How to Carry Bikes While Towing a Travel Trailer

If you've ever thought "there has to be a way to carry my bikes and tow my camper at the same time," you're correct! Why choose between hauling your camper and bringing your bikes to the trail when you can do both at the same time? Indeed, the best thing about carrying bikes while towing a trailer is that you just have so. many. options. Want to carry your bikes on your tow vehicle? No problem. Want to haul them along with your trailer? You can do that, too.

So—what exactly are your options, and which one is right for you? We'll go over how to carry your bikes while towing a trailer and help you choose the best method for your situation. Let's get started!

In this article:

Opt 1: Carrying Bikes On Your Travel Trailer

Opt 2: Carrying Bikes on Your Tow Vehicle

Options for Carrying Bikes While Towing a Travel Trailer

Hitch-Mount Bike Racks (Trailer Side)

Great for you if:

You want the versatility of carrying your bikes on your trailer or tow vehicle
You have a hitch receiver on your camper (or are okay with purchasing one)
You want to carry multiple bikes (up to 4)
You have heavier bikes (like electric bikes)

Not for you if:

You don't have or don't want to purchase an RV hitch receiver

When looking for a hitch bike rack to mount on a trailer, make sure the bike rack is approved by the manufacturer for RV/trailer use. This is to ensure that the rack can stand up to the force exerted on it at the back of the trailer. (Read more about what makes an RV bike rack up to the task here.)

Hitch-mounted racks are available to carry up to 4 bikes at the back of the camper and typically offer hefty weight capacities. The biggest benefit to using a hitch mount bike rack is that it can then also be used on the tow vehicle when the trailer isn't attached. After setting up the trailer at the campsite, a hitch bike rack can be transferred to the tow vehicle, and the bikes can be driven to the trailhead.

Need an RV trailer hitch receiver?

There are a couple of options when it comes to choosing a trailer hitch receiver for a camper. The hitch receiver can either be mounted to the trailer bumper or installed on the trailer frame. The durability of the trailer bumper and the width of the frame are factors that will determine which hitch type is best suited for your camper. If the bumper is not designed to carry additional weight or it is not reinforced, a frame-mount hitch receiver is the way to go. A bumper-mounted receiver typically requires a continuous welded steel bumper, most often measuring 4x4".

Bumper-mounted bike rack on travel trailer

Up-close view of bumper-mounted bike rack on travel trailer

Bumper-Mounted Bike Racks (Trailer Side)

Great for you if:

You don't want to install a hitch receiver
Your trailer's bumper is 4x4" of continuous welded steel

Not for you if:

Your bumper is spot-welded or made of aluminum

If you don't want to install a hitch receiver on your trailer, a bumper mounted bike rack is a great option. These racks use U-bolts or mounting plates to clamp around the travel trailer's bumper. It's important to make sure your trailer's bumper can handle a bike rack. Typically, this means your bumper should be continuous welded steel that measures 4"x4". (Aluminum or spot-welded bumpers aren't usually strong enough to handle the weight of the rack and bikes.)

Ladder-Mounted Bike Racks (Trailer Side)

Great for you if:

You have a rear-facing ladder on your camper
You have lightweight bikes or children's bikes
You only need to carry 1 or 2 bikes this way

Not for you if:

You don't have a camper ladder
You want to carry more than 2 bikes, or your bikes are heavy and exceed the rack's weight capacity

If your camper has a rear-facing ladder, a ladder bike rack is another option for carrying bikes. The bikes are carried vertically and supported by the frame member between the seat post and the pedals. Ladder-mounted bike racks are great for carrying 1 or 2 lightweight bikes or children's bikes, since this rack style typically doesn't offer high weight capacities.

Bikes on tongue-mounted travel trailer bike rack

Hitch-style tongue-mounted bike rack on trailer

Tongue-Mounted Bike Racks (Trailer Side)

Great for you if:

Have sufficient space between your tow vehicle and trailer
Have lightweight bikes
Only need to carry 1 or 2 bikes this way

Not for you if:

Have heavy bikes that exceed your rack's weight capacity or add too much tongue weight

Tongue-mounted bike racks might include the bike carrier, or they might simply provide a receiver for a hitch-mounted bike rack. If you have to purchase a bike rack separately, I recommend sticking with a lightweight 2-bike rack so you don't overload your receiver. (Also be aware how much tongue weight you're adding to your setup, and make sure to stay within safe limits.)

Front-Mounted Hitch Bike Rack (Vehicle Side)

Great for you if:

You have a front-mounted hitch or don't mind purchasing one
You'd like to use your rear hitch to carry your bikes when you're not towing
You prefer to keep an eye on your bikes while driving

Not for you if:

You don't have a front-mounted hitch or don't want to purchase one
Your bikes block your headlights or otherwise present a hazard when you drive

If the tow vehicle has a front-mount hitch, a standard hitch bike rack can be used to carry bikes on the front of your tow vehicle.

One benefit of a front-mounted hitch rack is that you can keep an eye on your bikes from the driver's seat. Hitch bike racks are also versatile, so you can easily switch to carrying your bikes from your rear hitch when you're not towing your camper.

If you go the front-mount route, just make sure your bikes don't block your vehicle's headlights at night, and make sure they don't limit the airflow to the radiator.

Need a front-mount trailer hitch?

Enter your tow vehicle's year, make and model here or click "shop front-mount hitches" below to find a custom hitch for your vehicle.

Roof Bike Rack (Vehicle Side)

Great for you if:

You have a roof rack or want to invest in one
You have lighter bikes that you can lift easily
You can reach the roof of your tow vehicle

Not for you if:

You can't reach your roof
Your bikes are too heavy for you to lift onto your roof
Your bike and rack weight surpass your roof's capacity

If you can reach your tow vehicle's roof, there's quite a lot of space up there for hauling bikes. And much like hitch racks, a roof rack lets you carry your bikes even when you're not towing your trailer. The availability of fork mount, frame mount, and wheel mount racks allows you to carry almost any type of bike.

However, there are a few major downsides to roof-mounted bike racks. The main one is that your vehicle height might pose a challenge. Running boards, step stools, or steps like the Moki step can be a huge help. But if your bikes are heavy, even this might not be enough. (Personally, as the owner of a 55-lb e-bike, lifting my bike onto the roof of a truck is going to be my last resort.) You also want to make sure not to surpass your roof's weight capacity.

The second downside (which might not be a big deal to you) is that most roof bike racks require a roof rack to mount on (though there are some that mount on naked roofs). However, you might already have a roof rack, and even if you don't, they are great for carrying all manner of equipment like kayaks, canoes, roof boxes, baskets, and more. So you might want to think about investing in one anyway.

Need a roof rack?

Enter your tow vehicle's year, make and model here or click "shop roof racks" below to find a custom rack for your vehicle.

Bike rack on tow vehicle with built-in ball mount

Ball Mount / Towing Rack (Vehicle Side)

Great for you if:

You want to bring 3 or 4 bikes along
You have sufficient space between your vehicle and trailer
The built-in ball mount on the rack (if included) is able to support your trailer

Not for you if:

Adding this rack and bikes would cause you to surpass your tongue weight capacity

You know your hitch and ball mount are tough (after all, they tow your entire camper), so it makes sense to use them to carry your bikes too. You can either use a bike rack with a built-in ball mount, or you can mount one of these racks around your ball mount shank, provided you stay within your tongue weight limitations.

These racks usually offer a 3- or 4-bike capacity, so they're a great option if you want to bring the whole family's bikes along. Just note that turning clearance might become limited if you start stacking bikes behind your vehicle. Also, if you choose a rack option with a bult-in ball mount, it's likely your ball mount capacity will be considerably less than if you were to use a standard ball mount. Always make sure you're within your weight limit when towing!

Truck Bed Bike Rack (Vehicle Side)

Great for you if:

You have a truck
You want to bring multiple bikes (up to 8)
You can lift your bikes into your truck bed

Not for you if:

You don't have a truck
You need your truck bed for carrying other gear

If you've got a truck, you've got a way to carry bikes. But you don't want to just throw your bikes in the bed and call it a day (this is a surefire way to scratch your bike, your truck bed, or both). There are a variety of truck-bed bike rack options available, including bolt-on, clamp-on, and strap-in models as well as tailgate pads. These options fit a variety of bike styles.

A big benefit of tailgate pads in particular is that you're not limited to just a couple of bikes—in fact, you can carry up to 8 bikes this way. (Just make sure you can lift all of them into the truck bed!)

How to Choose a Bike Rack On an SUV or Crossover

How to Choose a Bike Rack for an SUV or Crossover

How to Choose a Bike Rack for a Truck

Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes

Related Products

Shop Bike Locks

Shop Cycling Apparel

Shop Bike Accessories

Updated on: 10/25/21

Explore Expert Info

Videos

for

Help Articles

for

Expert Answers

for

Gen-Y Anti-Rattle Clamp Review

Comparison of the Fixed Aluminum and Folding Steel Cargo Carriers

Yakima OnRamp E-Bike Platform Rack with Ramp Review - 2020 Grand Design Reflection Fifth Wheel

Hollywood Racks RV and Camper Bike Racks Review - 2022 Jayco Greyhawk Motorhome

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System Installation - 2019 Toyota RAV4

Swagman RV Bike Cover Review

Curt Adjustable Width RV Trailer Hitch Installation - 2017 Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite Travel Tr

Malone Anti-Rattle HitchLock System Review

Curt Clamp-On Towing 3 Bike Rack Review

Swagman Escapee RV 2 Electric Bike Rack Review

Review of Gen-Y Hitch Hitch Anti-Rattle - Anti-Rattle Clamp 2 Inch Hitch Receiver - GY88XR

Flint Hill Goods 29 x 49 Carrier with Ramp Review - 2017 Toyota RAV4

What is an RV-Approved Bike Rack? (And Do You REALLY Need One?)

Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes

Carrying Bikes While Towing a 5th Wheel Camper Trailer

Carrying Bikes While Towing a Pop-Up Camper Trailer

How to Choose a Bike Rack for a Motor Home or RV

How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop

30-Amp and 50-Amp RV Service: What's the Difference?

My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit

Trailer Wiring Diagrams

How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class

How to Choose a Bike Rack for a Truck

Surviving the Night in a Teardrop Camper...During a Winter Storm

We sure do! It looks like your TAB 320 S Tear Drop Camper tops out a 3,000 lbs which would give it a tongue weight range somewhere around 300 lbs depending on how you load it. For a surge brake compatible weight distribution system, I recommend the…

view full answer...

How do I use a Bike Rack and Pull a Trailer at the same time

We carry a very handy 2 inch ball mount for this exact application. The part is #D210. The ball mount slides and pins into your hitch and the top receiver will accept 2 inch bike racks and hold them above the ball. The Ball Mount has a 500 lb…

view full answer...

Can a 2019 Chevrolet Spark Carry 2 E-Bikes Using a Hitch Mounted Bike Rack?

Yes, you can install a Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C11433 on your 2019 Chevrolet Spark. This receiver is capable of supporting up to 200lbs of tongue weight. With each of the Lectric 3.0 e-bikes weighing roughly 60lbs without the battery you will…

view full answer...

Why is the Flint Hill Goods 30x50 Wheelchair Carrier Not RV Approved

The ride on the back of a trailer is very rough due to the extended distance from the axle so a lot of hitch mounted accessories like the Flint Hill Goods 30x50 Wheelchair Carrier part #FHG99ZR are not rated for this. Instead, I recommend using the…

view full answer...

Best Bike Rack for Carrying 2 Specialized Como 5.0 E-Bikes on a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500

The best bike rack solution for carrying 2 Specialized Como 5.0 E-Bikes on your 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 is the Destination E-Bike Rack: - Hollywood Racks Destination E Bike Rack #HLY66ZR This is an all-in-one solution that can easily handle the weight…

view full answer...

Comparing Reese Strait Line And Dual Cam II Weight Distribution Hitches

That is a great question. Both of those are great weight distribution hitches. Between the two, I prefer the Reese Dual Cam II over the Strait Line. The Dual Cam uses an L-bracket to attach to the frame, instead of a chain and lift bracket.…

view full answer...

How Much Does the Kuat Transfer V2 Weigh?

The Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack item #KU84FR weighs 37 lbs and can be used on a vehicle being flat towed.

view full answer...

Thule EasyFold XT Alternative Recommendation to Carry E-Bikes At Back of Travel Trailer

Thule has gone back and forth about the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack #TH903202 being suitable for use at the back of a travel trailer, but ultimately they've chosen not to give it the okay because they've had reports of the rack becoming…

view full answer...

Carrying Bikes With 2023 Kia Telluride & Towing

There is not a way to attach a sway bar tab to that ball mount, or a way to use a bike rack and weight distribution with an adapter. If your 2023 Kia Telluride has a roof rack you can use a roof-mounted rack like the Yakima FrontLoader #Y02103.…

view full answer...

What is the Total Height of the Rhino-Rack Roof Rack for Thule and Yakima Tracks?

The total height from the bottom of the legs to the top of the crossbars on the Rhino-Rack Roof Rack for Thule and Yakima Tracks #Y01-120B-NT is 4-7/8 inches. If you account for the length of the height of the Yakima Tracks #Y01127, it adds about a…

view full answer...

What is Weight Capacity of Rhino-Rack Heavy-Duty Bar Roof Rack for Camper Shells #Y01-120B

The weight capacity of the Rhino-Rack Heavy-Duty Bar Roof Rack for Camper Shells #Y01-120B is 220 lbs and is a dynamic weight rating. That means it's the weight you could have on the bars while driving. It doesn't have a static rating but for…

view full answer...

Fitment and Compatibility of Bumper Mounted Receiver Hitch on a 2008 Jayco Camper

Good news, the Ultra Fab RV Hitch #UF35-946402 will work for your Jayco 4 inch x 4 inch bumper. This hitch will provide you with a 2 inch hitch receiver opening. It is important to note that since you already have a spare tire carrier on the bumper…

view full answer...

Contact & Help

What our customers are saying:

"In these days of customer "no service" I am usually disapointed when doing business with people I don't know. It was refreshing doing business with you. I'm impressed!"

Randy

Watkinsville, GA