A solid four-bike rack that is quick to fit, locks to the vehicle and folds down between trips.
The Allen QR545 Premier Quick-Install Locking Hitch Rack carries up to four bikes on a vehicle fitted with a professionally installed 2-inch receiver hitch with a sufficient load rating.
Its locking quick-install hitch insert makes the rack straightforward to fit and remove, while folding carry arms and a tilt-away mast make it more manageable between trips.
Locking Quick-Install Hitch Insert
The patented quick-install mechanism tightens the rack inside the receiver to provide a secure, stable fit. No tools are required when fitting the assembled rack to the vehicle and two keys are included.
The integrated lock secures the rack to the vehicle. It does not lock the bikes to the rack, so a separate cable lock is required if you want to secure the bikes against theft.
Four-Bike Capacity
The QR545 carries up to four bikes, with a maximum permitted weight of 16kg per bike and 64kg across the complete bike load.
Always check the load rating of the vehicle, towbar and receiver before fitting the rack. Remember that the rack’s own weight must also be included when checking the total load placed on the towbar.
Individual Bike Support
Dual-compound cradles support each bike along the carry arms, while quick-secure straps hold the frames in position. A padded spine shield helps protect the bikes from contact with the rack’s central mast.
An additional tie-down strap is included to help control the complete load. Secure loose wheels and handlebars before driving and make sure the bikes cannot swing into the vehicle or each other.
Folding and Tilt-Away Design
The carry arms fold down when the rack is unloaded, reducing how far it extends behind the vehicle.
The tilt-away mast provides access to many rear doors and tailgates once the bikes have been removed. Check there is enough clearance before opening the vehicle.
Bike Compatibility
This hanging-style rack works directly with many conventional diamond-frame bikes. Step-through, compact, children’s and some full-suspension bikes may require a compatible frame adaptor bar to sit safely and level on the carry arms.
The QR545 is not suitable for heavy e-bikes. Check the complete weight of every bike before loading and do not assume that a lighter e-bike will sit correctly on the hanging cradles.
Vehicle Compatibility
The QR545 requires a professionally installed 2-inch receiver hitch with enough load capacity for the rack and bikes.
It must not be fitted to a front-mounted receiver, trailer, caravan, motorhome or any other vehicle being towed. It is not designed for off-road driving.
Key Features
- Carries up to four bikes
- Patented locking quick-install hitch insert
- Hitch mechanism tightens inside the receiver to reduce movement
- No tools required when fitting the assembled rack to the vehicle
- Two keys included
- Quick-fold carry arms lower when the rack is not in use
- Tilt-away mast provides access to many rear doors and tailgates once the bikes are removed
- Dual-compound tie-down cradles
- Quick-secure cradle straps
- Padded spine shield helps protect the bikes
- Additional load-stabilising strap included
- Minor initial assembly required
Our Thoughts
The main advantage of the QR545 over Allen’s non-locking S545 is the quick-install hitch mechanism. It makes the rack faster to fit and remove, reduces movement inside the receiver and locks the rack to the vehicle.
Loading four bikes onto any hanging rack takes some planning. Alternate the direction of neighbouring bikes where necessary, protect contact points and secure the wheels so they cannot move while driving.
The 16kg-per-bike limit suits many road bikes, mountain bikes and children’s bikes but rules out most heavier e-bikes. Bikes without a suitable horizontal top tube may also need an adaptor bar.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Practical advice on vehicle, receiver and bike compatibility
- Help checking bike weights and frame fit
- Frame adaptors and additional bike-security options available
- Nationwide New Zealand delivery
- Ongoing support from our Christchurch team
Specifications
- Brand: Allen Sports
- Model: QR545 Premier
- Rack type: Locking hanging hitch-mounted bike rack
- Bike capacity: Four
- Maximum weight per bike: 16kg / 35lb
- Maximum combined bike load: 64kg / 140lb
- Receiver size: 2-inch
- Hitch attachment: Locking quick-install insert
- Keys included: Two
- Bike retention: Dual-compound cradles with quick-secure straps
- Carry arms: Folding
- Vehicle-access feature: Tilt-away mast
- Frame protection: Padded spine shield
- Additional tie-down strap: Included
- Vehicle installation tools required: No
- Initial assembly: Minor assembly required
Important Installation and Safety Information
- Use only with a professionally installed 2-inch receiver hitch with a sufficient load rating.
- Check the permitted load for the vehicle, towbar and receiver before installation.
- Never fit the rack to a trailer, caravan, motorhome or another vehicle being towed.
- Do not fit the rack to a front-mounted receiver.
- Do not use a hitch adaptor or receiver converter.
- The rack is not designed for off-road driving.
- Do not exceed 16kg per bike or 64kg across the complete bike load.
- Remove all bikes before operating the tilt-away mechanism.
- Keep the vehicle’s lights and number plate clearly visible.
- Check the hitch mechanism, cradles and straps before every journey.
- Follow the supplied Allen installation and loading instructions.
Allen Premier QR Hitch Rack Video
