Choosing Bike Rack to be Used While Towing a Camper
Updated 04/13/2013 | Published 11/24/2009
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Long story short: Were taking a multi-month, cross-country trip pulling our pop-up camper behind our Ford Expedition class 3 hitch, with lots more towing capacity than our pop-up. We want to bring our four bikes with us. On top of the Expedition is one option, but theyd be over 11 ft off the ground at their peak, noisy in the wind, making worse our already rough gas mileage, and tough to get on/off. On top of the pop-up is another option, though Im afraid of damaging the roof of the camper, and strapping something like the Sixnall rack on and off seems like a pain. Then theres the hitch-mount option. But the dual-hitch receiver two 2 receivers, one over the other makes hitch-racks possibleand that seems like a good option. But if I go that way, which rack? The Swagman folding 4-bike rack seems like a good possibility... Theres also the Yakima Bighorn 4, and a bunch of others. Ultimately, there are too many options, too many unknowns, and it all costs too much. Besides that, this has been a piece of cake to figure out. I want something thatll be safe, last all the way across the country and back, and not a huge pain in the fanny. Anything you can recommend would be appreciated.
asked by: Scott
Expert Reply:
The Dual Hitch Receivers such as part # RM-077-2 cannot be used for towing a trailer. These receivers are meant for use with a towbar carrying a rolling load and an accessory such as a bike rack or cargo carrier.
We offer a Curt Ball Mount with 2 inch Receiver, part # D210, which should work for your needs. This ball mount has a tongue weight capacity of 750 lbs, so the trailers tongue weight and the weight of the bike carrier plus the weight of the bikes cannot exceed that figure.
Another possible option would be the Swagman 4 Bike Towing Rack, part # S64675. If the tongue weight of your camper plus the weight of the bikes is 350 lbs or less, this would be a great rack for you. Since the ball mount is integrated with the rack, all you will need to do is attach the proper trailer ball.
If the tongue weight of the camper plus the weight of the bikes is greater than 350 lbs, you will need to go with the mount/receiver option. The Swagman Titan, # S63410 would be ideal.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 2-1/4" Rise/Drop
- Hitch Adapters
- Dual Hitch Adapter
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Tow Bars
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 2 Inch Rise/Drop
- 10000 lbs
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Replacement Breakaway Switch Key for Roadmaster Even Brake and Brake Pro Flat Tow Brake System
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Roadmaster Universal Stop Light Switch Kit
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Front Axle
- Shop: Hellwig Contact Helper Spring - Above Axle
- Shop: Pivoting Plunger and Socket Door Holder for RV or Enclosed Trailer - 3" Plunger
- Shop: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle
- Shop: SuperSprings Custom Suspension Stabilizer and Sway Control Kit
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Should I Get Loadlifter 5000 Or 7500 For Towing A 15K Fifth Wheel
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Which is Better Roadmaster or Blue Ox Tow Bar
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Search Results: suspension enhancement
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Q&A: How to Replace a Lance 6-Pin Plug w/ a Standard 7-Way Connector
- Shop: Brake Controller
on Hitch Adapters
Done I.
4/13/2013
We have done this. You need to consider the pop up crank mount position against quantity of bikes. We have 4 and its not possible without removing the crank post. Even with 2 bike its a cumbersome arrangement. Suggest mounting on top of pop up instead, plenty of options on the market.