Compatibility of Swagman Hitch-Mount Platform Type Bike Carrier with Bumper-Mounted RV Hitch
Question:
Hi I have the higher end 4 bike platform Swagman hitch rack. 2 pieces, can be used as a 2 or 4 bike rack. I have a 17 foot small travel trailer with a continuous welded bumper. Ive purchased the Swagman 2inch receiver adapter for the rack and the RV shop guy recommended I have a welder reinforce the weld attachments to the frame of the trailer to use the rack...what does you think?
asked by: Jeffrey J
Expert Reply:
Since your travel trailer's rear bumper is continuously welded this does suggest that it should have the capacity to allow use of a bumper-mounted hitch like the Swagman # S64025. The only way to be sure is to contact the trailer manufacturer with your trailer's VIN so they can confirm the bumper and frame can handle the combined rack/bike weight load you intend to place on it.
Once you have confirmed hitch/bumper compatibility and that the hitch and bumper have a weight capacity adequate for the combined weight of the rack and all bikes on it, then you also want to ensure that the particular Swagman platform rack you have is rated for use on a trailer. Not all bike racks can be used on the rear of a trailer. The Swagman 2+2 S64692 is a 2-piece 2/4-bike carrier but it is NOT rated for use on the rear of a trailer. All Swagman platform racks for 4 bikes are shown on the linked page. I cannot tell for sure from your photo if this is the specific carrier you have but it matches your description.
The reason that standard racks cannot be used on the back of a trailer or RV is the extra stress found at the rear of such vehicles. The greater the distance from the rear axle to the hitch the greater to vertical and horizontal stresses put on the rack from motion of the trailer. That longer distance applies greater leverage on the rack as the trailer moves. This extra leverage could damage a rack made for use on a car.
All of our RV-approved bike racks are shown on the linked page.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
RV Bumper 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver - Clamp-On
- RV and Camper Hitch
- Bumper Mount Hitch
- 4 x 4 Inch Bumper
- 4-1/2 x 4-1/2 Inch Bumper
- 4-1/4 x 4-1/4 Inch Bumper
- 200 lbs TW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Bolt-On
- Swagman
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: RV Bumper 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver - Clamp-On
- Shop: Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Matte Black
- Shop: Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gray
- Q&A: Carrying Bikes on Travel Trailer Using Swagman Universal RV Bumper Hitch
- Search Results: hitch receiver
- Shop: Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Search Results: 68149
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Video: Hollywood Racks RV and Camper Bike Racks Review - 2022 Jayco Greyhawk Motorhome
- Search Results: bike rack
- Q&A: Is It Better To Carry Bikes Behind Flat Towed Vehicle or Above Tow Bars?
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Video: Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE 2 Electric Bike Platform Rack Review
- Q&A: What Are the Differences Between the Kuat Piston Pro and Piston Pro X Bike Racks
- Search Results: hitch bike racks
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Article: How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Video: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar Review
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: hubs
on RV and Camper Hitch
