Best Bike Racks for RVs to Buy in 2023

Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just looking for a way to bring your bikes along on your next RV (Recreational Vehicle) trip, there are a variety of bike rack options to choose from. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to select 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.

It is essential to use high-quality, RV-approved bike racks so that you can transport bikes without any issues. However, the massive range of bike racks for RVs makes it difficult to choose an appropriate model for your RV. In this blog, we will list the best bike racks that you can buy for your RV in 2023. But before moving on to that, let’s get familiar with the different types of bike racks available for RVs.

In this article:

Pro tip: The quality and durability of a bike rack becomes even more important if you plan to travel on unpaved roads or carry hevy-weight bikes. Always follow manufacturer specifications to make sure your bikes and your vehicle are safe.

Types of Racks for RVs

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.
    • Ladder-Mounted RV Bike Racks

The ladder-mounted RV bike racks attach to the roof access ladder. They allow you to carry bikes while freeing the hitch to tow other accessories. You can easily attach a ladder-mounted bike rack to your RV ladder without using any tools. All you have to do is hook over the ladder rung or the step, and you are all set to travel hassle-free.

    • Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks for RVs

The ladder-mounted RV bike racks attach to the roof access ladder. They allow you to carry bikes while freeing the hitch to tow other accessories. You can easily attach a ladder-mounted bike rack to your RV ladder without using any tools. All you have to do is hook over the ladder rung or the step, and you are all set to travel hassle-free.

    • Bumper-Mounted Bike Racks for RVs

The ladder-mounted RV bike racks attach to the roof access ladder. They allow you to carry bikes while freeing the hitch to tow other accessories. You can easily attach a ladder-mounted bike rack to your RV ladder without using any tools. All you have to do is hook over the ladder rung or the step, and you are all set to travel hassle-free.

    • Roof-Mounted RV Bike Racks

The ladder-mounted RV bike racks attach to the roof access ladder. They allow you to carry bikes while freeing the hitch to tow other accessories. You can easily attach a ladder-mounted bike rack to your RV ladder without using any tools. All you have to do is hook over the ladder rung or the step, and you are all set to travel hassle-free.

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.
  • Ease of Use
Consider how frequently you will be using the bike rack and other RV elements that the rack may make unavailable. And then think of how easy it is to load and unload your bikes, and how easy it is to access your bikes once they are on the rack. Different types of bike racks discussed above have their own pros and cons, Moreover, same types of bike racks can be designed in different ways to offer a simpler process to attach or remove them or to load and unload bikes and access other RV components.
  • Budget
After evaluating all your requirements for the bike racks, you should consider your budget. You can easily go for the popular RV racks brands if your budget is appropriate. The budget for an RV bike rack can range from $50 to $500 or more, depending on the type and features you are looking for.
RV Rack
Budget Range
 
$50 – $150This 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 – 300This 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 – 500This 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.

Keep in mind that the more you spend, the more features and higher quality you will get in your RV bike rack. However, it is also important to choose a bike rack that fits within your budget and meets your specific needs.

  • 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.

5 Best Bike Racks for RVs

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.

Facts:

It is designed as a fixed 2-bike system where you can’t remove the second tray. You can mount bikes having wheel sizes anywhere between 16 to 29 inches with over 3.1 inches in width. If you want to carry multiple bikes on your RV, this double rack by 1UP USA is a great option.

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.

Facts:
It is a bumper-mounted rack so that you can attach your bikes to the back side of the RV. You can quickly attach and secure the bikes using the ratcheting cradle strap.
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.
Facts:
Swagman Traveler XC2 racks need a 2-inch Class 3 hitch receiver, or you can mount it to the 4.5-inch continuous steel welded bumper adapter. You can easily carry two or more bikes, but the maximum weight should be 35 pounds per bike. It also has an upright with push-button ratcheting hooks that allow quick mounting.
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.
Facts:
This rack has two safety straps with buckles to ensure the bikes are placed securely. Additionally, the Yakima LongHaul RV bike rack has a sturdy steel construction with a chip-resistant powder-coated finish.
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
Facts:
This rack has two safety straps with buckles to ensure the bikes are placed securely. Additionally, the Yakima LongHaul RV bike rack has a sturdy steel construction with a chip-resistant powder-coated finish.
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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.

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