How Do I know Which Bike Racks will Clear the Spare Tire on my Roadtrek Camper Van

Question:

I have a Roadtrek Camper Van that sports a Continental Kit spare tire mounted on the back side of the van. I also have a trailer hitch and wonder if the hitch mount bike rack extends far enough our to clear the continental cover? I am interested in a two bike rack if possible. Thanks.

asked by: Mary E

Expert Reply:

The best rack would be a hitch application. You can take a measurement on your camper to see what bike racks will fit.

Lay a dowel rod or yard stick against the spare tire, straight up and down. Measure from the center of the hitch pin hole to the dowel rod. This measurement represents the minimum spare tire clearance. All of our bike racks have the center of hitch pin hole to upright/wheel hoop measurement. As long as the measurement you take on the camper is less than the measurement listed on the bike rack, it will fit.

Check out the Swagman XTC2, part # S64670. It is a platform style bike rack that is approved for use on the back of an RV or camper. The shank on this rack measures 9 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest wheel hoop. Just make sure your camper measurement is less than 9 inches, and this rack should work well for you.

expert reply by: Patrick B