Is It Safe to Use an RV Bumper Hitch for a Bike Rack?
Updated 05/07/2026 | Published 05/05/2026
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Use of RV Bumper Hitch for bicycle rack. I have an RV with a a bumper The descripon on your site says it can handl up to a 350lb tongue weight but many posts on the web indicated that the bumper cannot handle the load without breaking. have 30 lb bikes and a 50 lb carrier for a total of 110 lb Whats your opinion on this?
asked by: Eriks Z
Expert Reply:
Hi Erik, That’s a really good question, and you’re right to be cautious here.
Even though the Curt RV bumper hitch part # C19101 is rated for up to 350 pounds of tongue weight, that rating is for the hitch itself, not the RV’s bumper. Most factory RV bumpers are not designed to handle a lot of dynamic weight, especially once you factor in bouncing and road shock while driving, which can put much more stress on the bumper than the actual weight of your bikes and rack.
With your setup at around 110 pounds total, you’re well under the hitch’s rating, but the real concern is still the strength of your specific bumper and how it’s attached to the frame. Some bumpers are just thin steel tubes welded lightly to the RV, and those are the ones you see failing online. If your bumper is fully welded to the frame and in solid condition this hitch will work well for you. If you take a look at the video I attached, it will give a good example of a sturdy bumper that is a good match for the hitch.
I know the goal is to haul your bikes without worrying about something bending or coming loose on the road. If you check out your bumper and it doesn't look like it's fully welded to the trailer's frame. Then the most confident setup long term is a frame mounted RV hitch instead of relying on the bumper. That takes the stress off the bumper completely and gives you a much more secure mounting point. For that, I recommend the Curt Adjustable RV Trailer hitch receiver part # 13703. It mounts directly to the RV frame instead of the bumper, which is the safer way to carry bikes behind a travel trailer or motorhome. It fits frame widths from 22 inches to 72 inches and is rated for up to 350 pounds tongue weight.
If you want to send me a photo of your bumper, I can help you determine how safe the setup will be.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
- RV and Camper Hitch
- Bumper Mount Hitch
- 4 x 2 Inch Bumper
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Towing and Cargo
- Bolt-On
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: 110 price guarantee
- Search Results: 4 x 4 inch bumper rv and camper hitch
- Search Results: rv and camper hitch
- Search Results: rv bumper hitch
- Shop: etrailer RV Bumper 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Shop: Curt RV Bumper 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Shop: Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 22" to 72" Wide
- Shop: Curt RV Bumper Hitch - 2"
- Shop: Stromberg Carlson 2 Bike Carrier for RVs - Ladder Mount - Aluminum
- Shop: Ultra-Fab 2" Motor Home Trailer Hitch Receiver for 4" x 4" Bumpers
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: RV Bumper 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver - Clamp-On
- Video: Best RV Camper Hitch Options
- Video: Hands-On with the Ultra-Fab 2" Motor Home Trailer Hitch Receiver for 4" x 4" Bumpers
- Video: DIY Install: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on your 2012 Toyota Tacoma
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Q&A: Best Suspension Upgrade for 33" Tandem Axles: Road Armor vs Dexter EZ Flex for Ember 22ETS
on RV and Camper Hitch
