Although driving around in an RV is a liberating and freeing experience, one issue that comes from using a motorhome on the road is that you have limited mobility.
Driving your rig everywhere isn’t always conducive, which is why it’s great to have options.
One of the best ways to add mobility to the RV experience is to bring your bicycle along for the journey.
However, assuming that you don’t want your bike to clog up storage space inside your home, you’ll need a way to transport it.
Today we’re going to take a look at the best bike racks for RVs and how they can make your next trip even more accessible.
COMPARISON CHART
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1. Swagman Bicycle Carrier RV
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2. Quick Products QPRBM2R RV Bumper-Mounted 2-Bike Rack
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3. Pro Series 63123 Eclipse Black 3-Bike Hitch
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4. Surco 501BR Ladder Mounted Bike Rack
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5. Stromberg Carlson CC-275 Bike Bunk for Cargo Tray
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OUR TOP 5 PICKS
#1 Swagman Bicycle Carrier RV Approved Traveler
Specifications
Item Weight | 39 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 5 x 35 x 11 inches |
Features
As we’ll see on this list, there are several different ways that you can bring your bikes along for the journey. In this case, we have a rear-mounted bicycle carrier from Swagman that makes the process simple and efficient.
Not only that, but Swagman is one of the better brands in the bike carrier business. Let’s see what this has to offer.
Fits Hitch or Bumper Mount
One of the most crucial elements you’ll have to figure out when picking the best bike rack for your RV is how it’s going to be mounted. In this instance, the rack can either attach to your RV’s tow hitch, or it can connect to the bumper itself.
Having both options available is part of what makes this rack so desirable. If you need to tow something else with your RV, you don’t have to sacrifice your bicycles to do so. Attaching this rack to your mobile home is fast and efficient, no matter how you do it.
Holds Up to Two Bikes
Most RVers don’t travel alone, and the same should hold true for your biking excursions as well. Assuming that you want someone to ride along with you, you need a rack that can carry more than one bike.
Although this particular model doesn’t carry the most bikes, the method it uses for securing them is much more practical and ideal than other models. The tires fit into the loops on the bottom, and a top hook holds the bicycles in place while you drive. Overall, it’s much more secure than other options.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
The rugged durability of this bike rack, coupled with the two mounting options means that this is one of my favorite models overall. I also like that the frame can fold into itself when you have to put it into storage, as well the fact that it holds the bikes so securely during travel.
Video
#2Quick Products QPRBM2R RV Bumper-Mounted 2-Bike Rack
Specifications
Style | 2-Bike Rack |
Color | Multicoloured |
Vehicle Service Type | Bicycle |
Material | Alloy Steel |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 22 x 3 x 26 inches |
Item Weight | 22 Pounds |
Mounting Type | Tire Mount,Bumper Mount |
Features
Looking for a way to add some fun to your next RV trip? Quick Products has you covered with the Bumper-Mounted 2-Bike Rack. This convenient rack mounts easily to your 4" to 4.5" square bumper, giving you complete control over the width to ensure a perfect fit for your bike every time.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
Slot tire wells hold each bike securely while a stabilizer post provides an anchor to both support and fasten your bikes to. The rack is also great for fat-tire bicycles or bicycles with wheels over 29". Just be sure not to exceed the weight limit of 30 lbs. per bicycle. Before installation, be aware that RV manufacturers may place load restrictions on their vehicle’s bumpers.
#3 Pro Series 63123 Eclipse Black 3-Bike Hitch Mounted
Specifications
Item Weight | 33.1 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 28 x 6 x 17.5 inches |
Features
Although holding two bikes is pretty much the standard for these kinds of racks, it’s nice to be able to bring more if necessary. Thus, if you’re in the market for a frame that can carry rides for everyone in the family, you may decide that this is the best option.
Holds Three Bikes
One of the excellent features of this rack is how simple and effective it is. Although the mounting structure is not as secure as the Swagman above, it’s so much faster to put your bikes on and take them off.
Simply set the rides into the rubber holsters, strap them down with the hook and loop straps, and you’re ready to go.
Hinged Arm
Another great reason to buy this rack is that it can allow you to access the back of your vehicle if necessary, thanks to the folding arm design. I like that this model can fit on both RVs and any car or SUV with a hitch, meaning that you can use it for all kinds of travel.
With the hinged arm, it’s also easier to put your bikes on and take them off, since you don’t have to lift them all the way up. Just lower them to the ground and remove them from the rack.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
The speed and simplicity of this bike rack are its best features. I also like that it can hold an extra bicycle if you need it. Overall, it’s easy to use and can work for both RV trips and any other adventures you may have.
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#4 Surco 501BR Ladder Mounted Bike Rack
Specifications
Item Weight | 3 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 24.5 x 18 x 3 inches |
Features
Although mounting a bike rack to your tow hitch is usually the best option, it’s not the only way to bring your rides along. Mounting brackets like this one from Surco enable you to utilize one part of your RV that rarely gets used - your ladder.
Semi-Permanent Installation
In some cases, mounting bikes to your RV ladder means that you have to remove the bracket if and when you have to crawl on top of your mobile home.
Fortunately, with this rack, that’s not necessary, thanks to the folding sides. Once you remove the bikes from the unit, you can turn the sides and use the ladder as needed. This feature means that you can have this rack installed almost permanently if you like.
Holds 75 Pounds
One feature that I haven’t covered yet is the weight limit for your rack. Bicycles can be rather heavy, so you need to make sure that you’re not overloading the device, as that can cause bending and damage to both the rack and your rides.
Thankfully, this particular model can hold up to 75 pounds, so you should be good with almost any full-size bicycle, even mountain bikes.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
If you’re going to mount your bicycles to your RV ladder, this is probably the best way to do it. I like that the arms swing out to allow you to use the ladder when necessary, and I appreciate the durability of the construction.
Video
#5 Stromberg Carlson CC-275 Bike Bunk for Cargo Tray
Specifications
Item Weight | 15 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 14 x 7 x 41 inches |
Features
Before I get into the review for this Bike Bunk from Stromberg, I want to illustrate the fact that no rack comes with it. Instead, this model is designed to offer a tow hitch for your RV trailer so that you can attach a separate bike rack to it.
Fits RV Trailer A-Frame
The way that this device works is that it mounts to the A-frame on your RV trailer. Thus, if you have a standard motorhome, you don’t need to even worry about this model, as it won’t apply.
The best thing about this unit is that it is tall enough and curved enough to go around most of the obstacles that could be in its way. Most RV A-frames have electrical boxes and other stuff behind the tongue (where it attaches to the tow vehicle), so you need to be able to circumvent those things.
Overall, you should be able to get this in place and attach a hitch-mounted bike rack relatively easily, provided that you know what you’re doing.
Rugged Steel Construction
Another great thing about this model is that once you’ve installed it, you shouldn’t have to remove it. You may need to take down the bike rack from time to time, but this mounting bracket is rugged enough to stay on year round.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
If you have an RV trailer and you want to be able to bring bikes along, this is probably the best way to do it. I like that it’s durable and reliable and that it’s shaped well enough to avoid any obstacles that may be on your trailer’s A-frame.
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BUYER'S GUIDE
How many bikes do you plan to take?
Make sure that the rack can carry as many bikes as you plan on having.
Will the bike rack obstruct any views?
Make sure that it won’t cause any blind spots, particularly when backing up.
Do you have similar size bikes, or are they different styles and sizes?
If they’re different sizes, the rack may not be able to accommodate both, so be sure to measure them beforehand if possible.
How tall/fit are you? Or, who will be mounting and removing the bikes?
Although some racks make it easier to dismount the bicycle, you should plan on lifting the whole thing up and down whenever you use it.
How often do you plan to use your bikes?
Consider how easy it is to mount and dismount your rides. If you want to use them consistently, buy a rack that accommodates that kind of usage.
What are the mount options you have on your RV?
Do you have a hitch? If not, how big is your RV’s bumper? What about a ladder-mounted option? Consider all of the possibilities before making a final decision.
CONCLUSION
Although most of the bike racks we looked at are high quality, I have to say that my top pick is the Swagman XC2. I like that it holds your bicycles in place much better than most other models and that it can attach via your tow hitch or bumper.
Overall, if you like durability, convenience, and reliability, this is the bike rack to buy.