Why are some Yakima Bike Racks Rated for Use Behind Trailer But not Thule

Question:

Your video on this bike rack says it is not rated for motorhomes, while the Thule model is.... what design feature precludes using the Yakima on the back of an RV?

asked by: Michael R

Expert Reply:

At the rear of a trailer the ride quality is very rough when compared to the ride quality at the rear of a passenger vehicle. Reason being the suspension isn't as sophisticated and there is a longer distance between the rear axle and the rear of the trailer which exaggerates the movement of the trailer when hitting bumps. Because of that only a few bike racks were designed to be reinforced enough for that type of use.

Thule recently came out and said that some of their racks can be installed at the rear of a motorhome but not a trailer whereas Yakima went out and designed a few bike racks like the Yakima LongHaul part # Y02476 specifically for the rough ride at the rear of a trailer.

expert reply by: Jameson C