YAKIMA, RidgeBack Tilt-Away Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack for Cars, SUVs, Trucks and More, Fits 1.25” and 2” Hitches

Writing this review after first installing so I will come back and update the review if necessary. I have to say, this thing is rock solid and study. The bike rack is heavy enough that you know it is made with strong materials while still being light enough for easy installation. The bike rack came fully assembled and took about 2 minutes to install and that was because I did not realize that the lock mechanism came locked already and needed to be unlocked prior to install. The folding feature is amazing and will allow quick access to the trunk without taking the rack off. The arms that hold the bikes fold down when not in use. I can see myself keeping the bike rack on all the time. I will definitely be ordering more Yakima products including their roof top basket as they appear to make high quality products.

We bought the 5-bike version over the 4 since we figured the extra length of the arms would better accommodate our 4 bikes without them needing to be manhandled so much. It was a wise decision.The rack is heavy, but then it is designed to hold perhaps upwards of 100lbs of expensive bikes securely, over bumpy roads, without failing. I do sorta wish that hitch end could be purchased for Class 2 hitches only instead of one that internally spreads to engage a variety of hitch sizes. But it works, and it stays secure after a long drive.The lock itself is pretty lame, but you can provide enough leverage to securely screw the spreaders to keep the rack firmly attached to the hitch socket. Stealing the rack with attached (and presumably tethered/locked) bikes would be quite the effort. The straps that hold the bikes down work well and adjust pretty effectively. I do wish the level at the top to allow the rack to fold were something a little more sturdy. The plastic feels like it will give (although it hasn't). The decal on the main column promptly shed.Overall, I'm really happy with the rack and glad we got the 5-bike version. We use it primarily on a Tesla Model Y, and don't really have issues mounting or unmounting the rack. It does have a noticeable impact on range at highway speeds. We also use it on a Honda Odyssey where it sits in a shadow aerodynamically. Both hitches are class 2.

Just bought this rack and received it the other day... exactly what I had imagined and seen on reviews. Here, I'll provide some insight to my decision to help you decide what would be best for you.Background: I need a bike carrier that will handle 4 bikes (adult road bike & children mountain bike) that's easy to use and not break the bank.First decision point: Roof-rack vs. hitch mounted bike rack. Roof-racks seem more secure but I've known so many people who have run into their garage with the bike attached. Roof-rack decreases your MPG since your car will be less aerodynamic. Also, I'll be using this on my mini-van and the roof-rack for that would just be too high. So I decided on hitch mounted bike rack. But if you treasure your frame and don't want to scratch it (you might with this carrier), then roof-rack may be the way to go.Second decision point: Fold down bike rack or this type of carrier. If I had mountain bikes, heavy bikes, or bikes with irregular frame then the fold down bike rack where you place the bike on top of the rack and lock down would be the way to go. But since I have 4 bikes to carry and they're all "normal" frame, then this carrier is fine. It doesn't extend the car as much as the other type.Third decision point: Brand vs. no-brand. I'm a true believer of "you get what you paid for." Do I want to save a couple hundred dollars while risking thousands of dollars of my bikes... not really. So I decided to go with a brand widely recognizable, either Thule or Yakima.Fourth decision point: Yakima vs. Thule. This is the same debate as Canon vs. Nikon... you have camps on both sides and will fight to their last breath for the brand they're loyal to. Largely, the racks are very similar in function and price. But this rack won because:1. Hitch mount has a locking mechanism: The triangular thingy at the bottom tightens and loosens the hitch mount, you can lock it and no one can take it away. Thule doesn't have this.2. Operation levers at top: The two levers that you use to "operate" this carrier are located at the top, so you don't need to bend down to do anything.3. Tilting mechanism: The carrier can be tilted so that you can access your trunk. I don't know the exact degree but it is pretty significant. I have a Honda Odyssey and the trunk clears the carrier by about a foot.4. Heavy: This rack is -heavy- and that's good, means it is made out of something strong and will last for a long time.5. Plastic clips: Instead of rubber straps, this carrier uses plastic clips. This is probably longer lasting and easier to use.Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase.Extra tip: The black lever at the top will control both tilting of the carrier and also folding the hitch mount