of the hardware because these are made of steel.
More features: compatible with 2 in hitch receiver; anti-wobble system; foldable and quick-release tilt-back design; extra-wide wheel holders; toner coating to prevent rust; extra safety reflector and tie down strap included
Leader Accessories have made this as a heavy-duty option that can carry a decent amount of weight. If you want to load heavy duty bikes that will work best as mountain bikes or racing bikes, then you will be pleased with this model.
It might be heavy duty, but it comes with versatility. Thus, you can use it on minivans and other vehicles available. Another feature that sets this apart is the tilting arms that allow easy removal and loading of the bikes.
With the right maintenance and care, you will be able to take care of any corrosion issues that might arise. If you don’t mind exerting effort when securing the rack, then this is one of the best for you.
More features: 2 in hitch receiver; dual hooks; tilting design; reflectors on outside wheel trays
While the model e reviewed above has a good weight capacity, it isn’t as good as the Saris SuperClamp. This bike rack is built to last for a long time and has the best load capacity out of all the options on this list.
With an ability to carry up to four bikes, this is a good option for any family looking to enjoy a trip away. Another thin that sets it apart is that you don’t have to worry about straps flying around as you drive.
Interestingly, while the other parts of the unit are made of steel, the parts that touch your vehicle are made of plastic. This is good because it reduces the chances of getting scratches on the vehicle. Furthermore, Saris has fitted this model with an anti-sway rung.
More features: fits 1¼ or 2-inch trailer hitch; folding design; soft-grip arms; removable center arm; powder-coated
Are you looking for something simple? If you are, then you should feel right at home with Retrospec’s Lenox Hitch Carrier. This model is a very simple rack that is intuitive to use and install.
Due to the bare-bones design, this is one of the cheapest bike racks on the market right now. It saves you a lot of money while ensuring that you get excellent value for money.
It is a value hitch rack that has rather impressive construction and quality. As it is made of steel, it will survive rough use and the elements. Despite the long distance, you can rest assured that you will find this looking great at the end of the day.
More features: fits 2 in trailer hitch receiver; adjustable wheel chocks
The last but not the least on this list comes as a unit that it designed for carrying two bikes. It is a self-storing option with installs on the two sides. Part of the design includes a roll-on and roll-off design. Because of the design, it is pretty easy to load and unload the bikes.
Apart from that feature, it also features anti-rattling construction and a spacer bar adapter.
Although it isn’t lightweight, at least when compared with some of the others on this list, we found it a simple affair to install. The main appeal of this carrier is the stability that it offers.
Choosing a bike rack for minivan can be a tricky proposition if you don’t know what to look out for. This section covers the important things anyone looking to make a wise choice must know.
The first thing that you need to know are the different types of bike racks that are available on the market. Bike racks are generally divided into three categories:
This first type is the least expensive out of all the types of racks on the market. It doesn’t cost over two hundred dollars in most cases. However, there are some exceptions to this because some cost upward of three hundred dollars.
This model comes with straps that are attached to the frame of the carrier and are then attached to the truck of the van or its rear bumper. The frame of the bike is supported by plastic-coated arms. However, there are some models that have the support arms supplements by padded or indented cradles.
These options are designed with straps and buckles that are to hold the rack and bikes to the back of your van. They are generally viewed as the most basic racks. As such, they are easy to use, lightweight, and economical. Once you have this setup, you don’t need to buy extra equipment or install crossbars on your van.
Although these are generally excellent options, they also come with downsides. One of the biggest problems of these is that they make it difficult to access the rear of the van. This obstruction causes issues, whether you have a bike installed or not.
However, they make up for this buy having a very compact design that lets you keep them away when not in use.
An example of this is the top choice, Allen Sports Ultra Compact Trunk Mounted Bike Rack. It is a trunk-mounted model that provides all the advantages that you can expect from such a rack.
Advantages
Drawbacks
Hitch-mounted racks are designed to fit the class of hitch on the vehicle. Therefore, when choosing this type of rack, you have to think about the number of bikes that you want to transport. They are pretty easy to use, especially when attached to a minivan.
With these racks, all you need to do is slide the rack onto the hitch of the minivan and secure it with the lock. For other types of racks, you might need to lift the bicycle above your head to set them up. However, you don’t go through all that stress with these options.
One of the best things that hitch-mounted bike racks offer you is that they do not touch your vehicle at all. Therefore, there is no risk of damaging the paint. One main drawback, though, is that they might obstruct access to the backdoor. If that will be a problem, you will be better served by models that can be folded or swung out of the way.
The GUDE 2 Bike Rack is a hitch-mounted model that comes with a fold-arm design. So if this suits your needs, then it is a good option to consider.
Advantages
Drawbacks
There are different types of roof-mounted carriers. Some of the models on the market will attach to the roof rack of the vehicle and crossbars. Others are designed to be secured via clips and mounting feet.
Roof racks are the more popular options and roof-mounting is the traditional way of moving your bike on a vehicle. The main advantage that this offers is that the bike is secured above the vehicle, thus it does not obstruct your view. Also, it ensures that you have complete access to the rear of the minivan.
Most minivans are taller than cars, so you might have to lift the bike above your head. This might be an inconvenience. It makes up for this by allowing you to install a wide variety of bikes without any hassle.
Advantages
Drawbacks
In summary, the strap-on type is the cheapest option. However, it does not offer the same level of security. The roof rack comes as the most versatile type, but it is also the most difficult to set up and use. The hitch-mount costs the highest fee, however, you will find it pretty handy to use.
The best for a minivan depends on what you want from your rack.
Another thing that you must consider is the number of bikes that the rack is capable of carrying. If you have a family, for instance, you’ll likely be looking to buy a rack that can carry at least a pair of bikes. Some of the other models on the market can carry more than that, with some models able to carry up to seven bikes at a time. The Saris Superclamp Bike Hitch Car Rack we reviewed can carry up to four bikes.
However, if you are just going alone, you will not need a more expensive rack like that. You’ll be fine with a rack that can carry just one bike. In this case, you’ll be best served by a rack like the Allen Sports Ultra Compact Trunk Mounted Bike Rack that has a one-bike model.
When discussing the different types of bikes, we discovered that some types of racks are great at carrying different types of bikes, while others are limited in the types of bikes that they can carry. If you have different types of bikes to carry, you’ll likely be better off with a roof-mounted model as it can take tandem bikes, electric bikes, and other types of bikes.
If your bike is odd-shaped, you might need to by adapters and other equipment. Therefore, check out the type of bike that you have and ensure that the rack you have chosen can carry it.
Another vital feature to look out for is the weight capacity of the rack you want to buy. You need to consider the average weight of the bikes you will carry and ensure that the rack can carry all the bikes.
The Saris Superclamp Bike Hitch Car Rack, for example, can carry up to one hundred and ninety pounds of weight at a go.
There is no point buying a rack and watching it break off after some weeks. That is why you should look for racks that are built to last. The best models are made of metal parts and are coated to ensure that it doesn’t rust over time.
Whatever model you buy should be secure and safe to use on the road. You certainly do not want a rack that falls off while you are driving.
Considering these factors will help you to know whether a bike rack will be a good fit for your bike.
Choosing the best bike rack for minivan can be tricky since there are so many options available on the market. However, we have provided you with a rundown of ten of the best options available right now. The top-rated model, the 9.9 rated Allen Sports Ultra Compact Trunk rack comes from one of the biggest brands in the biking world. It comes with a compact design that makes it easy to load and unload your bike. Our next pick is the 9.8 rated model from Tyger. It is reliable and also has a padded frame that absorbs impacts and reduces chances of abrasion on your vehicle. GUDE 2 Bike Rack is rated 9.7. Due to the design, you don’t have to worry about the bikes causing damage to the paint of your vehicle. We hope that our consideration of these and other others helps you to choose the best trunk mount bike rack for minivan today.
