What Makes a Bike Rack Rated for Trailer Use
Updated 07/22/2020 | Published 05/18/2017
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Question:
I have read about RV Rated bike racks, but have never seen a clear definition of this term. I have a hitch receiver bolted to the frame of a travel trailer and a hitch-mounted rack that isnt RV rated, but I seem to have no problems with it. I have carried 2 bikes on the rack with no apparent issues. I am wondering what specifically makes certain bike racks RV rated a Swagman Dispatch Platform, for example while others that also plug into receiver hitches A Thule T2 Pro XTR, for example are not.
asked by: Gary
Helpful Expert Reply:
A trailer rated bike rack like the Swagman Trailhead# S63381 has been tested and approved by Swagman to be used on a trailer. The Thule T2 Pro XTR # TH69TX is not. What this means for a customer is that if you were to use the Thule T2 Pro XTR behind a trailer and the rack was damaged it would not be warrantied because it was not used in the fashion intended. The # TH69TX is rated for use on a motorhome, but not other types of RVs.
The reason some racks are not approved for trailer use is the because of the additional movement at the back of a trailer created from the longer wheel base and less sophisticated suspension. There is more leverage created at the rear. This puts additional strain on anything that is being carried on a trailer hitch receiver.
Some bike rack manufactures, like Swagman, design a number of racks for trailer use while others have stayed away from the market altogether.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Swagman Trailhead RV Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches
- RV and Camper Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- RV Hitch Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- 5th Wheel
- Flat-Towed Vehicle
- Motorhome
- Travel Trailer
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
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Phill
7/17/2020
OK - So what's the deal the Swagman Semi 4.0 is listed in your best racks for RV but then this "Expert Reply" says its not RV rated.