Recommended RV E-Bike Rack for Class C Motorhome

Updated 03/20/2021 | Published 03/16/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 2 " or 8" Drop/Rise

(897)

$224.52

Swagman Current Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(244)

$494.12

Question:

I need help with an RV E-BIKE rack. E-bikes are heavier than regular bikes. I see you have RV bike racks but those seem to be for regular bikes that weigh less. I need an RV bike rack for 2 bikes that EACH weigh about 50 lbs. Another issue is when you put a bike rack on a Class C RV, the rack is high, making loading difficult. I havent been able to find a solution anywhere on the web to accommodate this. I know there are down hitch adapters but I dont know if that will compromise the strength of a bike rack to hold the heavy e-bikes. Please advise. Someone needs to make such a bike rack!

asked by: Denise H

Expert Reply:

I was saying the exact same thing just a couple years ago! Fortunately, there are actually a couple RV E-bike racks that came out recently to answer this demand.

First, I'll address the hitch adapter. While there are hitch adapters like the # RM-077-8 that gives you an 8" drop, this reduces the capacity of your hitch (not your bike rack) by half. So if your hitch has a capacity of 350 lbs and you use an adapter, then you're down to 175 lbs. That's still enough for 120 lbs of bikes plus a 50 lb bike rack though it does come close.

Now for the bike rack. The Swagman E-spec # S94FR has a weight capacity of 70 lbs per bike. It's also rated for everything like fifth wheels, flat-towed vehicles, motorhomes, and travel trailers. That's because it has an extra piece of hardware you need to install for that extra stability. I explain that extra bolt in my attached video review below.

A similar bike rack is the Swagman Current # S64678 with a 60 lb weight capacity. Note though that it is only rated for normal passenger vehicles and motorhomes. The Current only weighs 49 lbs though, so if weight is an issue then you might prefer the Current for your own motorhome.

More and more e-bike racks are being built with ramps. The hope is that someday soon one will be made to work with RV's as well.

expert reply by: Evangeline M