Are you looking for the very best rv bike racks to transport your collection of mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrids, kids bikes or all of them?
If so, you’ll definitely want to read this in-depth review of the top bike racks available, as I’ve put together a list of what I consider to be the 10 best rv bike carriers.
These racks will also carry any type of bike, regardless of the type of frame, crankset, wheel size or number of brakes.
They’re also manufactured by leading brands, like Swagman x-mount, Allen and Allen, Hollywood and more.
Read on below.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Swagman RV Approved 2-Bike Bumper Rack | Best Overall |  |
| Quick Products QPRBM2R RV Bumper-Mounted 2-Bike Rack | Budget Pick |  |
| RockyMounts BackStage 2" Receiver Swing Away platform hitch 2 bicycle rack. Allows full access to the rear of the vehicle | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Swagman RV Approved 2-Bike Bumper Rack
Pros:
- Affordable
- Delivers basic performance
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- Warranty coverage may be limited
- Assembly, fit, and stability may be subpar
This budget-friendly rack does a decent job of safely carrying two bikes on the back of your RV without breaking the bank. It doesn’t have all the advantages of a full-featured rack, though, so it’s a great pick for moderate bike travel but not the best option for long excursions.
The Swagman RV Approved 2-Bike Bumper Rack is one of the most cost-effective bike racks available.
This sturdy metal rack uses strategically placed rubber cradles to securely hold your bikes in place. The rubber cradles are thoughtful touches that should improve the fit, as will the included foam padding, especially on bikes with thin tubing.
2. Quick Products QPRBM2R RV Bumper-Mounted 2-Bike Rack
Pros:
- Easy to install on the rear bumper with simple hand tools
- Simple to use with soft-touch release levers
- Best budget-friendly option
- Solid steel construction; sturdy enough for road and mountain bikes
- Easy to mount and remove
Cons:
- Won’t work on vehicles with roof racks.
- Comes only in black
The Quick Products QPRBM2R is one of the most affordable and best RV bike racks on the market. It’s also among the most lightweight and most compact.
This bike rack is designed to mount to your vehicle’s rear bumper. It’s designed to be mounted to a 2-inch receiver, which means it will work on all 2-inch hitches, at least in some capacity.
The actual weight capacity of this rack is unknown. But according to the manufacturer, it can carry 2 adult bikes weighing as much as 60 lbs. each without a problem. This is basically a 2-bike rack designed to carry mountain bikes, which is why it can handle such heavy bikes well.
3. Futura GP RV Bike Rack
Futura RV Bike Rack is made with TIG welded steel construction. This bike hitch mount rack is made to accommodate 2-inch by 2-inch trailer hitch receivers. The manufacturer also says that this bike rack will work with 1-inch and 2-inch hitch receivers, too, but it probably won’t fit 1-inch by 1-inch hitch receivers.
The whole bike hitch is made with 14-gauge steel construction. Which is relatively heavy duty as bike rack material goes. The manufacturer also says that this bike rack is not compatible with bikes with larger frames and excessive light or bulky.
The clamping arms are made with 12-gauge powder coated steel. The clamp is cushioned to protect your bike’s finish. It’s got a quick clamping feature that won’t take a lot of effort to put your bike in place. It also has an anti-wobbling mechanism to ensure safety.
4. Let's Go Aero Jack-It Double Bike Carrier System
Pros:
- Adjustable/reversible/removable wheel holders
- Works well with any style of bike
- Ready to use right out the box
- Comes with many other features
- Fits most RVs
Cons:
- Expensive
- Long tie downs (30')
- The wheel holder doesn't work with some bikes
The Let's Go Aero Jack-It Double Bike Carrier System is a quality, versatile, and durable product that attaches to several different styles of RVs. It's rated well by customers, and there doesn't seem to be any problems with the quality of the product. It's certainly worth a shot if you're in the market for an RV bike rack.
Available at: Amazon
The Let's Go Aero Jack-It Double Bike Carrier System is a very versatile carrier that is easy to install, has a high level of security for your bikes, and is compatible with a wide range of different bike types.
5. Swagman RV Approved Around the Spare Deluxe Bike Rack
Pros:
- More than 4,000 reviews on Amazon prove that this Swagman rack is a versatile choice for storing your bike without worrying about damaging it or your vehicle.
- The rack features a tiered design that can fit any car or RV, and it features a lifting and tilting mechanism that makes securing the bike or removing it from the rack effortless.
- The specially-designed cradles keep your bike from suiting or striking neighboring bikes, and the headrests keep your bike safe against your vehicle’s paint job or awning.
- Lastly, the Swagman utilizes a folding design that makes it easy to store in your trunk if you’re not on the road.
- The reviews on Amazon indicate that some users find the rack to be too short, which is an important detail if you’re driving a large vehicle.
6. RockyMounts BackStage 2" Receiver Swing Away platform hitch 2 bicycle rack. Allows full access to the rear of the vehicle
Pros:
- Heavy and sturdy, holds the bikes securely.
- Quiet operation
- Quickly swings out of the way to the side if needed.
- Easy to fold down the arms to get them out of the way.
- Thule T2, though more expensive, is probably the more secure choice.
- Good for a bit extra money is the Yakima Forklift (see below).
Cons:
- You must take care to lock each one of the bikes onto the rack.
- The RockyMounts is awkward to put bikes on and take off.
- Does not hold as many bikes as other racks.
- Swinging out to the side is inconvenient for access for large SUVs.
- Folding it down to get it out of the way is inconvenient.
7. Surco 501BR Ladder Mounted Bike Rack
Pros:
- Adjustable ratio
- Fits almost every vehicle
- Affordable price
- Easy to install
- Holds up to 50lbs
The Surco 501BR Ladder Mounted Bike Rack is my top pick for best RV bike rack. This bike rack has adjustable arms, fits almost any vehicle, holds up to 50lbs, and installs easily with quick release clips and included hardware.
It’s made from polyethylene that holds up to the elements, sun, rain, hail, snow, and other elements, although this material can be softer and can scratch more easily.
The center pivots from side to side for easy entry into vehicles.
8. Swagman LADDER RACK RV Approved
Pros:
- Suitable for most racks with remaining height of about only 32 to 38 inches
- Sturdy, heavy-duty construction.
- Lightweight, yet sturdy ladder rack.
Cons:
- Swagman LADDER RACK RV is not ideal for a large RV with a small hitch opening of 3.5 inches, but it is suitable for short campers.
- It is not ideal for larger vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 3500 pounds or more.
This type of compact and handy ladder rack allows the hitch-based bikes to be carried up on the ladder rack with more convenience and simple installation with the easy-to-follow instructions. The maximum loading capacity is 100 pounds. It is made of sturdy and lightweight aluminum with superior quality black powder coating.
Swagman LADDER RACK RV fits with practically most types of racks with the remaining height of about only 32 to 38 inches. This rack system for bike carriers holds 2 bikes weighing up to 25 kilograms per hitch when used with a 3-inch or more receiver while attached to a Class I 2-inch or receiver. This system is specially designed for ladders of 13 mm and 20 mm, but it can be used with others, too. If it is used with the 20 mm ladders, the bikes must be next to each other, though.
9. Hollywood Racks SR1 Spare Tire Rack 2-Bike Spare Tire Mount Rack
Pros:
- This rack has a well-built aluminum truss base that can support two bikes and tires up to five feet.
- With its patented design, you can lower this rack to the ground with just one hand. It also allows you to open the tailgate.
- No modification is required to mount this rack to your vehicle, which is very convenient.
- The design is very simple and practical.
- This rack comes with locks to secure your bikes.
- To prevent scratching the vehicle, this rack utilizes rubber padding.
Cons:
- The clips used to secure the rack to the vehicle may take a long time to secure through the trusses.
- The rubber padding may wear out if it’s not well maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best RV bike rack?
An RV bike rack is designed to support the weight and secure the bikes to your vehicle while you are in transit.
There are many factors to consider when purchasing an RV bike rack. For instance, the weight capacity of the rack is one of the most important. You need to ensure that your bikes and gear are supported in the case of you having a weight limit and on days when you are traveling long distances. Not all racks support the same weight which is something you will want to keep in mind when you are looking to purchase one.
The number of bikes you will be going on your trip with is also important. Some racks cannot support more than two bikes. This can be a problem if you are traveling with 2 friends who have bikes, or if you are planning on transporting 3 to 4 bikes. The best places to find an RV bike rack is online where you can look at ratings and also buyer’s guides and recommendations.
Are RV ladder bike racks safe?
There is a safety concern with RV ladder style bike racks. One common concern involves how to mount the bike securely and how it must be lined up with the ladder, as opposed to using a clamp. Some do not consider this a big risk, while others do not use this style of rack at all.
Another safety concern is the ladder itself. If you plan to carry bikes frequently, you want to ensure the ladder is sturdy and is able to support the weight of either the bikes or the bikes plus the cargo you will be carrying on the roof.
Some of the RV ladder racks are constructed out of steel and are very sturdy. If you are looking for one of these racks, make sure it is made out of steel and that it is rated to support more than 50 pounds when used on a hatchback or a truck cab.
Can I put a bike rack on my travel trailer?
One of the best ways to travel to your next adventure with your bike is to find a means of transporting it safely. You don’t want to put your bike on the roof or inside a vehicle in the case of bad weather, and with traditional bike racks, it’s difficult to secure your bike.
Travel trailers are a great way to take two-wheeled adventures, so it would be nice to add your bicycle to the mix.
There are a handful of different ways to attach a bicycle carrier to your travel trailer. Some of them are specifically designed to fit smaller travel trailers, but if you have a larger travel trailer you aren’t out of luck.
How do you carry a bike on an RV?
RV bike racks are an excellent idea if you don’t have storage for a bike on your vehicle, or if you want to be able to completely stow a bike while traveling. RV bike racks let you store your bike easily, even when your RV is in motion.
Conclusion
Just like when you were a kid, you want to go on your family camping trips with your kids and not worry about the hassle of bike transportation. You want to spend your time on what’s important to you and enjoy your trip. In this article, we’ve reviewed the 10 best bike racks according to our experience. Based on the test results, the following are the top bike racks in our experience.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Swagman RV Approved 2-Bike Bumper Rack | Best Overall | |
| Quick Products QPRBM2R RV Bumper-Mounted 2-Bike Rack | Budget Pick | |
| RockyMounts BackStage 2" Receiver Swing Away platform hitch 2 bicycle rack. Allows full access to the rear of the vehicle | Upgrade Pick | |