Can Hitch Mounted Bike Racks be Used on the Back of a Flat Towed Vehicle

Updated 07/28/2020 | Published 05/19/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Lets Go Aero V-Lectric 3.0 Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(38)

$719.00

Yakima LongHaul RV Bike Rack - 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Silver

(69)

$398.95

Question:

Bike carriers on rear of towed vehicles. I hear conflicting stories. Permitted or not?

asked by: Ed

Expert Reply:

That's not surprising. Some bike racks are rated to be used behind a towed vehicle or trailer but not most. Also, it wasn't until recently that a lot of the rack manufacturers started giving a yay or nay on a towed vehicle. Most have taken the stance of saying "no" at this point unless the rack was specifically designed for trailer user. There's more movement the further back you get whether it be on the back of a motorhome, trailer, or towed vehicle. This causes more stress on a hitch mounted bike rack and many of the racks aren't tested for the additional stress.

If you already have a bike rack I recommend finding out if it's tested for towed vehicles. If you need help let me know the rack you have. If you're looking for a rack you can use I've linked our selection for you. The most popular being the Lets Go Aero V-Lectric FAT PRO Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount # LGA77FR. It holds bikes up to 75 pounds each by the wheels and will even work if the bike has fenders. The V-Lectric Pro is only a 2-bike rack. If you need more the more traditional hanging style rack is the Yakima LongHaul , part # Y02476. This is Thule's first rack rated for towed vehicles and includes some additional features like locks to secure the rack and bikes as well as folding arms for storage when the bikes aren't loaded.

expert reply by: Charles S

Billie R.

7/23/2020

I have 1. Hollywood Sport Rack, Midel HR1000, 2013 Edition and 2. Thule Doubletrack 990XT. Are either of these racks ok to hall on a flat towed car behind a 25 foot moterhome? Thanks.

Chris R.

7/28/2020

Unfortunately according to the manufacturers, neither of the bike racks you mentioned are rated for use behind a flat towed vehicle. I've linked our current selection of approved racks below.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-RV_and_Camper_Bike_Racks-hs-Flat~Towed_Vehicle.aspx