Dreaming about spicing up your upcoming family road/camping trip with two-wheeled fun but don't how to carry the bikes in your RV? If that sounds like you, this guide will help you get the best RV bike for your bike hauling needs
Our researchers have scouted the market to get for you the most reliable, 100% RV-approved bike racks for securely and safely hauling your bikes to your next road trip or adventure. Discover these racks below.
Our Best RV Bike Rack Reviews:
1. Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Swagman is one of the top brands devoted to helping you get the most out of your outdoor activities. They have a long line of bike racks for every need, including racks for securely hauling bikes in your RV. This XC2 hitch mount bike rack is one of their top-rated models.
Designed for mounting to the hitch, the rack offers you a stress-free way to transport your bikes to your next adventure. It has a maximum carrying capacity of up to 2 bikes, each weighing 35lbs.
It can fit a variety of bikes with wheel size ranging from 20 to 29 inches. In other words, this is a pretty versatile rack that can carry a variety of bikes, from children's to adult bikes downhill to cruiser bikes, and so much more.
Its frame grip arms feature soft coating to protect your bikes' finish during transportation. When not in use, this rack will fold up into a smaller size for easy storage.
Installing this rack to your RV's hitch is a breeze. It works with both 1 ¼ and 2-inch hitch receivers, making it suitable for use with a wide variety RV models. With its built-in anti-wobble hitch device, the rack will hold your bikes in place for safe hauling.
Highlighted Features:2. Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack
Camco has always shown great efforts in production of top-notch RV accessories to make your RVing lifestyle easy and more enjoyable. We feature their fantastic bike rack on our list.
Rated as one of the bike racks for RV ladder, this model perfectly installs onto standard RV ladders. It has a maximum carrying capacity of up to bikes (or 60lbs). It comes equipped with form fit cradles to securely hold your bikes for secure transportation.
Moreover, Camco sends it to you with bonus straps to offer additional security. This gives you peace of mind as you sit behind the wheel knowing your bikes are properly secured.
Note that this bike rack comes with soft grip handles to ensure it doesn't damage your bike's finish and leave it with ugly marks. These soft handles work closely with the locking pins to firmly hold your bike in place during transportation. When not in use, this rack will fold up for easy storage.
Highlighted Features:3. Pro-Series 63124 Eclipse Black 2-Inch Sq. 4 Bike Carrier
If you want an RV rated bicycle rack for 4 bikes, this is a suitable model for you. The carrier feels pretty solid and will haul your bike safely to your destination.
It's suitable for 2-inch receivers and presents you with hook and loop straps to let you quickly load or remove your bikes. The narrowness of its bars and straps makes it suitable for hauling not just adult bikes but also the kids'.
One of the things you'll love about this carrier is that it comes with a tilt feature. This is helpful in that it gives you an easy access to your trunk while making unloading of your bikes easy.
You'll also appreciate that the manufacturer has designed the carrier with soft rubber cradles to protect your bike's finish.
When hauling your bikes at the back of your RV with this carrier, you won't have to mind about your visibility to other road users. This is because the carrier features a reflector that makes you easily visible for your own safety.
When not using this bike carrier, you can easily fold it into a compact size for easy storage.
Highlighted Features:4. Swagman Traveler XC2 RV Approved Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Another one from Swagman! If you want an RV approved bike rack that you can mount to your hitch and haul up to 2 bikes, this Swagman's Traveler XC2 bike rack will make the perfect choice for you.
The rack comes dedicated to help you haul your bikes behind your trailer, RV, or 5 th wheel. It's engineered to mount on 4 to 4.5 inches continuously welded bumpers (comes with a bumper adapter for easy setup) or any 2-inch class 3 hitch receiver. This gives you great versatility in mounting options, no doubt!
This Swagman will let you safely transport up to 2 bikes, each weighing approximately 35lbs. Your bikes will mount in a horizontal manner and you won't need to detach the front wheel to get them into position.
The rack also offers you great versatility in the types of bikes you can carry with it. It can accommodate bikes with wheels from 20 to 29 inches. It features sliding wheel hops that you simply move to adjust it as per your bike wheel size.
Also, it features push button ratchet arms which smoothly adjust to clamp onto your bike and secure it in place. Since these arms feature padded hooks, they won't interfere with your bike's finish.
Highlighted Features:5. Swagman RV Approved 2-Bike Bumper Rack
It's Swagman, again! This particular model was specially designed for RVs. It will help you safely transport your bikes behind your RV, trailer, or even 5 th wheel. It comes specially designed to withstand the use with your RV, so you can be assured you're using 100% RV-approved rack.
With this rack, you can safely haul 1-2 bikes on your RV bumper, each with a maximum capacity of 30lbs. It's pretty easy to use and supports a variety of bikes with different sizes, wheels, and frames.
Installing this RV rated bicycle rack to your RV is a breeze. It's designed to fit 4-inch to 4.5-inch square RV bumpers and needs 6.5-in and 8-in bolts (included in the box) around the RV bumper for proper installation.
You'll notice that the rack features an upright bar in the center. This is purposely situated to help offer support to your bikes during towing.
As for the construction, this RV bumper rack boasts heavy-duty steel build quality to withstand regular use. It also features black paint finish plus powder-coated finish to resist corrosion for increased durability.
Highlighted Features:- Solid steel construction
- Mounts to 4-4.5" continuous, welded steel bumper
- Carries up to 2 bikes
- Powder-coated finish for rust resistance
6. Swagman RV Approved Ladder Rack
Swagman really understands how RVs can put more strain to your bike rack compared to a regular car. That's why they build all their racks to withstand the RV conditions. This Ladder rack from Swagman is another perfect example of RV-approved rack-tested and proved to withstand the RV usage.
The easy to use rack will comfortably accommodate up to 2 bikes and securely transport them to your desired place. It features reliable hooks to enable it to easily and quickly mount to your RV ladder. And the two rubber straps included help secure your bike plus bike rack in place.
Thanks to its dual arm design, this rack is sure to deliver excellent support to your bikes for secure hauling. What's more, the rack features soft cradles that securely hold your bike in place for even safer transportation.
Remember, this rack is designed to fit most recreational vehicle ladder run shapes. Its lightweight, sturdy aluminum construction enables it to resist rust and serve you for longer. Each arm of this rack features reflectors to enhance your safety on the road.
Highlighted Features:- Easy and quick installation
- Soft cradles hold your bike securely
- Includes reflectors for added safety
- Bike capacity: up to 2 bikes
- Lightweight and sturdy aluminum body
7. Let's Go Aero Jack-It Double Bike Carrier System
Do you want a universal bike carrier system that works with just any type of bike? If yes, this Jack-It Double Bike Carrier System should make it to your list of top considerations.
It's worth noting that this is a fully patented bike rack. It boasts Jack-It innovative frame design that easily and securely fits nearly all standard 30bolt patterns over tongue jack of travel trailers A-frame-the softest riding are on your frame.
In this carrier, you'll find a perfect solution for securely hauling up to 2 of your bikes. And the fact that this system holds your bikes by the wheels means they travel in natural balance, with excellent stability and the swaying is next to zero.
Additional features that make this carrier a great option for hauling bikes in your RV include foam bumpers to help boost its natural stability while protecting your bike's finish and PowerTower design to help protect your tongue jack from impact resulting from foreign objects.
Highlighted Features:8. Swagman RV Approved 4-Bike Bumper Rack
What if you want to carry up to 4 bikes in your RV to enjoy cycling fun in your next vacation or camping trip? Well, you'll be pleased to note that Swagman designed this bumper rack to help you carry all the bikes securely and safely to your destination.
Like all the other bike carriers from Swagman, this model is approved for use with your RV. It comes designed to work with 4 to 4.5 inches square RV bumpers. And it installs with 6.5-inch and 8-inch long bolts around your RV bumper. Swagman provides you with the needed bolts to make the installation easy and fast for you.
Once installed, this incredibly versatile rack will let you haul all your 4 bikes. It will comfortably accommodate bikes with carrying sizes, wheels, and frames designs.
As we saw in the 2-bike bumper rack from Swagman we reviewed earlier, this model is fitted with an upright bar at the center to add great support to your bikes during towing. The heavy-duty steel design plus powder-coated finish makes this rack resistance to corrosion for a reliable and long-lasting performance.
Highlighted Features:- Transports up to 4 bikes on your RV
- Works with 4″ to 4.5″ square RV bumpers
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- U-bolts provided for easy installation
9. Quick Products QPRBM2R RV Bumper-Mounted 2-Bike Rack
If you're on the market for a bumper-mounted bike carrier that works with continuous-weld steel bumpers, this model from Quick Products will make the best bike rack for RV for you.
This is an extremely durable, powder-coated steel rack that will mount to your travel trailer hassle-freely. You'll love the greater versatility that comes with this rack. This is true keeping in mind that it lets you carry bikes of all lengths by simply adjusting its mounting mechanism to accommodate any bike.
The rack comes devoted for transporting up to 2 bikes, each with a capacity of around 30lbs. It features two platforms that easily fit your RV's 4" to 4.5" square bumper.
You'll also quickly notice the carrier's slotted tire wells that securely hold each of the bikes securely in place. Plus, the rack features a convenient stabilizer post to offer you anchor for supporting and fastening your bikes to.
Highlighted Features:- Carries up to 2 bikes
- 30lbs capacity per bike
- Ideal for 4" to 4.5" square bumper
- Durable all-steel construction
- Slotted tire wells for secure bike hauling
- Powder-coated for rust resistance
10. Stromberg Carlson LA-102 1-Inch Bike Rack
Stromberg has been in the RV accessories manufacturing industry fir industry. They have earned reputation from RV'ers all over the world for their top-quality accessories and tools. We found their LA-102 1-Inch Bike Rack another great option for reliably carrying your bikes in your RV.
This particular rack is great for hauling up to 2 bikes and will get them to your desired location safe and secure. The maximum distance between the two cradles s 9 inches, giving your bikes enough allowance so they don't go hitting and scratching each other during transit.
The rack is designed for securing to your RV ladder and secure in place, in such a way that it leaves no room for rattling. And once installed in your RV ladder, you can easily pull its pins to give you easy access up and down your ladder.
It boasts lightweight but sturdy aluminum construction which matches your RV ladder's rust and corrosion proof finish. Since it's a universal ladder rack, it'll mount to nearly all RV ladders with ease.
Highlighted Features:What makes a bike rack RV approved?
When shopping for the best RV bike rack, one thing you need to keep in mind is that NOT all the racks out there are approved for use with your recreational vehicle (RV). The RV puts too much strain on a bike rack compared to a regular vehicle, hence the need to use a bike carrier specially engineered for it.
Below, we'll look at the bike racks approved for use with RV:
1. Ladder mount RV bike rack
This is one of the bike racks designed specifically for use with your RV, motorhome, or travel trailer. It simply mounts to the rear ladder of your RV and can securely carry up to 2 relatively light bikes. Your bikes are mounted on the rack in a vertical manner, with the front tire being closer to the ground.
The bike racks for RV ladder make a great option if your RV doesn't come with bumper or hitch receiver. Mot manufacturers of this type of rack design it in such a way that you can easily remove or rotate it to get it out of the way to access your ladder.
2. Bumper mounted RV bike rack
If your recreational vehicle comes with a 4×4 inch or 4-1/2 x 4-1/2 inch continually welded steel bumper at the rear, you should consider using the bumper mounted rack for carrying your bikes. Like the ladder rack, this model will let you safely and securely carry up to 2 bikes. This rack doesn't obstruct your RV ladder or cargo storage, so you'll have no issues accessing either of them.
Before using a bumper mounted rack, it's important to ensure that your RV's bumper features steel construction with a continuous weld across the full length of the bumper. This is crucial to ensure the bumper supports the weight of rack plus bikes mounted to it.
3. Hitch mounted RV bike rack
This RV-approved bike carrier system will make the perfect choice for RVs that come with a pre-installed trailer. The good thing about these racks is that they can carry even more bikes-up to 4 bikes-making it suitable for large family camping/road trips. It also comes in both platform and hanging rack styles to give you options to choose from.
These racks usually work with the2-inch hitch receivers, just like the ones found in various vehicles. This means you can simply use these bike racks to haul your bikes in your vehicles as well.
Buying Guide For Newbies
The market is filled with too many bike racks, some of which are poorly designed and not fit for use with your RV or travel trailer. Below, we have listed the most important factors to help you easily sail through the market and get a suitable model for safely hauling your bikes in your RV.
Build Quality
One of the key features of a great bike rack for your RV is the build quality. You want to ensure you get a model made using high-quality materials to ensure it reliably serves you and holds up for a longer period of time.
Steel and aluminum are the most common materials for bike racks. Both are rugged and deliver excellent durability. Aluminum has an advantage over steel in that it feels light and is corrosion-proof. For steel racks, you need to make sure it features some powder coating to resist rust and corrosion.
Bike capacity
Another important thing to consider when shopping for RV bike rack is the number of bikes it's designed to carry at the same time. Here, your choice will depend on the number of bikes you wish to carry. Most models are engineered to carry 2 bikes, though some models can hold up to 4 bikes. Others can carry as many as bikes at a go.
Bike size
Not just the number of bikes you wish to carry, you should also check their individual sizes. This is because bike racks are designed differently and some models might not be able to accommodate all bike sizes. The trick here is to look for a rack that you can adjust to accommodate bikes of varying sizes, wheels, and frames.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the top RV bike rack brands?The top manufacturers that stand out in the production of top-notch RV bike racks include Swagman and Lippert. These two companies take their products through rigorous tests to ensure they're 100% RV-approved and ready to haul your bikes securely and safely to any place.
Q: How do you install a bike rack for RV?How to install a bike rack on your RV depends on the model you choose. Luckily for you, all the 3 types of bike racks for RV are easy and straightforward to install and you can do it on your own. Just ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and you've got all the necessary installation hardware for proper setup.
Final Verdict
Don't stress yourself again on how to safely and securely haul your bikes in your RV on your next road trip. We have just educated you on everything you need to know about bike racks for RV, including crucial tips for choosing the best RV bike rack for your unique bike carrying needs. Get one of the top-rated RV-approved bike racks we've featured in this guide today to make your next vacation a memorable one!
