How to Carry Bikes in RV: Best RV Bike Racks
People who drive around the country in an RV often participate in recreational activities like biking. So, finding the best RV bike racks to assist you with this recreational activity is a fantastic way to keep your bike safe during your travels.
RVs have limited space inside, so purchasing a bike rack is crucial to conserve space for other RV needs. You also don’t have to worry about your bike jostling around the inside of your RV while you drive when you purchase a bike rack.
Please continue reading to learn about the best RV bike racks you can purchase. In addition, we will discuss the importance of keeping your bike safe while you travel the country in your RV.
How to Carry Bikes in RV: Best RV Bike Racks
The way you safely carry your bike depends on the type of RV, camper, or trailer you own. That’s why we’ve composed four different bike rack types so that you can choose the best method for your situation. The most popular ways to carry your bike safely on your recreational vehicle are a hitch mount, ladder mount, bumper mount, or tongue mount.
We will discuss the different mounting types below so that you can choose the best option to suit your needs. In addition, we will discuss the best situations to use each mount type and which RVs they’re compatible with.
1. RV Hitch Mounted Bike Racks
If you own an RV or motorhome and want to carry your bike safely, then the most popular method is using an RV hitch-mounted bike rack. This bike rack allows you to carry up to four bikes by hanging them on the back of your vehicle. There are several design options that you can choose from when you select this type of bike rack.
If you have a large family traveling on the road, this is the best option because you can carry more bikes without consuming the space inside your RV. Unfortunately, space constraints are one of the most difficult parts of using an RV to travel. Therefore, it would be best to consider the following aspects of an RV hitch-mounted bike rack before purchasing.
● This option is extremely versatile so that you can easily carry it on your RV, tow vehicle, or travel trailer.
● This option is compatible with campers or RVs with hitch receivers.
● This is the best option for people carrying multiple bikes to accommodate the entire family.
● If you’re looking for a rack to carry your electric bike, you should avoid this option because carrying an electric bike on this rack could cause permanent damage.
Many people enjoy traveling in an RV with their entire family, and this bike rack can accommodate multiple bikes. It’s important to save as much space as possible inside your RV so everyone can comfortably sleep there.
2. Ladder Mounted Rack
This is a fantastic option if you have a ladder on the back of your RV or motorhome. However, if you don’t have a pre-existing ladder on your RV, you should choose a different mounting option. This bike rack will hold your bikes vertically and can accommodate up to two bicycles at a time.
This can be a fantastic option if you have up to two bikes to carry on your RV. However, if you’re looking for a bike rack mount to accommodate the entire family, you may choose a different option. A ladder-mounted bike rack is an excellent choice for people with an RV that doesn’t come with a hitch receiver or bumper.
Most ladder racks are when you’re facing, but you can also choose a ladder rack for your RV’s roof. It would be best to consider the following before purchasing a ladder-mounted bike rack.
● This is a fantastic choice if you have an RV with a rear-facing ladder.
● You can use this bike rack to carry lightweight bikes, but you should avoid it carrying heavy bikes.
● This bike rack only accommodates up to two bicycles, so it’s not ideal for large families.
● You cannot use this bike rack if your RV doesn’t have a ladder.
This is a fantastic option if you travel the country in your RV with a significant other. However, this option is only available if you have a ladder and want to accommodate up to two bicycles.
3. Bumper Mounted Racks
If your RV, camper, or travel trailer comes with a steel bumper, this is a great option to consider. You can use this option even if your RV doesn’t come with a ladder or hitch. If the weld doesn’t stretch the length of the bumper, then you should avoid this option because it might not support the weight of your bike.
It would be best to consider the following before purchasing a bumper-mounted bike rack for your RV.
● This is the best option for people who own an RV without a ladder or a hitch receiver.
● You need to ensure that the bumper of your RV or trailer is constructed from welded steel to ensure it can accommodate the weight of your bikes.
● If you have an aluminum bumper, you should not choose this option.
Purchasing an RV without a hitch receiver or ladder rack can be stressful if you plan to ride your bike while you travel. If you have a steel bumper, this option can resolve those problems.
4. Tongue Mount Bike Rack
The final option you should consider is a tongue-mount bike rack. You can bolt this rack onto the tongue frame of your RV. It would be best to consider the following aspects before you purchase a tongue-mount bike rack.
● Some RVs don’t have enough space to accommodate a tongue-mount bike rack.
● You should only use this bike rack to carry lightweight bicycles
● If you have more than two bicycles, you should avoid this bike rack altogether
● Do not carry any heavy bikes on this rack. For example, if you’re looking for a rack that can accommodate an electric bike, steer clear of this option
This bike rack is fantastic for people who only want to carry one or two bikes in their RV. This bike rack cannot accommodate heavyweight bicycles.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know all the information you should about the best RV bike racks you can purchase, it’s time to make your decision. You can use the information you learned in our guide to select the best bike rack for your RV. For example, if you’re looking for a bike rack to accommodate multiple bikes, you should choose a hitch-mounted bike rack.
Unfortunately, everyone’s biking situation is different, so you should consider these factors before purchasing. You also must ensure that your RV can accommodate the bike rack you select.
