Will the RV Rider # HLY64FR Work for My 2 E-Bikes on My Fifth-Wheel with a Rear Ladder?  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes - the Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches # HLY64FR is the same as model HR1700. We here at etrailer usually have different part numbers than the bike rack manufacturer.

With the ladder at the middle of your 2022 Grand Design Reflection 341RDS, there is a way to know for sure if the rack does not interfere with the RV Rider when folded up. The measurement you need to conduct is from the center of your hitch pin hole to the furthest outward point of the ladder or your rear bumper (whichever sticks out further). If that measurement does not exceed 7-1/2 inches long you have enough room to fold up the RV Rider on your trailer. With the RV Rider, it requires your hitch to have a minimum maximum tongue weight of 350 pounds.

If you find you need more shank length, I recommend using a hitch extender like the Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 7" # HE06. With a hitch extender, the shorter the length you have to get to the length you need, the better. This is because adding an exceptional amount of length to the rear of your fifth-wheel trailer will add the possibility for extra movement when traveling. This adapter adds 7 inches to the length of your hitch receiver opening that you can factor into the original measurement. It is important to note that using this extender reduces the overall weight capacity of your hitch by 50%.

With the extender, I recommend using the etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Stabilizer for 2" Hitches - Vinyl Coated Steel # e99007 for dramatically increasing the support and stability of the setup.

If you happen to need a hitch receiver for your trailer, I recommend the Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 22" to 72" Wide # 13703. Not only does this provide you with 350 pounds of maximum tongue weight without the extender and 175 pounds of maximum tongue weight when using the extender, it also includes a gloss outer coat over the base powder coat to provide you with better resistance against rust and corrosion than other brands. In order to make sure that the hitch is compatible, I recommend measuring the width of your trailer's frame from left to right. As long as the frame falls within 22-72 inches wide, this hitch is compatible.

expert reply by: Bob C

1

Gordy P.

1/1/0001

Thanks for the in-depth information. Looks like I will be doing some measuring. The hitch on the RV is rated at 300#/3000#. Is that going to be a problem?

Reply

Bob C.

4/19/2022

If you have a 300-pound maximum tongue weight on your current hitch, that is unfortunately not going to work with the RV Rider # HLY64FR. The reason why is because Hollywood Racks engineered that model to be compatible with a minimum strength of a hitch. The required strength the rack needs to withstand the added torque and force on the back of a trailer requires a tongue weight of at least 350 pounds. With that being said, we do have a great alternative that is compatible with a 300-pound 2" hitch: the Swagman E-Spec Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches # S94FR. This rack comes with the a 70-pound weight and is also approved for fifth-wheel trailer use. It also comes with a longer shank shank than the RV Rider that measures 10-1/2" from the center pinhole to the closest part of the rack, so it is possible that you do not need to use the E-Spec with the # HE06 to clear your ladder. I still recommend measuring your length from the hitch pinhole to make sure. If you happen to have fat bike tires, you need the fat tire adapter # S64679 for each bike. Also, for women's bikes, step-thru bikes, or children's bikes, you need a bike frame adapter bar # 64005 for each of those bike styles. The adapter provides your bikes with a straight, horizontal plane that is required to attach to the ratcheting hooks of the E-Spec.

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