Recommended RV Bike Racks to Transport 5 Bikes on 5th Wheel Trailer
Updated 07/16/2015 | Published 07/15/2015
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Question:
Im looking for a bike rack 5 bikes to carry for the back of a large fifth wheel 39. We borrowed one for our last trip and bent 2 pins due to the bouncing of the bikes. We will need a much sturdier approach when we purchase. Do you have a system that will carry 4 mtn bikes and 1 bmx bike and minimize bouncing?
asked by: Shelley W
Expert Reply:
Any bike rack (or other accessory) installed on the rear of a trailer will be subjected to severe up-and-down and side-to-side forces. Bike racks designed for trailer use are built specifically to handle those stresses but there are no 5-bike racks suitable for use on the back of a 5th wheel trailer. The maximum capacity for a trailer-rated bike rack is 4 bikes.
I do have a way for you to load 5 bikes but it will require you to use 2 racks, and one of those will have to be a ladder-mount type that requires you to have a ladder on the back of the 5th wheel.
For example, if you have a 2-inch hitch you could use one of the 4-bike backs shown on the linked page; these include both hanging styles like # S64400 and platform styles. Then on your trailer's ladder you can use one of the ladder-mount racks shown on the other link, for example Surco 2 Bike Carrier # SP501BR. In this case the single heaviest bike should go on the ladder rack by itself.
We also offer 4-bike bumper-mount platform racks like # S80600 from Swagman. Your trailer must have a continuously-welded steel bumper 4- to 4-1/2-inches wide. Spot welded or aluminum bumpers are not suitable.
I have linked two helpful articles on RV bike racks that will be useful to you as you consider your best options for both your bikes and your trailer.
