Recommended Bike Rack to Use on a Class A Motorhome and Toyota Corolla With a Class I Hitch Receiver

Question:

You said the Dispatch 2 would work on my class IV 2 inch RV trailer hitch. I want to use it while towing a vehicle. I know I need a duel receiver. Any recommendations? The roadmaster looks like it has the best towing capability at 10000 lbs. The only bad thing is I want to be able to use the Dispatch 2 on the RV and sometimes on my Toyota Corolla with a Class I 1 1/4inch hitch. Can that be done with an adapter for the Toyota? Thanks.

asked by: Michael F

Expert Reply:

Since you are wanting to use a bike rack on a Class A RV you will want to go with one that has been tested and approved for use on an RV. The Swagman Chinook 2 Bike Platform Rack # S64683 that you referenced has not been approved for use on an RV.

A similar bike rack that is made by Swagman and is rated for use on an RV is the Dispatch 2 Bike Platform Rack # S44FR. This has pretty much all of the same features as the Chinook minus the tilting feature.

The reason why there are certain bike racks that are rated for use on an RV and some that are not has to do with the amount of play that happens at the rear bumper. Since the axle on an RV is further away from where the hitch receiver is than on a passenger vehicle the ride is much more rough. For that reason you will want to use a bike rack that has been tested and approved for use on an RV.

expert reply by: Jon G

Michael F.

6/14/2017

Jon G.

6/14/2017

The Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receivers # RM-077-2 or # RM-077-4 would definitely be the way to go. Keep in mind that if the Tongue Weight (TW) of your trailer hitch receiver is greater than 400 lbs, using one of these dual receiver adapters will reduce that TW to 400 lbs. If your TW is less than 400 lbs then it will stay the same. Unfortunately the Swagman Dispatch # S44FR is only compatible with Class III hitch receivers which means the Class I receiver on your Toyota Corolla will not work with the Dispatch. For a bike rack that is compatible to use with an RV and the Class I receiver on your Corolla you will need to go with the Let's Go Aero BikeWing-2 # LGA54FR. This is a lightweight bike rack that has a weight capacity of 80 lbs and can fit in both a 1-1/4 inch and 2 inch trailer hitch receiver. This is the perfect solution for what you are needing. If you would like to add locks to this bike rack you will need to use a padlock like part # 131D to secure the bike rack to the receiver and you will need to use a cable lock like part # e98891 to secure your bikes to the bike rack. This will help to deter theft of your equipment. If you do not already have a complete setup for flat towing your Corolla just let me know what year it is and I can recommend the parts that you will need.