[Review] The SplitRail LS Hitch Rack by RockyMounts

No matter what bike you need to haul, the RockyMounts SplitRail LS Hitch Rack is an affordable hitch rack option packed with features that make traveling with your bike(s) easy, efficient, and secure. There are a few distinct features that we love about our SplitRail LS including the adjustability, ease of use, and the integrated locking system.

First of all, something that is really beneficial about the SplitRail LS is the fact that you can add onto the 2-bike hitch platform. We especially like that you can add on one bike at a time so if you only need placement for 3 bikes, you don’t have an extra tray getting in the way. If you’re using the SplitRail as a 2-bike system, the weight limit on each bike is 60 lbs. If you’re adding on, the weight limit is 45 lbs for each bike. Another great benefit of the SplitRail is that you can carry bikes of all sizes. You can haul road tires to wide mountain bikes tires with diameters from 20” to 29.” Wheelbase compatibility is 34” to 50.” This seems like the perfect set up for a family of 3 or 4, as you can safely and easily haul different sized bikes.

The trays also adjust 4” side-to-side to ensure that none of your bikes interfere with each other. For us, our two mountain bikes fit fine next to each other with each tray in the center mounted position. It’s nice to be able to have the flexibility to adjust the side-to-side mounting position if needed.

The SplitRail LS is available only in a 2” hitch option. The premium 3-axis anti wobble system that RockyMounts has implemented ensures that this rack wobbles as little as possible whether you’re cruising interstates or rallying dirt roads. While some may not be accustomed to the hitch pin threading into the hitch, we think that the added two minutes of threading the pin in, are totally worth it for the solid feel and less wobble. All the necessary tools are included which is a great bonus.

With all the keys in our life, it’s really thoughtful of RockyMounts to key all the locks on the SplitRail alike. The integrated locking system on the rack arms is so easy to use and ensures security in seconds. Both of the arm locks as well as the hitch pin lock are keyed alike.

The mechanism holding the bikes on the rack is super easy to use and while it works to keep the bike secure and in place, it’s coated with a soft touch material so it won’t mar up any part of your expensive bike. The hook arm secures over your front wheel and does not require any frame contact. The rear portion is secured with a simple ratchet strap that also will not damage your gear. One small detail that makes a huge impact in our opinion is the built-in hook for the rear strap. Simply loop the end of the strap on the hook and it is up out of your way. If you’ve ever fumbled with this strap while trying to mount a bike on a rack, you’ll thoroughly appreciate this as well. Love the little details that make a world of difference.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a proper hitch rack if it didn’t tilt. The SplitRail LS both tilts down 30˚ and folds flat against the rear of your vehicle. This movement is actuated by a very easy to use blue handle. I really like the placement of the handle because when fully loaded with 2 bikes, it is easy to reach and use. The down-tilt is great if you have a wagon with a hatch or a truck with a tailgate.

Our one complaint with the SplitRail LS is the fit on a few different vehicles. Our main use for a hitch rack of this sort would be on a Promaster Van. Unfortunately, because of the measurements and the way that the bikes are tilted back towards the vehicle, in its standard form, the rack would not work on the van. With the bikes mounted in place, they hit the back of the van. With the truck, without the extension, we would be unable to access the tailgate even with the rack tilted down. For a standard vehicle or wagon, if your vehicle is a little bit taller, this rack may run into the same issue with the bikes hitting the back of the vehicle.

For a solution, you can mount the rack on a hitch extension. This is what we did for hauling with the truck. You can see in the photos that the extension allowed for us to be able to access the tailgate. There are some cons to using an extension, like the fact that the anti-wobble system, while it would minimize wobble from the rack to the extension mount, it would do nothing for the extension to the vehicle hitch mount. The extension, by nature, adds a bunch of movement and wobble. We also have a Volvo wagon and in the standard form, the bikes clear the roof of the Volvo because it’s a bit shorter of a vehicle. The extension is definitely a fix but again adds a bit of wobble.

If you’re looking for an affordable, secure, and easy way to haul your bicycles, look no further than the RockyMounts SplitRail LS. Take a few measurements and ensure that the SplitRail LS is the perfect fit and then get to hauling your bikes wherever you want. Between the integrated locks, the quick and easy to use mount system, and the adjustability of the rack you can take any bike, anywhere hassle free.

If you’re looking to purchase the SplitRail LS by RockyMounts, doing so by using our provided link supports us in the fact that we get a small kickback from your Amazon purchase. We appreciate the support.