RV Trailer Bike Carrier Buying Guide

If you're planning a road trip with your RV and want to bring your bikes along, a bike carrier is a must-have accessory. Bike carriers come in different types, including hitch-mounted, roof-mounted, and trunk-mounted, each with its own pros and cons.

Hitch-mounted bike carriers are a popular choice for RV owners because they're easy to install and can carry up to 5 bikes. They're also relatively affordable, with prices starting at around $150.

When choosing a bike carrier, consider the weight capacity and the type of bikes you'll be carrying. Some bike carriers can handle heavy e-bikes, while others are better suited for lighter road bikes.

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There are several types of bike carriers to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits.

Platform bike carriers are a popular choice for RV trailer bike carriers, offering a sturdy and stable platform for bikes.

They usually have a fixed height and can carry up to 5 bikes, making them ideal for families or groups.

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Hitch-mounted bike carriers are another option, which attach directly to the RV's hitch and provide easy access to the bikes.

They can carry up to 4 bikes and are often preferred by those who want a more secure and stable bike carrier.

Tray-style bike carriers are also available, which feature a flat tray that holds the bikes in place.

They are often preferred by those who want a more space-efficient bike carrier, as they can carry up to 4 bikes in a smaller footprint.

Front Receiver Mounted bike racks are a viable option for RV owners who can't use the rear receiver hitch. This might be the case if you have a truck camper and plan to tow a boat.

You can remove the rack when not in use, and some models, like the Swagman rack, fold down to a compact size for storage.

Cost is a key consideration, as most pickups or RVs don't come with a front receiver hitch, so you'll need to have one added to your vehicle.

Minimal impact on visibility is a benefit of front-mounted bike racks, according to the owner of one such rack.

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A receiver-mounted bike rack is a great option for motorhomes and some travel trailers. These vehicles often have a receiver mount that makes it easy to attach a bike rack.

We've seen this type of setup on motorhomes and some travel trailers, including an Oliver and a Little Guy Max. The receiver is usually mounted at the rear of the vehicle.

One thing to consider with a receiver-mounted bike rack is that you generally can't see your bikes while driving. This is because the rack is attached to the rear of the vehicle.

However, some travel trailers have a receiver mounted to the front, which solves this problem. We've seen this on a Boreas teardrop camper.

If you're considering a receiver-mounted bike rack, think about how it will affect your vehicle's storage and access. Some racks fold out of the way to allow access to storage compartments, while others may block outdoor kitchens or storage areas.

You'll also want to choose a rack that fits your needs, such as one that holds the frame or supports the bike using trays under the tires. Some racks come with built-in security features, which may be worth considering.

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To ensure a smooth installation and mounting process, consider the height of your bike rack. Make sure the bikes are carried high enough, ideally with enough ground clearance to avoid dragging when driving through dips in the road.

Proper ground clearance is crucial, especially for RVs without tow cars, as it can prevent damage to the bike rack and the vehicle. A gusset plate can increase the height of the bike rack, but you'll need to assess your specific setup to determine the best solution.

Installing a two-inch hitch receiver can also simplify the process, allowing you to easily move the bike rack between your RV and car. This is especially useful when you want to take the bikes without moving the RV.

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A self-securing connection is key to a smooth and hassle-free experience when using your bike rack. This is especially true when it comes to preventing movement and bounce.

The old bike rack had a problem with bouncing up and down, which was solved by using a steel plate and U-bolt with large nuts on top.

Precision engineering can make a big difference, as seen in the Swagman RV-approved bike rack, which features a threaded hitch pin that prevents movement.

This Locking Anti-Rattle Threaded Hitch Pin is a great example of how a well-designed component can eliminate the need for additional clamps or straps.

This mounted over propane tanks option is a great choice for travel trailers. It keeps bikes above the propane tanks, which can be a concern for some owners.

The Arvika bike rack is a popular choice for this type of setup, offering models that can hold from two to four bikes. We initially configured ours for four bikes, but now use it with two bicycles.

One potential downside to this type of rack is that it may impact the turning radius of the truck and camper. This is something to consider when choosing a bike rack.

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Travel trailer A-frame carrier mounts from Swagman or Stromberg Carlson are another option to consider. They're mounted to the front of the travel trailer and have a 2 inch receiver where a hitch mounted bike rack can be installed.

This setup allows for the bike rack to be moved to your truck and used when you're not towing your camper, which is a nice feature.

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Make sure the bikes are carried high enough. This is particularly important for RVs without tow cars, as they can be prone to issues with ground clearance.

Swagman uses a gusset plate to increase the height of the bike rack, addressing this problem. This design feature is a great example of how manufacturers can help ensure safe and secure bike transportation.

Get enough ground clearance so the bike rack doesn’t drag when you drive through a dip in the road. This will help prevent damage to the rack and your vehicle.

Installing a two-inch hitch receiver is a crucial step for using a bike rack on your car. It allows you to easily move the bike rack between the RV and the car.

We found that a two-inch hitch receiver is necessary for bike rack compatibility. This is especially useful when you want to take the bikes without moving the RV.

The E-trailer Trailer Hitch Receiver 2″ for a Subaru Forester is a suitable option for this purpose. It's strong enough to support our bikes.

You'll need to find a hitch that matches your car's make and model, such as the Subaru Forester 2-Inch Receiver.

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For RV trailer bike carriers, it's essential to consider the weight and capacity of the carrier. A minimum class 3 trailer hitch is required to use this type of bike rack.

The extra weight of electric bikes is handled by a double-walled receiver tube, which provides added stability. This is particularly useful for heavy-duty eBike and RV use.

To reduce motion inside the hitch, an included hitch tightener is provided, but it requires a receiver hitch with a flange to function properly.

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Before investing in an RV trailer bike carrier, consider the weight capacity of your vehicle and the carrier. Most bike carriers have a maximum weight capacity of 100-150 pounds.

Make sure to check the compatibility of the carrier with your RV's hitch type and size. The article notes that Class III and IV hitches are the most common types used for bike carriers.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and installation. Failure to do so can result in damage to the carrier or your RV.

Be mindful of the bike carrier's aerodynamics and consider a model with a design that reduces wind resistance. This can improve your RV's fuel efficiency and overall driving experience.

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the bike carrier remains safe and functional. Check the carrier's bolts and straps regularly to prevent rust and wear.

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Installing a bike rack on a motorized RV is usually easier than on a towable RV. Attaching a receiver to a motorized RV is often simpler than attaching one to a trailer.

Attaching the receiver to a towable RV can be tricky because the frame often ends before the attachment points. This makes it harder to secure a bike rack.

You need to get an RV-approved bike rack to ensure it can handle the demands of RV travel. RV-approved bike racks are specifically designed to withstand the stresses of towing.

Repeated dynamic stress is what causes bike racks to fail, so you want a rack that can handle the road behind your RV. More than one RVer has found their bikes dragging on the road, which can be a real problem.

Unless a bike rack explicitly says it is RV-approved, you can't trust the company will stand behind its product. You need to look for that label to be sure you're getting a reliable rack.

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The RV Rider is designed to work with specific hitch sizes and bike wheelbases. It's only compatible with 2" hitches, so make sure you've got the right one installed on your vehicle.

Here are the key specifications to keep in mind:

The RV Rider also includes some useful features, like two Hollywood Small Wheel Adapters to prevent rear derailleur interference on small wheel eBikes. This is especially helpful if you've got an eBike with a 20" wheel.

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If you're in the market for a bike rack for your RV, you've got options. The Hollywood Racks HR1700 RV Rider E-Bike Rack can carry two e-bikes, each up to 80 pounds, on the back of an RV, motorhome, or fifth wheel.

The RV Rider bike rack has some impressive features, including universal heavy-duty wheel holders that can fit any tire up to 5 inches wide. These wheel holders come with ratchet wheel straps and rim protectors for added security and protection.

If you're looking for a bike rack that's specifically designed for RVs, the Hollywood Racks HR1700 is a top choice. It's also a great option if you have e-bikes, as it can carry two of them at a time.

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Another great option is the Swagman RV-approved bike rack "Escapee" model, which can hold two bikes. This rack's design makes it suitable for carbon-frame bikes, and it's a more expensive option compared to the Hollywood Racks HR1700.

If you're still unsure about which bike rack to choose, you might want to check out the 8 RV Bike Rack Options Video, which provides an overview of the range of options available.

Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing a bike rack for your RV:

Some bike racks have specific requirements, such as the need for a minimum class 3 trailer hitch or the inability to use a hitch extension longer than 8 inches. Be sure to check the specifications of any bike rack you're considering to ensure it meets your needs.

The Dispatch model is designed for two standard bikes. It's a great option for RV owners who don't have e-bikes, as it's a bit less costly than some e-bike racks.

This model is RV-approved, which is a big plus for RV owners who need a reliable bike rack.

The RV Rider is a highly versatile bike rack that can be used on a variety of vehicles, but it has some specific requirements to ensure safe and secure transport of your bikes.

The RV Rider can only be used with a 2" hitch, so make sure you have the right hitch size before purchasing the rack. This is a crucial detail to note, as using a 1 1/4" to 2" hitch adapter is not recommended.

The rack can accommodate bikes with a wheelbase between 36" and 60", so if you have a bike with a wheelbase outside of this range, you may need to consider a different rack.

The maximum tire width that can be accommodated by the RV Rider is 5".

Here are some key specifications to keep in mind when using the RV Rider:

The RV Rider also includes two Hollywood Small Wheel Adapters to assist in carrying small wheel fat tire eBikes, which is a great feature for those who own these types of bikes.

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The construction and design of an RV trailer bike carrier is crucial for a safe and secure ride.

For a sturdy build, consider a carrier with a steel frame, like the one mentioned in the article, which can hold up to 4 bikes.

When mounting the carrier to the RV, ensure it's level and secure to prevent any accidents.

Most carriers are designed to be easy to install and can be mounted using a hitch or a roof rack, depending on the type of RV you have.

A well-designed bike carrier should also be easy to load and unload bikes, with features like a swing-away design or a lift-assist mechanism.

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To ensure a long stinger, make sure it extends far enough from the receiver tube. The stinger needs to be long enough that when the bikes are on the rack, they don’t impact your RV.

Adding a dual hitch to your tow setup can give you extra space between your bikes and the RV, just like we did and gained eight inches of space. If you don’t need a dual hitch, don’t use one because it will add to the arm the bike rack exerts on the receiver.

A longer stinger is crucial if you plan to tow your bikes far away from your RV. The farther away the bikes are from the RV, the stronger your stinger must be.

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Construction is a crucial part of any project, and it's essential to consider the design and materials used.

The Swagman RV-approved Bike Rack is a great example of a well-constructed bike rack, with a sturdy design that can hold multiple bikes.

Things that move can add weak points that are prone to failure, which is why I opted for a non-folding design.

In the case of the Swagman RV-approved Bike Rack, the only part that folds is the upper support hooks, making it easier to load and unload bikes.

The construction of the bike rack allows for easy loading and unloading, which is a major advantage for RV owners who need to transport their bikes frequently.

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