How to Carry a Spare Tire and Bike Rack on a Class C Ford E-450 Motorhome

Question:

I have a c31006 curt spare tire carrier on back of my Class c Ford E450 . I want to add a 2 bike rack, Can I install a dual hitch extender? My spare tire with rim is close to 100LB. Can I place the spare tire on top of a dual extender and add bike rack below? I would have to come out about 21 inches to clear the spare tire , The tire leans in mounted on the curt carrier Hitch . I dont want to add anything to the bumper, not sure if the welds would crack from the bouncing.

asked by: WW

Expert Reply:

You could potentially use something like the Malone 2" Dual Purpose Hitch Receiver # MPG544 along with the Swagman Dispatch # S44FR with your Curt Spare Tire Carrier # c31006 but using an extender like this not only exaggerates the movement of any accessories in the hitch receiver, but it also reduces the weight rating of the trailer hitch by 50%. So if you have enough trailer hitch tongue weight capacity (halved) for 100 lbs of tire and then the 50 lbs of the bike rack plus the weight of your bike(s) then it's possible but if does make me a bit nervous. If you decided to go this route I highly recommend using straps like the Curt # 18050 to help stabilize both the spare tire carrier and the bike rack.

Better options are checking with your manual or the RV manufacturer to see if there is a weight rating for your bumper so you can use it either for a bike rack or spare tire carrier OR using a Roadmaster Spare Tire Carrier part # RM-195125 or # RM-195225 depending on the wheel design of your spare tire. You could then use one of these carriers with a bike rack like the Yakima LongHaul RV Bike Rack # Y02476 if you need to carry multiple bikes.

These spare tire carrier options are a bit more pricey (since you'd still need to purchase the bike rack as well), but safety is key especially when you'll be traveling at highway speeds where there will be a lot of movement at the back of your RV.