Why Can Only Some Bike Racks be Used on a Motorhome or Trailer

Question:

What makes a bike rack good for the hitch of a truck but not for a motorhome or RV trailer?

asked by: Bob V

Expert Reply:

The reason some bike racks, like the Yakima HoldUp Bike Rack for 2 Bikes # Y02443, are rated for use on a pickup truck but not a motorhome or trailer has less to do with the size of the vehicle and has more to do with the distance from the rearmost axle to where the bike rack will be sitting. For motorhome and trailers there is an excessive amount of movement due to this distance but for pickups that isn't the case so some manufacturers will say a rack is fine with a passenger vehicle but nothing else.

Technically you can install and use any bike rack that fits the 2" receiver on a motorhome or trailer, but if the manufacturer hasn't tested and approved it then any damage that may occur from this use would not be covered under the warranty.

We do have a selection of bike racks that are compatible with everything, like the Yakima OnRamp # Y36FR. This has been tested and approved for use on anything from passenger vehicles to motorhomes and trailers so you don't have to worry about any kind of warranty as long as you abide by the lowered 40 lb weight capacity per bike when using it on an RV.

expert reply by: Jon G