The Top RV Bike Racks of 2022

For Motorhomes, Travel Trailers, & Fifth Wheels

There are a lot of sweet bike racks out there, and when it comes to carrying your bikes on your RV or camper, it can be tempting to use that hitch rack you bought last year for your SUV, or to stick with your favorite brand. However, it's important to use a bike rack tested and rated for use on your motorhome, fifth wheel, or travel trailer.

Everyone always wants to know, why can't I just use any old bike rack? And the answer is: your bike rack will experience a much rougher ride at the back of an RV compared to the back of a vehicle. For starters, there's a greater distance between an RV's rear axle and the hitch, compared to traditional vehicles, so bumps and movement will be amplified. Travel trailers specifically provide an even rougher ride than motorhomes; since these rigs are meant to be towed rather than driven, they lack sophisticated suspension that would smooth out the ride.

This added stress can damage your bikes and the rack. And if you're still thinking of risking it with a non-RV-approved rack, also know that any damage brought about this way is NOT covered under warranty. To avoid such a situation, it's best to stick with an RV-approved bike rack that is reinforced to withstand the added pressures of life behind an RV. (Trust us, we've heard plenty of stories from unfortunate campers who thought they'd be fine and ended up regretting their decision!)

Here at etrailer, we've had the opportunity to test and review a variety of bike racks, and we've narrowed down our top RV-approved bike racks that stand above the rest to make the choice easier for you.

Need a hitch for your RV bike rack?

Top RV Bike Racks of 2022

Bike Rack

Capacity

Compatibility

Style

Swagman Escapee

2 Bikes

Motorhome, Travel Trailer, 5th Wheel

Hitch Mount

Hollywood Racks RV Rider

2 Bikes

Motorhome, 5th Wheel

Hitch Mount

Thule Hitching Post Pro

4 Bikes

Motorhome

Hitch Mount

Swagman Platform-Style Rack

2 Bikes

Motorhome, Travel Trailer, 5th Wheel

Hitch or Bumper Mount

Swagman Trailhead

4 bikes

Motorhome, Travel Trailer, 5th Wheel

Hitch Mount

Stromberg Carlson Ladder Mount Rack

2 Bikes

Motorhome, Travel Trailer, 5th Wheel

Ladder Mount

Swagman Escapee Platform Bike Rack

# S64693

IN A NUTSHELL: High weight capacity and zero frame contact (perfect for almost any bike, including electric bikes and carbon fiber frames)

Carrier weight: 65 lbs

Capacity: 60 lbs per bike (2 bikes)

Compatibility: Motorhome, travel trailer, 5th wheel

Style: Hitch Mount

Locks: Bike and hitch locks included

This Is For You If:

If you have bikes and an RV, this bike rack will most likely work for you. The Swagman Escapee is compatible with motorhomes, travel trailers, and 5th wheels. Plus, it has the highest per-bike weight capacity on this list at 60 lbs per bike, so it's ideal even for heftier electric bikes. The extra-long, wide wheel cradles and adjustable straps make loading up a breeze. The ratcheting hooks hold your bike by the wheels, so it won't scratch or damage the frame. If you have a carbon fiber bike (or any bike you're nervous about potentially scratching), I definitely recommend a wheel-mount design like this one.

You'll also get all your locks included with this rack. The locking system is integrated right into the ratcheting hooks themselves—no need for separate locks or a cable lock that could potentially be severed or lost.

WHY MARYANN LOVES HER ESCAPEE

Maryann, etrailer neighbor

1 year later (5/5 stars)

"It has been a year owning and using the Swagman Bike rack. The purchase was for my RV and it is PERFECT! We are in the road 4-5 months a year and the bike rack travels easily and I love how easy it is to put the two bikes on and off the RV anytime. In fact I usually store the bikes on the rack because it's much better than trying to keep the bikes upright on the ground! And the rack after all these miles and all kinds of weather still looks and operates like it's new!! I highly recommend this bike rack!"

This Is NOT For You If:

If you don't have a 2" trailer hitch on the back of your RV, you'll either need to purchase one separately or consider a different mounting option, such as the ladder or bumper-mounted options below. At 65 lbs, this carrier is also the heaviest on the list, which may make it hard to slide in and out of your hitch.

Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack

# HR87FR

IN A NUTSHELL: Versatile rack with a hefty 160-lb weight capacity

Carrier weight: 58 lbs

Capacity: 80 lbs per bike (2 bikes)

Compatibility: Motorhome, fifth wheel

Style: Hitch Mount

Locks: Bike and hitch locks included

This Is For You If:

Whatever type of bike you need to carry, the Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack is up for it. The universal wheel holders can hold standard or fat tires up to 5" wide. And with an impressive 80-lb per bike weight capacity (easily the top capacity of this list), you can carry pretty much any bike, including e-bikes.

The padded clamps secure your bikes in place, and the independently adjustable arms can be repositioned to hold bikes of different heights by the frame or seat post. The keyed-alike hitch lock, frame clamps, and security cable secure the rack to your vehicle and your bikes to the rack.

If you plan to swap your rack between your RV and vehicle, the Hollywood Racks RV Rider's folding design makes it easy to store on the back of a vehicle, and the tilt-away function is practically a must-have for accessing your rear cargo area.

This Is NOT For You If:

This rack doesn't work with bumper pull or travel trailers, so you're limited somewhat there.

This rack also does hold your bike by the frame, so if you have a carbon fiber bike or are particularly concerned about frame contact, you'll probably want to consider a no-frame-contact rack like the Swagman Escapee.

Swagman Platform-Style Bike Rack

# S64663

IN A NUTSHELL: A solid 2-bike rack at a great value

Carrier weight: 40 lbs

Capacity: 35 lbs per bike (2 bikes)

Compatibility: Motorhome, 5th Wheel, Travel Trailer

Style: Platform Hitch or Bumper Mount

Locks: Sold separately

This Is For You If:

If you're looking for a mid-priced RV bike rack, look no further than this platform-style rack by Swagman. This rack is compatible with all types of RVs and can be used with a hitch or mounted to a bumper. If you don't have a hitch on the back of your RV, you could always install one, but it's definitely worth checking into this bumper-mounted option as an alternative.

The sliding wheel hoops accommodate multiple bike sizes and secure the bikes in place with ratcheting frame hooks. Like the Sport Rider SE2 above, this rack also tilts for rear cargo access and folds up for convenient storage, so it's a great, cost-effective choice if you plan to swap your rack between your RV and vehicle. Basically, if you prefer a platform rack (the easiest style to load, especially on an RV) but don't want to spend a fortune, you can't go wrong with this Swagman rack.

WHY DENNIS LOVES HIS SWAGMAN RACK

Dennis, etrailer neighbor

1 year later (5/5 stars)

"This bike rack is a great product, easy to install, very easy to load the bikes and super solid for hauling them. My son followed me on my first trip with it and he said the bikes never even moved! I have had it a year now and have used it on the back of my RV (travel trailer) and on my pickup truck, and have had absolutely no issues with it. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a secure way to haul their bikes."

This Is NOT For You If:

If you're particularly concerned about the rack making frame contact with your bikes, you probably want to avoid the Swagman's frame hooks. Since this rack comes with fewer bells and whistles, you'll also have to purchase a locking hitch pin and bike padlock separately. If you have a bigger budget to play with, I'd recommend going with the Escapee at #1 to avoid frame contact and have the locks included.

WHAT DID/DIDN'T WORK FOR JUSTIN H.

Justin, etrailer neighbor

3/5 stars

""I'll get right to the point, there are better racks out there, HOWEVER, you're going to pay much more to get them. Pros: Stupid simple to use. If you cant figure this out, you really shouldn't mess with anything that has moving parts. Easy to install on the hitch. It takes me about 30 seconds with a ratchet. FAR, FAR superior to any hanging bike rack. Unless you have a perfectly flat top tube, any bike will hang funny on hanging rack. With a platform rack, all bikes are equal.

Cons: No locking mechanism for the frame hooks. I solved this dilemma by using a simple ratcheting tie down strap. I purposely took my truck over some serious bumps & the bike didn't move. Once installed, I can't open the tailgate. You have 2 solutions, take the entire rack off at the hitch or loosen the 2 set bolts & take out the pin at the end of the rack. Overall: The rack works as advertised & it is a pretty solid piece of machinery. In the end, I should have not been cheap & bought the nearly $200 more expensive rack from a different manufacturer."

Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack

# TH934XTR

IN A NUTSHELL: Ideal for families with motorhomes and 2+ bikes

Carrier weight: 38 lbs

Capacity: 35 lbs per bike (4 bikes)

Compatibility: Motorhome

Style: Hanging hitch Mount

Locks: Sold separately

This Is For You If:

The Hitching Post Pro is consistently at the top of our bestseller list. Why? Well, the bang for your buck value is through the roof. This carrier is a rare 4-bike RV approved model, and it's under $500. If you have more than two bikes to load up, this rack will make your travels that much easier.

The rack will make frame contact, but the grooved cradles secure the bike and hold it relatively still. When I lifted my bike onto the rack, I wasn't worried about the rack's frame contact—although I was more concerned about the bikes contacting one another on the road. Overall, though, this is an inexpensive way to bring your bikes to the trailhead if you aren't overly concerned about them getting a bit scuffed now and then.

The Hitching Post Pro also includes a tilt function for easy access to your rear cargo area, so it's a great rack for traditional vehicles as well. At just 38 lbs, this rack is also extremely lightweight for a 4-bike rack, which is ideal if you'll be attaching and removing it from your hitch often.

WHY ANDREW M. LOVES HIS HITCHING POST PRO

Andrew, etrailer neighbor

(5/5 stars)

"Our first trip we took 4 adult bikes and the bike rack made it all so easy, you do not have any worries whilst driving about the security of the load. This bike rack does exactly what you want it to do and gives peace of mind to drive without constantly looking in the mirrors (been there with other inferior bike racks!). We will typically have only 2 bikes on this rack for 70% of trips but when the kids decide they are coming...4 bikes go on the rack no problem. You can also use the rack to do bike tune up from as the height is perfect......useful bonus!"

This Is NOT For You If:

If you have a 5th-wheel or a travel trailer, this rack won't work for you, since the only RV it's approved to work with is motorhomes. Also keep in mind that the weight capacity per bike comes in at 35 lbs, so don't expect to load up the whole family's ebikes on this one. Children's bikes and bikes with step-through frames may require an adapter.

Is this what I'd go with if money was no object? Probably not. It is still a hanging rack, and even with anti-sway cradles, stuff happens. Bikes get scratched, especially when things get crowded with 4 bikes on the back of the RV. If I was particularly concerned about it, I'd stick with a platform-style hitch rack, but my bike has been through plenty worse. If your bike is your shiniest prized possession, however, you probably want to consider a different rack on the list.

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ELI M.

Eli M., etrailer neighbor

4/5 stars

"A good rack for what it is, but I would NOT recommend putting expensive bikes on it. The bikes you put on here will rub against each other, and thus there will be some damage to the paint. Fine for a few hundred dollar hybrid bike, not great for my many thousand dollar road bike or mountain bike."

Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack

# S63381

IN A NUTSHELL: A sturdy 4-bike rack for families on a budget

Carrier weight: 32 lbs

Capacity: 35 lbs per bike/100 lbs total (4 bikes)

Compatibility: Motorhome, Fifth Wheel, Travel Trailer

Style: Hanging Hitch Mount

Locks: Sold separately

This Is For You If:

If you need to haul 4 bikes behind your RV but don't want to spend Thule-level money, the Swagman Trailhead 4-Bike Rack is a great alternative. With a 35-per-bike/100-lb total weight capacity, it can carry both adult and children's bikes. The anti-sway cradles minimize bike-to-bike contact and help prevent paint scratches.

What's more, it's compatible with motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers, so no matter how you camp, you can get your bikes there with this rack. The arms fold down for compact storage. There are limited features and options, but this just means you get a solid bike rack at an unbeatable price.

WHY TOM S. LOVES HIS TRAILHEAD RACK

Tom S., etrailer neighbor

(5/5 stars)

"My wife and I have been more than pleased with the bicycle rack purchases to be used primarily on the back of our 5th wheel. We have traveled from Kansas to Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, without a speck of trouble, and have used it on the rear of my truck when traveling shorter distances from the campsite to get to trailheads. The fold down function is especially handy and prevents inadvertent head knockers when the trailer is at camp and the bicycles are not attached. The tie down straps are sturdy, and I would recommend this product to others."

This Is NOT For You If:

Hanging bike racks aren't the easiest to load, especially on a tall RV. If you only have one or two bikes to carry and can swing for the platform rack, you'll love the easy loading process.

Also note that locks must be purchased separately. Although the dual arms fold down for storage, this is not a tilting rack. If you plan on using this rack on a traditional vehicle and need rear cargo access, a rack like the Thule Hitching Post Pro would likely work better for you. The Thule rack will also be better if you need extra clearance, as it extends an additional 4" away from the rear of the vehicle compared to the Swagman.

WHAT DID/DIDN'T WORK FOR IVAN

Ivan, etrailer neighbor

(3/5 stars)

"Nothing extravagant about the product. It does what is purchased for: transporting a bike via bike frame. I had to get this for my fat bike did not fit on my bike rack platform. I saved money going with this and it does the job. It isn't as secure as some of the other options but to be fair those "security" options on products such as Thule aren't hard to bypass. If you want security use a cable and/or chain and anchor it to the tow-hitch through the frame.

Speaking of security the loading pin is nothing more than a bolt that I tighten using a wrench. So the form of security in that sense is the thief not having a wrench or at least not the right wrench to do the job. So in the end it does what I need it to do. Nothing bad and nothing great about it, just right for the job. Like a meal that solves the issue of you being hungry, but isn't all that satisfying."

Stromberg Carlson Ladder Mount Rack

# LA-102

IN A NUTSHELL: Super lightweight, super small price tag

Carrier weight: 7 lbs

Capacity: 25 lbs per bike (2 bikes)

Compatibility: Motorhome, Fifth Wheel, Travel Trailer

Style: Ladder Mount

Locks: N/A

This Is For You If:

You'll appreciate this rack if you're looking for a budget-friendly solution for carrying your bikes, and you have a ladder on your motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel. The rack clamps around the 1" vertical supports of your RV ladder, and the pivoting design even allows full ladder use when bikes aren't loaded.

This is particularly suited to those with light traditional bikes, as the weight capacity per bike is just 25 lbs. Constructed of just 7 lbs of rustproof aluminum, this rack is the lightest on the list. I'd recommend this to those looking to carry bikes infrequently, or those who use their RV's hitch to tow something else, like a boat or vehicle.

Is this rack slick or flashy? Not particularly. But it does the job it was designed to do for less than what you spent on masks and hand sanitizer this year.

WHY ED B. LOVES HIS STROMBERG CARLSON RACK

Ed, etrailer neighbor

(4/5 stars)

"Needed this rack as I could not use a hitch rack as we tow a boat. Putting bikes in the boat works but takes more time. This rack solved it. Easy install, and Very pleased how the bikes quickly mount and travel on the road. Also purchased the Foam blocks that space bikes apart so they don't rub and makes it easier to mount them quickly. Some have commented about weight capacity. We used it for two adult bikes and simply run a ratchet strap from outer bike or ends of support bars to an upper ladder rung as a precaution, which I would have done anyway."

This Is NOT For You If:

If you're worried when someone so much as breathes wrong near your prized bike, you probably want to stick with a hitch platform rack. This rack will transport your bikes from point A to point B, but it may take some extra bungee cords and effort to secure everything in place.

With a limited weight capacity of 25 lbs, this rack also isn't suitable for heavy bikes, such as most ebikes.

WHY ED B. LOVES HIS STROMBERG CARLSON RACK

Ed, etrailer neighbor

(4/5 stars)

Still have questions?

Give our experts a call at 800-298-8924, or contact us online. We're happy to assist any way we can!

About the Author

As a content writer for etrailer, I might spend my morning loading and unloading a bike on five different bike racks to figure out which is easiest to use. I might be in the parking lot, taking pictures of an impressive RV battery setup our techs came across in the shop and discussing the benefits of the setup with the owner. I might spend an afternoon in a manufacturer training classes for some hands-on experience with new products, and then sit down to assemble all this information into a coherent article.

At etrailer, one of our core values is that we are always learning, and I learn something new every day. I start each morning with the goal in mind of taking all of this information and figuring out the best way to answer the questions people ask us (and the ones they don’t know to ask yet), and helping people get the solutions they need to make their lives easier, safer, and more fun. I’m a DIYer at heart, so it brings me great joy to help a fellow DIYer find what they’re looking for, whether that’s a product, an answer, or a community.

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

How to Choose a Bike Rack for a Fifth-Wheel or Pop-Up Camper

Carrying Bikes While Towing a Travel Trailer

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Shop Bike Accessories

Shop Bike Storage

Written by: Amber S.

Updated on: 2/15/21

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