Recommendation for Transporting Bikes While Flat Towing Vehicle
Question:
Thanks for further explanation and I now better understand the matter. My RV has a 22,000 pound chassis and 22.5” tires with Bilstein shocks, so a very smooth ride. The Roadmaster Dual #RM-077-4 Hitch itself is not going to have any issue with the weight of the Thule 990XT rack loaded with two standard bicycles, correct? And, if push comes to shove, I can use the Thule rack in the truck rear receiver while it’s being towed behind the RV? Thanks again
asked by: Steve B
Expert Reply:
The Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter # RM-077-4 referenced in your question is designed specifically to allow you to use a bike rack while towing your vehicle behind an RV. The center of the hitch pin hole on the adapter that will be used for the bike rack extends 9-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole on your hitch receiver. I have attached an image to clarify this dimension.
The issue though with using your Thule Doubletrack Bike Rack # TH990XT is that it is not actually rated for use behind an RV or trailer, so I cannot recommend doing this. Because of the extra movement and bounce that bike racks receive when mounted behind an RV, only certain bike racks are designed and approved for this application. For this reason, I instead recommend a motorhome approved bike rack like the Curt # C18085. This is an excellent and lightweight 2-bike rack that is approved for use behind RVs and has a total weight capacity of 90 pounds. The carrier itself is not too heavy, making for easy removal and installation.
The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the furthest part of the rack is only 26 inches. You will add this measurement to the 9-1/2 inch hitch pin hole extension on the dual receiver adapter for a total distance of 35-1/2 inches. This means that from the center of the hitch pin hole on your RV, to the farthest part of the rack when used with the adapter, there will be a distance 35-1/2 inches. You can take this measurement out from your existing RV hitch receiver to see exactly how far out this will extend and ensure you will have the necessary clearance. You will also just need to note the size of your bikes, as this may add a bit to this clearance measurement.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- CURT
more information >
Thule DoubleTrack Pro XT Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 2" or 4" Drop/Rise
- Hitch Adapters
- Dual Hitch Adapter
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 2 Inch Rise/Drop
- 4 Inch Rise/Drop
- 10000 lbs
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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on Hitch Adapters
Steve
10/12/2017
The Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter # RM-077-4 referenced in your question is designed specifically to allow you to use a bike rack while towing your vehicle behind an RV. The center of the hitch pin hole on the adapter that will be used for the bike rack extends 9-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole on your hitch receiver. I have attached an image to clarify this dimension. The issue though with using your Thule Doubletrack Bike Rack # TH990XT is that it is not actually rated for use behind an RV or trailer, so I cannot recommend doing this. Because of the extra movement and bounce that bike racks receive when mounted behind an RV, only certain bike racks are designed and approved for this application. For this reason, I instead recommend a motorhome approved bike rack like the Lets Go Aero BikeWing # LGA54FR. This is an excellent and lightweight 2-bike rack that is approved for use behind RVs and has a total weight capacity of 80 pounds. The carrier itself also weighs in at just 20 pounds, making for easy removal and installation. The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the furthest part of the rack is only 26 inches. You will add this measurement to the 9-1/2 inch hitch pin hole extension on the dual receiver adapter for a total distance of 35-1/2 inches. This means that from the center of the hitch pin hole on your RV, to the farthest part of the rack when used with the adapter, there will be a distance 35-1/2 inches. You can take this measurement out from your existing RV hitch receiver to see exactly how far out this will extend and ensure you will have the necessary clearance. You will also just need to note the size of your bikes, as this may add a bit to this clearance measurement.