Recommendation For Hitch Bike Rack to Fit Fifth Wheel RV and 2011 GMC Sierra

Question:

The bike rack will be installed on a 2inch receiver, either on a 2011 GMC Sierra pickup or a fifth wheel RV. I have heard good things about both the Swagman and Thule. We will use it for two bikes. What do you recommend?

asked by: Larry T

Expert Reply:

The Swagman 3 Bike Rack, part # S64152-2, will install on the 2-inch hitch receiver on your 2011 GMC Sierra truck. It will also work on the fifth wheel RV if the the ground clearance is greater than 15 inches.

Since a RV hitch will normally sit lower than a vehicle hitch it is recommended to make sure you have more than 15 inches of ground clearance to keep the bikes from touching the ground when driving up a hill. The ground clearance would be measured from the ground to the bottom of the receiver opening on the hitch with the RV parked on level ground.

Another issue is that there are only certain bike racks that are rated for use behind an RV or trailer. I have included a link to them for you to view. There is considerable more bouncing and stress for a rack at the back of an RV or travel trailer, so not all bikes racks are rated for this application.

The Swagman is a good choice for a bike rack that will fit both a vehicle and a RV. Thule does not offer a bike rack that is designed to be used on the rear of a RV or motor home.

If you will be carrying womens bikes or childrens bikes that do not have the middle horizontal bar, you will also want to look at the Swagman Bike Adapter, part # 64005, which clips on to the seat post and the other end to the handlebar post and gives you the level, horizontal bar that is needed for the bike to sit level on the bike rack. I am including a link to a video review on the bike adapter bar.

expert reply by: Jeff D