If you’re looking for a better way to carry around your bikes than putting them inside your RV, then you’re likely considering an RV bike rack. But with all the different type of RV bike racks out there, choosing one to purchase can be a daunting task. Let us take all the confusion and frustration out of the equation for you. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide for you to help you make the right decision, including our top pick for the best RV bike rack.
Our Top 3 Choices
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BEST FOR RVS WITH REAR SPARE TIRES
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BEST FOR RVS WITH REAR SPARE TIRES
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BEST BUDGET OPTION
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The Swagman RV Approved Dispatch Hitch Mount Bike Rack is our top pick for carrying bikes on your RV. We feature a few different Swagman bike racks in our list, but overall, the Dispatch is our favorite. We like that it is so versatile and accommodating for a variety of bikes, including heavier bikes. The security of this rack is also top notch and to top it all off, it is covered by a limited lifetime warranty. What all of those items, what more could you want from a bike rack?!
9 Best RV Bike Racks of 2023
1. Swagman RV Mount Bike Rack – Top Pick
As RV bike racks go, the Swagman Dispatch Hitch Bike Rack is an incredible product. Swagman has quite the reputation for producing high quality racks and this one is no exception. It’s the best bike rack for carrying bikes behind your RV, fifth wheel, or trailer. Perfect for partners or RV travelers out on a road trip, this hitch rack has a carrying capacity of two bikes, up to 45 lbs. per bike. That high weight capacity per bike ensures that you will have no problems with your bikes during transport.
A great feature of this RV bike rack is the versatility. It has sliding wheel trays that can adjust to different lengths, accommodating a variety of bikes. There are adjustable wheel ratchet straps that keep the wheels tray secure. And, your bikes will stay secure to the RV bike rack with the adjustable hooks. When you need to lower the vertical post, it’s simple to do with the cam lever. The vertical mast folds down so that you can easily access the rear of the vehicle. For security, a locking hitch pin and cable are included. The last thing we have to mention is that, like all Swagman products, this RV bike carrier is covered by Swagman’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Features:
2 bike carrier up to 45 lbs. per bike, sliding wheel trays, wheel ratchet straps, locking hitch pin and cable
Pros
- Versatile
- High weight capacity
- Secure
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
2. Surco Mount Bike Rack – Best RV Ladder Bike Rack
The Surco 501BR is a high quality RV ladder bike rack. It is constructed of heavy gauge aluminum and has a satin finish, which means this bike rack will be protected from rust. We also like how light weight this rack is, making it easy to handle. Since it comes fully assembled, you can forgot about needing to put anything together. Combine that with the fact that it’s easy to install, and that make the Surco a very user friendly bike rack for RVing. This RV bike rack will fit on the ladder of any RV or van and mounts without needing to remove the ladder or use any straps. You just want to make sure that you have a 1″ tube ladder since it will not fit a 1 1/2″ ladder.
We like that you don’t necessarily need to remove the bike rack whenever you need the ladder. That’s because the design of this bike rack features a pivoting arm for easy access to the ladder. For us, that’s a big deal.
With a carrying capacity of two bikes at 60 total lbs., you will want to make sure that your bikes stay within that weight limit. It could be close depending on the type of bikes you are hauling. The good news is that most bike frames and bike sizes are supported with this product, depending on weight.
Features:
Aluminum construction with stain finish, 2 bike carrier up to 60 lbs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Rust resistant
- Fully assembled
Cons
- Must have a 1″ tube ladder
3. Camco RV Mount Bike Rack – Best Budget Option
The Camco RV Ladder Mounted Bike Rack is a great product, particularly for someone who needs a bike rack on a budget. One of the things we like most about the Camco RV Ladder Mount Rack, other than its appealing price, is how easy this RV bike rack is to install. It fits any standard RV ladder, making it a nice versatile option.
For the security of your bikes, they are held by form fit cradles to keep them in place during transport. It also comes with bonus straps for additional security. That way, you won’t have to worry about your bikes while you’re on the road.
The number of bikes the Camco RV bike rack can hold is two, with a total weight capacity of 60 lbs. We recommend you make sure that your bikes will fit within this weight limit before your purchase this product, just to be safe. When you aren’t using this rack, you can fold it up easily for storage. That way, it won’t take up any extra space that you can use for other things.
Features:
2 bike carrier up to 60 lbs., form fit cradles, bonus straps
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Folds up for easy storage
- Fits any standard ladder
Cons
- Doesn’t work with kids bikes
4. Swagman TRAVELER RV Mount Bike Rack – Best Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Another heavy duty model from Swagman, the Traveler XC2 RV Approved Hitch Mount Bike Rack is compatible with many types of RV, trailers and campers. Though assembly is required with this RV bike rack, it’s pretty simple and can be done in a matter of minutes. Once you have put it together and installed it onto your RV, you can get your bikes loaded on and hit the road! The upright bar folds down when you aren’t using it so that you can easily access the rear of the RV.
This RV bike rack shines for its sturdiness, but also its versatility. It will work with a 2″ Class 3 hitch receiver or mounts to a 4.5″ continuous steel welded RV Bumper Adapter. We should also point out that it also comes with a 2″ Bumper Adapter. The Swagman Traveler has a carrying capacity of two bikes with a weight capacity of 35 lbs. per bike. The rack’s sliding wheel hoops are adjustable to accommodate bike tires between 20 and 29 inches. The bikes are secured in place with push button ratchet arms that clamp onto the bike, and the arms have padded hooks to make sure that your bike doesn’t get damaged.
Features:
2 bike carrier up to 35 lbs. per bike, adjustable sliding wheel hoops, push button ratchet arms, padded hooks
Pros
- Sturdy
- Versatile
- Secure
Cons
- May be tricky to install
5. Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks – Best 4 Bike Rack
The Allen Sports 4 Bike Hitch Rack is the best bike rack for hauling 4 bikes on the back of your RV. If you have the whole family with a number of bikes on your trip, then this is the RV bike rack we recommend. This model rack features a quick install hitch that secures the rack inside of the receiver hitch. The hitch insert fits 2 inch receiver hitches. Since the rack attaches to the hitch, it sits down low to the ground, making it easy to access. When you aren’t using the rack, the arms fold out of the way and the rack tilts back when you need it to.
Your bike are secured to the rack with individual tie-downs to keep them safe during transport. The padded cradle swivels 360 degrees, which means it can accommodate a wide range of bike sizes. To keep your bikes safe, this rack comes equipped with a lock and two keys, just in case you lose one.
Features:
4 bike carrier, padded cradle, quick install hitch, fits 2 inch receiver hitches, lock and 2 keys
Pros
- Great for families
- Secure
- Wide range of bike sizes
Cons
- Bikes sit close together
6. Quick RV 2-Bike Rack – Best Budget Bumper Mounted Bike Rack
If you are looking for a bumper bike rack, we like this one from Quick Products, especially for the price. To start, this RV bike rack is built to last. It’s constructed of steel and powder coated for corrosion and rust resistance. The rack attaches to your 4″ or 4.5″ square bumper. We also like that this bike rack features adjustable mounting, which means that it can fit nearly any length bicycle. This is a pretty unique feature that we think makes this a standout rack.
This product can accommodate two bikes up to a 30 lb. weight capacity per bike. Each bike is held securely in place with slotted tire wells. There is also a stabilizer post that provides an anchor to support your bikes.
Features:
2 bike carrier up to 30 lbs. per bike, steel construction, slotted tire wells, stabilizer post
Pros
- Rust resistant
- Adjustable mounting
- Secure
Cons
- Only 30 lb. weight capacity per bike
7. Swagman Bumper Mount Bike Rack – Best Bumper Rack
Another great bumper rack, the Swagman 2-Bike Rack is constructed of heavy duty steel with a black paint powder-coated finish to protect the rack from rust and corrosion. We really like that overall, it’s a user-friendly, easy to use RV bike rack that works for carrying around a variety of bikes, regardless of bike size and frame.
The Swagman Bumper Mount Bike Rack is an ideal product for transporting one or two bikes when RVing, with a weight capacity of 30 lbs. per bike. The rack is designed to fit between a 4″ to 4.5″ square bumper. You are provided with steel U-bolts to secure the rack, so you know it will stay in place on the RV bumper. There is also an upright bar in the center of the rick for additional support for your bikes while in transport.
Features:
2 bike carrier up to 30 lbs. per bike, steel construction, fits 4″ to 4.5″ square bumper
Pros
- Rust resistant
- User friendly
- Versatile
Cons
- May not work with mountain bikes
8. Swagman RV Deluxe Bike Rack – Best for RVs with Rear Spare Tires
The Swagman Around the Spare Tire Deluxe Bike Rack is mounted around the spare tire of your vehicle. Due to its design, it allows you to use a bumper bike rack if you have a spare tire on the back blocking it. Even if you don’t have a spare tire on the back, you can still use it as a traditional bumper mounted rack. The rack attaches to a 4 to 4.5″ continuously welded steel bumper. The installation process is pretty easy since all the hardware you need for attachment to the bumper and carrying the bike is included.
The Swagman Around the Spare Tire Deluxe Bike Rack is a 2 bike carrier, making it a great motorhome bike rack if you are on a cross country adventure. Durable rubber straps will secure the bikes safely in place on the bike rack. The anti-sway cradles ensure that your bikes will not come into contact with each other, preventing any scratching of the paint on your bike frame.
Features:
2 bike rack, rubber straps, anti-sway cradles
Pros
- Hardware included
- Easy install
- Anti-sway
Cons
- Ladies bikes may not fit as well
9. Lippert Let’s Go Aero Bike Carrier System – Best for Heavy Bikes
The Lippert Components Let’s Go Aero Bike Carrier is a design different than many of the other RV bike racks in our list. It installs over the tongue jack onto your RV trailer’s A-frame, and fits most A-Frame travel and cargo trailers. The PowerTower frame protects your tongue jack from impact from any objects.
What makes this unique is that the bikes are secured with their wheels instead of the bike frame. That can help to prevent contact between bikes, keeping the paint on your bike frame from getting scratched. The wheel cradles are adjustable and SwayStop straps keep the bike wheels secured to the rack during transport.
Another neat feature of this bike rack is that due to its design, you can use the rear hitch/cargo space for additional storage. This rack can carry two bikes and handle up to 80 lbs. As RV bike racks go, this is a really high weight capacity. That is something to consider if your bikes are on the heavier side.
Features:
2 bike carrier up to 80 lbs., adjustable wheel cradles, SwayStop straps
Pros
- High weight capacity
- Bikes secured by wheels
- Can use rear hitch/cargo space for storage
Cons
- Expensive
10. Thetford RV Mount System – Best Universal Rack
The most interesting feature about the Thetford RV Ladder Mount System is its ability to be used for so many things. Sure, you can use it to haul your bikes on the back of your RV. But, you can also use it to carry chairs, portable waste totes, or anything else you need, provided it’s within the weight limit. That’s probably the only negative about this rack. It’s carrying capacity is 50 lbs., so you will need to keep that in mind. In fact, it may be best suited for only one bike.
It’s very lightweight since it’s constructed of aluminum, and it can be mounted on any RV ladder. The ladder mount is secured with metal brackets and screws. An 85-inch nylon strap is also included to tie down and secure your bike.
Features:
Aluminum construction, metal brackets and screws, 85 inch nylon strap
Pros
- Lightweight
- Mounts to any RV ladder
- Useable for bikes, chairs, and more
Cons
- Only carries 50 lbs.
Motorhome Bike Rack Buyers Guide
When you are considering purchasing an RV bike rack, there are a few things we think you should consider, including: type of mount, bike capacity, ease of use, and budget.
Type of Mount
There are several different types of mounts, each one having a different purpose. Read on to learn more about each.
Ladder mount
Ladder mounts are located on the back ladder of your RV. Ladder racks can generally carry two bikes, but do to their design, their weight capacity is usually less than a hitch or bumper mount. That’s something to think about depending on your bikes and how much they weigh. The nice thing about ladder racks is that it’s usually a pretty easy install and loading the bikes on and off the rack is simple to do. A disadvantage to ladder mounts is that because they use the ladder to carry the bikes, using the ladder for anything else can be difficult since you will have to take the bikes off any time you need to use the ladder for something else.
Hitch mount
Hitch mount bike racks are one of the more popular products on the market used by RV owners. Since it utilizes the hitch receiver, they are easy to install and easier to get to since they sit lower on the RV as opposed to ladder mount bike racks. Hitch mounts also have a wide variety of choices since they can carry anywhere between two and four bikes, and also are available as a hanging rack or platform style rack. If you are someone who wants a lot of options, then hitch mounts may be the way to go for you.
Bumper mount
Bumper mounts are a good choice for someone who is concerned about visibility when driving. Bumper mounted racks are located on the front or rear bumper of the RV. That means there is nothing obstructing your view when you are driving, making this product a safer option for visibility than a ladder bike rack. Another nice feature about bumper mounts is that you will still have easy access to the ladder and the hitch on the back of your vehicle if you want to use it for additional storage.
When considering a bumper mount, you will want to make sure that your bumper is reinforced with steel construction and that it can handle the weight.
Bike Capacity
You will definitely need to consider how many people are going along with you on your RV adventure and how many bikes you will be hauling around when searching for RV bike racks. Some of the racks in our list can accommodate only one or two bikes, while others can accommodate four at a time. In addition to the number of bikes, you should also consider the type of bikes. While most can haul road bikes, not all of them will be able to carry ladies frame bikes or mountain bikes.
Ease of Use
Depending on the bike rack you purchase, some will be easy to install and others will be more difficult. For RV owners, the easier it is to use, the better. Generally speaking, having any rack on the back of your RV or travel trailer will be more convenient and easier to use than if you were storing your bikes inside.
A ladder mounted rack can be more difficult to use than other styles since the bikes are higher up on the RV than other styles. Also, if you need to access the ladder, that can be challenging. Another thing to keep in mind is that if you want to use the hitch to carry something additional for storage, then perhaps a hitch mounted rack will not be the best way to go. Ultimately, it depends on your needs as to what model you should purchase for your vehicle.
Budget
When looking at bike racks for motorhome, you will want to consider how much money you are willing to spend. Your bikes need to be attached securely, especially since you will be driving a large vehicle down the road. And, when you decide to stop for a rest or overnight, you want your bikes to be safe on your RV. With those things in mind, we can recommend all of the RV bike racks in our list. There is a great rack for every price point.
FAQs
What is the best RV bike rack?
The best RV bike rack is the Swagman Dispatch RV Approved Hitch Mount Bike Rack. It’s versatile enough to carry a wide variety of bikes and is a high quality, durable rack.
Are RV ladder bike racks safe?
Yes, an RV ladder mount bike rack is safe to use. Since they have a lower weight capacity, you will just want to make sure that the rack will be able to carry your bikes.
Can I put a bike rack on my travel trailer?
Yes, you can put a bike rack on a travel trailer. You just need to choose the appropriate type of mount.
What is the easiest bike rack to use?
The Surco 501BR Ladder Mount Bike Rack is the easiest to use. It comes fully assembled and since it is a ladder mounted rack, you just need to attach it to the ladder and load up your bikes. And if you’d stay up until the night, you might want to consider having a pop up camper bike rack for your pop up campers.
Final Thoughts
While we picked out the best bikes racks for your RV, 10 of them in fact, it’s really the Swagman Dispatch that stands out from the pack. Even though it comes at a higher price tag than a lot of the other products on this list, we think it’s well worth it. With this rack, you get a high quality, long lasting, and easy to use bike rack that will work with most any bike. Now that the rack is settled, the only question is, where will you go on your next adventure?
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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TOP PICK
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TOP PICK
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Check Latest Price | |
BEST FOR RVS WITH REAR SPARE TIRES
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BEST FOR RVS WITH REAR SPARE TIRES
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|
Check Latest Price | |
BEST BUDGET OPTION
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BEST BUDGET OPTION
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|
Check Latest Price |
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