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Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Best RV Bike Rack Buying Guide
An RV bike rack is an essential accessory for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy combining their love for biking with their RV travels. Designed to hold your bicycles, an RV bike rack securely allows for easy transport of your bikes without taking up valuable storage space inside your RV.
- RV bike racks transport bikes safely, maximizing space.
- Types include hitch-mounted, bumper-mounted, and ladder-mounted racks.
- Hitch-mounted racks are robust but may cover lights.
- Bumper-mounted racks are cost-effective but less sturdy.
- Ladder-mounted racks are easy to install but have limits.
- Choose based on bike number, weight, RV type, and budget.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance.
There’s no doubt about it. Traveling in an RV can be one of the most rewarding experiences, especially when you’re RVing with your family and loved ones.
The opportunities to see unique places and visit stunning beaches and beautiful mountains are just some of the adventures that await you. Having a bike to pedal your way through these paths is even more fun.
Since the inside space in most RVs is limited, the perfect solution is to buy an RV bike rack to accommodate your bikes.
Selecting an RV bike rack involves finding one that suits all your needs. The perfect bike rack should be compatible with your RV and fit your bikes.
Thus, the key to finding the best fit is thorough research, asking questions, and studying your bikes. We know you’d rather have fun in your RV than do tons of research, so we’ve done the challenging task for you.
In this article, we’ll reveal everything you need to know when choosing an RV bike rack and some of the best ones available today.
The Best RV Bike Racks
1. Swagman RV Ladder Rack
Summary
We start with one of the most popular brands in this category, Swagman. Swagman is one of the top manufacturers of RV bike racks and is trusted by many users.
However, if your RV does not have a ladder or its ladder is on the side, this is probably not the bike rack you’re looking for.
The Swagman RV Ladder Rack can accommodate up to two bikes, provided their weights are not more than 35 pounds. This means that the maximum load this rack is designed for is 70 pounds.
It is also known to be lightweight and corrosion-resistant as it is made of aluminum.
The rack also has a unique hook design, which makes installation relatively easy. When installing it, fit it on the top rung so the tires of your bikes won’t touch the ground when hung on the rack.
The rack also has straps that allow you to secure the bikes after hanging them. This will ensure you enjoy your trip without fear of your bike falling off the back.
As with most Swagman products, the bike rack comes with a lifetime warranty, which gives you peace of mind.
2. Traveler XC2-RV 2 Bike Carrier
Summary
The name “Swagman” appears again on our list, and with good reason. The brand is one of the best in the market, and all its products justify its dedication and have helped maintain its reputation.
The Traveler XC2-RV 2 Bike Carrier also does a great job. We are not surprised, though, because the company also offers a limited lifetime warranty on this rack.
The rack mounts on 4 – 4.5-inch bumpers using the bumper adaptor. When not used with the bumper adaptor, it also works with a class III hitch receiver.
Thus, it gives you more than one mounting choice. This may not seem as much, but it is beneficial when you need to use every space available.
The Swagman Traveler can take up to two bikes, with a maximum designed load of 70 pounds. The rack mounts horizontally, so you won’t have to disengage the wheel.
Because of this, the rack has a sliding wheel that can hold any wheel within 20 to 29 inches. It also has racket arms, which can be adjusted to allow them to hold onto the bike.
3. Swagman 2-Bike RV Bumper Rack
Summary
This rack does exactly what its name says and even more. It falls in our category of bumper-mounted racks and works perfectly with square bumpers with 4 – 4.5 inches. It installs around the bumper using 6.5 and 8-inch long bolts.
A frame made from heavy-duty steel can handle and survive vast amounts of stress. It is also painted black and powder-coated, which makes it corrosion-resistant. The bolts used to fasten it in place are included and are also made with heavy-duty steel.
As you may have guessed, the Swagman 2-Bike RV Bumper Rack can carry up to two bikes, but the individual weights must not exceed 30 pounds.
It can accommodate any bike design, including mountain, road, hybrid, and bikes of different frames and wheel sizes. An upright bar in the center helps prevent bikes from falling while towing.
The cable lock provides additional support and helps prevent wobbling. Considering its features and qualities and the price of this bike rack compared with others, the Swagman 2-Bike RV Bumper Rack is a steal.
4. Surco 501BR Ladder Mounted Bike Rack
Summary
Another top bike rack on our list is the Surco 501BR Ladder-Mounted Bike Rack. Made from heavy-gauge aluminum, it has a smooth feel due to the satin finish around its body. It is suitable for any van with a ladder with a tube of at least 1 inch.
It ensures the ladder is accessible without the need to unmount it every time. It can easily hold up to two bikes, and there are no exact limits for the maximum load, although you have to be careful about the amount of load you hang on it.
The rubber cradles on the rack allow you to securely fit your bikes, and flexible rubber straps are also available to hold them in place. Considering all its features, the Surco 501BR is a cheap bike rack.
5. Swagman Mighty Rack
Summary
Swagman has dominated our list of the best RV bike racks; another product on our list is the Swagman Mighty Rack. The Swagman Mighty Rack is the perfect choice for those who want to keep their ladder on their RV.
It does this in a simple but ingenious way—the rack mounts around the spare of your RV and onto the bumper. You can still use the rack even when you don’t have a spare tire. You’ll only need to mount it straight onto the bumper.
The installation is also relatively straightforward. It only involves positioning it around your spare and then locking in the U-bolts around the bumper with a lock washer, which keeps it from coming loose, and a nut.
If you need access to the spare, you just have to remove the pins holding the upright bars of the bike rack and lift them off.
You don’t need to be an expert to hook it up. Everything you need, including bolts, U-bolts, nuts, washers, etc., is supplied with your purchase.
The rack can accommodate two bikes, each weighing 35 – 70 pounds maximum. The J-hooks supplied with the rack help you to secure your bikes and hold them down with the handles.
If you don’t want to eliminate wobbling, use the straps provided and tighten them around the frame.
Choosing the Best Bike Rack for Your RV
Selecting a bike rack for your RV starts with knowing its requirements. Will you be mounting it in the front? How many bikes will you be carrying on your trips?
If mounted at the front, won’t it affect your driving? Do bikes have similar styles and sizes? Will you be using them often or just occasionally? These are some of the questions that you’ll have to answer.
There are three styles of bike racks you’ll find in the market today. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and you’ll have to choose one that fits your requirements.
Bumper Mounted Racks
This type of bike rack is perfect for those with a square bumper who are not traveling with more than one or two bikes. It can be easily adjusted so your bike doesn’t serve as a restrictive driving factor.
However, you should be aware that bumper-mounted racks are mostly suited for RVs made with steel and have a handle that spans the entire length of the bumper.
A bumper-mounted rack also allows you to carry up to 2 or 4 bikes, allows for optimum strength, and doesn’t require much effort to install. It also makes accessibility easy for children or people who are shorter.
Before choosing bumper-mounted bike racks, consider the journey you’ll embark on, the road, the parking space, and your driving skills.
Ladder-Mounted Bike Racks
This is one of the most straightforward solutions to taking your bike with you during an RV trip. As its name suggests, the ladder-mounted rack is fitted on the ladder at the rear of your RV.
Your bikes, which can be up to two or more, are then held in place with their front tires facing vertically facing down. It provides a secure bike set-up, especially when parking or your RV hits obstacles on the road.
Ladder-mounted bike racks are also relatively fast and easy to install for those who have the upper body strength to fix them in place on the ladder. However, the most significant disadvantage is their height, as kids and shorter people won’t be able to easily access the bikes.
Another disadvantage is that you need a ladder on your RV; for those with a ladder, you’ll need to dismount it whenever you need to use it for another purpose.
Hitch-Mounted Racks
Hitch-mounted racks are the best solution for RV and bike racks. They have a unique design and can easily accommodate up to four bikes. There are usually two styles: platform mount or hanging.
Your choice of hitch mount style will depend on your RV and bike design. The most significant advantage of a hitch-mounted bike rack is its ability to fit easily with other vehicles. You can quickly dismount it from your RV and transfer it to a truck or vehicle.
It can be beneficial when you are using your RV to tow your car; the hitch can be detached from your RV and easily get onto the car.
Now that you understand how to choose a bike rack that fits the requirements of your RV and bike styles, let’s look at some of the best RV bike racks available today.
Accessories to Complement Your Bike Rack
While your bike rack may have all the features you need, it can still fall short during specific periods. The weather, for example, can suddenly change and cause damage to your bike.
Just as rain or mud sticks to your RV, it can cling to your bikes. One of the most straightforward solutions to this is using a bike cover. You can purchase a bike cover cheaply and save your bike from damage.
Most bike covers are big enough to accommodate two or more bicycles. If the safety of your bike is your primary concern, you can purchase a lock and chain to secure each bike.
Pedal Your Way through Adventures
Bike racks make carrying bikes with you on your RV travels a dauntless task. Depending on your needs, you must decide whether to use a ladder-mounted, bumper-mounted, or hitch-mounted bike rack.
Be sure to check out the strength of your ladder, bumper, and other areas to ensure they are safe for mounting.
As with any product, searching for the best takes some time and requires patience. We hope we have been able to shed some light on choosing bike racks to suit your purpose.
Why are Some Bike Racks not Suitable for RVs?
Some bike racks are not suitable for RVs primarily because of their insufficient weight capacity. RVs, which are larger and heavier than regular vehicles, require bike racks to withstand the additional strain.
Bike racks not rated for use with RVs may lack the necessary structural integrity to support the weight of multiple bicycles or heavier equipment, such as e-bikes.
Further, the dynamic forces experienced while the RV is in motion can significantly increase the actual load exerted on the rack, potentially compromising its structural integrity.
This can result in the rack failing during transit, damaging both the bicycles and the RV. Therefore, while selecting a bike rack for an RV, it is essential to consider models specifically designed and rated for this use.
These racks are engineered with higher weight capacity and robust construction to securely hold and protect bikes during travel.
Wrapping Up
An RV bike rack is a crucial accessory for any biking enthusiast who owns a recreational vehicle. These racks are designed to transport bikes safely while maximizing the available space.
There are three main types of RV bike racks: hitch-mounted, bumper-mounted, and ladder-mounted.
Hitch-mounted racks are known for their robust construction but may obstruct rear lights. On the other hand, bumper-mounted racks are cost-effective options but may not be as sturdy as their hitch-mounted counterparts.
Lastly, ladder-mounted racks offer ease of installation but have limitations such as lower weight capacity.
Several factors should be considered when choosing an RV bike rack, including the number of bikes you need to carry, their weight, the type of your RV, and your budget.
It’s also essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance to ensure the rack’s safety and longevity.
So, whether you’re an occasional biker or an avid cyclist, an RV bike rack is an investment that can enhance your biking experience by providing a safe and convenient way to transport your bikes during your travels.
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