How to Carry 2 Bikes on an RV With a Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier

Question:

We purchased a 24 x 60 steel cargo hauler from yall. We are very pleased with it ?? But were curious if we can connect our bike rack onto it or connect the cargo hauler onto the bike rack? We have a Leisure Travel Unity RV and are looking for ways to to bring our 2 bikes and keep our cargo hauler.

asked by: Stacie A

Expert Reply:

I have some options for you but connecting a bike rack to your cargo carrier is not something I recommend. The cargo carriers that have an opening on them aren't intended to be used as a hitch extender.

Depending on the cargo carrier you have the Swagman Traveler XCS # S64663 could be the solution. The XCS slides over the tube of a ball mount that fits into a 2 inch hitch receiver. I verified with Swagman that it doesn't have to be a ball mount for a trailer and the tube of a cargo carrier will be fine. The issues you may run into are if the tube of your carrier has a drop or rise, the Traveler XCS will not work because it needs to sit flat. Also, you'll need to pay attention to how much weight would be directly on your hitch receiver and what it is rated for. You'll have to factor in the weight of the cargo carrier, the bike rack, and everything on both of them. One more possible issue is clearance. The wheels of the bikes could very well be hanging right above the carrier and getting the way of the gear that's stored on it.

Another possible option, if your RV has a ladder, is to use a ladder rack like the Surco 2 Bike Carrier # SP501BR.

expert reply by: Charles S