Best Ways to Use Covered Cargo Carrier and Bike Rack at Back of RV

Updated 09/06/2022 | Published 09/03/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Shank for Gen-Y Adjustable Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 10" Drop/Rise - 10K

(14)

$247.97

Reese 60x24 Hitch Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - 500 lbs Capacity - Glossy Black

(1167)

$339.96

etrailer Cargo Carrier Bag - Water Resistant - 20 cu. ft. - 59" x 24" x 24"

(726)

$136.53

Yakima EXO Swing Away 2 Bike Rack w/ Enclosed Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches

(36)

$2345.80

Question:

I am trying to accommodate a cargo carrier and bike rack to the rear of our RV. Can I add an additional rise hitch to the top receiver to provide more spacing between a cargo rack on the lower and the bike rack on top? Ideally I would like to be able to fit an enclosed cargo box - for camp chairs and a BBQ nothing too heavy with my Yakima bike rack above. Thanks-

asked by: Tim C

Expert Reply:

I have some options for you to check out but you don't want to use 2 hitch adapters because it not only causes more movement for your accessories but it also causes more torque to be placed on your hitch receiver so the weight of everything is increased exponentially and can cause something to fail.

If you already have both the Yakima bike rack and cargo box then the best solution I have for you is the Replacement Shank for Gen-Y Adjustable Ball Mount # 325-GH-305 which can be flipped upside down so your bike rack is installed 10" above the cargo box. The biggest hurdle you're going to run into is finding a cargo box that will fit under the bike rack since most of these are larger so you'll likely need a cargo carrier like the Reese # 63153 and the covering your cargo by using a bag like part # 988501.

If you have a smaller motorhome like what you find with a Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz, or Ram ProMaster chassis then you might consider using the Yakima EXO Swing Away 2 Bike Rack w/ Enclosed Cargo Carrier # Y34ZR instead. Yakima has confirmed this is okay for the smaller motorhomes but it hasn't been approved for the extra movement found at larger motorhomes. This kit is exactly what you're wanting to use and it adds a swing-away feature which not only means rear cargo access to your motorhome but also the ability to access the locking cargo box without removing your bikes.

Attached are some review videos of all parts mentioned above for you to check out.