Recommendation for Transporting Bikes While Flat Towing Vehicle

Question

Question:

Thanks for further explanation and I now better understand the matter. My RV has a 22,000 pound chassis and 22.5” tires with Bilstein shocks, so a very smooth ride. The Roadmaster Dual #RM-077-4 Hitch itself is not going to have any issue with the weight of the Thule 990XT rack loaded with two standard bicycles, correct? And, if push comes to shove, I can use the Thule rack in the truck rear receiver while it’s being towed behind the RV? Thanks again

asked by: Steve B

0

Expert Reply:

The Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter # RM-077-4 referenced in your question is designed specifically to allow you to use a bike rack while towing your vehicle behind an RV. The center of the hitch pin hole on the adapter that will be used for the bike rack extends 9-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole on your hitch receiver. I have attached an image to clarify this dimension.

The issue though with using your Thule Doubletrack Bike Rack # TH990XT is that it is not actually rated for use behind an RV or trailer, so I cannot recommend doing this. Because of the extra movement and bounce that bike racks receive when mounted behind an RV, only certain bike racks are designed and approved for this application. For this reason, I instead recommend a motorhome approved bike rack like the Curt # C18085. This is an excellent and lightweight 2-bike rack that is approved for use behind RVs and has a total weight capacity of 90 pounds. The carrier itself is not too heavy, making for easy removal and installation.

The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the furthest part of the rack is only 26 inches. You will add this measurement to the 9-1/2 inch hitch pin hole extension on the dual receiver adapter for a total distance of 35-1/2 inches. This means that from the center of the hitch pin hole on your RV, to the farthest part of the rack when used with the adapter, there will be a distance 35-1/2 inches. You can take this measurement out from your existing RV hitch receiver to see exactly how far out this will extend and ensure you will have the necessary clearance. You will also just need to note the size of your bikes, as this may add a bit to this clearance measurement.

expert reply by: Chris R

0

click to enlarge

Steve

10/12/2017

The Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter # RM-077-4 referenced in your question is designed specifically to allow you to use a bike rack while towing your vehicle behind an RV. The center of the hitch pin hole on the adapter that will be used for the bike rack extends 9-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole on your hitch receiver. I have attached an image to clarify this dimension. The issue though with using your Thule Doubletrack Bike Rack # TH990XT is that it is not actually rated for use behind an RV or trailer, so I cannot recommend doing this. Because of the extra movement and bounce that bike racks receive when mounted behind an RV, only certain bike racks are designed and approved for this application. For this reason, I instead recommend a motorhome approved bike rack like the Lets Go Aero BikeWing # LGA54FR. This is an excellent and lightweight 2-bike rack that is approved for use behind RVs and has a total weight capacity of 80 pounds. The carrier itself also weighs in at just 20 pounds, making for easy removal and installation. The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the furthest part of the rack is only 26 inches. You will add this measurement to the 9-1/2 inch hitch pin hole extension on the dual receiver adapter for a total distance of 35-1/2 inches. This means that from the center of the hitch pin hole on your RV, to the farthest part of the rack when used with the adapter, there will be a distance 35-1/2 inches. You can take this measurement out from your existing RV hitch receiver to see exactly how far out this will extend and ensure you will have the necessary clearance. You will also just need to note the size of your bikes, as this may add a bit to this clearance measurement.

Reply

Chris R.

10/12/2017

The Thule # TH92BJ bike rack is rated for use on standard passenger vehicles. The issue with RVs and trailers (when compared to passenger vehicles) is that the rear bumper is typically extended much further out from the rear axle. This in turn creates a great deal of bounce and movement for hitch-mounted accessories. The movement behind a passenger vehicle is much less in comparison. This is why only certain bike racks are rated for use on RVs and trailers by the manufacturer. It has to do with bike rack's construction and its ability to withstand that kind of movement. Because Thule does not approve the TH92BJ for use on RVs or trailers, if anything were to happen to the rack - or anything else as a result of the rack malfunctioning, it simply would not be covered by the rack's warranty. I certainly understand wanting to use the rack you already have and this would ultimately be your decision. Many people do this, but because of the manufacturers' guidelines, I simply cannot recommend it.

Reply

Steve

10/12/2017

Thanks for further explanation and I now better understand the matter. My RV has a 22,000 pound chassis and 22.5” tires with Bilstein shocks, so a very smooth ride. The Roadmaster Dual #RM-077-4 Hitch itself is not going to have any issue with the weight of the Thule 990XT rack loaded with two standard bicycles, correct? And, if push comes to shove, I can use the Thule rack in the truck rear receiver while it’s being towed behind the RV? Thanks again

Reply

Chris R.

10/12/2017

You are correct - the Roadmaster Dual Hitch # RM-077-4 is not going to have any issue with the weight of both your towed vehicle and bike rack. Then for the hitch itself, as long as you remain under its tongue and towing weight capacities, you will be perfectly fine. The concern is just with the bike rack itself and what it is rated for. And I hate to give you another piece of bad news, but Thule also does not recommend that their bike racks be used behind a vehicle that is being flat towed. I wish I could give you a better answer. Again, what you ultimately decide to do with your bike rack is up to you. Thule racks are extremely well built, they simply have not been tested and are not rated for use behind RV or towed vehicle.

Reply