4 Bike Rack Recommendation for Use at the Rear of a Fifth Wheel Trailer

Updated 07/30/2020 | Published 04/07/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Curt 4 Bike Platform Rack - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting

(378)

$579.95

Swagman Trailhead RV Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches

(560)

$243.51

Question:

My fifth came with a 2inch receiver from the factory. The information for the C18087 says it cannot be used for a towable camper or fifth wheel. Can I ask why this is?

asked by: Dan M

Helpful Expert Reply:

At the rear of a trailer or RV the ride quality is very rough when compared to the ride quality at the rear of a passenger vehicle. Reason being the suspension isn't as sophisticated and there is a longer distance between the rear axle and the rear of the trailer which exaggerates the movement of the trailer when hitting bumps. Because of that only a few bike racks were designed to be reinforced enough for that type of use.

The platform bike racks are longer and heavier which adds even more strain if they were to be used on a 5th wheel or camper trailer. So for a 4 bike rack the Swagman Trailhead part # S63381 would be the way to go as it's a really solid rack and is compatible with the 5th wheel trailers and campers. I attached a review video for this rack for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Jason W.

7/26/2020

I had the same question regarding the use of a 4 bike carrier on the back of our 5th wheel. Thank you for the answer, recommendation and explanation. I do have one follow up. We have a Yakima Ridgeback that we use behind our truck and it does a great job. I notice that it isn’t “rated for use” behind a 5th wheel. Why is this? You would think as sturdy as it is (and expensive) that it would work. (Note we purchased this rack many years before buying a camper.). Also, we have four bikes; two adults and two kids. One adult and one kid bikes are off the shelf box store mountain bikes (not super lightweight fancy ones), the other two bikes are Trek (still not super light weight, but lighter than box store). Would the Swagman you recommend be ok for that combo?

Chris R.

7/30/2020

There's no one particular thing that makes the Yakima RidgeBack unsuitable for use behind a trailer. It could be it's physical construction (while an excellent, quality rack - it may just not be up to the additional movement it would experience behind a trailer) or it could simply be how Yakima has tested the carrier If all 4 of your bikes have a combined weight of 100 pounds or less, the Swagman Trailhead # S63381 will work really well. If they're a bit heavier, the Thule Range # TH9057 is a better option that features a 37.5 pound per-bike limit.