Recommended Bike Rack To Be Installed On The Back Of An RV

Question:

I was recently on an RV trip and used a Yakima “Full Tilt” bike rack to carry 2 bikes on the back of a Monaco motorhome. The rack is actually one that we bought w/ a Tesla Model X, made by Yakima for Tesla. I learned the hard way that this rack — along with most of the Yakima product line — is not to be used on a motorhome or other RV that has an extended distance between the rear axle and the hitch pin. We avoided disaster but the rack mount was shot from having to overtighten it so as to keep the rack as solid as possible. Do you have a recommended rack for this application? Thanks very much.

asked by: Stew T

Expert Reply:

We definitely have a few options for your to take a look at. These will all be rated for use on a motorhome, so they will be perfect for the back of your motorhome.

The first one to look at is the Thule Hitching Post Pro - Folding Tilting 4 Bike Rack w Anti-Sway - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches Item # TH934XTR. This is a tilting hanging style rack that can handle 35 pounds per bike. As it is pretty similar to the FullTilt, it will be pretty intuitive to set up and use. This will not include an locks though, but the Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock # THSTL2 can be added on to lock the rack to the hitch. This will also be the least expensive option.

Next is the Swagman Chinook Bike Rack # S64683. This is a platform rack and will be easier to load bikes onto and can handle 45 pounds per bike. This also includes locks for the bikes as well as a lock to keep the rack on the hitch. This also tilts away to allow access to compartments and for the price, you can't do much better.

Last will be the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack # HLY84FR. This is another platform rack. It locks to the hitch, locks the bikes to the rack, can handle 80 pounds per bike, folds up, and tilts away. So it's nice and can handle a lot. However, this will be the most expensive option due to all this, so if you don't need something so heavy duty, I would strongly consider the Swagman # S64683.