2” hitch bike rack suggestions, and a warning!

[JM0397]

Like many things new to the rig lifestyle, what seems to be an easy straightforward question Is now more complex!
I want to add a bike rack to the back of the rig, which comes with the standard 2” hitch mount point. Easy-peasy, just find a decent 2” hitch-mounted rack one and order away, right?

Wrong!
Reading an Amazon review, it states you must specifically buy a rack that is certified for TT and 5th wheel hitching. The rigs normal operation on the road creates a resonance wobble that is slight but regular. That resonance can and will weaken lighter and weaker mounts, resulting in possible eventual full failure. Think like those old videos of the bridges that start swaying when the wind is just right. The manufacturer was pleading people to heed the warning as they have “several 100 reports of failure”.
Good to know!

Etrailer.com does list which racks are TT and 5th wheel approved, so that’s some help.

For anyone using a bike rack on the hitch, what rack are you using?
And, more importantly, did you know the above and verify it’s a rack you should be using??!!

Thanks!

 

[Go Dawgs]

That's the first I've heard of that. Been carrying my bike rack for years (same one). I know the max weight limit on my bumper 300 lbs. I just sure the bike rack is attached well and go.

 

[NB Canada]

I would just use this. Inexpensive and solid. Easy peasy is always best




2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

 

[JM0397]

I would just use this. Inexpensive and solid. Easy peasy is always best

View attachment 32507


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

Not as easy with the Solitude - no square bumper, just the hitch mount, and therein lies the failure problem... perhaps some sort of full time straps cinched down to the frame, like a mini anti-sway setup in reverse, might help reinforce the 2” mount point.

 

[jkwilson]

Swagman Dispatch or Escape. Built like a tank.

I have the Dispatch, and I can see one handlebar of the rear bike in my rear camera. With two adult bikes on it, it is so stable going down the road it doesn’t look real. Easy to take the bikes on and off. Includes a lock and a threaded pin for the receiver to lock out all receiver slop.

One tip is to loosen the stem on the bike closer to the trailer and rotate the handlebars 90 degrees if you have clearance issues.

I added stop/turn/tail lights to mine since the bikes can restrict visibility of the existing lights and more lights are always better! The picture shows it mounted on my truck for testing. Just wired the lights to a standard trailer plug.

 

[kscaddo]

I use a Swagman on my 337. Don't remember the model # but it was rated for RV's. If a manufacturer has bike racks rated for RV's they will say so. IMHO.

 

[NB Canada]

Not as easy with the Solitude - no square bumper, just the hitch mount, and therein lies the failure problem... perhaps some sort of full time straps cinched down to the frame, like a mini anti-sway setup in reverse, might help reinforce the 2” mount point.
View attachment 32508

Ahhh yes. Might be a problem. Lol


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

 

[TNFLineage]

Also the Swagman, very sturdy and stable. We have e-bikes and even with the batteries removed they're still quite heavy.

 

[JM0397]

Sounds like some new Swag is in order!
Thanks everyone!

 

[Sportsdad60]

You need to add a GenY 033 2" Anti-Rattle NO-Wobble Hitch Slop Reducer,Bike/Cargo Carrier Tightener Trailer Hitch Tightner stabilizer to the 2" receiver. It keeps it from rocking back and forth.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LV18KWM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[RobWNY]

I recommend using a hitch clamp like this one https://www.amazon.com/Hitch-Clamp-...BCVT/ref=dp_prsubs_1?pd_rd_i=B0746QBCVT&psc=1 or one similar to stop any wobble completely.

 

[Second Chance]

We've been using this one for 5-1/2 years (4-1/2 on the back of a Reflection 337 and now on our Solitude 310). RV approved and no issues at all:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YJK252/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Rob

PS: if it still comes with the RV bumper mount, throw that away!

 

[JM0397]

We've been using this one for 5-1/2 years (4-1/2 on the back of a Reflection 337 and now on our Solitude 310). RV approved and no issues at all:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YJK252/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Rob

PS: if it still comes with the RV bumper mount, throw that away!

I need to send a question to etrailer because the one you linked to is what I’m eyeing, but there is one for $150 that looks identical but without the bumper bracket. Problem is no bracket model is not listed as 5th wheel friendly, whereas bumper bracket model is. They look identical otherwise, so worth a call to save $40.

 

[openrangeowners]

I am using the following: https://smile.amazon.com/Swagman-SPEC-eBike-Approved-Hitch/dp/B086NJYQZZ?ref_=ast_sto_dp

or from another seller:

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-and-Camper-Bike-Racks/Swagman/S94FR.html

I am going to be doing a YouTube Video on this bike carrier and comparing it to 2 other bike carriers that I own and have used on the back of a 5th wheel (the other 2 are NOT RV approved) ....

 

[jkwilson]

I need to send a question to etrailer because the one you linked to is what I’m eyeing, but there is one for $150 that looks identical but without the bumper bracket. Problem is no bracket model is not listed as 5th wheel friendly, whereas bumper bracket model is. They look identical otherwise, so worth a call to save $40.

Look closely at the XC2. It doesn’t do the step up from hitch to rack. I’d be concerned the rack will be to close to the ground.

 

[traveldawg]

I ended up with a Hollywood RV Rider bike rack.

Because neither of our bikes are step-throughs and have fenders it limited the choices. But this rack is approved for 5th wheel trailers.

As others pointed out, some kind of anti rattle hitch bracket is a must. The Hollywood rack came with one that works quite well.

 

[Rapid1]

Swagman Escapee. RV rated and what I like the best is that is holds the bikes by the tires, not the frames. The pic shows the difference between the frames of our bikes. There is no need to loosen or turn the bars or anything like that. It also comes with a threaded lockdown pin so there is no extra movement at all. It works well...

 

[Joe1967]

We have had a Kuat for 3 years. It has a screw tightening mechanism on the insert also. Similar design to the previous post. It was on the back of our TT from Minnesota to Glacier, and Minnesota to D. C., and many shorter trips in between. Never had any problems, and unit still looks brand new.

 

[Scramjet]

Swagman Traveler XC2 works for us and is RV approved.

Brian

 

[TNFLineage]

I added these as well: https://www.amazon.com/Rhino-USA-Hi...ble+wobble&qid=1615126481&s=automotive&sr=1-1

https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Produc...er+support&qid=1615126595&s=automotive&sr=1-1