Frequently Asked Questions

All of our baskets are designed to accommodate different tire widths, rather than wheel sizes. However, all of our current baskets can fit the same wheel sizes, ranging from 20-inch BMX bikes (although the GROM/Mid-GROM baskets are best suited for this size) to 29ers plus.

We offer four different basket options:

• General basket: Fits tire widths from road bikes up to 2.8 inches
• Mid-Fat basket: Fits tire widths from 2.9 to 3.8 inches
• Fat basket: Fits tire widths from 3.9 to 5.8 inches
• GROM basket: Fits bikes up to 2.8 inches wide, and is intended for 18- and 20-inch wheel kid bikes only.
• Mid-GROM basket:  Fits bikes up to 3.8 inches wide, and is intended for 18- and 20-inch wheel kid bikes only.
  • Please note, for the GROM and Mid-GROM, that depending on bike length, the bike may not reach the bottom bar without a 34-inch axle to axle measurement, or strapping of the lower wheel to the center post. This basket is perfect for BMX bikes. Some 20-inch bikes may fit in the general basket, although not all will. General question we get: Can I fit my 20 inch or 18 inch bike in the general basket and make it work? In most cases you can; however, if you are fitting a lot of bikes on the rack the exact fit baskets will only help in manging bike spacing. With smaller bikes in larger baskets there will always be a little more play and the lean angle may be affected.

Regarding tire width, we offer three width options: up to 2.8 inches wide for the General and GROM baskets, 2.9 to 3.8 inches wide for the Mid-Fat and Mid-GROM baskets, and 3.9 to 5.8 inches wide for the Fat baskets. When choosing your basket, select the combination that best suits your needs. You can always purchase other basket sizes at a later time. If your tire width falls at the upper end of the measurement, we recommend ordering the next size up. For example, 2.9- and 3.0-inch-wide tires will fit better in the Midfat baskets.

For 24- and 26-inch wheels, we recommend using the wheel choke to achieve an exact fit. The wheel choke reduces the length of the basket and positions the front wheel of the bike correctly. Wheel chokes are available for all of our baskets. For example, if you have a 24-inch wheel bike with a 3-inch wide tire, we recommend purchasing the Mid-Fat basket and Mid-Fat wheel choke.

For road bikes, we recommend using the General basket and using a pool noodle for protection. To do this, take a hollow pool noodle and slice it lengthwise. Sandwich the front wheel into it, then place it in the basket and use the tire strap to secure it.

We don’t recommend hanging our bike racks from the wall, we find that solution border line dangerous. If not properly secure, or if the studs are not strong enough the weight of the rack and bikes can cause the rack to come loose and damage bikes and racks, worst case scenario they can hurt someone. We don’t want to have to live with something like that. We believe in engineering solutions that are tested and approved, anything else is a hack. if you need to store the rack flush against the wall with some hooks, remove the baskets and use the hooks that are secured in to a 2×4 studs to secure the rack. The rack should be resting on the ground. The best way to store our rack is the mobile floor stand.

The ALTA SIX GPR (General Purpose Rack) features a uniform body structure across all three rack configurations. As your needs change, the rack can be effortlessly upgraded to a higher capacity by adding baskets. To purchase additional baskets for your existing rack, please send an email to sales@altaracks.com and make a request. Please note that we only sell baskets to current rack owners who are registered in our system. If the rack was not purchased directly from us, proof of purchase will be required.

You want to make that four pack a five pack or just go for the full six or seven pack.The rack price differences do not reflect the cost of the upgrades between racks, depending on the basket request price increase will be greater than the difference between rack prices. It is more economical to purchase the higher quantity rack, than order a basket in the future.

In order to purchase additional baskets, please send an email to sales@altaracks.com  with quantity of desired basekts and sizes as well as your full shipping address. **PLEASE NOTE – We only sell baskets to existing customers**

In order to upgrade your rack to a SUPERIOR or to switch to a smaller carry, please click on this link and follow the steps.

The side swing doors pose a challenge with the rack installed. While you will get some access to the rear door, it will not be able to open fully. However, with the rack leaned back, you will still be able to reach in and let pets in and out, although the door will not open more than 25 percent. The XL hitch option may offer a slight improvement, but the ultimate solution is the ALTA SWINGER.

At first glance, things may appear the same, but upon closer inspection, you’ll discover major differences. Our rack has the furthest extension in the market, providing access to the area between the rack and the vehicle. This feature allows for better operational use when strapping and managing bikes, accessing rear flip-up windows, and dropping tailgates without lowering the rack. It’s a feature unmatched by any other company out there. We also offer removable and adjustable baskets that allow for creating the perfect distance between the bikes to avoid damage from neighboring bikes, which is also unmatched.

Our rack rises out of the receiver to create instant height for clearing dips in roads, steep driveways, and providing perfect clearance for vehicles such as minivans and low receiver locations. Our lifetime warranty covers any manufacturing defects for the original owner of the rack. The capability to convert the rack to winter carry, along with its features and accessories, are unique in the industry.

We build our product in the USA, pay living wages, and utilize local resources to reduce our footprint. We use recycled material and up-cycle used tire tubes for our brake engagers that come with every rack. Our product offers value beyond any other on the market, and if you consider overall features, warranty, and capability, you are getting a killer deal. Our rack weight is one of the lightest on the market, just like your bike. The lighter it is, the more expensive it gets, but it also provides longer life and better performance.

When you purchase US-made products, you are supporting local economies and our way of life. This is not a gimmick. As a nation, it is important that we stay self-sufficient.

It’s important to note that the fenders may come in contact with the basket, which can cause dings or damage to the fenders. To prevent this, some people choose to remove the fenders when using the basket. Others opt to place a soft padding between the fender and the basket to avoid any damage to the fenders.

We want you to be completely satisfied with your rack. However, we do ask that you research our rack to ensure that it is the correct setup for you before purchasing it. If you need to return the rack, please note that if it is unboxed, you will need to pay for return shipping and any non-refundable credit card fees (usually around 3%). If you assemble the rack and then decide to return it, we will need to re-powder coat the rack, which costs $150 or more. This fee will be deducted from your refund once we inspect the returned rack. If you have used the rack and then want to return it, you will be responsible for return shipping, credit card fees, the powder coat charge, and any replacement parts or labor that are needed to make the rack new again.

However, our return rate is extremely low, and you may be able to sell the rack locally and get your money back. If you do decide to sell the rack, please send us an email with the new owner’s name and email so that we can transfer ownership to them. This will allow the new owner to purchase parts and upgrades easily.

At our business, we believe in treating our customers fairly, respectfully, and with empathy. We are a family-owned business, not a corporate giant. If you have a special circumstance or need assistance, please give us a call.

Our personal belief is that no one is born with inherent capabilities, and as humans, we learn trades and skills to better navigate life. With that said, we encourage you to watch our assembly videos and determine for yourself whether the assembly process is within your comfort level. Like any other mechanical product, our racks will require occasional maintenance. They are built to last a lifetime, but this can only be achieved if you take care of the product and follow our pre-season checklist.

There are usually a few options available for every vehicle when it comes to installing a hitch. There are two ways to do this:

1. Do it yourself: Order a class 3 rated 2-inch receiver for your specific vehicle. We recommend checking out etrailer for the best selection, but be sure to shop around. Avoid purchasing anything that is recessed or hidden, as this may limit your clearance for many products and restrict what you can plug in. The receiver face should be in line with your bumper or further out. Round tube receivers have much better torsional tolerances than square tube receivers and also have a higher tongue weight rating. Lastly, be sure to use Loctite when installing the receiver and check the bolts annually.

2. Have it installed: Do an online search for hitch installation in your area and request the product mentioned above. If you have a truck or a solid frame vehicle, we recommend having the receiver welded onto the frame for added security.

No, we are constantly pursuing perfection and are obsessive about details. We maintain a baseline system that is compatible with most of our products and accessories, ensuring that new features can be seamlessly integrated into your rack. Most of our efforts are focused on improving the manufacturing process and maintaining the high quality that is expected of ALTA. Ensuring quality is of the utmost importance to us, as we understand that you place your trust in us to safely transport your equipment. We take this responsibility very seriously.

Absolutely. We are located in Murray, Utah, and offer a local pickup option once you add the product to your cart. Please note that all local pickups are subject to Utah sales tax. In most cases, shipping and taxes for racks are about the same. Additionally, we offer local pickup with assembly for an additional $50 fee. We operate on an appointment-only basis, which allows us to offer a personalized, no-rush experience to every customer.

More dimensions

dimensions

As a new owner of the Swinger rack, you have two hitch options to choose from. The hitch is the part of the rack that inserts into the vehicle’s receiver and all our racks come with one.

If you only plan on using the Swinger with the rack, there is no need for the original hitch that comes with it. This is because the Swinger includes a short hitch. If you purchase the Swinger and rack together, simply add a note requesting only the short hitch and we will refund the cost of the regular hitch.

However, if you plan on using the rack without the Swinger, you will need a regular hitch as the short hitch used by itself may obstruct access to the vehicle’s tailgate or rear doors.

Our product warranty covers any manufacturing defects, such as broken welds, and other issues that may arise during production. In case of any warranty items, we offer free shipping for one-year post-purchase. We rigorously test our product to find its limits, and we use our own products on a daily basis.
Our baskets are designed to be lightweight, which reduces the creation of moment forces on the rack’s high point. A heavier basket can cause a whipping effect on the rack, leading to unnecessary forces on the bikes and racks. Additionally, our baskets are designed to collapse in case of significant forces being applied to them, protecting the wheels in case of an accident. The low bar on our racks is also designed to save wheels by collapsing and pushing the rear wheel towards the vehicle in case of a catch.
There are several reasons why baskets can bend, including the weight of the bike and acceleration creating significant forces. To minimize movement, we engage the brakes on the bikes and use wheel chokes for a perfect fit. We also recommend E-Bike straps for any bikes over 40+ to relieve some weight on the basket and put it on the top bar, which prevents bending. Loose connections at the receiver or pivot point of the rack can also cause movement and a whipping effect. Uni-body vehicles may experience flexing of the frame, which translates to whipping motions as well.
To reduce such movements, we recommend utilizing our retractable straps low and wide or high and wide. For Uni-body frame vehicles, tying to the roof rack or high up and wide yields the best results, while low and wide works best for other vehicles. For vans, we recommend tying to the door hinges using a paracord loop to create a soft strap point. We have videos demonstrating these setups on our YouTube channel.
It is important that any movement in the rack is eliminated prior to use, as the rack is designed to produce very little movement. Bent baskets will not be covered under our warranty.

When carrying e-bikes on our racks, we recommend removing the batteries whenever possible to reduce the change in center of gravity. To properly secure the bikes, ensure that the bike brakes are engaged, as this eliminates any movement in the hub. Engage the e-bike straps to pull the bike towards the vehicle and completely remove any force from the rear of the basket where it may be bent. Additionally, tie down the rack to the vehicle body independently of the receiver to eliminate any play in the rack that can create forces and shift the bikes, potentially bending the baskets. Our baskets are engineered to collapse in the case of an accident to protect your wheels, but they may bend if the above guidelines are not followed.