Best Bike Racks for RVs to Buy in 2023
Whether you’re a dedicated cyclist or simply want to bring your bikes along on your next RV (Recreational Vehicle) adventure, there’s a diverse array of bike rack options to consider. This guide covers everything you need to know to choose the best RV bike rack for your needs, including:
- Types of RV Bike Racks
- Rack Capacity
- Rack Weight Limit
- RV Compatibility
- Security
- Build Quality
- Service and Maintenance
- Ease of Use
- Budget
Using high-quality, RV-approved bike racks is crucial to ensure a trouble-free bike transport experience. With the extensive range of RV bike racks available, finding the right model for your RV can be challenging. In this blog, we’ll highlight the top bike racks you can consider for your RV in 2023. But before diving into that, let’s explore the different types of bike racks designed for RVs.
In this article
There are several types of RV bike racks including hitch-mounted, ladder-mounted, bumper-mounted, and roof-mounted. Each type has its own set of pros and cons, so consider the type that is most suitable for your RV and bike-carrying needs.
Types of racks for RVs
Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks for RVs
These racks attach to the hitch receiver on the back of the RV. They are available in various configurations, including hanging-style and platform-style racks. Hitch-mounted RV bike racks effortlessly connect to your vehicle's hitch, allowing you to carry bikes while keeping the roof access ladder free for other needs. Tools like a wrench or a screwdriver might be needed to secure the rack into the hitch receiver. However, many modern hitch-mounted racks come with user-friendly, tool-free installation systems.
Ladder-mounted RV Bike Rack
Ladder-mounted RV bike racks are designed to attach to the roof access ladder of your RV. These racks offer a convenient solution for transporting bikes, freeing up the hitch for towing additional accessories. The simplicity of their design allows for easy installation onto your RV ladder without the need for any tools. Just hook the rack over a ladder rung or step, and you're ready to embark on your hassle-free journey.
Bumper-Mounted Bike Racks for RVs
These racks attach to the RV's bumper and are suitable for lighter bikes. Some are designed for tool-free installation, while others may need basic tools like a wrench.
Roof-Mounted RV Bike Racks
Elevate your bike transportation with roof-mounted RV bike racks. By securely attaching to the RV's roof, these racks keep the hitch available for other accessories. The installation of roof-mounted bike racks typically requires some tools, as they involve securing the rack to the roof of the RV. Common tools needed may include a wrench or screwdriver, depending on the specific design of the rack. Besides, this type of racks may require a ladder or other means to load and unload bikes.
Factors to Consider for Buying the Best Bike Rack for Your RV
Let’s discuss the important factors that you should consider for buying the best bike rack for your RV.
- Bike Capacity
First, you need to consider the number of bikes that you want to carry on your RV. Most bike racks can carry two to four bikes, but some models can carry more. So if you want to carry multiple bikes, narrow down your search to bike racks that can carry two or more bikes.
- Compatibility
Make sure the bike rack you choose is compatible with your RV and your bikes. Check the weight limit of the bike rack and ensure it can handle the weight of your bikes.
- Maximum Load Capacity
After considering a rack’s bike capacity and required build quality, you need to check its load capacity. The load capacity indicates the total weight of the bikes that the rack can handle. Make sure the load capacity of the bike rack is more than the weight of your bike(s).
- Build Quality
Build quality is one of the major factors because poor-quality racks can cause major troubles. For instance, a low-quality bike rack can get damaged easily, especially when you are traveling on bad roads.
- Brand Reputation
Many brands manufacture bike racks for recreational vehicles. That’s why you always need to consider the reputation of a manufacturer before buying a bike rack. You can also go through the user reviews of a bike rack model to decide whether you should buy it or not.
| RV Rack Budget Range | |
|---|---|
| $50 – $150 | This budget range offers basic, entry-level RV bike racks, such as hitch-mounted and ladder-mounted models, that can carry two to four bikes. They are a good choice if you are on a tight budget and only need to carry a few bikes not very frequently. |
| $150 – 300 | This budget range offers higher-quality RV bike racks, such as hitch-mounted models with adjustable arms and higher weight limits, as well as ladder-mounted and bumper-mounted models. They are a good choice if you need a bike rack that is durable and easy to use. |
| $300 – 500 | This budget range offers high-end RV bike racks, such as roof-mounted models with adjustable arms and high weight limits, as well as hitch-mounted models with extra features, such as tilt functionality and locking mechanisms. They are a good choice if you want a bike rack that is both secure and easy to use. |
Best Bikes Racks Reviews
Product
Super Duty Double Rack by 1UP USA
Thule Range 4-bike Hanging RV Bike Rack
Swagman Traveler XC2
Yakima LongHaul RV Bike Rack - 4 Bikes
Futura GP RV Bike Rack for Travel Trailer Tongue A-Frame
Price
$680-$730
$680
$680
$680
$680
Start Rating
Overall Score
Description
The Super Duty Double Rack is a hitch-mounted carrier that can easily fit a 2-inch receiver. The weight of this rack is 47 pounds, and it offers a load capacity of over 225 pounds.
Thule Range 4-bike Hanging Bike Rack is designed to carry bikes on the rear of your RV. This rack is durable, protective, and secured to carry 4 bikes easily.
Swagman Traveler XC2 rack is designed to carry bikes on the back of your RV. It is a bumper-mounted rack suitable for trailers, RVs, campers, etc.
The Yakima LongHaul RV bike rack is a heavy-duty hitch rack that allows you to carry four bikes, and it comes with premium ratcheting straps. The rack contains dual arms to give excellent stability and offers a locking hitch pin with an integrated cable lock.
This rack is made up of Canadian steel, making it a heavy-duty product that can last for several years. Furthermore, it has rubber on the hooks to protect the bike’s frame
Weight
47 lb
N/A
32 lb
32 lb
44 lb
Load capacity
225 lb (50-75 lb/bike)
150 lb (37.5 lb/bike)
70 lb (35 lb/bike)
150 lb (37.5 lb/bike)
150 lb (37.5 lb/bike)
Bike capacity
2 Standard, 4 with add-ons
4
2
4
2
Mounting Type
Hitch Mount
Bumper Mount
Hitch Mount
Hitch Mount
Hitch Mount
Products descriptions
Reasons to Buy
- User-friendly tilt mechanism
- Heavy-duty build
- Fits tires up to five inches wide
- Ample space between trays
Reasons to Avoid
- Heavy
- Expensive
Super Duty Double Rack by 1UP USA
The Super Duty Double Rack is a hitch-mounted carrier that can easily fit a 2-inch receiver. The weight of this rack is 47 pounds, and it offers a load capacity of over 225 pounds.
Reasons to Buy
- User-friendly tilt mechanism
- Heavy-duty build
- Fits tires up to five inches wide
- Ample space between trays
Reasons to Avoid
- Heavy
- Expensive
Thule Range 4-bike Hanging RV Bike Rack
Thule Range 4-bike Hanging Bike Rack is designed to carry bikes on the rear of your RV. This rack is durable, protective, and secured to carry 4 bikes easily.
Reasons to Buy
- User-friendly tilt mechanism
- Heavy-duty build
- Fits tires up to five inches wide
- Ample space between trays
Reasons to Avoid
- Heavy
- Expensive
Swagman Traveler XC2
Swagman Traveler XC2 rack is designed to carry bikes on the back of your RV. It is a bumper-mounted rack suitable for trailers, RVs, campers, etc.
Reasons to Buy
- User-friendly tilt mechanism
- Heavy-duty build
- Fits tires up to five inches wide
- Ample space between trays
Reasons to Avoid
- Heavy
- Expensive
Yakima LongHaul RV Bike Rack - 4 Bikes
The Yakima LongHaul RV bike rack is a heavy-duty hitch rack that allows you to carry four bikes, and it comes with premium ratcheting straps. The rack contains dual arms to give excellent stability and offers a locking hitch pin with an integrated cable lock.
Reasons to Buy
- User-friendly tilt mechanism
- Heavy-duty build
- Fits tires up to five inches wide
- Ample space between trays
Reasons to Avoid
- Heavy
- Expensive
Futura GP RV Bike Rack for Travel Trailer Tongue A-Frame
This rack is made up of Canadian steel, making it a heavy-duty product that can last for several years. Furthermore, it has rubber on the hooks to protect the bike’s frame
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Sarah
Meet Sarah, a passionate enthusiast of both bikes and RVs, as well as an avid blogger. Sarah has always had a love for adventure and exploring the great outdoors. She discovered her passion for biking when she was a teenager, and since then, has enjoyed exploring the world on two wheels. She loves the freedom and sense of accomplishment that comes with long bike rides and discovering new trails.In recent years, Sarah has also discovered the joys of RVing. She loves the convenience and flexibility of having a mobile home on wheels, allowing her to explore new places without sacrificing comfort or amenities. She enjoys the sense of community that comes with RVing, meeting new people and sharing stories around the campfire.
Sarah recently reached to us to share her experiences and tips with others who share her passion for bikes and RVs on our website. She knows a lot of helpful information about the best routes to take, must-see destinations, and tips for maintaining and upgrading bikes and RVs.Whether she’s pedaling up a steep mountain or cruising down the open highway, Sarah is always looking for new ways to experience the beauty of the world around her.
