Mount Ski Racks
best hitch-mount ski racks
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
- Best of the Best: Tyger Auto Folding Hitch-Mounted Ski & Snowboard Rack
- Best Bang for the Buck: Arksen Folding Hitch-Mounted Ski & Snowboard Rack
- Trusted Brand: Thule Tram Hitch Ski Carrier
- Best for SUVs and RVs: Hyperax Volt Ski Rack
When you’re going skiing or snowboarding, a hitch-mount ski rack is a reliable way to get your gear to the slopes. Unlike roof-mounted ski racks, which require you to reach up high to pack your gear onto the roof of your car, hitch-mounted models attach in the back to a vehicle’s trailer hitch, so you have easy access to it.
Most are designed to tilt away from the trunk when you need to open it, and some can carry as many as six pairs of skis and four snowboards. Straps and locks keep everything securely in place, and many can hold other sporting gear as well, like fishing rods and paddles, making them ideal for year-round use.
If you’re ready to give a hitch-mount ski rack a try, we think the Tyger Auto Folding Hitch-Mounted Ski & Snowboard Rack is a standout. Able to hold up to 130 pounds, it’s a hit with customers for its durable build and easy installation.
Which hitch-mount ski rack is best?
Tyger Auto Folding Hitch-Mounted Ski & Snowboard Rack
Best of the Best
Load Capacity: 130 lb | Material: Steel | Fit: 1.25” or 2” receivers | Foldable: Yes
The Tyger Auto Folding Hitch-Mounted Ski & Snowboard Rack is made of sturdy steel and can accommodate up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards. The black powder coating on the frame provides superior rust resistance, and the dual anti-theft key locks for the top rack and hitch receiver ensure your equipment is secure.
It features height-adjustable rack plates to accommodate skis and snowboards of various lengths, and the primary pole can be tilted up to 120 degrees for trunk clearance. It’s compatible with most vehicles with 1.25-inch or 2-inch hitch receivers and includes a five-year, no-hassle limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Arksen Folding Hitch-Mounted Ski & Snowboard Rack
Best Bang for the Buck
Load Capacity: 99 lb | Material: Steel | Fit: 1.25” or 2” receivers | Foldable: Yes
Those looking for the most value will love the Arksen Folding Hitch-Mounted Ski & Snowboard Rack for its easy installation and durable design. This hitch-mount ski rack has an all-in-one hitch lock and works with most vehicles with a 1.25-inch or 2-inch hitch receiver. The holding rack plates are height-adjustable, which allows you to accommodate skis and snowboards of different lengths.
It’s a versatile ski rack with a 99-pound load capacity that lets you secure up to six pairs of skis, four snowboards and even other equipment, such as fishing rods, paddles, ski poles and water skis. It also features a waterproof all-in-one safety lock and padded arms with clips to secure your gear.
Thule Tram Hitch Ski Carrier
Trusted Brand
Load Capacity: 165 lb | Material: Aluminum | Fit: 1.25” or 2” | Foldable: No
The Thule Tram Hitch Ski Carrier is one of the more expensive hitch-mount ski racks, but its aluminum construction gives it superior durability, making it one of the best options for those who want something that’ll last. The rubber arms grip and secure your equipment without scratching it, and the dual key locks keep it safe from theft.
The large push button makes this ski rack easy to open and close, and its versatility to connect to 1.25-inch or 2-inch receivers allows you to accommodate various skis and snowboards. It can hold six pairs of skis or four snowboards on a 2-inch receiver rack and four pairs of skis or two snowboards on a 1.25-inch fit.
Hyperax Volt Ski Rack
Best for SUVs and RVs
Load Capacity: 180 lb | Material: Metal | Fit: 2” | Foldable: Yes
The Hyperax Volt Ski Rack has a 180-pound load capacity and can support up to four pairs of skis or two snowboards on each side. It has an anti-theft lock to keep your gear secure, and the primary pole can be tilted downward, allowing SUV tailgates to open with ease.
It has a three-position design that allows you to use it in a folded, storage, or opened position, and it can fit larger vehicles, such as SUVs and RVs, with 2-inch hitch receivers. It features safety straps with reflective material for increased security, and the assembly process is straightforward.
How we analyzed
Our goal was to find the best hitch-mount ski racks by researching the most popular models. Based on specs, performance and security, we were able to compile a list of the best ski racks that are easy to install and provide excellent protection. We also considered customer reviews and determined that the best models can accommodate equipment of varying length and multiple pieces and tilt downward for easy trunk access.
Key features to consider
Build quality
Materials
Hitch-mount ski racks typically have a durable, waterproof steel frame with a powder coating for improved rust resistance. Some racks are made with high-grade aluminum for superior durability, but almost all quality ski racks have a sturdy frame that’s built to last.
Size and load capacity
The load capacity varies depending on the ski rack, as some can accommodate 100 to 150 pounds, while others are better suited for holding as much as 200 pounds. Ski racks are sizeable as they’re meant to accommodate multiple skis and snowboards, but they’re designed to fit on your vehicle without exceeding its width and without protruding too much.
Fit
Hitch-mount ski racks can be installed on 1.25-inch or 2-inch hitch receivers, depending on the model, and some racks can be installed on either. Racks designed only for 1.25-inch receivers are typically smaller and can accommodate fewer pieces of equipment. The best ski racks are versatile enough to attach to either 1.25-inch or 2-inch receivers and can fit multiple pairs of skis and snowboards.
Our top picks: Build quality
- Tyger Auto Folding Hitch-Mounted Ski & Snowboard Rack: This rack has a steel frame and a 130-pound load capacity and is compatible with both 1.25-inch and 2-inch hitch receivers.
- Arksen Folding Hitch-Mounted Ski & Snowboard Rack: It has a lower load capacity than other models at just 99 pounds, but it has a sturdy steel frame and works with both 1.25-inch and 2-inch receivers.
- Thule Tram Hitch Ski Carrier: This rack’s aluminum frame and 160-pound load capacity give it an edge over other picks. It’s also compatible with both types of hitch receivers.
- Hyperax Volt Ski Rack: This rack has a durable steel construction and a whopping 180-pound capacity, but it only works with 2-inch receivers.
Ease of use
Oversized release button
Your skis or snowboards are typically secured to the rack with a locking system, but once you arrive at your destination, you’ll need to release them to unload them. An oversized release button makes it easy to release your skis or snowboard while wearing gloves. Racks with a smaller release button aren’t necessarily more difficult to use, but it can make it more challenging to release your gear if you’re wearing thick gloves.
Height adjustable
Skis and snowboards come in many different sizes, so it’s crucial to ensure that your rack can accommodate a wide range. The best racks have height-adjustable rack plates that make it easy to fit skis and snowboards of any size.
Foldable
Hitch-mount ski racks are clunky by design and can protrude several feet behind your vehicle. A folding ski rack can be collapsed easily into a closed position when not in use, which allows you to take up less space when parked.
Tilt adjustable
A hitch-mounted ski rack will naturally block the rear of your vehicle, but if your rack has a tilting function, you can simply push it downward for convenient hatch access.
Our top picks: Ease of use
- Tyger Auto Folding Hitch-Mounted Ski & Snowboard Rack, Arksen Folding Hitch-Mounted Ski & Snowboard Rack and Hyperax Volt Ski Rack: These three racks have a pin-locking mechanism for securing and releasing equipment. They’re also height-adjustable, foldable and tiltable.
- Thule Tram Hitch Ski Carrier: This tiltable rack has a large release button that’s easily accessible while wearing gloves.
Safety
Anti-theft protection
Many hitch-mount ski racks have dual locks that can only be unlocked with a key. This helps to protect your equipment from theft. Keys are always included when you purchase your hitch-mount ski rack — just be sure not to lose them.
Rubber padding/cushioning
If you opt for a rack with metal arms to keep your skis and snowboard secure, they must have rubber padding or cushioning to avoid scratching or damaging the surface while you drive.
Straps and clamps
Some racks have a knob buckle clamp to keep skis firmly in place, which is easy to use as all you have to do is turn the knob to tighten or release your gear. Other racks come with extra straps that feature reflective materials for enhanced security at night.
Our top picks: Safety
- Tyger Auto Folding Hitch-Mounted Ski & Snowboard Rack and Arksen Folding Hitch-Mounted Ski & Snowboard Rack: These racks have dual anti-theft locks for added security and padded arms to keep your gear free of scratches.
- Thule Tram Hitch Ski Carrier: It features dual one-key locks for security and ultra-soft rubber arms to prevent scratches.
- Hyperax Volt Ski Rack: This rack includes extra safety straps for protection.