Recommendation for Spare Tire Bike Rack to be Used on Travel Trailer

Question:

Looking for a bike rack that can attach to the spare tire of our travel trailer. One woman’s and one men’s bike. Tire size is 205/75R14. Bolt hole pattern is 5 holes on a 4 1/2” diameter. What product do you have. A rack for 2 or 3 bikes would be ok

asked by: Mark D

Expert Reply:

We do have a selection of spare tire mounted bike racks available, however none of them are rated for use behind a trailer. Because of the extra bounce and movement that a bike racks endures at the back of a trailer compared to at the rear of a standard passenger vehicle, only bike racks that are tested and approved for this use should be used.

For your application, I recommend taking a look at the Swagman Around the Spare 2 Bike Rack # S80501. This RV/trailer approved bike rack is designed specifically for working around a spare tire that is mounted at the rear of a trailer. This carrier will work great to secure up to 2 bikes at 35 pounds each to your trailer, as long as it feaures a continuous welded steel square bumper that is 4 to 4-1/2 inches wide.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this bike rack that you can check out.

With this or any other hanging-style bike rack, you might also need to add an adapter bar like the Kuat # UB01 if either of your bikes feature an alternate/drop-down frame. This will provide a horizontal attachment point for level transport and improved ground clearance. I have attached a video demonstration on this product so you can see exactly how it is used and why it might be needed.

I have also attached a link that will take you directly to our available selection of RV/trailer approved bike racks that you can look through.

expert reply by: Chris R