Bike Racks Suitable for Use in 1-1/4-Inch Hitch on 24-Foot RV

Question:

We are looking for a bike rack for 4 bikes to fit our small RV 24 ft with a 1 1/4inch class 1 tow hitch. I was looking at the Swagman trailhead, but the video stated that a class 1 hitch would only be able to carry 2 bikes. We will have 2 adult bikes and 2 kids bikes. Thanks.

asked by: Stacey G

Expert Reply:

You are correct that a Class I hitch can handle the weight of 2 bikes but not more. Even if two of the four bikes are smaller kids bikes, you are still limited to carrying 2 bikes. There should be a sticker on the hitch that indicates its Class rating and tongue weight (TW) capacity. The 1-1/4-inch hitch size could be either a Class I or a Class II so checking the sticker is a good way to confirm.

Also, another concern to note is that any accessory that is to be used on the back of an RV, whether it is a bike rack or a cargo carrier, must be rated specifically for use on an RV. The reason is that such items will be subjected to more physical stresses when installed on the trailer due to the longer distance from the rear axle to the hitch tube. That longer distance means more leverage on the hitch tube and bike rack. There are 4-bike RV-rated hitch racks but these are made only for the larger and stronger 2-inch hitches. The otherwise excellent Trailhead 4 Bike Rack # S63380 is simply not rated for use on an RV, only on passenger cars.

You can use the linked page to see all hitch-mount bike racks that are rated for use on the back of an RV.

We do offer bike racks that mount to an RV ladder and racks that mount to a fully-welded steel bumper but since you do not have these features on your RV you're limited to the 2-bikes in a hitch-mount rack.

expert reply by: Adam R