Parts Needed To Haul Your Bikes On The Back Of Your RV

Updated 10/07/2024 | Published 10/04/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Thinline LED Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Tail, Turn - Submersible - 9 Diodes - Red Lens

(1491)

$16.03

Buyers Products 7-Way RV to 4-Way Flat Plastic Trailer Connector Adapter

(36)

$7.53

Curt Auxiliary LED Indicator Lights

(249)

$32.94

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

(588)

$759.00

Question:

I have a Kuat Sherpa 2.0 that I will be attaching to an RV. Currently, the Sherpa is for a 2 inch hitch I guess I will need to get an adapter to allow me to connect it to the 1 1/4 inch hitch. Also, I would like to get a set of brake lights, turn signals that I can attach to the Sherpa when being used. Preferably removable. I understand the RV has a 7 pin connector. Any suggestions?

asked by: Jeffrey D

Expert Reply:

Hey Jeffrey,

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes # SH22G is a great rack but unfortunately is not rated for use on the back of an RV. The suspension of a trailer differs greatly compared to that of your personal vehicle. RV/Trailer suspension is designed solely to bear weight and not for comfort so it tends to bounce quite a bit, which can end up damaging the bike rack. Your vehicle's suspension is designed for comfort and is much softer.

Adapters like the 2" to 1-1/4" you referenced would also have some drawbacks that come with them. Not every bike rack is rated for use with hitch adapters for the same reason that they aren't rated for use on the back of an RV. Adapters place more leverage on the trailer hitch as well because you're now placing the weight out further so they reduce the overall capacity of the hitch by 50%, which typically drops the capacity below what you'll need.

There is definitely a way we can get your bikes mounted to the RV so you can bring them along but you'd need to pick out a new bike rack and would likely need to replace the hitch on your RV with one that has a 2" receiver tube. If you want to go this route then I'll need some more info on your RV and bikes to pick out the right fits.

For the lights I always recommend the Curt Auxiliary LED Indicator Lights # C53201. They have a 3M adhesive backing to stick to the rack and can be disconnected from the wire harness when not in use. To connect to a 7-way you'd need to use a 7-Way RV to 4-Way Flat Plastic Trailer Connector Adapter # 337TC2074P.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Jeffrey D.

10/4/2024

The RV I’m referencing is a leisure travel van built on a Ford transit chassis. Does that change any thoughts about the suitableness of the rack on the hitch?

Kevin C.

10/7/2024

@JeffreyD That does possibly change things but you'll need to take a measurement first. Kuat states that the Sherpa 2.0 # SH22G can be used on class B motorhomes that have a GVWR of 10,000lbs or less and if the distance from the rear axle to the end of the trailer hitch receiver tube is 64" or less. I still would not use a hitch adapter and would instead swap out the trailer hitch for one with a 2" receiver tube. I'll email you separately for the VIN so I can see if there's any custom fit hitches that could work with your setup.

Jeffrey D.

10/5/2024

One other point - the bikes are not e bikes, but rather normal Giants - Total combined weight is just under 60 lbs. The actual model we have is a Leisure Travel Van Wonder (Rear Twin Bed)...that's built on the ford transit chassis - 178 foot wheelbase.