Need 2-Bike Platform Carrier for Use on Back of 2005 Roadmaster Monaco Motor Home

Question:

How does the ramp work and where is it stored? Looking for a bike carrier to hold 2 prodeco bikes apron weight 55# ea. looking for an easy to load and unload the bikes by one person.

asked by: Preston P

Expert Reply:

Bike racks that are suitable for use on the rear of a trailer or motor home must be built specially to withstand the additional stresses found at the back of such long vehicles. The further from the rear axle the back of the trailer or motor home is the more the lateral and vertical forces that will be applied to the rack. Bike carriers designed for use on automobiles, such as the Thule EasyFold 2 Bike Rack # TH903202, are not suitable for use on a motor home, but we do have solutions for you!

To answer your question, however, the ramp slides in and out as needed and stores inside the carrier.

The link at right will take you to our main page for RV/Motorhome bike racks that are built with the required strength to handle the forces at the back of your Roadmaster Monaco. We offer many types of RV bike racks, including bumper-mount, hitch-mount and ladder-mount types.

Since your two Prodeco electric bikes are fairly heavy at 55-lbs I see why a ramped platform-style rack like the Thule appealed to you - less lifting! The bikes' substantial weight does, unfortunately, rule out several carrier options, which have capacities only for the 30-40-lb weight typical of standard bikes. One platform rack that can handle these specs is the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE # HLY84FR.

Another rack I suggest is the Swagman Original # S64400 for 2-inch hitches. This hanging rack tilts down away from the motorhome to make loading a bit easier. A video for this rack is linked for you at right. The 4-bike capacity means a higher weight rating and also that you will have more room between the bikes and between the bikes and the Monaco's rear.

Since some of the Prodeco bikes, such as their Stride series, do not have a horizontal top frame tube you can use a bike adapter bar such as the Swagman Easy-Out # 64005 in such instances to provide a level mounting surface to mate with the carrier. This will help ensure safe ground clearance. The video linked at right will illustrate.