Platform Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2012 Ford E-350 Van

Question:

We have a 2012 Ford E 350 cargo van with double rear cargo doors. It is the same frame and heavy duty suspension used on many class B rvs. Therefore I have been looking at bike racks suitable for an RV. A question asked on your website related to a class B. The Swagman XP64910-2 was recommended, but its description does not seem appropriate for our van. A 14inch ground clearance is recommended for it and our 2inch receiver only has 12inch ground clearance. Secondlly it doesnt seem to allow access to the cargo doors without removing the rack each time. I am looking at the 64663 on the RV list but am drawn to the 64650 and the 64670 because of the elevated shank for ground clearance and the folding capability. Response to questions on your website indicate these are fine for RVs, but they are not on the RV list. Will they work for our van, or do you have another recommendation? We cary one womans bike and one mens bike on long trips. I greatly appreciate your help and your opinion. Thank you

asked by: Cathy D

Expert Reply:

I would say that your E-350 is not considered an RV although it shares the same suspension as one. The biggest issue with putting bike racks on RVs is the distance from the rear axle of the vehicle to where the hitch is. Since you have basically just a van the distance from the axle to the hitch is not great enough that this would be an issue. I think Swagman XTC-2 part # S64670 that you referenced would make an excellent choice for a bike rack since it has an elevated shank and can fold down when not carrying a bike like you expressed interest in.

Unlike the Swagman XC part # S64650 that you referenced the XTC-2 has comes with an anti-rattle device and has upgraded wheel hoops. Check out the review video for this product that I attached.

For clarity's sake, of the three bike racks you referenced the only one that is currently rated for RV use is the Swagman Platform-Style 2 Bike Carrier # S64663. The other racks used to be rated for RVs but there ratings have recently been changed and they are no longer confirmed to work on RVs.

The elevated longer shanks are actually why the other two racks are no longer rated for RVs. Swagman determined that those areas were actually the weak points of the rack.

expert reply by: Jameson C