Hitch Options for Carrying Bikes on Rear of 1989 Prowler Travel Trailer

Question:

Hello, All the rv bumper hitches say that they are made to fit 4 inch bumpers. Yikes! Are there any that are larger, or are there any that can be made to fit a 4.25 inch bumper?

asked by: Marina S

Expert Reply:

Since all the RV bumper hitches we offer only fit up to 4 inch bumpers, your best bet would be to go with a frame mounted hitch. The hitch you need will depend on the outside-to-outside dimension of the frame members under your travel trailer. If the outside to outside width is between 22 and 72 inches, the Curt # 13703 would be an excellent choice that has a tongue weight capacity of 350 lbs. If the outside frame member to frame member distance is less than 22 inches, the Curt # C13701 fits frame members that are as close together as 18 inches. This hitch has a 500 lb tongue weight capacity.

I'd highly recommend you contact the manufacturer of your travel trailer to ensure the rear frame structure is strong enough to handle the weight of the bike rack an the bikes you're wanting to carry. Also, you'll want to be sure that the bike rack you use is designed to be used on the rear of an RV. Because of the longer overhang distance at the rear of most campers, anything mounted in a hitch will be subject to much more bouncing than had it been installed on a normal passenger vehicle.

I've linked you to our selection of RV compatible bike racks.

expert reply by: Mike L