Why Cant Some Bike Racks be Used on the Back of an RV or Trailer

Updated 02/23/2020 | Published 09/14/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1158)

$532.61

Swagman E-Spec Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(537)

$449.00

Question:

I own this rack and have used it very successfully behind our SUV. We own a camping trailer and would like to use it on our camping trips, but noticed that it is not recommended for that. Just wondering why. Is it a weight or height problem? Or something else. Thanks

asked by: Clayton D

Expert Reply:

Only certain bike racks are rated for use at the back of an RV or trailer but the Hollywood Racks # HR1400Z bike rack is not one of them. Generally, any rack that can fold or tilt, with few exceptions, won't be rated for this applications. The reason is that there is significantly more movement at the back of an RV or trailer due to the distance from the rear axle to the end of the vehicle/trailer and/or because the suspension is not as effective in many cases as a passenger vehicle.

Folding/titling racks (as well as racks not built as robust) have a point of potential failure where they pivot or are just not beefy enough to withstand the rigors of riding at the back of an RV/trailer. Therefore many are not even tested for this application and thus are not rated for it. If the rack was to sustain damage the warranty would be voided.

I have included a link below to the bike racks that are rated for use at the back of an RV or trailer. For platform racks the Swagman Dispatch # S44FR is a great option. It is a platform style rack for 2 bikes and holds the bikes at the wheels and frame. And another great option is the Lets Go Aero V-Lectric FAT PRO # LGA77FR. This is unique style rack that holds the bikes at the wheels only and will even work with bikes with fenders.

expert reply by: Michael H

Adam P.

2/21/2020

This explanation is very helpful. What is confusing when I search the site for RV bike racks and then filter for travel trailer, there are no platform style listed. However, there are quite a few platform style racks listed that are RV approved. From your explanation above Im not seeing the difference between an RV and trailer. Also, the search function seems to be misleading for Lets Go Aero BikeWing T4, 2+2 4-Bike Rack - 2 Hitches - Folding - Horizontal Wheel Mount as it filters for trailers but in the product details it says its not.I am interested in a 4 bike rack for my travel trailer that is not permanent bumper mounted but can accommodate my mountain bike. I have a hanging rack now and it doesnt work with the frame, so platform seems more appropriate.

Chris R.

2/23/2020

At this time we don't have a 4-bike platform rack that's rated for use on trailers. The BikeWing that you mentioned is unfortunately only rated for RV use (I'm sorry for the confusion on the site - we will get that updated!). I personally really like the Thule Range # TH9057 because of its extra cradle spacing (to help with those larger mountain bikes). You can add an adapter bar # TH982XT to help with frame accommodation. The ride at the rear of a bumper pull trailer is still quite a bit rougher than at the rear of an RV, which is why there is a separation there with regards to which racks are safe for use.

Helpful Links

Accessories-and-Parts/Thule/TH982XT.html

RV-and-Camper-Bike-Racks/Thule/TH9057.html