4-Bike Carrier Recommendation For A 28-Foot Tandem Axle Travel Trailer

Question:

Hi, we have a 28-foot tandem axle new travel trailer and I am not going to use the rear camper factory bumper as support, but rather have a hitch welded directly to the frame. I really like the highland 1370400 so would this be a adequate carrier for us? 2 kids bikes and 2 adults.

asked by: Marty

Expert Reply:

We do have a 4-bike carrier that is rated for an RV, but it is not the Highland SportWing you referenced as it is not meant to be used with an RV or camper.

I recommend the Swagman Hitch-Mounted RV and Motor Home Bike Rack # S64940. It can carry up to 4 bikes with cradles that rotate left to right to accommodate many womens, childrens, and alternatively-framed bicycles by keeping wheels level to improve ground clearance.

You will need to ensure your trailer hitch has a tongue weight capacity high enough to carry the combined weight of both the bike rack and the bikes you intended to carry. The rack itself is 44 lbs with a recommended cargo weight capacity of 35 lbs per bike for a total maximum weight of 184 lbs.

This hitch fits 2-inch trailer hitches and has a heavy-duty steel design. The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the upright bar measures 12-1/2 inches long while the length of the carrier arm is 24 inches. It will accept bike frames up to 2 inches in diameter. As long as the top bar on the bike is more than 7-3/16 inches long, you will not need an adapter to provide a horizontal bar.

If you do need an adapter, you might be interested in the Swagman Easy-Out Adapter # 64005. It provides a horizontal bar for alternatively-framed bikes that do not have one, giving the bike increased ground clearance by leveling the wheels. I have provided a link to a video review of this product.

expert reply by: Brandon M