Recommended Hitch Mounted Bike Rack for Travel Trailer and Truck Use

Question:

I am looking for a bike rack for 2 bikes that I can use both on my travel trailer and with my truck. I am thinking a hitch mount, hanging style, as they seem practical and do not create too much additional length to the trailer. Plus I just do not really like the platform style. My thinking was to get a bolt-on receiver for the trailer bumper for use when traveling and use the truck receiver for around home. However, in my reading on your site and others, I see there is an issue with hitch mounts on trailers due to stresses. Can you explain the issue? I understand there is more sway, but our trailer is not large less than 24foot from hitch to spare and is dual axle. It trails very well, no noticeable sway event in a strong cross wind situation. My trailer bumper has a spare tire mounted to it now u-bolt mount and there are no issues, with weight, I think the rack and my bikes will not weight much more that the spare and its mounting. Also, I plan to move the trailer spare to my truck bed, so its weight comes off the bumper and eases the choice of rack style. is not a consideration for the rack style. Your thoughts and information will be appreciated.

asked by: Rich C

Expert Reply:

You have done your homework and that makes helping easy. As you mentioned the RV compatible bike racks are created to be more rigid than the typical vehicle hitch mounted carriers. This means that there are often less moving parts that could break down and may cause a good tracking trailer to suddenly have up to 100 lbs of unstable weight causing sway. You can absolutely use an RV rated bike rack on the back of your truck without issue and there are some really nice hanging style options. These carriers are rated for RV use, whereas other racks would void the manufacturer's warranty if used on RV applications.

My recommendation is the Yakima LongHaul 4 Bike Rack - 2" Hitches - Silver # Y02476. This rack comes with the SuperCush anti-sway cradles, ZipStrip ratcheting straps, and fold down arms. This carrier also includes the locking hitch pin to secure your rack to your trailer or truck and has an integrated cable lock to secure your bikes to the rack. This rack can carry up to 4 bikes weighing up to 37.5 lbs per bike. This is our most popular hanging style option because of the folding arms and integrated locks for this type of application. It has the style and versatility to be used on a truck as well when you are not towing your travel trailer.

If you have any step through bike frames, I also recommend the Swagman Deluxe Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's, Children's, and Alternative Frame Bikes # 64005. This will create that top frame rail between your handlebars and seat post allowing the bikes to be carried level and giving you ground clearance.

For a RV hitch, I recommend the Curt RV Bumper 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver # E-100 and you won't need to move your spare from the bumper as long as it doesn't interfere with the rack location.

expert reply by: Jason S