By Owen PalmerUpdated November 2026
If you ride dirt bikes or eBikes and need to get them to the trail, a dirt bike carrier rack is one of the most practical ways to haul them without loading into a truck bed. This review looks at the Mockins 500 lb hitch carrier, a steel rack built for 2-inch receivers and sized for bikes with tires around 5.5 inches wide. It suits riders with a hitch-equipped vehicle who want a rack with a loading ramp and a 500 lb rated capacity. It is less suited to riders with 1.25-inch receivers, very wide tires, or anyone who needs a rack that folds away tightly when the vehicle is parked in a garage.
Heavy Duty Steel eBike Hitch Rack & Dirt Bike Hitch Carrier for 2" Receivers | Weatherproof Motorcycle Carrier for 5.5" Tires Mockins 500 Lbs. Capacity 73" Motorcycle Hitch Carrier with Loading Ramp
Product Overview
The Mockins hitch carrier is a steel platform rack that slides into a 2-inch hitch receiver and secures with a hitch pin. Its listing describes it as weatherproof, with a 500 lb capacity and a 73-inch overall dimension, along with an included loading ramp for rolling a motorcycle or eBike up onto the platform. The product name also references eBike use alongside dirt bikes, which suggests it is marketed to riders carrying a range of two-wheeled machines.
Hitch carriers of this type are generally designed for riders who want to skip lifting a heavy bike into a truck bed or onto a roof. Because the bike sits on a platform behind the vehicle, the tradeoff is that the load adds weight and length to the rear of the vehicle. Riders planning to use any hitch rack should also review the vehicle’s towing and tongue weight limits, which are usually listed in the owner’s manual.
For background on how hitch-mounted racks differ from other mounting styles, see Dirt Bike Bike Rack: 6 Mounting Options Compared for Riders (2026), which walks through the main approaches riders use.
Key Features & Specifications
The table below lists only the specifications stated in the product name or widely associated with this model. Confirm final dimensions and fitment against the listing before buying.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Hitch receiver size | 2 inch |
| Rated capacity | 500 lbs |
| Overall length (as listed) | 73 inches |
| Tire width accommodated | Up to 5.5 inches |
| Construction | Heavy duty steel |
| Finish | Weatherproof coating |
| Loading aid | Included loading ramp |
| Mounting | Hitch receiver with pin |
Manufacturers specify these figures as maximum or nominal values. Actual safe load depends on the vehicle’s hitch rating, the bike’s weight, and how the weight is distributed across the platform. Always check the vehicle’s tow rating before loading.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Steel construction is generally sturdier than lightweight aluminum options for heavy motorcycles.
- The 500 lb rating leaves room for heavier dirt bikes and many eBikes.
- A built-in loading ramp removes much of the lifting when getting a bike onto the rack.
- Fits standard 2-inch receivers, which are common on trucks and SUVs.
- Weatherproof finish is useful for riders who leave the rack outdoors between trips.
Cons
- Steel is heavy, so the rack itself adds noticeable weight to the hitch.
- The 73-inch length extends well behind the vehicle, which affects parking and clearance.
- Only suits 2-inch receivers; 1.25-inch hitches are not compatible.
- Tire width support is limited to around 5.5 inches, so wide-tired bikes may not fit.
- Rear-mounted loads can reduce visibility and may affect rear-door and hatch access.
Performance Analysis
Based on the listed specifications, the main performance question for a dirt bike carrier rack is how well it handles weight, movement, and vibration on rough roads. A 500 lb rating is a meaningful margin for most dirt bikes, which typically weigh well under that figure, but riders should still factor in fuel, gear, and any aftermarket parts when estimating the total load.
Owners of hitch-mounted bike and motorcycle racks commonly report that movement at the hitch is the biggest source of wobble. A hitch pin and anti-sway hardware reduce this, and riders often mention that a snug receiver fit matters more than the rack’s raw strength. Because this product is sold with a hitch pin, riders should check that it fits their receiver without excess play before every trip.
Tire fit is the other practical limit. A 5.5-inch width maximum covers many standard dirt bike tires but not all knobby or wide trail tires. Riders should measure their tire width and confirm the wheel will sit securely in the platform cradle. Ramp use is generally easier with a helper, and riders report that a gentle, steady push up the ramp works better than rushing the bike.
Weather exposure is another consideration. A weatherproof finish helps resist rain and road grime, but steel still needs periodic inspection for chips in the coating, loose bolts, and rust at welds. Riders who store the rack outside should check it each season.
For general guidance on how loads are distributed on bike and motorcycle racks, Bike Racks: Mounting Points and Load Basics covers the principles that apply here.
Who Should Buy This Product?
This rack suits riders who own a truck or SUV with a 2-inch receiver, regularly haul dirt bikes or heavier eBikes, and want a platform that includes a loading ramp. It is a strong fit for trail riders who make longer trips and need more capacity than a lightweight rack can offer.
It is a poor fit for anyone with a 1.25-inch receiver, a car with low rear clearance, or a bike with tires wider than 5.5 inches. Riders who need a rack that stores compactly in a garage, or who frequently park in tight spaces, may find the 73-inch length inconvenient. Anyone unsure about hitch load limits should check with the vehicle manufacturer or a qualified installer before purchase.
Buying Guide
Before buying any dirt bike carrier rack, work through these checks:
- Confirm receiver size. Measure the opening of your hitch receiver. Most trucks and SUVs use 2-inch receivers, but some compact vehicles use 1.25-inch.
- Check the tow rating. Look up your vehicle’s maximum tongue weight and hitch rating in the owner’s manual. The rack’s capacity does not override the vehicle’s own limit.
- Measure your tires. Confirm the widest tire on your bike fits within the platform’s stated maximum.
- Estimate total weight. Include the bike, fuel, and any gear or accessories you will carry.
- Plan for clearance. Measure the rack’s extension behind the vehicle and check it does not block your license plate, lights, or rear access.
- Think about storage. Decide whether you need a rack that tilts, folds, or removes easily.
If you want to compare options, the Black Widow hitch carrier offers a different feature set. Its listing includes a ramp that stores on the rack, an anti-wobble device, support for Class III and IV 2-inch receivers, and a hitch pin, making it well suited to dirt bikes:
Ramp stores on rack, anti-wobble device, Class III/IV 2" hitch receiver, hitch pin included, for dirt bikes Black Widow Motorcycle Carrier, Ramp, 500 lb Cap,
A second Black Widow option emphasizes wheel control. Its listing describes an 8-position wheel chock that steadies the front tire, a self-storing ramp, a 79-inch track, and a 600 lb capacity, with support for tires up to 8 inches wide. This model may suit riders carrying larger bikes or who want more stability at the front wheel:
8-Position Wheel Chock Steadies the Front Tire, Self-Storing Ramp, 79 In Track Fits Larger Bikes with Tires to 8 In Black Widow Steel Motorcycle Hitch Carrier, Wheel Chock, 600 lb, 2 In Hitch
For riders considering a hitch rack with a different mounting philosophy, Thule T2 Pro XTR Hitch Bike Rack Review: Is It Worth It? offers a useful point of comparison on hitch-mounted designs.
FAQ
Will a dirt bike carrier rack work with any hitch?
No. This Mockins model is designed for 2-inch receivers. Measure your receiver before buying, and do not force a rack into a smaller opening.
How much weight can I safely put on a hitch rack?
The rack is rated for 500 lbs, but your vehicle’s towing and tongue weight limits may be lower. Always use the lower of the two figures and check your owner’s manual.
Do I need a loading ramp?
A ramp makes loading heavier bikes much easier. Without one, you would need to lift the bike onto the platform, which is difficult with a dirt bike or eBike. Riders often recommend loading with a helper.
Can I use this rack with a wide-tired bike?
Probably not if your tires exceed 5.5 inches. Measure your widest tire and compare it to the listed maximum before purchase.
Does the rack affect how I can open my vehicle’s rear door or hatch?
It can. The rack extends behind the vehicle, and a loaded bike may block a rear door or make a hatch hard to open. Check clearance with your own vehicle before buying.
How do I keep the hitch rack from wobbling?
Use the hitch pin correctly, make sure the receiver fit is snug, and consider an anti-wobble device if the model includes one. Check bolts and connections before each trip.
Is a steel rack better than aluminum for dirt bikes?
Steel is generally heavier but can offer high strength, which many riders value for heavier loads. Aluminum is lighter and rust-resistant. Choose based on your bike’s weight and how often you will remove the rack.
Should I consult a professional before installing a hitch rack?
Yes, if you are unsure about your vehicle’s hitch rating, wiring for lights, or safe loading. A trailer or hitch specialist can confirm compatibility and help you avoid overloading the vehicle.
Final Verdict
The Mockins hitch carrier is a practical choice for riders with a 2-inch receiver who want a steel rack rated for 500 lbs and a built-in ramp. Its strengths are capacity, sturdy construction, and easier loading, while its main limits are length, weight, and the 5.5-inch tire maximum. Measure your receiver, tires, and vehicle’s tow rating before buying, and compare it with the Black Widow alternatives if your bike or hitch setup calls for something different.
Related reading
- Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack: 7 Best Picks Compared (2026)
- Thule Bike Rack Lock Key Replacement: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
- Kuat Bike Rack Nv 2.0: Install, Use and Maintain It Safely
About Owen Palmer
Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our bike accessories guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
