The blog article reviews the 10 best bike racks for semi-trucks to help carry their bikes on the road. The bike racks are divided into four categories: ladder-mounted, roof-mounted, truck bed-mounted, and hitch-mounted.
The article compares the bike racks in terms of design, features, price, and performance and provides pros and cons.
The article also provides links to the products and tips on choosing the right bike rack for your semi truck and your bikes. The article concludes by hoping the readers find the right bike rack for their needs.
If you don’t want to bike, damage them in the cargo space. It would help if you had a bike rack that could fit on your semi truck and securely hold your bikes without taking up too much space or affecting your fuel efficiency.
2 Best Bike Racks for Semi-Trucks Comparison
Our Pick Swagman Bicycle Carrier – Hitch Mount Bike Rack |  Kuat Sherpa 2.0 – Gray Metallic | |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch mounted | 40 lbs per bike or 80 lbs total | 35 lbs per bike or 70 lbs total |
| Installing | Easy to assemble and use | Easy to install and remove, no-tool install with a hand-tight hitch cam system |
| Holds | Two bikes | Two bikes |
| Lock | Semi-integrated bike lock |
Fortunately, some bike racks designed for semi trucks can meet your needs. In this article, we will review the 8 top bike racks for semi trucks in 2023 and help you choose the right rack and a step-by-step guide on How you install a bike rack on your semi-truck.
How To Choose the Best Bike Rack For Semi-truck?
- It would help if you considered some things before buying a bike rack for a semi-truck, such as:
- The size, weight, and style of your bike
- The number of bikes you want to carry
- The compatibility with your truck’s hitch, roof, bed, or tailgate
- The ease of installation, removal, and use
- The security features and locks
- The budget you have
- 2 Best Bike Racks for Semi-Trucks Comparison
- Hitch Mount Bike Rack
- Truck Bed Bike Rack
- Ladder Mount Bike Rack
- Can I use any lock with a semi-truck bike rack?
- What is the best way to load and unload my bike on a semi-truck bike rack?
- What are the benefits of using a bike rack for a semi-truck?
- What are the different types of bike racks for semi trucks?
Based on our Review, We Recommend The Bike Racks for Semi-Trucks
If you are in a hurry or don’t want to read the full article, here are five Bike Racks for Semi-Trucks that you can buy blindly because we have made this list after thorough testing:
- Surco 501BR Ladder Mounted Bike Rack: If you have a ladder on your semi-truck and want a simple and convenient bike rack that can hold up to two bikes, this is the one for you. It is easy to install and remove, lightweight and durable, and has pivoting arms and rubber cradles that protect your bikes.
- Swagman UPRIGHT Roof Mount Bike Rack: If you have roof bars on your semi-truck and want an elegant and efficient bike rack that can hold one bike per unit, this is for you. It is easy to assemble and install, lightweight and sturdy and has an upright arm with a locking feature and tie-down straps that secure your bike.
- Pipeline Rack: The Pipeline Racks Truck Bed 3 Bike Rack can hold up to three bikes, is easy to install and remove, and features adjustable wheel cradles and locking pins for security. It’s lightweight, rust-proof, and designed to keep your bikes securely in place.
- MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack: If you have a hitch receiver on your semi-truck and want a smart and convenient bike rack that can hold up to two bikes, this is the one for you. It is easy to install and remove, robust and rust-resistant and has a platform-style design, adjustable wheel cradles, foam-padded hooks, hitch tighteners, and patent pending folding features that protect your bikes.
- Hollywood Racks, Destination, Hitch Mount Rack, 2’’: If you have a hitch receiver on your semi-truck and want an elegant and efficient bike rack that can hold up to four bikes, this is the one for you. It is easy to install and remove, lightweight and durable and has a platform-style design, individual wheel trays, and padded frame holders with 360-degree rotation that accommodate your bikes.
Reviews 8 Best Bike Racks for Semi-Trucks
Here are the reviews of the top 8 bike racks designed explicitly for semi-trucks. These racks provide a convenient and secure way to transport bicycles while you’re on the go.
1. Surco 501BR Ladder Mounted Bike Rack
The Surco 501BR Ladder Mounted Bike Rack is an excellent option if you have a ladder on your semi truck. It fits on any 1″ van or RV ladder and can carry up to two bikes. It comes fully assembled and is easy to install and remove. You don’t need straps or tools to secure it to the ladder.
Heavy-duty gauge aluminum with a bright dipped polish finish makes the bike rack. It is lightweight and durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. The bike rack has pivoting arms that allow you to swing it out of the way when not in use or when you need to access the ladder. The components also have rubber cradles that protect your bikes from scratches and dents.
The Surco 501BR Ladder Mounted Bike Rack is a simple and convenient way to transport your bikes on your semi truck. It is affordable, sturdy, and easy to use. It has a weight capacity of 50 lbs and can accommodate most bike sizes and styles.
Check Your Size: Bike Size Calculator Tool
2. Stromberg Carlson LA-102 Bike Rack for Universal Ladder
Another ladder-mounted bike rack is the Stromberg Carlson LA-102 1-Inch Bike Rack for Universal Ladders. It is similar to the Surco 501BR but has some differences in design and features. It can also fit on any 1″ van or RV ladder and hold up to two bikes.
The bike rack has a steel construction with a black powder coat finish. It is solid and rust-resistant and can last for a long time. Adjustable arms on the bike rack can extend or retract to fit different bike sizes and shapes.
The components also have foam-padded hooks that secure your bikes to the frame without damaging them.
The Stromberg Carlson LA-102 1-Inch Bike Rack for Universal Ladder is easy to install and remove. You need to slide it over the ladder rungs and tighten the bolts. It has a locking pin that prevents the rack from sliding off the ladder. It also comes with bonus straps that provide extra bike stability and security.
The Stromberg Carlson LA-102 1-Inch Bike Rack for Universal Ladder is a reliable and versatile bike rack that can fit on most semi trucks with ladders. It is reasonably priced, durable, and user-friendly. It has a weight capacity of 50 lbs and can accommodate most bike types and models.
3. Swagman UPRIGHT Roof Mount Bike Rack
If you don’t have a ladder on your semi truck but have roof bars, you can opt for the Swagman UPRIGHT Roof Mount Bike Rack.
It is a roof-mounted bike rack that can fit on square, round, or oval bars up to 3″ wide. It can carry one bike per unit, but you can install multiple units on your roof if you have enough space.
The bike rack has a plastic and steel construction with a sleek design. It is lightweight and sturdy and can handle various weather conditions.
The bike rack has an upright arm that clamps onto your frame without removing the front wheel. The component has a locking feature that secures your bike to the rack and prevents theft.
The Swagman UPRIGHT Roof Mount Bike Rack is easy to assemble and install. You must attach it to your roof bars using the included hardware and tighten the knobs. It comes with tie-down straps for the wheels that provide extra stability and safety for your bike.
The Swagman UPRIGHT Roof Mount Bike Rack is an elegant and efficient way to transport your bike on your semi truck’s roof. It is affordable, robust, and convenient. It has a weight capacity of 35 lbs per unit and can fit bikes with 54″ or fewer wheelbases and tires up to 3″ wide.
4. Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack
The Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack is another ladder-mounted bike rack you can try on your semi truck. It is similar to the Surco 501BR and the Stromberg Carlson LA-102 but has unique features and advantages. It can also fit on standard RV ladders and hold up to two bikes.
The bike rack has a steel construction with a black powder coat finish. It is durable and corrosion-resistant and can withstand harsh weather conditions. The bike rack has form-fit cradles that securely hold your bikes without scratching. The cradles can be adjusted along the horizontal bars to fit different bike sizes and styles.
The Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack is easy to install and remove. You must hook it onto the ladder rungs and lock it with the locking pins.
It comes with soft grip handles, making it easy to carry and store. It also comes with straps that provide added security for your bikes.
The Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack is a practical and functional bike rack that can fit on most semi trucks with ladders. It is reasonably priced, sturdy, and simple to use. It has a weight capacity of 60 lbs and can accommodate most bike types and models.
5. Pipeline Rack- Semi-Truck Rack Full-Size Trucks
If you have a truck bed on your semi-truck, you can use the Pipeline Racks Truck Bed 3 Bike Rack Full Size Trucks. It is a truck bed-mounted bike rack that can fit on full-size trucks with a minimum bed width of 58.5″. It can carry up to three bikes, but you can also choose from 2, 4, or 5 bike options.
The bike rack has an aluminum construction with a silver finish. It is lightweight and rust-proof and can last for a long time. The bike rack has a wheel mount design that allows you to load your bikes without removing the front tires. You can adjust the wheel cradles for 20 “-29” wheel diameters and 0.75 “-2.8” tire widths. You can also use an optional fat tire tube kit for 3 “-5” tire widths.
The Pipeline Racks Truck Bed 3 Bike Rack Full Size Trucks are easy to install and remove. You don’t need to drill holes in your truck bed or use any tools to secure it. You must place it on your truck bed and tighten the knobs. It has locking pins that prevent the rack from sliding off the truck bed.
The Pipeline Racks Truck Bed 3 Bike Rack Full Size Trucks is an innovative and efficient way to transport your bikes on your semi truck’s truck bed. It is expensive, but worth it for its quality and performance. It has a weight capacity of 150 lbs and can fit most bike types and models.
6. MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack Platform Style
If you have a hitch receiver on your semi-truck, you can use the MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack Platform Style 2-Bike Rack for Cars, Trucks, SUVs Minivans with Hitch Tightener. It is a hitch-mounted bike rack that can fit on Class III and IV standard 2″ hitch receivers. It can carry up to two bikes, but you can also choose from 1 or 4 bike options.
The bike rack has a steel construction with a black powder coat finish. It is solid and rust-resistant and can last for a long time. The bike rack has a platform-style design that supports your bikes from the bottom without touching the frames.
The platform has adjustable wheel cradles that accommodate 2-1/4″ wide tires. The platform also has foam-padded hooks that secure your bikes to the rack without damaging them.
The MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack Platform Style 2-Bike Rack for Cars, Trucks, SUVs Minivans with Hitch Tightener is easy to install and remove. You must slide it into your hitch receiver and tighten the bolts.
It comes with a hitch tightener that reduces rattling and hitch play. It also comes with a patent-pending feature that allows you to fold the platform vertically when not in use or when you need to access the rear of your vehicle.
The MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack Platform Style 2-Bike Rack for Cars, Trucks, SUVs Minivans with Hitch Tightener is an innovative and convenient way to transport your bikes on your semi truck’s hitch receiver
It is affordable, sturdy, and user-friendly. It has a weight capacity of 40 lbs per bike or 75 lbs total and can fit most bike types and models.
7. Hollywood Racks, Destination, Hitch Mount Rack
If you are looking for another hitch-mounted bike rack option, check out the Hollywood Racks, Destination, Hitch Mount Rack, 2″. It is a hitch-mounted bike rack that can fit on standard 2″ hitch receivers. It can carry up to four bikes, but you can also choose from 2 or 6 bike options.
The bike rack has an alloy steel construction with a black finish. It is lightweight and durable and can handle various weather conditions.
The bike rack has an alloy steel construction with a black finish. It is lightweight and durable and can handle various weather conditions. The bike rack has a platform-style design that supports your bikes from the bottom without touching the frames.
The platform has individual wheel trays for easy loading and unloading. The platform also has padded frame holders with 360-degree rotation to accommodate bike frames of every shape and size.
The Hollywood Racks, Destination, Hitch Mount Rack, 2″ is easy to install and remove. You need to slide it into your hitch receiver and secure it with the locking threaded hitch pin. It comes with a reflector for added safety.
It also comes with a feature that allows you to fold the platform horizontally when not in use or when you need to access the rear of your vehicle.
The Hollywood Racks, Destination, Hitch Mount Rack, 2″ is an elegant and efficient way to transport your bikes on your semi truck’s hitch receiver. It is expensive, but worth it for its quality and performance. It has a weight capacity of 35 lbs per bike or 140 lbs total, and can fit most bike types and models.
8. MaxxHaul 70210 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
If you want a more affordable hitch-mounted bike rack option, try the MaxxHaul 70210 Hitch Mount Bike Rack 4-Bike Rack. It is a hitch-mounted bike rack that can fit on standard 2″ hitch receivers. It can carry up to four bikes, but you can also choose from 2 or 3 bike options.
The bike rack has a steel construction with a black powder coat finish. It is solid and rust-resistant and can last for a long time. The bike rack has a swing-down feature that allows you to access the rear of your vehicle without removing the bike.
The bike rack has adjustable bike cradles with hook and loop straps that firmly secure and transport your bikes.
The MaxxHaul 70210 Hitch Mount Bike Rack 4-Bike Rack is easy to install and remove. You must slide it into your hitch receiver and secure it with the included hitch pin.
It comes with a reflector for added safety. It also comes with a feature that allows you to fold the arms down when not in use or when you need to reduce the width of your vehicle.
The MaxxHaul 70210 Hitch Mount Bike Rack 4-Bike Rack is a practical and functional bike rack that can fit on most semi-trucks with hitch receivers. It is reasonably priced, sturdy, and simple to use. It has a weight capacity of 150 lbs total or up to 37.5 lbs per bike and can fit most bike types and models.
How to Install a Bike Rack on a Semi-Truck
A bike rack is a device that securely attaches your bike to the back or side of your truck. It can be helpful if you want to bring your bike along for your long trips or if you need to transport multiple bikes at once. There are different bike racks for semi-trucks, depending on how they mount to the truck and how they hold the bikes. Some examples are:
- Hitch mount bike rack
- Truck bed bike rack
- Ladder mount bike rack
Hitch Mount Bike Rack
This type of rack attaches to the hitch receiver of your truck and can carry up to four bikes. It is easy to install and remove, but it may reduce your ground clearance or access to your tailgate.
To establish a hitch mount bike rack, you need to have a hitch receiver on your truck that matches the size and class of the rack. The hitch receiver is the part of your truck that connects to the rack. It has a square opening that fits a certain size of hitch, usually ranging from 1.25 inches to 2.5 inches.
The hitch’s size determines the receiver’s class, which indicates its maximum weight capacity. You should always match the class of your hitch receiver with the class of your rack, and never exceed the weight limits of either component.
To install a hitch-mount bike rack, you should follow these steps:
- Insert the rack shank into the hitch receiver’s opening, ensuring it is aligned and secure.
- Insert the hitch pin or bolt through the hole in the shank and the receiver, and tighten it with a wrench or a lock.
- If your rack has a tilting feature, you can tilt it down by pulling a lever or a knob, allowing you to access your tailgate or trunk.
- If your rack has a locking feature, you can lock it to the hitch receiver by using a key or a combination lock.
- You can now load your bikes on the rack by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Truck Bed Bike Rack
This type of rack fits inside the bed of your truck and can hold up to six bikes. It is ideal if you have a tonneau cover or a camper shell on your truck, as it protects your bikes from the weather and theft.
It also does not affect your rear visibility or ground clearance. To install a truck bed bike rack, you must have enough space in your truck bed to accommodate the rack and your bikes. You may need to drill holes or use clamps or brackets to secure the rack to your truck bed, depending on the type of rack you have.
To install a truck bed bike rack, you should follow these steps:
- Open your truck bed and measure the length and width of it, as well as the height of your tonneau cover or camper shell if you have one.
- Compare these measurements with the dimensions of the rack and your bikes, and make sure that they fit well without touching or damaging each other.
- If your rack requires drilling holes in your truck bed, mark the spots where you want to drill and use a drill bit that matches the size of the bolts or screws that come with the rack.
- If your rack does not require drilling holes but uses clamps or brackets instead, attach them to your truck bed according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Place the rack on your truck bed and align it with the holes or clamps you have prepared.
- Secure the rack to your truck bed by using bolts, screws, nuts, washers, or any other hardware that comes with the rack.
- If your rack has a locking feature, you can lock it to your truck bed by using a key or a combination lock.
- You can now load your bikes on the rack by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
An example of a truck bed bike rack is the [Heininger Automotive 2025 Advantage SportsRack BedRack], which has soft padding to protect your bike frames and tires.
Ladder Mount Bike Rack
This type of rack attaches to your truck’s ladder or roof rack and can carry up to two bikes. It is suitable if you have limited space in your truck bed or hitch receiver or want to keep your bikes away from dirt and debris.
It also does not affect your tailgate access or ground clearance. To install a ladder mount bike rack, you need to have a ladder or a roof rack on your truck that can support the weight of the frame and your bikes. You should also ensure that your ladder or roof rack is strong enough and has no loose parts or rust.
You may need to use straps or buckles to attach the rack to your ladder or roof rack, depending on the type of rack you have.
To install a ladder-mount bike rack, you should follow these steps:
- Check the weight and height limit of your ladder or roof rack, and ensure it can handle the rack load and your bikes.
- Check the clearance between the top of your truck and any overhead obstacles, such as bridges, tunnels, or garages, and ensure it is enough for your bikes.
- Unlock the rack if it has a locking feature, and place it on your ladder or roof rack, ensuring it is aligned and secure.
- Use straps or buckles to attach the rack to your ladder or roof rack, and tighten them with a wrench or a lock.
- If your rack has a locking feature, you can lock it to your ladder or roof rack by using a key or a combination lock.
- You can now load your bikes on the rack by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Conclusion
These are the 8 best bike racks for semi trucks in 2023 that we have reviewed for you. They are all different in design, features, price, and performance. Still, they all have one thing in common: they can help you carry your bikes with you on your semi truck safely and efficiently.
We hope this article has helped you find the right bike rack for your semi truck and your bikes.
FAQs.
Can I use any lock with a semi-truck bike rack?
If you are looking for a summary of the types of locks for semi-truck bike racks, here is one:
Cable lock: Cheap and easy, but not very secure. Suitable for quick stops or low-risk areas.
U-lock: Secure and sturdy but expensive and heavy. Suitable for longer stops or high-risk areas.
Chain lock: Most secure and versatile, but very expensive and heavy. Suitable for overnight parking or extreme-risk areas.
What is the best way to load and unload my bike on a semi-truck bike rack?
The best way to load and unload your bike on a semi-truck bike rack depends on the rack you have and the bike you have. Here are some general tips for different types of semi-truck bike racks:
Hitch mount rack: Unlock and tilt the frame, lift and place the bike on the cradle or platform, lock the arm or strap around the bike, and check for clearance and visibility issues.
Truck bed rack: Open the truck bed and unlock the rack, lift and place the bike on the holder or fork, lock the pin or cable around the bike, and check for damage or interference.
Ladder mount rack: Unlock the frame, lift and place the bike on the strap or buckle, lock the knob or lever around the bike, and check for scratching or noise issues.frame
What are the benefits of using a bike rack for a semi-truck?
A bike rack for a semi-truck can help you transport your bike safely and conveniently on your long hauls. You can enjoy cycling on different trails and locations without damaging your bike or truck. You can also save space and fuel using a bike rack that fits your truck and bike.
What are the different types of bike racks for semi trucks?
There are four main bike racks for semi trucks: hitch-mounted, roof-mounted, bed-mounted, and tailgate-mounted. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, depending on your truck, bike, and preference.