Best RV Bike Rack

Life on an RV is filled with adventures. But it can also be boring. There is a limit to how much outside scenery one can take in through their RV’s window. There ultimately comes a time when the urge to park the vehicle and explore the surroundings on your feet becomes unbearable.

In comes the need for the RV bike rack. These units are compatible with your bike and help you park your two-wheeler inside your RV safely and securely. That much is obvious. What isn’t so apparent is that the best RV bike racks are also compatible with your RV.

These units have rubber feet that prevent them from creating unsightly marks on your RV’s floor. They are also multi-purpose and can carry bikes, waste toes and even chairs. The best RV racks are also foldable to limit the storage space they’d occupy. Read on to know more about them.

Best RV Bike Racks for 2024

Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack

Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack

Three features of this model make it a perfect fit for most recreational vehicles. The first among them is its foldable design. You can neatly tuck this unit away when not in use. It won’t continue to occupy large swathes of space even when you have already taken your bikes off this rack.

The second notable feature of this bike rack is its bonus security straps. Most models you see on the market don’t provide much to keep your bikes secure once you’ve attached them to the rack. The straps of this model, however, will keep both your bikes from swaying at high speeds.

Next comes those features of this unit that make it easy to use. Foremost among them is its soft-grip handles which help you easily transport this unit. Then there are the locking pins which would help keep this model in place once you’ve chosen its perfect spot inside your camper.

The only complaint we have about this model is its weight capacity. It only offers a combined weight rating of 60 pounds, which doesn’t seem to be enough once you consider that the Swagman bike rack reviewed above offers a 70lb weight rating.

Pros

  • Foldable design
  • Lightweight construction
  • Comes with security straps

Cons

  • Lower weight rating

Quick Products RV Bumper-Mounted 2-Bike Rack

Quick Products RV Bumper-Mounted 2-Bike Rack

Are you always running out of space inside your RV? In that case you probably don’t need a bike rack that could sit inside your camper. What you need instead is a model that effortlessly tugs along the bumper of your vehicle. That’s exactly what this 2-bike rack from Quick Products does.

It comes with two platforms that effortlessly mount to 4 – 4.5’’ bumpers. The variable length of the platforms allows you to customize their width based on the size of your RV’s bumper. They also have a stabilizer post that not only supports your bikes but also fastens them.

This bike rack accommodates two bikes weighing up to 30lbs each. It has slotted tire wells that hold both bikes securely against the stand. Also on offer is all-steel construction and powder-coated finish to help this model last longer and resist corrosion.

One thing you may want to note before purchasing this model is that its measurements are tailored to one size bike. That is to say that it can only hold two bikes that are of the same size. You cannot configure it to fit two bikes with different measurements. 

Pros

  • All-steel construction
  • Adjustable mounting option
  • Powder-coated

Cons

  • Can only hold two bikes that are of the same size

Swagman RV Approved 2-Bike Bumper Rack

Swagman RV Approved 2-Bike Bumper Rack

Almost all Swagman bike racks are dual-purpose models. Their built-in design allows them to carry at least two bikes at once effortlessly. These units also count on the ingenuity of their users to hang other items beside their bikes. That’s precisely what this RV approved 2-bike bumper rack does as well.

It boasts heavy-duty steel construction that helps answer any question you may have about this model’s durability with aplomb. The addition of black paint and powder-coat on top of the steel further raise the sturdiness level of this unit. Hence why you can count on it to last for years.

Swagman has also provided this model with U-bolts and an upright bar. The former part allows you to secure the entire rack against the bumper safely. The upright bar, meanwhile, protrudes from the center of the rack and provides added bike support during towing.

On top of everything else, this bike rack is capable of transporting up to 2 bicycles with a maximum weight rating of 30lbs per bike. It is designed to fit 4’ to 4.5’’ square RV bumpers and requires the usage of 6.5’’ and 8’’ long bolts to secure it around the bunker.

Pros

  • Gives added support to bikes
  • Heavy-duty steel construction
  • Multi-purpose unit

Cons

  • Relatively low weight rating

Let's Go Aero Jack-It Double Bike Carrier System

Let's Go Aero Jack-It Double Bike Carrier System

What is the one feature that most users ignore when shopping for a bike rack? The mechanism it would employ to keep their bikes and themselves safe. Fortunately, that wasn’t the thinking pattern of this bike carrier system’s manufacturers. Which is why what you’re seeing is an epitome of user safety.

Start with the Bike Wing holds. These tiny straps located on the upper arm of this carrier system hold up both the bikes by wheels and add natural stability and sway control to them. Then comes the foam bumpers. They enhance the rack’s stability while also keeping it from damaging the bike’s finish.

Lower down your gauze to the foot of this system. There you’ll see a ‘PowerTower’ design that protects the bike’s tongue jack from impact against foreign objects. Also there are adjustable wheel cradles that will secure the bicycles against the carrier to provide a secure ride.

This double bike carrier system also has Lockable ‘NoMotion’ pins that do what their name implies – keep your bicycles from swaying to and fro when the trailer is moving. Together, all these features add up to make this unit one of the safest bike racks on the market.

Pros

  • Fits all bike frames
  • Won’t void chassis warranty
  • Frees up space in the trailer’s cargo area

Cons

  • 25-pound total weight rating

Swagman Dispatch RV Approved Hitch Mount Bike Rack

Swagman Dispatch RV Approved Hitch Mount Bike Rack

The Swagman Dispatch RV Approved bike rack offers many outstanding features. Foremost among them is its above-average weight rating. This model is capable of holding up to 45lbs per bike – which is at least 10lbs more than what is offered by the majority of bike racks on the market.

This bike rack also has the features to keep your bike safe. Its included locking hitch pin secures the unit to a 1 ¼’’ or 2’’ RV hitch receiver. It also has a threaded bolt that prevents the movement in your hitch and keeps noise at bay. A cable is included in its package as well.

Adjustability is yet another of unique selling points of this model. It comes with movable wheel ratchet straps that help you secure your bike’s wheels tray. The adjustable hooks of this bike rack will allow you to attach your bike’s frame to its rack snugly.

It won’t occupy much space inside your trailer either. The vertical mast of this model folds down into a compact unit to let you store it away with ease. Swagman sweetens the deal even further by supplying this product with a limited lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • Can accommodate bikes of different lengths
  • Folds down into a compact unit
  • Covered by Swagman’s limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Pricey

Stromberg Carlson Products Bike Bunk

Stromberg Carlson Products Bike Bunk

Those of you who are in the know might be aware of Stromberg’s presence in the market for decades. The American-based manufacturer is famous for producing RV accessory models that boast unmatchable quality and unbeatable price. The Products Bike Bunk isn’t any different as well.

One might deduce by looking at this model that it isn’t a bike rack per-se. This model is more of a cargo-carrying system that can easily adjust to most trailers on the road today. Then why are we recommending it to our readers? Because it does a much better job of holding bikes than most bike racks.

You can gauge it for yourself by looking at this bike bunk’s weight holding capacity. It can carry up to 100lbs of weight at once – which translates to the weight of three kids bikes or two adult bikes and a kid’s bicycle. But that isn’t the only reason behind its recommendation.

This model comes with a raised receiver that serves as the perfect spot to put your bikes. It also offers dedicated vehicle suspension that withstands all the road pressures and gives your bike the softest riding area on your RV. Its adjustability is yet another of those features that make this unit a must-have.

Pros

  • Has a sturdy build
  • Massive weight holding capacity

Cons

  • Heavy

Swagman RV Approved Around the Spare Deluxe Bike Rack

Swagman RV Approved Around the Spare Deluxe Bike Rack

Here is another product from our favorite bike rack manufacturer Swagman. It is capable of holding up to two bikes at once and boasts an above-average weight holding capacity. This model mounts around spare tires to free the area in the middle of your trailer for you and your family.

All the hardware that you might need to get this model up and running is included in its package. You won’t have to purchase anything as little as a bolt to install it. That despite the fact that this model’s price tag is fairly competitive vis-à-vis other bike racks in this review.

Its anti-sway cradles won’t allow the two bikes to get into contact with each other and get scratches on their frames. The durable straps on its bottom will allow you to safely and securely tie your bike to the rack. All of this is to say that you won’t have to worry about your bike’s safety on this model.

Pros

  • Anti-sway cradles
  • Durable rubber straps
  • Competitive asking price

Cons

  • 30lbs weight capacity

Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in. Hitch

Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in. Hitch

The fact that this model wasn’t specifically designed for RVs doesn’t mean you can’t use it with your motorhome. Take its RV-friendly features as proof. It comes with a long carry arm that lets you safely and securely mount your bicycles against the hitch.

Also on offer is a foldable design. It allows you to easily tug this model away when it’s not in use. You also get individual tie-down cradles that rotate freely around the carry arm and prevent the bicycles from swaying as you’re moving around.

Everything that is needed to install this model is in there in its package. It is capable of accommodating 4 bikes and has a maximum load rating of 140 pounds. Its steel construction and black powder coat finish help this bike rack keep rust and corrosion at bay.

Pros

  • Carries up to four bikes
  • Foldable design
  • Individual tie-down cradles

Cons

  • Heavy

Thetford Universal Ladder Rack

Thetford Universal Ladder Rack

The final product on our list is a universal ladder rack that doesn’t only carry bikes. Its unique design enables this ladder rack to carry waste tote tanks, bikes, chairs and other similar objects. That means that you’re looking at a highly useful, multi-purpose device.

Its lightweight aluminum construction allows this rack to be easily mounted on any RV ladder. The 50lbs weight holding capacity of this unit means you can expect it to carry 2 kids’ or one adult bicycle with ease. And that is not where the good news end.

This model also comes with an 85-inch nylon strap using which you can tie down your bicycle and secure it to this unit. The rack itself can be secured in place with screws and metal brackets. That is to say that there won’t be any danger of either your bicycles or the rack veering out of place.

Pros

  • Lightweight aluminum construction
  • Multi-purpose ladder rack
  • Saves storage space

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer universal fit

How to find the best RV Bike Rack?

You’d face the following questions when looking for the best rack for your RV:

Type of RV bike rack

Following are the three major types of RV bike racks:

Ladder-Mounted Racks

Do you drive a motorhome with a ladder in the rear? Then ladder-mounted racks deserve your attention. These units are typically delivered in one-or-two pieces and offer bolt-on installation. That means you can get them up and running in absolutely no time.

Yet another benefit that these racks provide is to free you from the worry of reinforcing bumpers. Their lightweight construction and simple design makes them easy to load and unload off your RV. Mounting your bike on these racks is straightforward as well.

Pros

  • Bolt-on installation
  • Easy to load/unload the bikes
  • Don’t have any hitches

Cons

  • Don’t have the highest weight capacity

Hitch-Mount Racks

These bike racks are the most popular choice for multiple reasons. You can effortlessly install them on a pre-existing hitch receiver. Their straightforward design also makes accessing the units they have held aloft a cinch. And the fact that they sit on your RV’s back makes them easy to reach as well.

One of the best things about these racks is their huge weight capacity. You can expect a well-built (and well-priced) hitch-mount frame to hold up to five bikes simultaneously. That’s what makes them the perfect choice for extended family camping trips.

Pros

  • Simple to access
  • Easy to reach
  • Huge weight capacity

Cons

  • RV-specific design

Bumper Mount Racks

One of the unique selling points of bumper-mounted racks is their build. They boast steel construction and can hold up to four bikes at once. These racks also utilize the entire weight of their bumper to support the same of your bike. This means you won’t have to worry about your bike swaying on them.

On the flip side, bumper mount racks aren’t easy to install. Motorhome manufacturers also place weight restrictions on these racks. These racks work well only with those bumpers that are highly reinforced with steel. Or else they may cause issues.

Pros

  • Hold up to 4 bikes at once
  • Work well on travel trailers
  • Positioned on the front

Cons

  • Not easy to install

Front Mount Racks

Also known as trailer tongue mounts or A-frame mounts, they let you attach them to the front of your motorhome. You can set them up above your RV’s propane tank. They are an exciting option if you aren’t going to load and unload your bike frequently. Here’s why.

The front positioning of these racks makes loading/unloading the bike harder. They are also more difficult to set up and install than other mount racks. Their limited weight holding capacity – which allows them to hold up to two bicycles at once – also serves as a deal-breaker for some users.

Pros

  • Won’t gobble up space inside your RV

Cons

  • Loading/unloading the bike isn’t easy
  • Limited weight holding capacity

Must-have Features

Here are some features that separate the best RV racks from the rabble:

  • Powder-coated construction: Racks that boast a powder-coated construction have a huge shelf life. They are also less likely to catch rust and corrosion. Coating of powder also saves them from cracking and breaking prematurely.
  • Foldable design: As long as you aren’t going to get a front-mount rack – in which case space inside the RV won’t be an issue, make sure that the model you’re going to purchase offers a foldable design.
  • Rubber cradles with straps: Rubber straps prevent your bike from swaying by holding it close to the rack’s down tube. This allows them to prevent the bike from swinging as you’re traveling at high speed.
  • Adjustable mounting system: Do you plan to carry both adult- and kid-sized bicycles with you? Then you need a rack with an adjustable mounting system whose height you can adjust as per the size of the bicycle you’re going to secure the bike into the stand.
  • Considerable weight rating: Once you have done that, compare the weight rating of the rack with the combined weight of all the bicycles that you plan to carry on your RV. Make sure that the former is at least 20kgs more than the latter.
  • Hassle-free installation: Almost all the best bike racks have one thing in common: they all are a cinch to set up and install. You don’t have to hire an RV mechanic to get such units up and running aboard your motorhome.

Conclusion

Apart from helping you secure your bikes as you explore new territories, the best RV bike racks also act as storage spaces for your bicycles when you’re not using them. They also offer additional storage space and have the ability to change your RV’s outlook. What more do you want!

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