Recommendation for Towing Pop-up Camper with 2016 Silverado 1500 and 4 Bikes

Updated 04/11/2019 | Published 04/10/2019

Products Featured in This Question

MaxxTow Ball Mount w/ 2" Accessory Receiver - 2" Hitches - 2-1/4" Drop - 5,000 lbs

(1)

$35.71

Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(85)

$261.56

Malone Pilot Roof Mounted Bike Rack - Wheel Mount

(32)

$170.95

Swagman Upright Bike Rack for 1 Bike - Roof Rack Crossbars - Frame Mount

(152)

$88.00

Swagman Roamer LT Roof Rack for Pop-Up Campers and Camper Shells - Steel - 7' Long - 150 lbs

(85)

$218.94

Question:

Have a 2016 Silverado 1500, 12,000 towing, 1,200GTW. Considering a dual hitch rigid 4 or 6inch riser which has a GTW of 500lbs and towing of 10,000lb. The top receiver would be used for a saris freedom 4 bike rack with a weight of 50lbs and hold 4bikes none of which should be more than 35lbs. In the bottom receiver I would like to tow our 2006 fleet wood sea pine which has a tow weight of 2,500 and unloaded tongue weight of 160 but would use higher to account for gear. My problem is I need an extender to go under the bike rack to attach to the trailer while giving clearance for turning. When the bike rack is in it measure about 45” from the hitch to the end of the bike rack. What do I use for this application? Do I use to 18” extenders together?

asked by: Scott

Expert Reply:

I've tried every possible option I can think of to get that bike rack and adapters to allow you to tow at the same time and unfortunately there really isn't a solution that will work with a single hitch receiver compatible with your 2016 Silverado 1500 because multiple adapters are not an option due to the restriction on tongue weight.

An option is to use a front mounted hitch like # C31069 with the bike rack and then use the rear receiver for towing your trailer, but that does seriously restrict both your vision so it is not recommended.

My recommendation is to use a different style bike rack with your trailer as your Saris Freedom 4 rack # SA4414B is not rated for trailer use and there isn't a good option to use the hitch and also tow simultaneously. My recommendation is a little unconventional but will allow you to tow 4 bikes and your trailer simultaneously. I recommend using the Swagman Roamer LT Roof Rack for Pop-Up Campers and Camper Shells - Steel - 7' Long - 150 lbs # S80510 along with the Malone Pilot TC ST Roof Bike Rack - Wheel Mount # MPG2103 or the frame mount Upright Roof Bike Carrier # S64720.

expert reply by: Jason S