Recommended Hitch and Bike Rack for a 5th Wheel Camper

Question:

After doing some further research, is there a bike rack that’d you’d recommend for a front mounted hitch that goes onto the front of my truck? 2016 Silverado 2500. I liked the Curt front mounted hitch as that’s the 5th wheel setup I have and it’s treated me well.

asked by: Colby S

Expert Reply:

The best option to mount a bike rack with your 5th wheel attached is to add a hitch to the 5th wheel and use a hitch-mounted bike rack.

For the hitch, I recommend the Curt Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, part # C13704. This fits box frames, C-channel frames, or I-beam frames between 22" and 66" long and gives a 2" receiver. It can be either bolted on or welded on and features a maximum tongue weight capacity of 500 pounds and a gross towing weight capacity of 5000 pounds. I've linked to a video review of this hitch for you to look at. If you do not have one of the frames above or need something longer than 66" , let me know and I will find a more suitable one for you.

For your bike rack, I recommend the Swagman Original, part # S64152-2. It's a hanging style rack that is rated for 5th wheels and can handle 3 bikes up to 35 pounds each. THe Kraton vinyl cushioning helps protect frames and offers additional gripping power. I've linked to a video review of this one as well.

expert reply by: Kef G

Colby S.

3/16/2021

Thank you, I was looking a little bit at the Curt Rack as well. Would either work fine? Obviously this one is a little bit more expensive. Surely any 2” bike mount would work on the hitch.

Kef G.

3/16/2021

The Curt Bike Rack, part # C18087, is not rated for 5th wheels. Unfortunately, it can't be used for your application. When choosing a bike rack, you need one that is tested for 5th wheels because the amount of bounce at the rear is greater and the rack needs to be able to withstand that. We only have one bike rack that is rated for 5th wheels and can carry 4 bikes, and that is the Swagman Original.

Colby S.

3/17/2021

Kef G.

3/17/2021

While using a front-mounted hitch for a bike rack is not ideal, it definitely can be done. Using the Curt hitch that you referenced, part # C31071, you will see that the vertical load (similar to a rear-mounted hitch's tongue weight) is 500 pounds. This will allow you to use the Curt bike rack, part # C18087, that you asked about earlier. Of course, there are some things to keep in mind. First, check with your state's laws about having a bike rack in front especially concerning the blocking of your plates. Second, with the Curt rack from above, you have a 4-bike rack on the front of your vehicle, so you want to pay special attention to the amount of sway this might incur. I highly recommend using a couple of the Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap, part # 18050, to keep everything stable. I've linked to video reviews of the hitch, bike rack, and strap below.