5th Wheel Bike Rack Options – RV Bike Rack
When it comes to purchasing your RV Bike Rack, you have a lot of options.
When looking for an RV bike rack, you should consider several key factors:
- Type of Rack: There are various types of bike racks such as bumper, ladder, hitch, and roof racks. The type of rack you choose depends on your specific needs and the make and model of your RV.
- Capacity: The number of bikes the rack can hold is another important factor. Some racks are designed to carry only one or two bikes, while others can carry more. Understand your requirements before you make a purchase.
- Weight Limit: Check the weight limit of the bike rack. It needs to be sturdy enough to carry the weight of all your bikes safely.
- Ease of Installation: Some bike racks are easy to install, while others may require professional help. Ideally, choosing a rack that is easy to attach and remove would be best.
- Security Features: Look for a bike rack that comes with lockable features for added security.
- Durability: Opt for a bike rack made from durable materials like steel or aluminum for long-term use.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Ensure the bike rack is compatible with your RV model.
- Swing-away Feature: Some bike racks have a swing-away feature that allows you to access the rear of your vehicle without removing the bikes.
- Compactness: If storage space is a concern, look for a compact bike rack when not in use.
Remember, the best bike rack for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons
Here are the general pros and cons of using an RV bike rack:
Pros:
- Convenience: Having a bike rack allows you to easily transport your bikes to different locations without needing to dismantle them.
- Space-Saving: Bikes can take up a lot of space inside an RV. A bike rack allows you to utilize the exterior space of your RV for bike storage.
- Security: Many bike racks come with lockable features that help keep your bikes secure while you’re on the road.
- Accessibility: Some bike racks have swing-away designs that allow easy access to the rear of your vehicle without needing to unload the bikes.
Cons:
- Installation Difficulty: Depending on the design, some bike racks can be challenging to install and may require professional help.
- Potential Damage: If not properly installed or used, a bike rack could potentially cause damage to your RV or bikes.
- Extra Length or Width: A bike rack adds extra length or width to your vehicle, which can make maneuvering more challenging in tight spaces.
- Increased Fuel Consumption: The added weight and wind resistance from carrying bikes externally can impact fuel efficiency.
Remember, the right bike rack can mitigate many of these cons. Always choose a bike rack that fits your specific needs and preferences.
Here are some options for 5th wheel bike racks:
- Front Hitch Bike Rack: This rack type is installed on the front of the truck that pulls the 5th wheel. It provides easy access and visibility.
- Bumper Bike Racks: These racks are installed on the rear bumper of the 5th wheel. They are typically easy to install and remove.
- Ladder Bike Racks: A ladder rack attaches to the ladder of your 5th wheel, keeping the bikes elevated and out of the way.
- Sliding Tray Bike Racks: These bike racks slide out from a storage compartment, offering a secure place for bikes without taking up too much space.
- Hitch Mount Bike Racks: These racks mount onto the hitch of the 5th wheel. They provide a sturdy and reliable option for carrying bikes.
- Roof Mount Bike Racks: These racks mount onto the roof of the 5th wheel. They keep bikes safe, secure, and out of sight.
Remember, when choosing a bike rack for your 5th wheel, you should consider how many bikes you’ll be transporting, how much weight your vehicle can handle, and how much space you have available.
Surco Bike Racks
Surco is a renowned brand in the vehicle accessories industry, best known for its high-quality racks and carriers.
Here are some bike rack options provided by Surco:
1. Surco Ladder Mounted Bike Rack: This rack mounts onto the ladder of your 5th wheel. It’s designed to hold up to two bikes and is very easy to install.
2. Surco OSI Bike Rack: This hitch-mounted bike rack is made of heavy-duty steel and can carry up to three bikes. It fits into 2-inch receivers and includes a locking top plate for security.
3. Surco Roof Bike Rack: This roof-mounted bike rack securely holds the bike on the roof of your vehicle, keeping it off the ground and out of sight.
Always ensure your Surco product is compatible with your vehicle and meets your requirements.
- Transports 1, 2, 3, or 4 bicycles on an RV or camper trailer bumper (max 30 lb. per bike)
- Designed for 4″ to 4.5″ square RV bumpers, installs with a 6.5″ and 8″ long bolts around the RV bumper
- Heavy duty steel construction with a black paint finish and powder-coated to resist corrosion
- Secure the steel U-Bolts provided with the rack to your bumper. The upright bar in the center of the rack gives added support to your bikes while towing
- Simple to use and supports various bike sizes, frames and wheels
Last update on 2024-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Swagman Bike Racks
Swagman is a well-known brand in the bike rack industry, offering various bike rack options to suit various needs.
Here are some bike rack options from Swagman:
1. Swagman Traveler XC2-RV 2 Bike Carrier: This hitch-mounted bike rack can hold up to two bikes and fits into a 2-inch hitch receiver. It also has push-button ratchet arms for easy adjustments.
2. Swagman RV Approved Ladder Rack: This rack mounts onto the ladder of your 5th wheel and can hold up to 2 bikes. It’s lightweight and easy to install.
3. Swagman RV Approved Around the Spare Deluxe Bike Rack: This rack is designed to carry up to 2 bikes and mounts around most spare tires.
4. Swagman UPRIGHT Roof Mount Bike Rack: This roof rack holds one bike upright and fits square, round, and oval bars up to 3 inches wide.
5. Swagman RV Approved Original 4 Hitch Bike Rack: Suitable for larger groups, this hitch-mounted rack can hold up to 4 bikes.
When choosing a Swagman product, make sure it’s compatible with your specific vehicle and meets your personal needs.
Swagman offers several options for bike racks for your RV, including the Swagman Around the Spare Deluxe Bike Rack, which secures around the spare tire and is approved for use on adventure vans.
This rack can carry up to two bikes and features anti-sway cradles that help keep the bikes from rubbing against one another.
It mounts directly to the bumper of your camper, and it has space for the spare tire.
The Swagman DISPATCH RV Bike Rack is another option for hauling bikes behind your RV or 5th wheel. It’s RV-approved and features greater ground clearance, making it ideal for low-recover RVs.
Adjustable ratchet hooks and straps secure bikes in place.
- RV APPROVED: The TRAVELER XC2 works well with various sizes of trailers & campers
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE: Only takes a few minutes to assemble following the instructions.
- CONVENIENT: Once installed, simply load your bikes and you are ready to go! When not in use you can fold the upright bar down to give access to the rear of the RV
- STURDY: The light but sturdy design keeps your bikes in place, even on the those long journeys!
- VERSATILE: Easily transports up to 2 bicycles and is compatible with a 2″ Class 3 hitch receiver or mounts to a 4.5″ continuous steel welded RV Bumper Adapter. Also comes with a 2″ Bumper Adapter.
Last update on 2024-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Lippert Bike Racks
Lippert is a reputable brand known for its variety of RV and camping products, including bike racks.
Some bike rack options from Lippert include:
1. Lippert Jack-It Double Bike Carrier System: This system mounts onto the trailer’s A-Frame, accommodating two bikes.
2. Lippert Bike Bunk: This rack is designed to mount to the front of a travel trailer, allowing a bike rack to be installed on the A-frame.
3. Lippert BikeWing T4 – 2+2, 4 Bike Rack: This versatile rack can carry two or four bikes and features zero contact with the bike frame.
4. Lippert Flow Down Adjustable RV Drain Support System: While not a bike rack, this system can be paired with the Bike Bunk for additional stability.
When choosing a Lippert product, ensure it is compatible with your specific vehicle and meets your unique needs.
The XC2 bike rack, for instance, has multiple versions and is not compatible with every fifth wheel RV. Although it will hold two bikes of any length, the rack won’t fit fat bikes and has a maximum tire width of 2.5 inches.
The XC2 has a maximum weight capacity of 30 pounds per bike but is not recommended for bikes with wider tires.
The R-Bike bike carrier is also compatible with several trailers and campers. It includes a bumper adapter and foldable upper bar and weighs 39 pounds.
Its alloy steel construction is stronger than its stainless steel competitors and can withstand high loads.
A Lippert 5th-wheel bike rack will make your adventure a little more pleasant regardless of your vehicle type!
The Lippert fifth-wheel bike rack can fit up to two bikes and is very easy to install.
It has rear-wheel ratchet straps that keep the bikes securely in place, preventing them from touching each other.
These racks are ideal for RVs and other vehicles with a second-tier hitch.
- EXCLUSIVE DESIGN FOR RV: This series features a strengthened hitch mount designed carrier to fit Class 3 or higher hitch receivers (front and/or back), giving you extra safety on the road. Please note that hitch receivers must be CHASSIS MOUNTED. Mount the hitch rack to BUMPER MOUNTED HITCH RECEIVER may lead to bumper tearing off and result in SERIOUS DAMAGE to the RV and even DEADLY INJURY. Caution: Due to tight space, please do not install the Volt RV between front vehicle and the trailer.
- 140 LB TOTAL CAPACITY: Supports up to 70 pounds per rack, our rack is compatible with mountain bikes, electric bikes, road bikes with up to 5-inch fat tires, and up to 58-inch wheelbase. For step thru or lady bikes, bike adapter required (not included)
- SAFE AND SECURE: Comes with co-injected soft rubberized ratcheting hooks that secure the frame of your bike in place without scratching the metal surface. Featuring dual key locks to prevent bikes and bike rack from being stolen. Adjustable wheel holders allow you to easily accommodate bikes of different sizes. Tighten the wheels with reflective velcro straps that help improve visibility in the dark. Additional security straps included, ensuring your bike stays firmly on the rack
- CARRYING HANDLE / INTEGRATED WALL MOUNT: When the rack is fully removed from the vehicle and folded up, simply grab the carrying handle to easily move the rack around. The integrated storage hook allows you to hang the rack on the wall, saving you valuable space
- FITS 2 INCH HITCH RECEIVER: Works with vehicles with 2-inch class 3 receivers and above. Secured by an anti-wobble ½ inch steel pin and a key lockset (Patent pending), the rack is sturdy and built to last.
Last update on 2024-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hollywood Racks
Hollywood Racks is a trusted brand that offers a range of bike racks. Some options from Hollywood Racks include:
1. Hollywood Racks Sport Rider Bike Rack for Electric Bikes: This hitch-mounted rack can carry up to two electric bikes and includes extra heavy-duty wheel holders.
2. Hollywood Racks Over-The-Top Trunk Mounted Bike Rack: This rack mounts over the trunk of a car and can hold up to three bikes. It’s designed to avoid spoilers on cars.
3. Hollywood Racks Trail Rider Hitch Rack: This rack can carry up to two bikes and includes adjustable padded clamps for securing.
4. Hollywood Racks F4 Heavy Duty 4-Bike Trunk Mount Rack: This rack can hold up to four bikes and fits most vehicles.
5. Hollywood Racks Express Trunk Mounted Bike Rack: This easy-to-use rack can carry up to three bikes and fits most vehicles.
Remember always to check that your Hollywood Racks product is compatible with your vehicle and meets your needs.
These Hollywood electric bike racks fit perfectly on your fifth wheel. They can safely carry two e-bikes, up to 80 pounds each.
This rack is made of sturdy steel and has all the hardware necessary for installation. Moreover, the rack has a tilt function that makes accessing cargo easy.
Another great feature of the electric bike rack is that it folds down when not in use. It also features a built-in lock.
The Hollywood bike racks for the fifth wheel are great for families who want to travel with two or even four bikes.
These racks have shock/vibration protection technology and an anti-rattle hitch.
They have folding ratcheting straps, locking clamps, oversized reflectors, and a rustproof frame.
- Travel the World with Freedom and Style: This RV Rider E bike rack is designed for your RV motorhome, fifth wheel or flat towed vehicle. Our bike rack for RV safely carries 2 E bikes up to 80 lbs each with a full load capacity of 160 lbs.
- Special Safely and Security Features: This bike carrier hitch mount features heavy-duty wheel holders, locking security cable and frame grabbers to hold the bike in place and deter theft. Our bike cargo racks also include a hitch tightener for added security.
- Heavy Duty Materials and Design: Our bicycle racks for trailer hitch let you travel with confidence. Designed to carry heavy electric bikes, this 2 bike rack hitch mount features a heavy duty receiver tube for added strength and durability.
- Compact, Foldable Design for Added Safety and Convenience: This trailer hitch mount bike rack folds up neatly when not in use. When bikes are not mounted, our ebike racks for tow hitch tilts down to allow for rear cargo access.
- Designed to Fit a Variety of Vehicles: Hollywood Racks trailer hitch bicycle carrier requires a minimum class 3 trailer hitch with 2-inch receiver. This electric bike rack hitch mount can be used with trucks, SUV and crossovers.
Last update on 2024-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Products
Quick Products makes various choices if you are looking for a bike rack for your fifth-wheel RV.
The Bumper-Mounted 2-Bike Rack has two platforms and adjustable width. It also has slotted tire wells for added stability. This rack also has a stabilizer post.
However, not all fifth-wheel RVs are compatible with Quick Products’ racks. You may have to check with your RV manufacturer to see which model you can use.
Another type of bike rack is the ladder-mounted bike rack.
This rack is mounted to the rear ladder of your RV. It is a great choice if you already have a bike. It is easy to install and requires no additional mounting space.
One downside is that you must dismount the bike from the rack when you use it.
If you are looking for a 5th wheel bike rack, Swagman has many options to fit your needs.
These racks are RV-approved and tested for safety.
They can carry two bikes and are easy to install and use. You can also read customer reviews to find the best one for your needs.
If you are planning to transport more than one bike, the bumper-mounted bike rack is an excellent choice.
These racks are easy to install and come with steel U-bolts.
They also have sturdy, durable steel construction that will protect your bikes from different elements. These racks are great for camping and allow you to haul multiple bikes in a single vehicle.
When shopping for bike racks for 5th wheel RVs, be sure to consider your bike’s size and weight. The standard length of the bike rack is usually between 30 and 40 inches.
The height is adjustable.
There are also racks available with adjustable wheel trays for longer bikes.
What People Are Saying
Here are some common sentiments expressed by people about the various bike rack brands mentioned:
1. Surco
- Users appreciate the sturdy construction and easy installation of Surco bike racks.
- Many users have mentioned the convenience of the ladder-mounted rack, which doesn’t interfere with other vehicle functionality.
2. Swagman
- Customers often mention the versatility and durability of Swagman bike racks.
- The easy-to-adjust ratchet arms on some models are frequently highlighted as a beneficial feature.
3. Lippert
- Many users appreciate Lippert’s innovative design, like the Jack-It Double Bike Carrier System which mounts to the trailer’s A-Frame.
- The BikeWing T4 – 2+2, 4 Bike Rack is often praised for its zero contact with the bike frame, reducing potential damage.
4. Hollywood Racks
- Users frequently comment on Hollywood Racks’ models’ ease of use and installation.
- The brand’s ability to accommodate different types of vehicles and bikes, including electric bikes, is often highlighted as a positive feature.
These general sentiments and experiences can vary based on individual needs and specific models.
Always check product reviews for more detailed insights.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right RV bike rack is a crucial decision that can significantly enhance your travel experiences.
By considering factors such as the type of rack, its capacity, weight limit, ease of installation, security features, durability, vehicle compatibility, and compactness, you can find a bike rack that suits your needs perfectly.
While there are some potential downsides to using a bike rack, like installation difficulty, potential for damage, added vehicle dimensions, and possible increased fuel consumption, these can be mitigated by selecting a high-quality, well-designed rack and using it correctly.
Ultimately, an RV bike rack provides the convenience of transporting your bikes safely and securely while saving valuable space inside your RV.
It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who enjoys cycling and wants to bring their bikes along on their RV adventures.
Enjoy your journey!
