4 Bike Recommendation for RV Hitch Application

Question:

I have a Swagman XTC-2-2 bike platform rack #S64670 that I would like to use on my RV bumper. I will be using the bolt on 2 inch adapter that came with the carrier, it can be used on 1-1/4 or 2 inch receivers, to a 2 inch bumper mount receiver on a 4 inch steel RV bumper. I am not going over the weight limit for the carrier or the receiver. Max is 70 lbs for the carrier and 200 lbs for the receiver. What would be the reason for this carrier, using this configuration, not being recommended for RV use. Using this setup is really not any different than how it mounts to our SUV or Pickup truck 2 inch receivers. Please advise, thanks.

asked by: Gary

Expert Reply:

I wish I could recommend the XTC line of bike rack for use behind an RV but Swagman does not rate this rack for use there. You would have to use a bike rack that is confirmed as a fit for that application.

At the rear of a trailer or RV the ride quality is very rough when compared to the ride quality at the rear of a passenger vehicle. Reason being the suspension isn't as sophisticated and there is a longer distance between the rear axle and the rear of the trailer which exaggerates the movement of the trailer when hitting bumps. Because of that only a few bike racks were designed to be reinforced enough for that type of use.

The Swagman Trailhead part # S63381 is a 4 bike rack that is confirmed as a fit for RVs so it would be a great option to consider.

expert reply by: Jameson C