Recommended Platform Style Bike Rack for Rear of 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

Can either of these be used on a hitch installed on a 5th wheel?

asked by: Willie

Expert Reply:

We do have a nice selection of hitch-mounted bike racks that can be used at the rear of a fifth-wheel trailer, however both the Swagman XC # S64650 and XCT-2 # S64670 referenced in your question are not rated for this type of application. These particular carriers simply aren't tested to withstand the extra bounce and movement that a rack has to withstand when mounted behind a trailer as opposed to a standard passenger vehicle.

For a Swagman platform carrier that is rated for use behind your fifth-wheel, I recommend taking a look at the Swagman Dispatch # S44FR. This is a really nice rack that features ratcheting padded hooks that will firmly grip your bikes by their top tubes and sliding wheel cradles with ratcheting straps that will secure the rear wheels. It includes both a combination hitch lock and cable lock to secure the rack to the trailer and the bikes to the rack. It can handle 2 bikes of up to 45 pounds each.

I have attached a short video demonstration that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R