Is There a 1-1/4 inch Hitch Bike Rack Solution for Travel Trailer

Updated 04/14/2025 | Published 04/10/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Hollywood Racks Trail Rider Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(469)

$299.99

Combo Bar 6" with 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver - Unpainted

(412)

$24.67

Swagman Traveler XC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches or RV Bumpers - Frame Mount

(319)

$258.27

Question:

We have a Travel Trailer with a 1-1/4inch receiver. I cannot find any 2 bike rack that is travel trailer approved with a 1-1/4inch receiver. The only bike racks I have found that are travel trailer approved are for 2inch receivers. If I use a 1-1/4inch to 2inch receiver adapter the maximum weight is reduced by 25 - 50. The hitch/receiver has a 150lb maximum capacity. The best option i could find is the Hollywood HR200 or the Swagman XC2. But they are not travel trailer approved. If I have the 1-1/4inch to 2inch receiver adapter welded to the hitch would that allow me to use a 2inch receiver bike rack that is travel trailer approved?

asked by: Jeffrey J

Expert Reply:

Hey Jeffrey, the ride quality at the rear of a travel trailer is pretty rough. That is why it takes a bike rack that is reinforced more than a standard rack to be approved for that application. What that means though is the smaller hitch size racks just don't have a safe way to be used with an RV.

Does your trailer have a 4 inch square bumper? Most do...if so, you could use the Swagman Traveler XC2 part # S64663 which comes with a bumper mounted hitch that bolts on.

There won't be a way to use a hitch adapter with a bike rack have it be travel trailer approved. But if you wanted to weld a hitch opening to your trailer we do have the 6 inch combo bar part # E-9 that you could use.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Jeffrey J.

4/11/2025

We do not have a 4" square bumper on our Travel Trailer. And the spare tire is located under the trailer, not on the back of the trailer Tow Vehicle - 2019 Ford Expedition SUV 4x4 Trailer - 2023 Grand Design Imagine 15RB Biker - (2) Trek 830 no suspension Mountain Bike Other considerations.... 1) Would a Ladder mount bike carrier work? Any drawbacks? 2) The hitch frame cross bar is 69" wide and is bolted to the outside side wall of the main frame. Maybe we could install an adjustable trailer hitch receiver class lll. It could be bolted or welded to underside or outside of the main frame. This option would also work if we purchased e-bikes. 3) Trailer A frame bike mount (above propane tanks)? We are approaching age 70 so an easy lift is preferred. JBJ

Jameson C.

4/14/2025

@JeffreyJ Thank you for that well articulated response! Yeah I believe your best option is going with a multi fit hitch like the part # 13703 to install a 2 inch hitch on the frame that would give you ability to carry an e-bike rack in the future. Ladder bike racks would work for your Treks now but not in the future if you move to e-bikes. Using an a-frame mounted bike rack would technically work but they load so much higher up that would be a lot more difficult. Plus that's not a solution for future e-bikes.