Bike Rack---what are you using

LAEN · 03-07-2020, 04:01 PM

I have a new Thor Class C. Thinking about a bike rack. Looking at the type that attaches to the ladder. What are you using

cpmath · 03-07-2020, 06:05 PM

I do not like the bike racks for the ladder, too much weight and banging around. I got my rack from e-trailer, it will slide into the hitch receiver and i have a receiver that also mounts on the rear bumper. Sturdy and reliable, e-trailer has the best prices that I've found.

blw2 · 03-07-2020, 06:16 PM

we are a family of 5. I tried one of those ladder racks early on for 1-2 of our bikes. I didn't care for it. Handlebars banged the side of the coach and just didn't seem all that secure.
In fact I still have that rack up in my attic. I had kept it thinking it might come in handy for lawn chairs or some other thing but in all these years I haven't used it.
Ended up buying a hitch mount Allen rack for 5. It's a bit much to get 5 bikes on it but it works.
If I were only hauling two I'd probably look into a better two bike rack, maybe one of those that hold the bike by tires in tracks rather than hanging since they look more stable.
or better yet I'd look into folding bikes for just DW & I.

blw2 · 03-07-2020, 06:18 PM

oh, I'll add this.... if towing a toad, then I think it makes a lot of sense to get a rack on it rather than the MH. We don't toad so so far haven't explored that.

JamieGeek · 03-07-2020, 07:27 PM

I use this Overdrive rack (Amazon) because it can handle my E-Bike.

When I'm towing a car the bike folds up and goes in the car sometimes. Usually its bring car or bikes haven't often wanted both.

Yaktop · 03-08-2020, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blw2

oh, I'll add this.... if towing a toad, then I think it makes a lot of sense to get a rack on it rather than the MH. We don't toad so so far haven't explored that.

Not recommended since there are more vibrations (slight sways) at the end of anything towed. Over time it weakens the welds.

Yaktop · 03-08-2020, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

I use this Overdrive rack (Amazon) because it can handle my E-Bike.

When I'm towing a car the bike folds up and goes in the car sometimes. Usually its bring car or bikes haven't often wanted both.

Check weight limits is best for any selection.

gmc · 03-09-2020, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

I use this Overdrive rack (Amazon) because it can handle my E-Bike.
...

Of course the page states “Use on an RV or 5th wheel is prohibited.”...

JamieGeek · 03-09-2020, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmc

Of course the page states “Use on an RV or 5th wheel is prohibited.”...

LOL! Of course. I didn't even notice that; oh well, it works great on our Axis (I guess I voided the warranty).

Its pretty solid even has an anti-bounce feature to tighten it up against the receiver.

**revjeffrey** · 03-09-2020, 01:14 PM

Jamie's is a "RUV" so warranty still good.

PictureTheSouth · 03-09-2020, 01:30 PM

Agree - I'd never trust a ladder mount rack for anything weighing more than a few pounds, or anything extending beyond the width of the ladder. Shortly after getting our rig, we grabbed a two-bike receiver mount hitch off Amazon (would provide link, but it appears to be discontinued), and an anti-vibration clamp. This holds our two mountain bikes securely, pretty easy to mount and dismount, and has the added apparent benefit of confusing toll booth license plate readers.

Not that I'd recommend that activity, of course.

JamieGeek · 03-09-2020, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by revjeffrey

Jamie's is a "RUV" so warranty still good.

LOL! Perhaps..

gmc · 03-09-2020, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

LOL! Of course. I didn't even notice that; oh well, it works great on our Axis (I guess I voided the warranty).

Its pretty solid even has an anti-bounce feature to tighten it up against the receiver.

I have a Yakima Doubledown rack that lives on the back of the RV if not towing - or back of the toad if we are...
It also has a bolt that tightens it against the receiver to limit movement.
I don't see a similar statement for/against its use with an RV - but works well for me (I began to notice those warnings when looking at racks with another forum member recently...)

Whether the statements are real - or just trying to prevent warranty or other claims - I have no idea...
Like the canoe hoist in my garage - that had instructions not to walk under or store anything under it... What do you think I was buying it for? If I had room on the ground I would have left it there... lol...
Canoe has been safely up there for 3 years now...

LAEN · 03-09-2020, 03:33 PM

Ordered a SWAGMAN trailer hitch 2 Bike holder. Pictures to follow this weekend. Going RVing for ITS first adventure

JimOIB · 03-09-2020, 09:09 PM

I have a Swagman XC for my class c and love it. I also have the Swagman bike cover for RV for the bikes - they will pick up a lot of road grime without the cover.

TheDustyGeek · 03-10-2020, 04:02 AM

Regarding the Swagman XC2 and others like it, put a small 6-8” piece of pool noodle (slit lengthwise) around the bike tube before tightening the hook down. Ours rubbed the anodizing off my son’s new bike and made a small divot before I noticed it during a trip last summer. The rest of the 5k mile trip with the noodle saw no further rubbing. Not the worst outcome (e.g., bike falling off and damaging the toad or others would definitely be worse), but still a little annoying.

Andrewjoann · 03-14-2020, 06:07 PM

I agree with the one that goes on the bumper or hitch. I got mine fro. Trailer that folds up. But you should upgrade it. I got a lock that screws into the hitch and rack. Also a good lock that goes into the hitch so no one steals your rack or bikes

Andrewjoann · 03-14-2020, 06:10 PM

SWAGMAN trailer hitch I love mine but I got a lock to replace the screw that keeps it from moving and added a chain onto it

gte534j · 03-14-2020, 06:28 PM

I travel a lot with bikes on the trailer hitch and also on a car that I tow. If you can get a hitch rack that would fit in your RV and also on the toad that would be the most versatile option. I like kuat racks. They make a 2in hitch receiver that can go carry for bikes. It's expensive and happy but very sturdy and reliable.

DLM1965 · 03-14-2020, 06:43 PM

Bought a 2-bike Yakima - bought other cheaper ones first, but with all the bouncing, didn't hold up. Plus, if you use a hanging rack as opposed to a platform rack, with a women's bike and the cheat bar, it eventually ripped the seat post assembly right out. The platform version sits low, easier to mount, and heavy duty construction holds up. Mounted in the 2-inch receiver on the Jeep toad. Perfect arrangement. I have a dual receiver hitch on the back of the motorcoach - the top receiver could be used for a small tray or chest for storage.

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