Bike rack - hitch vs tow-ball

[Arapiles]

I've currently got a Yakima hitch rack, but I'm not happy with it for a few reasons. I'm going to replace it with a platform rack, and I'm leaning towards Thule because they come pre-wired for lights and have space for a number plate. There's a few second-hand Thules on Facebook Marketplace at present for a lot less than new. But they're all tow-ball mounted.

Has anyone had issues with tow-ball mounted bike racks?

[TonyC]

I've currently got a Yakima hitch rack, but I'm not happy with it for a few reasons. I'm going to replace it with a platform rack, and I'm leaning towards Thule because they come pre-wired for lights and have space for a number plate. There's a few second-hand Thules on Facebook Marketplace at present for a lot less than new. But they're all tow-ball mounted.

Has anyone had issues with tow-ball mounted bike racks?

Some of the Thule racks require a specific tow ball, if your buying second hand make sure you get the ball, or factor it in.

A lot of them are realy to short for biggish travel MTBs, and the bikes are to close together to fit three MTBs on a three bike or two on a two bike rack, and fiddly with road or hybrid bikes.

The wiring often has the tail lights on separate circuits, so you only get one tail light on an Australian standard plug

The ball mount Thule racks are very easy and quick to fit and remove.

I have an ISI rack, and while it's fiddly to fit, it's rock solid with big heavy bikes.
Tony

[Tombie]

Same. ISI here…

Rock solid, I find it easy to fit.. just lift everything and slide in to hitch.

2 eMTBs don’t phase it at all

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I have an isi rack and I've slid down sand dunes with it all throughout the simpson. :o Solid.

[scarry]

We have an ISI as well,it is great.
Ours is a 4 bike rack,but we only need two.

I picked it up very cheap off Market Place,the seller was going to throw it out....

[Captain_Rightfoot]

So we bough a camper new. It came with an ISI rack which we ordered as an option. So that was great but the rack has been hitting the spare, so we had to take the spare off. Anyway ISI have been going above and beyond to get it right. They've sent two rack stands now and we're testing it.

I just wanted to say great customer service from a local company (melb I think). They want it to be great. 10/10 recommend.

[DoubleChevron]

Does your car have a european towbar ? this complicates it a lot, and most bike racks will not work with it.

https://etowbars.com/image/cache/data/towbars/euro%20towbars%20QR%20arrows-520x395.jpg