The RV is the ultimate adventure vehicle. Life is about exploration, and there’s no better way to hit the road than with an RV, whether it’s a weekend camping trip, cross-country road trip, or a full-on summer adventure. With that said, RVs aren’t the most efficient way to travel short distances. For quick trips for supplies, a bike is your best friend. On top of that, biking is a great way to improve your overall health Trusted Source Biking your way to better health: How to reboot your workout routine - CNN Cycling offers all the mental and physical health benefits of other forms of cardio, including weight loss, without many disadvantages. edition.cnn.com .
And instead of leaving your trusty two-wheeler behind on your next adventure, why not take it with you on an RV bike rack? Many campers and adventure-seekers have to choose between leaving their bike behind or stuffing it in an already cramped RV. But with an RV bike rack, you can safely mount your bicycles on the back while leaving the inside spacious and comfortable.
We’ve chosen the best RV bike racks on the market based on their different features and benefits. We made sure to select the top models that can safely hold your bikes when on the road and have other features that make road trips much more effortless.
Read on to learn more.
Other features: comes with co-injected soft rubberized ratcheting hooks, dual-key lock, carrying handle
Our first pick on this list is by far our favorite. It’s specifically designed for mounting on an RV, which gives you much more safety when driving out on the road. It has two different racks that each support 70lbs each, which is more than enough to carry two bikes.
What sets this model apart from others on the market is its safety features. For starters, it has soft rubberized ratcheting hooks. This allows you to easily stabilize the rack on your RV without scratching the surface. The rack fits class 3 and higher fit receivers, making it the perfect RV hitch bike rack. It’s made out of alloy steel, which makes it very durable, so it can last you many RV adventures without breaking.
Other features: auto-attach system, hitch-switch lever, integrated cable lock, lifetime limited warranty
If you’re willing to invest in a premium bike rack that can last you many years, this might be the model for you. It has tons of modern features that you won’t find on other racks, has a sturdy build, and can fit just about any type of bike out there.
What sets this model apart is the auto-attach system. Through our research, we found that many bike racks on the market can be hard to install, especially for beginners. However, the auto-attach system makes it very easy to hook up the racks, mount your bikes, and hit the road. It also comes with a lifetime limited warranty, which is a testament to the company’s faith in this durable and ergonomic product.
Other features: anti-theft system, rubber installed on the hooks, lifetime limited warranty
We selected this model because of its safety. Among the other RV bike racks out there, this is the one with the most sophisticated and reliable security system, so you won’t have to worry about any type of bike theft when traveling.
This RV bike rack is designed with security as a top priority. It has a robust anti-theft system with a strong padlock that will protect your bikes and the rack from any potential danger. What sets it apart from others is the fact that it can be used for a variety of vehicles. It doesn’t take that much effort to move this bike rack from an RV to another vehicle like an SUV.
Other features: powder-coated, secure the steel U-Folts provided with the rack
After hours of research, we believe we’ve found the best RV bike rack for an RV bumper out there. This model works with RV campers and trailers, easily attaching to the bumper and keeping your bikes safe. It’s sturdy, secure, and can hold two separate bikes with ease.
One of the reasons we featured this rack on our list is because of how sturdy it is. It best fits RV bumpers that are 4’’-4.5″, and you attach the racks through bolts. The racks are very stable and won’t rock if you install it right, even if you’re on a rough road.
Other features: adjustable wheel holder, tie-down holes secure, 1-year warranty
This next model is a cargo carrier and bike rack at the same time. So, on top of loading up your bikes for a road trip, you can also squeeze in some more supplies to free up space inside the RV. It’s lightweight but has a large load capacity, which makes it a great choice for group campers and adventurers.
The defining characteristic of this cargo carrier is its strength. With a maximum load capacity of 500lbs, you can easily fit in up to four bikes with some extra cargo on the side. If you’re traveling with a group of friends or with your family, this is a great choice as it allows you to bring more valuable supplies with you.
Other features: anti-sway cradles prevent bike-to-bike contact
This next product is a great way to keep your bikes from hitting each other. When traveling on the road with multiple bikes, having your bikes sway into each other can cause damage. However, this rack’s anti-sway cradle prevents that from happening and keeps your bikes safe the whole way through.
This is a sleek, lightweight, and modern bike rack perfect for your travels. It easily hooks up to a trailer and can handle two bicycles, which allows you and your friend to hit the road together and discover the outdoors.
Other features: Jack-It mounts, sway-control system, noMotion pins
This rack is a modern take on a bike-carrying system and is a great pick for any RV camper looking to bring multiple bikes on a road trip. It has a maximum load capacity of 80lbs, can carry two separate bikes, and sports a sleek design that will have you traveling in style.
This RV bike rack uses a unique Jack-It mount system. This is a two-bike rack with foam bumpers installed to protect your bike’s finish and body from damage when driving, even on bumpy roads. The system allows the bikes to have more stability as it attaches to the part of the trailer with the least bounce.
Other features: powder-coated, slotted tire wells
This next pick is another RV bike rack that you place on the bumper. It’s made out of steel, fits two bikes, and has an adjustable mounting to fit any type of bicycle. This is a simple, straightforward bike rack that would be a great choice for any RV adventurer.
This rack’s main feature is its simplicity. This bike rack doesn’t come with loads of extra features, but that can work to its advantage. Instead of struggling to figure out how to install it and mount your bike, all you have to do is connect it to your bumper, and you’re good to go.
Other features: arc-shaped design protect a bike from harm, removable saddles-suitable for a variety of bicycles width
This next pick is one of the best RV hitch bike racks out there. This bike rack fits on multiple vehicles, so whether you hit the road on an RV, sedan, minivan, or a regular passenger car, you can use this rack to bring your two-wheelers with you.
One of the main reasons we featured this bike rack is that it isn’t just for RV’s; it’s for just about any car out there. This rack is equipped with a hitch tightener that you can use to get a snugger fit, making your bikes more secure. That way, you can bring your bikes with you even if you’re going on a solo trip using your car.
Other features: upright arm with push-button, includes bumper mount adapter.
Wrapping up our list is one of the most convenient RV bike racks out there. It comes with a bumper mount adapter, so you can install it in many different places. It has two slots for different bikes, so you don’t have to get a separate rack if you’re driving around with two bikes.
What sets this bike apart is that it has an upright arm with a push-button. This makes it much easier to mount and dismount the bikes. This updated version also fits well with different-sized trailers and campers. So, you don’t have to worry about getting a specific size since it’s very flexible.
It’s always important to choose a rack that can do the job you need it to do. So, try to figure out your own needs before hitting the market. Consider how heavy your bikes are, how you want to attach the rack, how long you’re traveling, and what other extra features you’d want.
With that said, there are some features that are beneficial regardless of your needs on the road. It’s always best to get bike racks made out of durable materials, so they’ll last you many trips to come. Additionally, you always have to ensure that your bikes are safe and stable when mounted, so make sure the straps and design keep your bikes in place.
And when you combine those features with your own personal needs, it will be much easier to figure out which RV bike rack will suit you best.
Here are some of the main aspects to keep in mind when shopping for the best RV bike rack based on your needs;
Load capacity refers to the maximum weight the rack can support. It’s always best to get a rack that can handle a heavier load than your bikes. If you only plan on bringing one bike that weighs 20lbs, it would be best to get a model with a maximum load capacity of 40lbs-60lbs, such as the Swagman RV bike rack.
However, if you plan to bring multiple bikes and some other equipment on the rack, make sure to get the stronger models. We recommend the Tom Tuff Bike Rack, and the HYPERAX RV Hitch Mounted Bike Rack for large loads, both of which are great RV bike racks with large load capacities.
Remember, the load capacity isn’t the only determining factor when it comes to what you can load on the rack. Before you hit the market, check out the tire width of your bike. If you plan to bring larger mountain bikes on your adventures, then make sure to get models with a max-width of at least 5″ such as the Thule T2 XTR Hitch Bike Rack. But for road bikes, you can get ones with a 2″ maximum tire width like the Futura GP RV Bike Rack.
Tire width isn’t your only concern with bike racks. Remember, you need to make sure that your bike comfortably fits and mounts onto the rack, and you need to take wheel size into account. To understand the right maximum wheel size, you first have to measure your own bike wheel’s diameter. Most bike racks out there can handle a max wheel size between 29-30 inches, such as the Thule T2 XTR Hitch Bike Rack and the Futura GP RV Bike Rack.
For larger bikes, you will need a rack such as the HYPERAX RV Hitch Mounted Bike Rack, which has a maximum wheel size capacity of 58 inches, which is large enough to handle just about any bicycle or e-bike out there.
When you’re hitting the road with two or more bikes, the wrong rack can result in some heavy damage on the bikes. Damage from bike racks usually results from the bikes being too close together on the road. When they’re close together, there’s a high chance that they can rub and bump against each other when you’re driving, which can damage the paint job or even the frame.
While it can be hard to find data on the distance between two bikes when shopping, it’s very important to make the extra effort to do so. So, if you’re traveling with multiple bikes, make sure that the rack provides ample distance between the two. A larger distance between the bikes also allows you to load up larger bikes on the rack without any worries. The Thule T2 XTR Hitch Bike Rack provides a 12.5″ distance between the bikes, which is enough to keep them from bumping into each other. There are also models such as the Swagman RV Bike Rack, which doesn’t state the distance between the two bikes, but it has an anti-sway cradle in place to make sure the bikes don’t bump each other while you’re driving. This feature could be a decent way to protect your bikes without worrying about the distance between the two.
When shopping for just about anything, you always have to take in the item dimensions and the weight. Additionally, for RV bike racks, it’s best to compare the item’s dimensions to your own vehicle’s measurements to ensure you get a model that fits just right. Getting an RV bike rack that’s too large can be a hassle, especially since it can be much harder to make adjustments. And if you get a rack that’s too small, you might not be able to fit your bikes, or it won’t mount properly on the RV.
Another important reason to think about the dimensions is that it plays a big role in storage. Ideally, it’s best to remove the bike rack from your RV after your adventure and store it until you need it again. Large and bulky bike racks can be hard to store and take up too much space in the garage or basement. A great way to get around this is to get a bike rack that folds up, such as the HYPERAX RV Hitch Mounted Bike Rack, which even comes with a hook that you can use to hand the rack when not in use.
We always recommend checking the weight of the rack before buying. A rack that’s too heavy might damage the RV or be hard to install, while racks that are too light might not be stable and durable enough for the job.
It’s always important to get racks that fit your vehicle service type. If you only plan to use the rack on your RV or trailer, then any of the options on this list would serve you well. However, some people want multi-purpose racks they can use on their RV in the summer and attach it to their SUV for shorter trips throughout the year.
In that case, you need a rack that can attach to multiple vehicles. Keep in mind that you might end up spending a bit more money on these racks, but it gives you much more versatility on the road. A great option for those who need multi-purpose RV bike racks is the Thule T2 XTR Hitch Bike Rack or the Tom Tuff Bike rack.
As we mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to get a bike rack that’s made out of tough and durable materials. Opting for bike racks with sub-par materials and construction might result in you needing to replace the rack after one short trip. In the worst cases, bike racks that aren’t durable can break while you’re driving, causing you to lose your bike or even causing an accident.
We always recommend getting bike racks made of alloy steel. This is a relatively lightweight but highly durable material that can last you a very long time and take tons of different adventures. Additionally, since you can never be sure of the weather, we suggest getting a bike rack with an anti-corrosion coating on the exterior to protect it from rust.
In the event of a factory defect or manufacturing error, you would want to have your rack replaced or fixed. A warranty Trusted Source Warranty Definition Warranties often have conditions limiting the warranty. www.investopedia.com is a very important factor in buying a product as it stands as a testament to a brand’s faith in the product. Most of the bike racks on the list, such as the Futura GP RV Bike Rack, come with a lifetime limited warranty. So, in the event that the bike rack is defective, you might be able to send it back to the brand, and they will replace it for free. This isn’t a requirement for the best RV bike rack, but it’s a significant plus.
A great way to make the search for the best RV bike rack easier for you is to select a price range before shopping. Keep in mind that premium bike racks come with a premium price tag, at least for the most part. So, if you really want a durable bike rack with sophisticated features to last you years of outdoor adventures, then be prepared to spend the money for it.
With that said, there are also tons of models on the market today available on a budget. There are some sacrifices you’ll have to make when opting for inexpensive options, but you can still get a durable bike rack that can hold your bicycles securely on the RV while you’re hitting the road. And sometimes, a simpler and inexpensive bike rack might actually be the best option for you. You don’t need complex and expensive bike racks for your road trip, so always remember to buy a rack based on your price range and needs.
Some RV bike racks come with extra features. Some racks serve multiple purposes, such as an RV ladder bike rack, which offers a quick and convenient way to mount your rides. Some models even come with built-in security features such as locking mechanisms to keep your bikes safe and secure even when you’re not looking at them.
Another great example of extra features is the Thule T2 XTR Hitch Bike Rack, which comes with a convenient lever that you can use to hitch the bikes with ease. These extra features aren’t exactly requirements for a bike rack. If all you need is a simple rack for your bike when traveling, then you can get options like the Swagman 2-Bike RV Bumper Rack, which keeps things straight to the point. With that said, extra features can also be very beneficial and are always worth considering when you shop for an RV bike rack.
When you get the bike rack, you’re going to have to install it. And with most of the RV bike racks out there, you’ll need some additional components. For example, the QPRBM2R RV 2-Bike Rack requires bolts for its installation. This model comes with everything you need for installing it, but this isn’t always the case.
There are some models out there that don’t come with all the necessary components for installing. This might result in you having to go all the way to the store to buy additional things just to install the rack. So, make sure that the model you buy always includes everything you need to attach it to your RV.
If you’re completely new to bike racks, then you might have a tough time installing them on your RV. In fact, even experienced DIY-ers can have a hard time installing the bike rack. So, we always recommend getting models that include clear installation tips and instructions in the package. It can be very frustrating when you try to guess how to install the bike rack, especially if you have an outdoor adventure coming up. But with clear step-by-step instructions, it will be much easier for you to install the rack and hit the road!
With that, our list comes to an end. We made sure to do all the research and only include the best options on the market today. We also included a variety of models on the list, so it will be easier for you to find just the right option for you.
Overall, we found that the HYPERAX RV Hitch Mounted Bike Rack to be the best option on the market. It comes with all the features you need and can easily support your bikes. If you need a more premium option with advanced features, you can also opt for the Thule T2 XTR Hitch Bike Rack, which is sleek, strong, and does the job very well.
And for those looking for a real bang for their buck, the Swagman Traveler XC2 RV Bike Rack is a great bike rack for those on a budget. It sports a modern design, is made of durable materials, and you can get it for an affordable price.
Everyone has different needs when going on an RV adventure. And if you found the right bike rack for you on this list, all that’s left to do is get your hands on one and hit the road! That’s why we made sure to include the best RV bike racks for different kinds of adventurers.
