I’ve taken a closer look at 7 of the top-rated RV bike racks for camper and travel trailer use, and the Swagman Traveler XC2 was the best one I tried.
Of course, you only need an RV bike rack if you’re planning on taking your bicycles along on your camping trip. Since we’re big on all outdoor activities, we highly recommend doing so—but only if you have the right equipment.
A poorly constructed rack might cause damage to your bikes, or even to the travel trailer itself. That’s why it’s so important to choose a high-quality product. You also need to select the right type of rack for your RV and make sure that it’s installed correctly.
1. Swagman Traveler XC2 RV Approved Hitch Mount Bike Rack -Best Overall
2. Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack -Best For Easy Storage
3. Quick Products RV Bumper 2-Bike Rack -Best Stability
4. Swagman RV Approved 4-Bike Bumper Rack -Most Convenient Layout
5. Surco 501BR Ladder Mounted Bike Rack -Best Budget Option
6. Swagman Around the Spare RV Bike Rack -Best Tire Mount
7. Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack -Best For Multiple Bikes
The Swagman Traveler XC2 is a bumper-mounted rack that’s RV approved, so it clears the first hurdle in terms of criteria. The company is a leader in the industry, and when you choose this rack, you’ll understand why.
The rack can accommodate up to 2 bicycles weighing no more than 35 pounds each, and the sliding hoops fit any wheel diameter between 20 and 29 inches. This versatility is one of the many reasons we chose it for number one.
Let’s find out more about the Swagman Traveler XC2, along with the top competition.
Best 7 Camper and RV Bike Racks—Product Review Guide
1. Swagman Traveler XC2 RV Approved Hitch Mount Bike Rack—Best Overall
This rack can be mounted on any 2-inch class 3 hitch receiver, but if you have a bumper adapter, it can mount on a continuously welded bumper measuring 4 to 4-1/2 inches. It’s nice to have this choice, particularly if you’re working with limited space.
You can leave the front wheels in place when mounting your bikes on the Traveler XC2. The padded hooks on the arms help prevent damage to the finish—another plus.
The XC2 comes with a limited lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured that this unit will bring you peace of mind for many seasons to come. Just be forewarned that bumper racks can obscure your rear license plate if they’re not installed properly.
Would you like a visual demonstration of the Swagman Traveler XC2 model? Check out this video review.
2. Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack—Best For Easy Storage
In addition to being affordable, the Camco model is very easy to use. Adding and removing your bikes should be a cinch, which is useful when you’re in a hurry.
Two sets of padded grips will prevent your bicycles from suffering damage as you travel to your destination. The unit also folds down to a small size, so it can be stored easily when you’re not using it.
This is a ladder mount rack, meaning the installation process can be tricky for first-timers. If you need any help, though, Camco offers expert installation for an additional price.
3. Quick Products RV Bumper 2-Bike Rack—Best Stability
This is another bumper-mounted rack like the Traveler XC2, with a convenient layout that sets it apart from the competition. You can install it on a 4- or 4-1/2-inch graded bumper, and it accommodates wheel sizes up to 29 inches in diameter. Best of all, it can fit just about any type of bike you want to tote along.
That said, the loading capacity is just 60 pounds, so keep that in mind when you’re making your selection. The all-steel design stops some buyers in their tracks as well, but the powder coating makes it corrosion-resistant.
4. Swagman RV Approved 4-Bike Bumper Rack—Most Convenient Layout
This second offering from Swagman also offers a superb layout—but one that can accommodate 4 bikes instead of just 2. It’s suitable for most bicycle types, including mountain and hybrid, and can be adjusted to fit all wheel sizes.
The steel frame is corrosion-resistant, and the long bolts used in the installation ensure that the rack will stay in place, even on bumpy roads. We especially appreciate the upright bar in the middle, which keeps the bikes stable throughout the ride.
5. Surco 501BR Ladder Mounted Bike Rack—Best Budget Option
As a ladder rack, the Surco 501BR already fits into the budget category. However, it’s simple to install and even easier to use once it’s in place, giving it an edge over some other low-priced models.
This unit offers pivoting arms that allow you to access the bikes without removing the rack, which is possibly our favorite feature. If you do need to take it off, the rack is surprisingly lightweight and portable.
Be sure to check your ladder before investing in the Surco 501BR. It only fits on 1-inch ladders—if yours measures 1.5 inches, the rack won’t mount properly.
6. Swagman Around the Spare RV Bike Rack—Best Tire Mount
As you likely deduced from the name, this RV bike rack can be mounted around a spare tire. It can attach to a 4- or 4-1/2-inch continuously welded bumper, and it accommodates up to 2 bikes at once.
The anti-sway cradles are a nice feature that prevent the bikes from clanging into each other as you drive. All the hardware is included in the purchase, and installation is fairly simple. Be forewarned, though, that it’s not suitable for all spare tires, and some oversized bike frames might not fit on the rack.
7. Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack—Best For Multiple Bikes
Loading capacity can sometimes be an issue when it comes to RV bike racks. With the Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack, you won’t have to worry about that.
The cradle is capable of rotating 360 degrees, so it’s suitable for many different tire sizes and frames. It also comes with a hitch receiver that lets you mount the rack right to your hitch, with no extra hardware required.
Now for the bad news: The rack is tough to install. You might need to enlist the aid of a professional for the initial installation. Also, the bikes don’t always stay in place as well as they should, especially on rough terrain.
Buyer’s Guide
How do you go about choosing the right bike rack for your travel trailer or RV? When you’ve finished reading this section, you should have all the information you need.
Type
There are three basic types of RV bike rack: hitch mount, ladder mount, and bumper mount.
Hitch mounts are the most popular choice, as they’re easy to install and can accommodate a wide variety of bicycle styles and tire sizes. On the other hand, ladder- and bumper-mounted racks will leave the hitch free in case you want to tow a car or a boat behind your camper. Ladder mounts are usually available at a low price as well.
Be aware that bumper-mounted racks will only fit on square bumpers. Ladder-mounted racks, meanwhile, might be situated too high up for you to comfortably retrieve the bikes. That’s another reason why most RV owners choose hitch-mounted racks.
Construction
For obvious reasons, you want an RV bike rack that can support the weight of your bicycles while also withstanding punishment from the elements. Make sure the unit is built from quality materials.
Heavy-duty steel is a good choice, as long as it’s been powder-coated for corrosion resistance. Some high-end racks are also made from aluminum. Whatever materials are used in the construction, check the labeling to be sure they can endure in all types of weather.
Safety Features
There should be straps or clamps included in the unit’s construction. Ladder mounts should also come with pivoting arms, so you can access the ladder without removing the rack.
Capacity
If you’re transporting more than 2 bikes, you can always invest in a second rack. However, there are racks out there that can accommodate up to 4 bikes at once—and some of them are just as reliable as their 2-bike counterparts. The Swagman RV Approved 4-Bike Bumper Rack and Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack are both solid options.
Bike Size
Before you choose an bicycle rack for your travel trailer, take a look at the size and design of your bikes.
First of all, measure the bikes to be sure the rack you’ve chosen is large enough to accommodate them. Some bumper-mounted racks might not be sufficient for longer bikes, while ladder mounts may cause the bikes to stick out too far to one side.
Also, if you’re trying to install a small road bike next to an oversized mountain bike, the handlebars alone might make simultaneous transportation difficult. Choosing a rack with the proper layout can help you sidestep these issues.
Weight Capacity
Check the weight capacity limit for the entire rack. Most of the time, the manufacturers will list a maximum per-bike weight in the list of specifications. If you aren’t sure how much your bike weighs, check the owner’s manual before you select an RV bike rack.
Price
It’s important to invest in a quality rack that won’t cause damage to your property. That said, you should also stay within your budget. Units such as the Surco 501R offer decent stability and a durable construction—all at an affordable price.
In Conclusion
If you want an RV bike rack that will perform reliably over many years of use, give the Swagman Traveler XC2 RV Approved Hitch Mount Bike Rack a try.
Aside from the fact that it only holds 2 bikes, this is a highly versatile and user-friendly rack. If you have an adapter, it can mount onto just about any bumper, and it has a low profile that won’t detract from the silhouette of your rig.
Best of luck, and happy camping!
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