Recommended RV E-Bike Rack for Class C Motorhome

Question

Question:

I need help with an RV E-BIKE rack. E-bikes are heavier than regular bikes. I see you have RV bike racks but those seem to be for regular bikes that weigh less. I need an RV bike rack for 2 bikes that EACH weigh about 50 lbs. Another issue is when you put a bike rack on a Class C RV, the rack is high, making loading difficult. I havent been able to find a solution anywhere on the web to accommodate this. I know there are down hitch adapters but I dont know if that will compromise the strength of a bike rack to hold the heavy e-bikes. Please advise. Someone needs to make such a bike rack!

asked by: Denise H

0

Expert Reply:

I was saying the exact same thing just a couple years ago! Fortunately, there are actually a couple RV E-bike racks that came out recently to answer this demand.

First, I'll address the hitch adapter. While there are hitch adapters like the # RM-077-8 that gives you an 8" drop, this reduces the capacity of your hitch (not your bike rack) by half. So if your hitch has a capacity of 350 lbs and you use an adapter, then you're down to 175 lbs. That's still enough for 120 lbs of bikes plus a 50 lb bike rack though it does come close.

Now for the bike rack. The Swagman E-spec # S94FR has a weight capacity of 70 lbs per bike. It's also rated for everything like fifth wheels, flat-towed vehicles, motorhomes, and travel trailers. That's because it has an extra piece of hardware you need to install for that extra stability. I explain that extra bolt in my attached video review below.

A similar bike rack is the Swagman Current # S64678 with a 60 lb weight capacity. Note though that it is only rated for normal passenger vehicles and motorhomes. The Current only weighs 49 lbs though, so if weight is an issue then you might prefer the Current for your own motorhome.

More and more e-bike racks are being built with ramps. The hope is that someday soon one will be made to work with RV's as well.

expert reply by: Evangeline M

0

Answer 1

Just looking at your Tern HSD bike with fenders, I'm going to say no the Saris MHS Bike Rack for 1 Bike #SAR23MR is not going to work. I did some research and it looks like a lot of Tern owner's went with the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Hey Andy, the Swagman E-Spec part #S94FR would be able to accommodate a bike wheelbase that is 48.8 inches so it would work for you.

view full answer...

Answer 3

For an e-bike rack for your Letric XP step thru bikes at the rear of an RV the Swagman E-Spec part #S94FR would be a great choice as it's rated for the rougher ride quality at the rear of RVs, has the higher weight capacity needed at 60 lbs per…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The best solution is to purchase the Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Electric, Step Through, and Cruiser Bikes #S57FR for the non-electric women's bike and any electric bike that has a step-through or alternative frame. The adapter bar will…

view full answer...

Answer 5

To me it makes the most sense to put a Bike Rack #HLY64FR on the flat towed vehicle rather than above the tow bars. Especially on heavy e-bikes as they are difficult to lift that high onto the rack, but also as it only makes sense to have the rack on…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The Swagman E-Spec Bike Rack part #S94FR can usually accommodate one step-through frame bike without needing an adapter by switching the small and long hook around but for two step-through frame bikes I do recommend as least one adapter, the Swagman…

view full answer...

Answer 7

I measured the Swagman E-Spec Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes part #S94FR for you and the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the first wheel tray is about 16".

view full answer...

Answer 8

Wheel-mount bike racks like the Thule T2 Pro XTR #TH83JV aren't the best options for bikes with fenders for exactly the reason you mentioned. The ratcheting hooks would come down on the fender instead of the wheel which won't provide a secure…

view full answer...