Recommendation to Transport Recumbent Bike While Towing R-Pod Camper
Question:
I have a recumbent bike that I need to work on a Toyota Tacoma 2 inch hitch and a small travel trailer R-Pod with a 1.25 hitch. No problem with the tacoma but I saw that the travel trailer is a little vague on requirements. The trailer has a 1.25 welded hitch to carry a spare tire that is heavy and I can remove it and place it in the back of the truck, so I would think the hitch would support the rack. I would only carry one bike at a time about 50 lbs max I also have a mountain bike and a 45 lb electric small wheel bike . Why would it be ok for a motor home and not a RV. I am not using a hitch adopter Thanks
asked by: Larry O
Expert Reply:
As you mentioned in your question, the Swagman XC-Extended Platform-Style 2 Recumbent Bike Rack # S64650-EXT is rated for use on a motorhome but not a towed trailer like your R-Pod. This is essentially because of the additional movement and bounce that a bike rack at the rear of a trailer will experience when compared to that of a motorhome. This movement is caused not only from the rear bumper on a trailer behind further back from the rear axle (this is also the case on a motorhome) but also because of the axle placement on a trailer along with its coupler connection to a tow vehicle that contributes to providing a more unstable ride at the rear. Only certain bike racks are tested and rated for this use.
At this time we do not have a trailer-approved bike rack available that has the needed capacity or design to accommodate your recumbent bike.
Your best option will be to use the Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount # D210 on your Toyota Tacoma's hitch receiver. This ball mount features a 2 inch receiver on top that can be used with a hitch-mounted accessory like the Swagman Recumbent Bike Rack # S64650-EXT while you tow your camper. Just note that using this or any similar adapter will reduce the tongue weight capacity of your trailer hitch by 50 percent. For example if the hitch on your Tacoma has a 350 pound tongue weight limit, this will be reduced to 175 pounds when using the adapter. As long as the combined tongue weight from the bike rack and your R-Pod don't exceed the reduced rating this will work great for your application.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2" Receiver for Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 0 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Built-In Dual Hitch
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Swagman XC-Extended Bike Rack for 2 Recumbent Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Recumbent Bikes
- Swagman
more information >
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