Recommended Travel Trailer Bike Rack for E-Bike with Fat Tires and Step-Through Frame

Updated 08/05/2025 | Published 11/05/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Fat Tire Adapter Kit for Swagman G10 and E-Spec Bike Racks

(135)

$54.99

Thule Carbon Bike Frame Protector

(24)

$29.58

Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter Bar

(220)

$38.95

Question:

I'm looking for a bike rack. I would like one capable of carrying a fat tire or perhaps something heavy like an electric Townie with the longer wheelbase. It will live on the back of my trailer so I do not need it to tilt. It needs to carry two bikes with step thru frames so I'm thinking a platform rack. If your recommendation is a Thule, can I just adapt an add-on rack to avoid the tilt feature. I want a 2 inch receiver type and not a 1 1/4 with adapter. Since its going on back of a camper, the tie down must be bulletproof since I can't see whats going on back there. I know this is a long list of wants on my part. Thanks for taking time to answer.

asked by: Ken M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Thank you for all of the details about what you're looking for in a bike rack! You are correct that there is a lot of extra movement at the back of a travel trailer so only certain bike racks have been tested and approved for this use, but we have exactly what you're needing.

The Swagman E-Spec # S94FR is best suited for your application and hits all of wants that you listed. The E-Spec comes with a 2" shank (that doesn't require an adapter) and can carry 2 bikes weighing in at 70 lbs each. The max tire width is 3" but you can install the Fat Tire Adapter Kit # S64679 to accommodate tires up to 5" wide. This bike rack does have a folding feature (as opposed to tilting) but Swagman does provide you with hardware to disable this feature for more rigidity when used on a 5th wheel or travel trailer (see attached).

I know that the E-Spec is a frame mount option that might struggle to reach a step-through frame but we do have provisions for that as well. You can use the Yakima Adapter Bar # Y02531 to add a point for the hooks from the bike rack to connect with and then you can use something like the Bike Frame Protector # TH984101 to keep the adapter from harming your bike frame.

I have attached some review videos for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G

click to enlarge

Marcus C.

5/11/2020

This looks like a solution for me as well, but have a question you may or may not be able to answer: My spare tire is mounted on the rear bumper of my travel trailer and is currently in the exact center. Would it be safe to move it to the right a foot or so and mount this bike rack to the left of center? I would be carrying 2 60 lb e-bikes. I'm just curious if the heavier load on one side would be significant.

Chris R.

5/13/2020

I don't think the off-center weight will really be an issue, but I'm wondering how you're going to mount the bike rack off-center. Are you using a bumper mount hitch receiver that can be adjusted along the bumper? Or is the hitch already there and attached to the frame?

Mark C.

5/13/2020

@ChrisR I have been looking at the moint-n-lock bumper reinforcement and hitch. I’m just looking at the moment but these looked like good options.

Greg

6/27/2020

My wife has the Trek Verve 3 E-Bike step through. The front and back wheels have fenders. I am concerned that the front tire hook will hit the fender. Has this been a problem for anyone else? Do you have a thought on the best bike rack for this bike?

Chris R.

7/1/2020

Since your bike features front and rear fenders I don't recommend using a wheel-mount carrier. The absolute best rack for your bike is the Thule EasyFold # TH903202, which uses adjustable clamps to attach to the step-through frame, an integrated ramp to help with loading, and included locks to help protect your investments.

Sue

8/12/2020

@Greg I have the Trek Verve E-bike, my husband has a Day 6 bike. Is there a bike rack with 53” wheel base that would hold both? Also need it to be approved for Travel Trailer. Thanks

Jon G.

8/26/2020

@Sue Sounds like you're needing the Swagman E-Spec # S94FR. This uses hooks to secure the bike frame and can hold up to two 70 lb bikes. It can also accommodate your 53" wheelbase just fine.

Bill B.

8/4/2025

John, can I add a hitch extension to the Swagman e-bike rack if I need to gain extra clearance away from our 5th. wheel? Our tongue weight on our Brinkley 2' hitch is 300 lbs. Our bikes are 60lb.s each.

Jon G.

8/4/2025

@BillB You can technically use an extender like the RockyMounts # RKY10011, but I don't recommend doing that at the back of an RV. There's more movement at the back of an RV than a passenger vehicle so it just increases the chances of the bike rack becoming damaged.

Bill B.

8/4/2025

@JonG what are your thoughts on using a Gen-Y Phantom X drop hitch instead?

Jon G.

8/4/2025

@BillB The Phantom X # GY57JV is a better option, but from everything I've read, Gen-Y basically wants that shank only used with Phantom X accessories. If you want to go that route then I recommend using the Gen-Y Shank # 325-GH-503 instead because Gen-Y is okay with this being used for more applications. I still don't necessarily like the idea of adding more real estate to the shank, BUT, I will say that the Gen-Y shank is the best option to do so safely, now that you bring it up.