4-Bike Rack Recommendation for Use on the Back of a 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

looking at the swagman quad 2+2 64691 was wondering if it is rated to be installed on the back of a fifth wheel camping trailer? we also liked the swagman xtc 64665 how would that be ? we like hanging racks... we like cable lock and locking pin idea do these racks leave enough room so that the bike handles dont touch the rv?

asked by: Caro L

Expert Reply:

The bikes racks that are rated for use on the back of a motor home or 5th wheel are built specifically to withstand the extreme twisting forces found at the rear of such vehicles. For the same reason that the rear-most seats on a roller coaster or school bus get a rougher ride than those in the front, a bike carrier mounted at the rear of a 5th wheel will be subjected to forces that would potentially destroy a carrier intended for use on a standard passenger vehicle.

However we do offer a range of RV-approved bike racks that you can use on your 5th wheel. The link provided will show you the 4-bike carriers approved for RV use, one of which is the Swagman # S64940 which includes a lock for the bikes. With this you can use a locking hitch pin # S64027.

Clearance at the back of your trailer will depend on the nature of the bikes. Beach cruisers and other bikes that have wide handlebars may pose a fit issue, but you can check based on the clearance provided by this rack, which is 12-inches from the hitch pin hole to the nearest wheel hoop.

Generally it is best to load the heaviest bikes closest to the trailer to help reduce the forces acting on the rack and to help reduce random motion when underway.

You can add a cable lock like # e98891 to secure your bikes to the rack if you choose one that does not include locks.