Recommended Bike Rack for RV with Grill that Extends 14 Inches from Bumper

Published 03/17/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Swagman Around the Spare Deluxe 2 Bike Rack for RV Bumpers

(140)

$181.34

Swagman Traveler XC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches or RV Bumpers - Frame Mount

(319)

$239.96

Surco 2 Bike Carrier for Vans and RVs - Ladder Mount

(154)

$145.49

Question:

I am looking for a bicycle rack for my travel trailer that will fit on my bumper between my spare tire and grill. I think the rack with the receiver that attaches to the 4inch bumper will work but I would need an extender. The grill extends about 14inch from the bumper. My concern is 1 is there an extender available that would allow the rack to clear my grill and 2 would adding 2 bicycles, extended 14inch from the bumper, be too much weight and cause too much bounce to haul safely. I was looking at the Swagman Platform-Style 2 Bike Rack for 2inch Hitches or RV Bumpers Item # S64663

asked by: Ron T

Expert Reply:

The Swagman Platform-Style 2 Bike Rack for 2 Inch Hitches or RV Bumpers # S64663 referenced in your question is designed to bolt to a 4 to 4-1/2 inch tall, continuously welded steel RV bumper like what you have. However, I cannot recommend using an extender to clear the grill on your trailer. Using an adapter will actually void the warranty on Swagman Bike Racks and will also reduce the tongue weight capacity of the hitch receiver by 50 percent. And as you mentioned, extending this far back from a trailer is going to cause a great deal of bounce and simply would not be safe.

I instead recommend looking at the Swagman Around the Spare Deluxe 2 Bike Rack # S80501. This rack is designed to mount onto 4 to 4-1/2 inch RV bumpers and can extend around a spare tire or other rear trailer object. This system will extend the upright bars of the rack 12 inches from the bumper, so it may not be enough to completely clear the grill on your RV but might work depending on its overall size. I have attached a video review of this product so you can get a better idea as to how it works.

Another option if you have a ladder on your trailer is the Surco 2 Bike Carrier # SP501BR. This rack will attach to any RV ladder that has 1 inch diameter vertical support rails. The rack can hold up to 2 bikes and has a weight capacity of 75 pounds. I have also included a video for you to check out.

expert reply by: Chris R