Hitch Bike Rack with High Weight Capacity Suitable for Use on Motorhome

Updated 08/10/2017 | Published 08/09/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Bike Rack for 5 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Tilting

(592)

$267.46

Question:

I have a very odd size e-bike and then regular bikes this rack looks like it could possibly accommodate the strange size and weight associated with it and then still hold my wife and kids bikes also, however it says not compatible on a motorhome? Do you know what would make this rack compared to the other racks that say they are compatible with motorhomes not compatible to go on my motorhome?

asked by: Keith F

Expert Reply:

Any accessory carrier such as a hitch bike rack or hitch cargo carrier that is to be used on an RV, either a motorhome, trailer or camper, has to be built with reinforcement to withstand the extra stresses found at the rear of such RVs.

The extra stresses come about due to the typically greater distance between the rear axle and hitch tube on such vehicles, as compared to that distance on a passenger car. The greater the distance between the two, the more leverage and movement there will be, much in the same way that slipping a pipe over the end of a tire iron gives you more leverage to loosen a wheel lug nut. So, racks to be used on RVs are made to withstand this stress. The Hollywood Racks Road Runner hanging-style bike carrier # HR520 is compatible with a motorhome, but not other types of RVs like Fifth Wheels and .

On the page I linked for you are all RV-approved 4-bike racks that fit a 2-inch hitch.

We have 3 racks that carry 5-bikes that are approved for motorhomes, but not other RV's. Those would be the Curt Premium # C18065, the Hollywood Racks Road Runner 5, # HR520, and the Swagman XP # S64970.

All three of these 5-bike racks have either a 30-lb-per-bike or a 35-lb-per-bike weight rating. Electric bikes typically weigh a good bit more, even when the battery is removed. The Saris SuperClamp EX Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches Item # SA4026F allows 60 pounds for the two bikes closest to the motorhome and 35 pounds limit on the other two bikes. This is a unique rack that holds the bikes by the wheels.

expert reply by: Adam R