Broke a Thule RV-rated Bike Rack - Need another option!

**IBEW Sparky** · 12-12-2021, 03:57 PM

I would try and fabricate a support attached to the cross arm and extend out under the inner edge of each wheel loop. Possibly a 1½" tube steel attached to the cross bar using a unistrut "U" bracket.

Genuine Unistrut Brand P1047-EG 5 Hole"U" Shaped Connector Bracket for All 1-5/8" Strut Channel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IASG7BA...ing=UTF8&psc=1

**FatTire** · 12-15-2021, 05:12 AM

I use a Yakima Long Haul foldable bike rack on my 303 RLS Reflection. It connects to the receiver with a bolt and is rock solid when installed. The receiver is welded to the frame - this is not some thin steel tube mounted bumper setup. I've used it to transport my bikes on various long haul trips and they arrive unscathed. It carries 4 bikes - I put the heaviest bike on first.

Do a google search on this rack - you will find videos of one being used behind a class C. https://yakima.com/products/longhaul...720.1639569884

**jkwilson** · 12-15-2021, 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by FatTire

I use a Yakima Long Haul foldable bike rack on my 303 RLS Reflection. It connects to the receiver with a bolt and is rock solid when installed. The receiver is welded to the frame - this is not some thin steel tube mounted bumper setup. I've used it to transport my bikes on various long haul trips and they arrive unscathed. It carries 4 bikes - I put the heaviest bike on first.

Do a google search on this rack - you will find videos of one being used behind a class C. https://yakima.com/products/longhaul...720.1639569884

A class C is nothing compared to the forces generated by being on the back of a trailer. The geometry of the axles allows for much more extreme movements on a trailer.

**FatTire** · 12-15-2021, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by jkwilson

A class C is nothing compared to the forces generated by being on the back of a trailer. The geometry of the axles allows for much more extreme movements on a trailer.

Whatever - I didn't do a physics study - I just answered the OPs question. I trust the rack I quoted with my expensive bikes. As I stated, the rack is solid, the bikes arrive unscathed. I'm coming at this from experience, not conjecture. But I guess my rack - on the back of my fifth wheel, stands up to those forces you mention just fine.

**IBEW Sparky** · 12-15-2021, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by FatTire

Whatever - I didn't do a physics study - I just answered the OPs question. I trust the rack I quoted with my expensive bikes. As I stated, the rack is solid, the bikes arrive unscathed. I'm coming at this from experience, not conjecture. But I guess my rack - on the back of my fifth wheel, stands up to those forces you mention just fine.

That does look like a fairly stout rack. The weakest points are usually the parts where they fold. That's why I like this Swagman 5 bike rack... I decided to replace the pivot pins with 1/2 hardened bolts and nylon locking nuts. In conjunction with an Anti Rattle clamp it doesn't budge at all. I could have also welded it but in all the years I've had it there's never been a reason to.