How To Use A Hitch Mount Bike Rack On A 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

Im looking for a 2 bike rack that will work on my 5th wheel camper that has a 1-1/4inch receiver hitch. What do you recommend? Thanks

asked by: Jim H

Expert Reply:

You will have to go with a 2" hitch receiver on your 5th wheel. One of the reasons we do not recommend the use of a 1 1/4" receiver with a 5th wheel is because the ride is rougher at the rear of a 5th wheel due to it being so far away from the rear axle of the vehicle. This distance introduces extra forces and motion to the bike rack and the suspension of trailer is not as sophisticated as the vehicle towing the trailer. You also cannot use a hitch adapter to change your hitch receiver to 2" because that will reduce the maximum tongue weight by 50%.

This leaves replacing the hitch receiver as your only option. With a 5th wheel you must replace the 1 1/4" hitch receiver with a 2" hitch receiver.

My recommendation is the Ultra-Fab 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver for Trailer Frames, part # UF35-946403. It is a weld on hitch receiver with a maximum tongue weight of 350 lbs. My hitch rack recommendation is the Swagman E-Spec Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches, part # S94FR. This rack is e-bike ready with a weight capacity of 70lbs per bike. It has padded arms that clamp to the frame to secure the blocks. The arms also lock the bikes to the vehicle. It also has anti-rattle hitch pin that eliminates movement between the bike rack and the hitch receiver.

I have included product description links and product review links below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith