Carrying Bikes While Towing a 5th Wheel Camper Trailer

There are a couple of solutions for carrying your bikes while towing your 5th wheel camper. Since the 5th wheel hitch takes up the truck bed, we have to look for other places to store bikes, with options on both the truck and the trailer.

Hitch Mounted Bike Rack
Front Mount Hitch Bike Rack
Tow Vehicle Roof Bike Rack
Bumper Mounted Bike Rack
Ladder Mounted Bike Rack

Hitch Mounted Bike Rack

When looking for a hitch bike rack to mount on a 5th wheel, it is important to make sure the bike rack is approved by the manufacturer for RV/trailer use. This is to ensure that the rack can stand up to the force exerted on it at the back of the trailer. Hitch mounted racks are available to carry up to 4 bikes at the back of the camper. The biggest benefit to using a hitch mount bike rack is that it can then also be used on the tow vehicle when the trailer isn't attached. After setting up the trailer at the campsite, a hitch bike rack can be transferred to the truck and the bikes can be driven to the trailhead.

Need a trailer hitch?

There are a couple of options when it comes to choosing a trailer hitch receiver for a camper trailer. The hitch receiver can either be mounted to the trailer bumper or installed on the trailer frame. The durability of the trailer bumper and the width of the frame are factors that will determine which hitch type is best suited for your camper. If the bumper is not designed to carry additional weight or it is not reinforced, a frame mount hitch receiver is the way to go. A bumper mounted receiver typically requires a continuous welded steel bumper, most often measuring 4 inches x 4 inches.

Front Mount Hitch Bike Rack

If the truck has a front mount hitch, a standard hitch mount bike rack can be used to carry bikes on the front of the truck. Some people prefer to carry bikes on the front of the vehicle so the bikes can stay in view from the truck cab. The things to keep in mind when carrying bikes on the front of the vehicle are to make sure the bikes won't block the headlights when driving at night and to make sure the airflow to the radiator isn't limited by the bikes. When not towing your camper, a hitch bike rack can be carried in the rear hitch of the vehicle to take the bikes to the trailhead.

Let's Go Aero Front Mounted Bike Rack Product Image

Tow Vehicle Roof Bike Rack

A roof rack allows bikes to be carried on the roof of the truck. Much like hitch racks, a roof rack will also allow the transportation of bikes when not towing a trailer. Roof mount racks are a great solution when a variety of bikes are coming along on the trip. With a roof rack, each bike can have the best style rack for the bike's style. One thing to keep in mind when carrying bikes on your tow vehicle's roof is the height of your vehicle. The height of the newer model pickup trucks can present a challenge in mounting the bike racks. To help reach the top of your tow vehicle, running boards, a tire step, or a step stool can be helpful.

Bumper Mounted Bike Rack

If you don't want to install a hitch receiver on your trailer, a bumper mounted bike rack is a great option. These racks use U-bolts or mounting plates to clamp around the 5th wheel's bumper. Bumper mounted bike racks are available in both hanging and platform style racks. It is important to make sure your trailer's bumper can handle a bike rack. A bumper mounted bike rack typically requires a continuous welded steel bumper, most often measuring 4 inches x 4 inches. Aluminum or spot welded trailer bumpers are usually not strong enough to handle the weight of a bike rack and bikes.

Ladder Mounted Bike Rack

If your camper has a rear-facing ladder, a ladder bike rack is another option for carrying bikes. Ladder mounted bike racks offer the capacity to carry 2 bikes. The bikes are carried vertically and supported by the frame member between the seat post and the pedals. These bike racks are great for lightweight bikes or children's bikes.

Stromberg-Carlson Bike Rack Product Image

Related Products

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Updated By: Dani S.

Updated On: 3/9/2021

Vicki W.

9/23/2024

I have an electric tricyle that weighs about 135lbs with battery loaded and back wheel base is about 30", 20"×4" tires. Any suggestions for rear carrying on 32 foot 5th wheel? Thanks, Vicki

Jameson C.

9/23/2024

@VickiW We don't have anything great for that. We used to have some trike carriers but at this time we don't have anything. You might try the trike manufacturer and ask what they recommend.

Pat

9/25/2021

Ok here goes…Is it possible to mount a carrier for a mobility scooter in the rear receiver of my new trailer. I have a Winnebago Minnie 2529RB. The hitch is welded to the frame. I was told the weight limit is 250. My scooter weighs160lbs. The carrier 60 to 85 lbs. is there any way to modify this so I can haul my scooter? How would the extra weight on the rear affect the weight distribution or tow ability of my trailer? Please help me… as is said, I know enough to be dangerous lol

Victoria B.

10/13/2021

@Pat If the weight of the carrier is 85lbs, plus the weight of the scooter at 160lbs, this brings your total weight to 245lbs - near but not over your trailer's hitch's tongue weight capacity. I don't know of any open cargo carriers that are specifically designed for use in a hitch on the back of a 5th wheel, but my best suggestion is to find a carrier that has a non-folding shank (versus one that folds up when not in use) to offer the most stable ride for your scooter as possible. The additional weight at the back may mean that your weight distribution system could need readjusted to compensate, but the 250lbs at the rear of the trailer most likely won't cause too much change at the tongue weight of the trailer. I would give it a test tow and see if you notice a difference before making changes to the weight distribution setup. I'm not sure what you're thinking may need to be modified. If I missed something with your situation please let me know.

Greg

9/16/2021

What type of bike rack would work on a fifth wheel for e-bikes. Thank you for your response

Victoria B.

10/13/2021

We have a couple of hitch bike racks that are designed to work on a 5th wheel trailer and also designed to carry e-bikes. Check out the link to see what racks are available.

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