Towing Trailer and Carrying Bikes with Motorhome  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The Surco Ladder Mounted Bike Rack, part # SP501BR includes one strap that would typically be passed through the bike frames, the front wheels and around the ladder, which would prevent the wheels from spinning and would do a pretty good job of keeping the bikes in place. Adding bungees and foam padding of some sort would probably be a good idea if you are wanting to prevent the bikes from being scratched.

The Swagman # S80600 would most likely interfere with a trailer, but it would depend on how the top of your trailer tongue sits in relation to the receiver opening. The # S80600 mounts to the top of the bumper, so if your receiver is directly below the bumper, and you are using a ball mount in the rise position, the rack would most likely interfere. Having any trailer tongue accessories like jacks, batteries or propane bottles would also most likely interfere.

We offer some towing bike racks that could potentially be a solution for you (see helpful link). A rack that attaches to the ball mount like part # HR135 used in conjunction with an extra long ball mount like part # 2736 or # D-28 might be a good choice for you. Keep in mind that the weight of the bike rack, the bikes carried on it and the tongue weight of the trailer must not exceed the tongue weight capacity of the receiver hitch or the bumper if the receiver is connected to the bumper.

Other towing bike racks have the ball mount built onto them, like part # S64675. Keep in mind that racks like this will have their own towing capacity which would include the weight of the bikes. The trailer ball with 3/4 inch diameter shank is sold separately.

I have linked you to the products I recommended. I also linked you to our Motorhome Bike Rack FAQ article that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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