Comparing Hollywood Racks E-Bike Racks for Use Behind Motorhome

Question:

I see two different models the HLY84FR and the HLY64FR the latter indicating RV Rider in the name. We have a 2017 Class C motorhome Coachmen Leprechaun and I read the details for the HLY64FR and it says it is not compatible with bumper pull. I am not sure what this refers too but we do have a bumper but the hitch is not attached to the bumper, it is attached at the bottom of the motorhome. Will HLY84FR still work for our motorhome? Not really sure what the differences are with these two so if someone could explain. Also we have the HiTow Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter Trailer Towing Bicycle Extender GTW 5,000 lbsof hitch receiver. We have a boat trailer for the bottom and intend on having the bike rack attached at the top receiver. Would this be an issue as far as weight? Our bikes are 76 lb each.

asked by: Dawn A

Expert Reply:

At the rear of a trailer or RV the ride quality is very rough when compared to the ride quality at the rear of a passenger vehicle. Reason being the suspension isn't as sophisticated and there is a longer distance between the rear axle and the rear of the trailer which exaggerates the movement of the trailer when hitting bumps. Some RV setups are more rough than others which is why some of those types are called out like you noticed. Because of that only a few bike racks were designed to be reinforced enough for that type of use.

That said both of the racks you mentioned can be used at the back of a motorhome as Hollywood Racks has determined that for the part # HLY84FR and part # HLY64FR. Basically the difference between the two for your application would just be the way bikes attach to the rack.

The # HLY64FRuses frame clamps that make attaching to the sometimes odd bike frames of e-bikes much easier whereas the part # HLY84FR uses a more standard clamping system. You didn't mention what bikes you have but if they have crosstubes that are super low dipping you'll be happier with the # HLY64FR, but if they are more like a standard bike you'd want # HLY84FR.

Use with a hitch adapter would get interesting though as adapters cut the capacity of the hitch they are installed in by 50 percent. It would still be possible though.