Bike Rack - What's the Best

[rpatron95]

I have a Outback 320BH. I usually haul 3 to 4 bikes each trip. I'm looking for the best type of bike rack. Bumper or hitch? The Outback has a receiver hitch built in, thought I thinking there may be a lot of bounce using the hitch. Thoughts?

[Festus2]

rpaton95 -
If you do a forum search on bike racks (or similar), you will find that a great deal of discussion and information on this topic already exists on the forum. In summary, most members agree that mounting bikes directly to an unreinforced bumper is not a good idea. A dedicated hitch welded to the RV's frame is the preferred method of transporting bikes. An RV bumper is not designed to take the weight and the stress of "bouncing bikes".

[rpatron95]

Festus, thanks, I have looked at the post, my Outback has a factory receiver, was hoping to get some thoughts around that. I'll post a picture tomorrow.

[wgb1]

If I had the money, I'd buy a Saris Thelma. So easy to use. It's great you have a hitch for a bike rack. As stated, do not mount one on an unreinforced RV bumper.