Recommended 4-Bike RV-Rated Hitch Bike Racks  

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Expert Reply:

Any accessory item used on the back of an RV (motorhome, 5th wheel, travel trailer or pop-up) must be rated for that specific application. The reason is that such accessories like a bike rack will be subjected to more motion-related stress on an RV than on a passenger car. The reason is that typically the distance from the rear axle to the hitch is far greater on an RV than on a car, and this greater distance translates into more force and motion, both vertical and lateral, as the RV moves down the road. Standard bike racks made for cars, even an excellent rack like the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR, would potentially be damaged by these stress forces.

You need to use a bike carrier expressly made for the RV application and we have many such options shown on the linked page. All fit a 2-inch hitch.

To see 4-bike racks click on that capacity. For one close in design to the Thule, at about the same price, consider the Swagman Trailhead # S63381. Note that this rack does NOT fold like the Thule; such hinge mechanisms would typically be the first part to fail so most RV racks eliminate this feature. Another cost-effective option is the Swagman Original 4, part # S64400. While not fancy nor loaded with extra features, this rack is solidly made. I own the 3-bike version # S64152-2 and it is made to last.

You can add anti-rattle hitch lock # S64027 to steady the rack in the hitch or the combo lock kit # S64030 to lock both the rack and the loaded bikes.

expert reply by: Adam R

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