RV Bike Carrier Options for Every RV Type

If you're an RV enthusiast, you know that having a reliable bike carrier is essential for transporting your bikes safely and efficiently.

There are several RV bike carrier options available, each designed to accommodate different types of RVs.

For smaller RVs like travel trailers, a hitch-mounted bike carrier is a popular choice.

These carriers are easy to install and can carry up to 4 bikes, depending on the model.

There are several types of RV bike carriers to choose from, but not all of them are suitable for use with a recreational vehicle. Four popular types that are RV compatible are hitch receiver racks, bumper-mounted racks, ladder racks, and front-mount racks.

Hitch receiver racks are a popular choice because they're easy to install and offer a lot of flexibility. They can be attached to the back of your RV and come in a variety of styles.

Bumper-mounted racks are another option, but they can be less secure than hitch receiver racks. They're also more visible, which can be a plus if you want to keep an eye on your bikes.

Front-mount racks are less popular because they only work for Class C motorhomes, which is a specific type of RV.

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The most heavy-duty RV bike carriers are perfect for those who have heavier bikes or want a top-of-the-line product.

The Yakima Roadtrip is a great option, holding up to 160 pounds with a maximum weight capacity of 40 pounds per bicycle.

This four-bicycle hitch-mounted rack is made from a powder-coated heavy-duty steel construction and features SuperCush ZipStrip cradles to hold your bikes in place securely.

It also features anti-sway cradles to minimize swaying and rattling while driving down the road.

The product measures 28″L x 13″W x 41″H and only weighs 29 pounds, making it a great option for those who want a lightweight yet heavy-duty bike carrier.

Yakima offers a limited lifetime warranty for the model, which is a great peace of mind for those who want a long-lasting product.

This model is at the higher end of the price scale, but it's an excellent investment and most likely one that won’t need to be replaced anytime soon – if ever.

Front-mount racks are less popular, but they do have a specific use case: they work for Class C motorhomes.

Front-mount racks are a good option if you have a Class C motorhome and want to keep your bicycles in view.

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There are several types of bicycle racks for campers, but not all of them are suitable for use with a recreational vehicle.

You'll want to consider the following types of RV bike racks: hitch receiver racks, bumper-mounted racks, ladder racks, and front-mount racks.

These types of racks are RV compatible and can be attached to different parts of your vehicle.

Each type has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it's essential to research and compare them before making a decision.

Here's a quick overview of each type:

These types of racks are sometimes referred to by different names, but we've listed them based on where the product will be attached to your vehicle.

The Powersports RV bumper rack is made from heavy-duty steel, which is a great material for withstanding the demands of RV travel.

It can hold up to four bikes with a maximum weight capacity of 35 pounds each, for a total of 140 pounds.

The rack is designed to accommodate bicycle tire diameters of up to 1.75 inches wide, which is spacious enough for most road bikes.

This RV bike rack weighs 35 pounds and measures 40″L x 20″W x 3″D.

The construction of a bike rack for your RV is an important consideration. This includes the type of material used, such as heavy-duty steel, which is found in the Powersports RV bumper rack.

A sturdy bike rack is essential for safety, and the Powersports RV bumper rack is one of the sturdiest models available, able to hold up to four bikes with a maximum weight capacity of 35 pounds each.

The Powersports RV bumper rack is also designed with extra support in mind, featuring two 26.5-inch angled brackets to give the rack extra stability when it's full. This is a thoughtful design feature that ensures your bikes are secure and safe.

A minimum class 3 trailer hitch is required to use some bike racks, such as the one mentioned in Example 5, which is designed for heavy-duty use with electric bikes and RVs.

Suggestion: One Bike Carrier

The "Escapee" model bike rack is designed for RVs and can hold 2 bikes. It's a good option for RV owners who want a sturdy bike rack.

This bike rack's vertical brace and hooks hold the wheels rather than the frame, making it suitable for carbon-frame bikes. This is a great feature for bike owners who have bikes with fragile frames.

The Escapee model is a more expensive bike rack option, but its features make it a worthwhile investment for RV owners who want a reliable bike rack.

Loading and securing your bikes on an RV bike carrier is a breeze with the right tools. The Swagman RV-approved bike rack is designed for easy loading, even with lightweight bikes like e-bikes, which can be lifted onto the rack with ease.

For e-bikes, it's a good idea to remove the seat and battery to make loading even simpler. This is especially helpful when the bikes have gotten a bit heavier over time, like mine have due to my increasing age.

The included locking cable locks the rack to the vehicle and the bikes to the rack, providing added security. This ensures that both the rack and your bikes are safe and secure, giving you peace of mind on the road.

Loading your bikes onto a bike rack can be a challenge, especially if you have e-bikes.

For lightweight bikes, simply lifting them onto the rack is a viable option.

Our bikes are lightweight, including our new e-bikes, so we can lift them onto the rack.

However, for e-bikes, it's a good idea to remove the seat and battery to make them lighter.

Swagman makes a ramp that allows you to roll your bikes onto the rack instead of lifting them.

The ramp looks attractive, but we're not sure if it's compatible with our bike rack.

I've noticed that our bikes have gotten a bit heavier over the last three years, possibly due to my increasing age.

This makes lifting them even more challenging, but the ramp could be a game-changer.

The Vehicle Locking Cable Lock is a must-have for any bike rack. It keeps both the rack and your bikes secure.

This locking cable is included with the bike rack, and it's used to lock the bikes to the rack, and the rack to the vehicle.

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Look for an RV-approved bike rack, as it's crucial for safe and reliable use in an RV. This ensures the company stands behind its product for RV use.

To be safe, get an RV-approved bike rack that is rated for e-bikes, which weigh more than standard bikes. This way, you're covered even if you upgrade to e-bikes in the future.

The "Escapee" model is a good choice if given the option, as its hold-down components don't touch the bike's frame, only the tires.

When buying a bike rack for your RV, don't just look at the price tag. There are key features to consider to ensure you find the right one for you.

Key considerations include the type of bike rack, its durability, and how easy it is to install. Installing a bike rack on a motorized RV is usually easier than on a towable RV.

Bike racks must be attached to a two-inch receiver connected to the frame, which can be a challenge on towable RVs. The frame often ends before the attachment points, making it harder to secure the rack.

Repeated dynamic stress is what causes bike racks to fail, often resulting in bikes dragging behind the RV. This is a common issue that many RV owners have experienced.

If you're in the market for a bike rack, look for one that's durable and can withstand the stress of traveling. With so many options available, it's essential to do your research and choose a rack that suits your needs.

The Swagman Traveler XC2 is a popular choice among RV owners, but it's essential to find a rack that fits your specific requirements. Consider factors like weight capacity, ease of installation, and compatibility with your RV's frame.

Unless a bike rack explicitly says it is RV-approved, you can't trust the company will stand behind its product for use in an RV.

It's essential to look for bike racks with a clear RV-approved label to ensure you're getting a product that can withstand the demands of RV travel.

Companies that claim their bike racks are RV-approved will stand behind their product, so you can trust the label.

Getting an RV-approved bike rack that's rated for e-bikes is also crucial, as e-bikes weigh more than standard bikes.

Even if you don't have an e-bike now, getting an RV-approved bike rack for e-bikes will future-proof your purchase.

The Swagman RV-approved bike rack "E-Spec" model is an example of a robust bike rack, but it's also more expensive.

The "Escapee" model is another option, which has hold-down components that don't touch the bike's frame, only the tires.

The Dispatch Model is a great choice for RV bike racks. It's designed for two standard bikes, making it a cost-effective option.

We chose this model for our RV, and it's been a reliable choice. It's RV-approved, which is an important consideration for RV owners.

The Dispatch model was designed specifically for standard bikes, so if you have e-bikes, you may want to consider a different model.

The RV Rider bike carrier is designed to work seamlessly with your RV, and here's what you need to know about its specifications.

It's only compatible with 2" hitches, so make sure you've got the right setup before purchasing. Don't even think about using a 1 ¼" to 2" hitch adapter, as it's not recommended.

The carrier can handle bikes with a wheelbase between 36" and 60", and tire widths up to 5". If you've got a fat tire eBike with a 20" wheel, the included Hollywood Small Wheel Adapter will help prevent rear derailleur interference.

Here are the key specifications at a glance:

It's worth noting that the RV Rider bike carrier is designed for specific use cases, so be aware of the following restrictions: no motorized gasoline bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, 3 wheel bikes (trikes), or electric scooters, and no trailers.

The RV Rider rack has some specific requirements to ensure safe and secure use. It's essential to use a 2" hitch only, as using a 1 ¼" -2" hitch adapter is not recommended.

The maximum bike wheelbase is 60" and the minimum is 36". This means you'll need to check the length of your bike to ensure it fits within these dimensions. I've found that this can be a bit tricky, so make sure to measure carefully.

The rack includes two Hollywood Small Wheel Adapter (SW-ADP-U) to assist in carrying small (20") wheel fat tire eBikes by preventing rear derailleur interference. This is a great feature for eBike owners who need a bit of extra support.

Here are the key specifications to keep in mind:

It's also worth noting that the rack is not to be used with any 1 1/4" to 2" hitch adapter, or with a hitch extension longer than 8". Additionally, it's not for use with motorized gasoline bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, 3 wheel bikes (trikes) or electric scooters.

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The RV Rider bike rack is priced at $649.00. This is a significant investment, but it's worth considering the features and capabilities it offers.

The rack can carry two E-Bikes, each weighing up to 80 lbs. This is a substantial load, and the rack's design is built to handle it with ease.

The RV Rider has a number of special features, including universal heavy-duty wheel holders that can fit any tire up to 5" wide. This is a great advantage for riders who have larger tires on their bikes.

Here are some key specifications for the RV Rider bike rack:

One thing to note is that the RV Rider is not compatible with bumper pull, travel trailers, or bumper mounted hitch receivers. This is an important consideration for riders who plan to use the rack with a particular type of vehicle.

The rack folds up when not in use and can tilt down for rear cargo access. This is a convenient feature that allows riders to easily access the rear of their vehicle.

Overall, the RV Rider is a high-quality bike rack that offers a lot of features and capabilities. It's worth considering if you're in the market for a reliable and versatile bike rack.