Recommended RV Bike Racks to Transport 5 Bikes on 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

Im looking for a bike rack 5 bikes to carry for the back of a large fifth wheel 39. We borrowed one for our last trip and bent 2 pins due to the bouncing of the bikes. We will need a much sturdier approach when we purchase. Do you have a system that will carry 4 mtn bikes and 1 bmx bike and minimize bouncing?

asked by: Shelley W

Expert Reply:

Any bike rack (or other accessory) installed on the rear of a trailer will be subjected to severe up-and-down and side-to-side forces. Bike racks designed for trailer use are built specifically to handle those stresses but there are no 5-bike racks suitable for use on the back of a 5th wheel trailer. The maximum capacity for a trailer-rated bike rack is 4 bikes.

I do have a way for you to load 5 bikes but it will require you to use 2 racks, and one of those will have to be a ladder-mount type that requires you to have a ladder on the back of the 5th wheel.

For example, if you have a 2-inch hitch you could use one of the 4-bike backs shown on the linked page; these include both hanging styles like # S64400 and platform styles. Then on your trailer's ladder you can use one of the ladder-mount racks shown on the other link, for example Surco 2 Bike Carrier # SP501BR. In this case the single heaviest bike should go on the ladder rack by itself.

We also offer 4-bike bumper-mount platform racks like # S80600 from Swagman. Your trailer must have a continuously-welded steel bumper 4- to 4-1/2-inches wide. Spot welded or aluminum bumpers are not suitable.

I have linked two helpful articles on RV bike racks that will be useful to you as you consider your best options for both your bikes and your trailer.

expert reply by: Adam R