Recommendation for Adding a Bike Carrier to a 2005 Jayco Designer 35 5th Wheel  

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My first suggestion would be to contact Jayco to determine if they recommend using a hitch on the rear of your 2005 Jayco Designer 35 Fifth Wheel. You will want to provide them with your VIN for the most accurate information. If they ok the use of a hitch, ask them for the recommended weight capacity. This will be the maximum amount of weight that can be safely hauled on the back of the trailer.

Keep in mind that these adjustable fit trailer hitches are not designed to fit specific trailers. A couple measurements will need to be taken in order to see if the Adjustable Fit Motor Home Trailer Hitch, # 13703, will be a match for your fifth wheel trailer. You will need to measure from the outside of the left frame member to the outside of the right frame member. That dimension needs to fall between 22 and 72 inches. One more thing that we have to check is the drop. The drop is defined as the distance from the hitch mounting flange to the top of the receiver tube.This hitch has a drop of 3 inches. In order to use this hitch, the measurement from the underside of the trailer's frame members to the lowest point of the trailer's rear fascia/body must be less than the 3 inches. If the measurement is more, the fascia/body will block the receiver opening and interfere with the hitch.

The tongue weight capacity of the hitch itself is 300 pounds and this would be the maximum load that you can safely carry with this hitch. Just a reminder, you will want to follow the weight limitations of the component with the lowest weight capacity rating. If you are able to install this hitch on your Designer 35 Fifth Wheel, make sure that any hitch mounted accessory that you plan to use, including bike racks, is approved for use behind a trailer/RV.

One of our popular bike racks for RVs is the Swagman Platform Style 2 Bike Carrier, # S64663. This rack can be used in a traditional 2 inch hitch receiver or bolted to a continuously welded steel bumper on your RV. The sliding wheel hoops and adjustable arms accommodate most bicycles. I have included a link to additional bike racks that we offer which are all rated for this application. If you should choose any of our hanging style racks, I would also recommend the use of an adapter bar for any women's, children's or alternative frame bikes that you will be carrying. Bikes with small or angled frames can be difficult to load on hanging style bike racks and they can cause ground clearance issues. The use of an adapter bar like the Swagman Easy-Out, # 64005, will allow you to load these style bikes easily and safely. I have also attached a demonstration video of this adapter bar for you.

If your trailer is equipped with a ladder on the back, I have another option for carrying bikes on your fifth wheel. The Surco Ladder Mounted Bike Carrier, # SP501BR, is a great option. The bike rack attaches to one inch vertical support rails of a fifth wheel's ladder and have a built-in pivot feature that allows you to swing it to the side so you can still use the ladder while the rack is still attached. Bikes must be removed before doing this. I am also including a link to a couple other ladder mounted racks which may be of interest to you.

expert reply by: Leah S

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