Using a Bike Rack on a Camper Tongue

Question:

I am looking at 2 bike platform racks to mount on the tongue of a camper trailer via a custom built 2inch reciever bracket. I am needing a rack with a max dimension of around 26inch from the center of hitch pin to the furthest point when folded down. Not all the racks on the website have this dimension in the description. From what Ive seen it appears the Swagman Chinook might be my best option. Can you offer any suggestions or provide that dimension for some equivalent or better like products?

asked by: Josh W

Expert Reply:

While a few of our bike racks do not have the length from the hitch pin hole to the furthest edge, this spec is shown in their video reviews.

However, rather than compare those lengths to other racks, I will say that the Swagman Chinook, part # S64683, is a fantastic rack. It can carry 2 bikes up to 45 pounds each and has the fold-up and tilt-away features.

That having been said, the Chinook is not compatible with campers. What that means is this is not rated for campers, so there is a good chance that it could fail on the road. With your receiver being a custom-built one on the tongue, I cannot guarantee any rack will work.

As such, I recommend going with a roof-mounted bike rack instead. Since a roof rack might not work with your particular camper, the SeaSucker Mini Bomber, part # 298-BM2006, is a great choice and mount to the roof and hold the bikes by their forks.

Or, you could use a bike rack that is already designed for a tongue like the Hitch-It 2, part # LC731138. The base wraps around the tongue, which would leave your receiver open for something else.

I've linked to video review of these bike racks below.