How to Carry 2 Bikes on Both a Vehicle and an RV

Question:

Hello, I have a 2014 subaru crosstrek that I would like to install a 2inch bumper hitch with a rack for 2 bikes. I also want to be able to use the bike rack section on a travel trailer I plan to buy in a few years. I have seen over the propane tank mounts and back of the RV ladder or back bumper mounts for your bikes. Which rack would you recommend for this duel purpose? Thank you,

asked by: Kurt

Expert Reply:

In order to carry a bike or tow a trailer with your 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek you will need a trailer hitch receiver. For this, I recommend using the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76084 which is a Class III hitch with a 2" receiver tube opening. This hitch has a 525 lb max tongue weight (TW) rating and a 3,500 lb max gross trailer weight (GTW) rating. You will want to check in your owner's manual for the vehicle's towing capacity as the lower of the two (hitch/vehicle) will be your limiting factor. I have attached an install video of this hitch on a similar 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek for you as well.

In regards to a bike rack, we do not offer anything that will both attach to a trailer hitch receiver and a bumper or ladder. However, you could use part # D210 to carry the bike rack on the back of the vehicle while also towing a trailer or you could just install a trailer hitch on the back of the trailer with part # C13702. For a bike rack that will work in either of these situations, I recommend the Swagman Dispatch 2 Bike Platform Rack part # S44FR. The Swagman Dispatch has sliding wheel cradles which can adjust to fit a variety of different bike types in addition to containing locks for both the bike rack and bikes.

I have attached a review video of this bike rack for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L