2-Bike Carrier Options for 1-1/4 Hitch Mounted to Frame of 2014 Forest River 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I have a 2014 Forest River Cedar Creek 36CKTS fifth wheel RV with a 1-1/4 bike rack hitch mounted to the frame, not the bumper I have no bumper. Im trying to figure out which Swagman rack for 2 bikes might be the best for me to use. I keep reading different things about not using one, but most info I see mentions bumper mounted rather than frame mounted. Any advice yo can offer would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Wayne

Expert Reply:

I checked the Forest River website and found information on your 2014 Cedar Creek 36CKTS 5th wheel, but the site does not provide any rating information for the optional bike rack hitch. You might refer to your owners manual for this information.

In general standard hitch-mount bike carriers cannot be used on RVs and 5th wheels because of the extreme lateral and vertical forces found at the rear of such vehicles. The further the back of the trailer is from the rear axle the more lateral sway and vertical bounce there will be. (Think of a whip, where the tip moves much faster and farther than the handle end; or of the bumpy ride quality in the back of a school bus.) These forces will be far greater than what is encountered typically at the rear of an automobile due to the longer distance from rear axle to the rack and so many bike rack makers will not honor the product warranty if used on the back of a motor home or 5th wheel.

The Swagman XTC-2 - 2 Bike Platform Carrier you referenced, part # S64670, in its instructions (attached) warns against use on 5th wheels due to both the excessive movement that can damage the carrier and the potential for damage to the hitch.

However, if could switch to a 2" hitch, I have a solution for you. The Swagman XP RV Bike Rack for 4 Bikes # S64940 is approved for use on the back of a 5th wheel. This rack features a 100-lb total capacity and a 35 lb per bike limit. It includes a bike lock. To lock the rack use the Anti-Rattle Hitch Pin Lock part # S64027.

expert reply by: Adam R