Many travelers use their RV to get away, but there are spots that a large vehicle just won’t go. For some, the solution is to bring their bicycles. However, without a proper bike rack, you might find yourself storing those muddy, dusty bikes in your RV’s limited storage space. Here are our favorite RV bike racks to free up some space and make traveling a breeze.
Source: rvsupercentre.co.nz
Buying Guide
Here are a few things to consider before you head out and buy a bike rack for your RV.
- What to Consider When Choosing an RV Bike Rack: When choosing a bike rack, you should consider the number of bikes you’ll be transporting (frames suited for one to five bikes are available), the weight and size of your bikes, and type of mount.
- Types of RV bike racks: The three bike rack types are bumper-, ladder-, and hitch-mounted. Most RV owners choose hitch mounts, as they are versatile and easily installed. However, bumper and ladder racks are a great choice to free up the RV hitch for towing. In comparison, bumper mounts only fit square bumpers, and ladder racks may be too high for some users.
- What to Look for in the Right RV Bike Rack: Before buying, you should consider durability and bike safety features. For ladder mounts, you should choose an option with pivoting arms to allow for ladder use.
- Standard Features in RV Bike Racks: All bike racks should come with weather-resistant material and security measurements (straps or clamps).
Buying Recommendations
Budget RV Bike Racks
Here are our top choices that are easy on your wallet.
Budget – Bumper Mount
1. Quick Products QPRBM2R – Editor’s Pick
Total Supported Weight (In Pounds): 60 lb
Bike Carrying Capacity: 2
- Adjustable Mount
- Warranty available
- Sturdy steel construction
- Handles may rub against RV
- Will not fit “fat” tires or those larger than 29”
- Conveniently carry up to two bikes from your 4" to 4.5" square bumper
- Adjustable mounting allows a fit for nearly any length bicycle
- All-steel construction, powder coated finish
2. Stromberg Ultra Bike Rack (58853)
Total Supported Weight (In Pounds): 500 lbs
Bike Carrying Capacity: 2
Source: campingworld.com
This product is an appropriate option if you have bikes of varying lengths, as it is easily adjusted. The rugged steel construction is surprisingly lightweight, rust-resistant, features a tie-down strap, and fits tires up to 2.25” wide. However, this model requires a continuously-welded bumper style and cannot be folded for storage.
- Cited as having 500lb max weight restriction
- Reviewers describe it as “rugged”
- Must be unbolted for storage
- Bumper restrictions
Budget – Ladder Mount
1. Swagman Ladder Mount Bike Rack – Editor’s Pick
Total Supported Weight (In Pounds): 70 lbs
Bike Carrying Capacity: 2
Source: campingworld.com
At 6.61 pounds, the weather-resistant aluminum is lightweight and hardy (resists corrosion and rust), and can be attached quickly to most ladders. Additional features include rubber tie-down straps, dual arms for extra security, and night reflectors. It is an excellent choice if you live in an environment prone to rust or have a ladder with oblong/square vertical struts.
- Night reflectors
- Lightweight design
- Extra security (straps and dual-arm)
- Handlebars may scratch the surface of RV
- More secure with one bike
2. CAMCO RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack (51492)
Total Supported Weight (In Pounds): 60 lbs
Bike Carrying Capacity: 2
- Extra security features
- Lightweight steel design
- Requires at least 10” ladder width
- May bend if overloaded (relatively low weight capacity)
- EFFORTLESS RV BIKE TRANSPORTATION: Discover an easy and secure way to transport bikes on your RV with Camco's RV Bike Rack.
- COMPATIBILITY: A camping gear must-have for avid bikers, Camco's trailer ladder rack is compatible with most standard RV ladders. This camping gear may not work with some smaller framed bikes.
- HOLDS TWO BIKES: With a maximum weight capacity of 60 lb, the rack comfortably holds two bikes! Share the adventure with friends or family without sacrificing space.
Budget – Hitch Mount
1. Hollywood Racks Commuter – Editor’s Pick
Total Supported Weight (In Pounds): 35 lbs
Bike Carrying Capacity: 2
- Cradles are adjustable and prevent scratching
- Easy to assemble
- Lifetime warranty
- Adaptable sizing may mean less security for smaller hitch sizes
- Carries 2 bikes in soft rubber cradles; secured with EPDM rubber straps
- Bike rack tilts for easy cargo access; arms fold when not in use
- Fits both 1 1/4" and 2" hitches; Not to be used on a trailer or towed vehicle
2. Reese 2 Bike Rack
Total Supported Weight (In Pounds): 66 lbs
Bike Carrying Capacity: 2
Source: etrailer.com
With rubber pads, Velcro straps, and a titled rack, this product is convenient. Reviewers appreciate the rising shank (for ground clearance), foldability, and one-year warranty. However, some users report a “wobble” in the receiver and a slightly-decreased carrying capacity over other options.
- Rising shank
- Pin and clip included
- Locks not included
- “Wobble” in the receiver
Premium RV Bike Racks
These are our favorite premium bike racks.
Premium – Bumper Mount
1. XC Bumper Mount Bike Rack – Editor’s Pick
Total Supported Weight (In Pounds): 70 lbs
Bike Carrying Capacity: 2
Source: campingworld.com
This product is ideal in its versatility as a bumper- or hitch-mount. It folds for storage and has arms with a soft coating to protect your bike. Reviewers call it “sturdy” and claim that fitting the mount to their bikes took less than 15 minutes. This product is an excellent choice if you have various carrying needs or heavy-duty bikes.
- Push-button ratchet arms
- One-year warranty
- Comes with 2” bumper mount adapter
- Users would like a longer support bar (to prevent rubbing on RV)
2. Swagman XC2 RV Bike Rack
Total Supported Weight (In Pounds): 70 lbs (35 per bike)
Bike Carrying Capacity: 2
- Comes with 2” bumper mount adapter
- Increased wheelbase and tire-width
- Wears on tires during long trips
- Not compatible with all RVs
- RV APPROVED: The TRAVELER XC2 works well with various sizes of trailers & campers
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE: Only takes a few minutes to assemble following the instructions.
- CONVENIENT: Once installed, simply load your bikes and you are ready to go! When not in use you can fold the upright bar down to give access to the rear of the RV
Premium – Ladder Mount
1. Surco 501BR Ladder Mounted Bike Rack – Editor’s Pick
Total Supported Weight (In Pounds): 75 lbs
Bike Carrying Capacity: 2
- Vertical hanging with rubber to cushion seat posts
- Lightweight and easy to install
- 90-day warranty
- Only fits rounded ladders
- Pin in the arm is prone to rust
- Fits on the ladder of any van or RV
- Pivoting arms allow easy access to use of the ladder
- Securely carries 2 bikes
2. Stromberg Carlson 2 Bike Carrier
Total Supported Weight (In Pounds): 50 lbs
Bike Carrying Capacity: 2
Source: etrailer.com
This product also allows bikes to hang vertically and comes with a one-year warranty but has a lower carrying capacity. Additional features include rubber brackets to protect the ladder and your bike, arms that swing out of the way, and corrosion-resistant aluminum.
- Vertical hanging
- Swinging arms secured by pins
- Locks not included
- Decreased carrying-capacity
Premium – Hitch Mount
1. Thule EasyFold XT – Editor’s Pick
Total Supported Weight (In Pounds): 130 lbs (65 per bike)
Bike Carrying Capacity: 2
Source: etrailer.com
Despite the price jump, we love everything about this product, including its exceptionally-high carrying capacity, shock/vibration protection technology, anti-rattle hitch, and rust-proof design. Additional features include a locking clamp, foldability, ratcheting straps, oversized reflectors, and independent arms that can carry bikes at different heights. This product is best if you have heavy bikes (such as electric or mountain bikes) or need help mounting your bike (ramp included).
- Increased weight capacity, wheelbase, and bike tire width (up to 3”)
- Locking clamp and aluminum ramp included
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Price tag
Final Thoughts
If you’re passionate about travel and adventure, you may have already invested in an RV and high-quality bicycles. Why not take a step to protect both? Bringing bikes on your trips shouldn’t be a hassle. We hope that this guide will help you find a product that will meet all your bike rack needs!
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
