What Bike Rack do You Recommend for 2 E-Bikes on a 5th-Wheel Trailer?

Published 02/18/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(631)

$649.99

Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs

(826)

$46.54

Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 22" to 66" Wide

(561)

$411.85

Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gunmetal Gray

(469)

$989.00

Question:

Just looking for some clarification on Thule, Kuat and Hollywood bike racks. You do not recommend Thule or Kuat for the built in trailer hitch of a Fifth Wheel Trailer - you do recommend the Hollywood rack. Just a visual look at the three units - the Hollywood certainly does not have the sturdy appearance of the other two. Wondering why a unit that looks fairly fragile would be recommended. I have two electric bikes - probably 125 lbs. Thanks

asked by: Brian W

Expert Reply:

When it comes to a bike rack that is compatible with a 5th-wheel trailer, it all depends on how the rack is manufactured. Since there is increased torque and force exerted at the rear of a 5th-wheel trailer, bike rack manufacturers take this into account in the rack's design. Sometimes the pictures of the racks can be misleading when trying to figure out which rack to choose.

Even though I am not sure what Thule bike rack you were looking at, but it looks like you were looking at the Kuat NV 2.0 # NV22G and the Hollywood Racks RV Rider # HLY64FR. The NV 2.0 is not engineered to withstand the extra force when mounted on a 5th-wheel trailer.

With that being said, the RV Rider an excellent choice and I definitely recommend it for your e-bikes. The RV Rider comes with an impressive 80-pound per-bike weight capacity which is the highest capacity of any bike rack we carry here at etrailer. It is important to note that one single bike cannot exceed that 80-pound limit. The rack also comes with cradles that accommodate bike tires up to 5 inches wide. Another advantage you gain from the RV Rider is that it includes cradles that can be adjusted anywhere along the central mast. With this ability, you do not need a bike frame adapter bar like the # 64005 if you ever plan to transport women's bikes, children's bikes, or bikes with step-thru frames. To top it all off, it comes with locks to protect the bikes and the rack itself from theft.

If you need a compatible hitch receiver for the RV Rider on your trailer, I recommend the Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 22" to 66" Wide # C13704. The Curt Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch comes with a high-quality gloss coat over the base powder coat to give you ultimate protection against rust and corrosion. It also comes with brackets that adjust to your frame as long as your frame measures between 22-66 inches wide. In order to make sure that the hitch fits the frame, I recommend measuring your trailer's frame from left to right.