RV Bike Racks

nickofosho · 07-27-2021, 07:15 AM

Anyone use a ladder mount bike rack for their RV? Looking for a new bike storage solution and would love any input or advice. Any other types of racks anyone loves?

Northofu1 · 07-27-2021, 08:04 AM

Personally, I think relying on 18 #10 (if your lucky) x 1 1/2" screws to hold up even just two bikes is crazy.
I use a front hitch on my truck, with a swagman rack. Good luck

**JRTJH** · 07-27-2021, 08:08 AM

All of the RV roof ladders that I've seen have an "owner's manual/installation instructions" that state something like: DO NOT USE THIS LADDER AS STORAGE DURING TRAVEL. The ladders attach to the trailer sidewall/end cap and the roof with "barely adequate screws. Adding weight to the ladder is an excellent way to loosen the screws on the roof and set up a "perfect way for water to seep into the trailer to destroy the wood roof decking".....

I agree with the above. Don't use the ladder to "hook anything to" during travel. Better yet, don't use it to climb on the roof if you weigh more than around 150-175 pounds....

**sourdough** · 07-27-2021, 11:59 AM

^^^^I agree. I've had multiple problems with my ladder from the folks at the dealership using it to do roof maintenance to the point I've told them to stay off of it. I wouldn't dream of attaching anything to it for travel - ever.....or even myself to get on the roof, I use a tall A frame ladder then the top step of the RV ladder for the final step onto the roof.

gearhead · 07-27-2021, 04:17 PM

I have a Curt front mount receiver and a Swagman rack. Haven't used it in a while but might on the the next trip. I put the handlebars on the passenger side. Betty will be asleep by the city limit sign anyway.
Really works well when I use the Bigfoot cabover. Gives me that off road expedition, adventurer, bon vivant look. LOL

nickofosho · 08-02-2021, 08:48 PM

Thanks for the input. That makes a lot of sense.

nickofosho · 08-02-2021, 08:48 PM

Yeah, good call, thanks!

rhagfo · 08-03-2021, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickofosho

Anyone use a ladder mount bike rack for their RV? Looking for a new bike storage solution and would love any input or advice. Any other types of racks anyone loves?

There are now many tongue mount bike rack the place the bikes over the propane tanks on TT. This places the bikes safely out of the way. I have never been a fan of mounting bike on the front of the TV, blocked, headlights, turn signals, and air flow to the radiator.

Northofu1 · 08-03-2021, 05:06 AM

I double checked that on mine, no issue. I don't cover the bikes.

{tpc} · 08-03-2021, 06:21 AM

My bikes are folded up and go in the backseat of the truck. I suppose I could find a way to get them into the main area of the coach pretty easily, but I feel like I would have more to worry about them damaging the floor and whatnot.

Urbish · 08-03-2021, 03:38 PM

I have a Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk which mounts to the A-frame. I put a cheap Harbor Freight bike rack on it with the arms reversed which keeps the bikes close to the TT and allows me to open the hatch of my Durango without hitting the bikes.

Jimmy240 · 08-06-2021, 11:02 PM

I have three boys so I decided to install the Jack-It Double Bike Carrier System. It only holds two bikes (adjust for any size), but it frees up space in the bed of the truck and doesn’t block anything around the tongue/ trailer electric jack. It’s also super easy to install. I installed mine when I installed an electric Jack. The only draw back to it that someone might have is if they are short and/or have no upper body strength to lift the bikes up on and off the rack.

Let's Go Aero - 429756 Jack-It Double Bike Carrier System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYRM7MM...ing=UTF8&psc=1

Camp CA · 08-08-2021, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickofosho

Anyone use a ladder mount bike rack for their RV? Looking for a new bike storage solution and would love any input or advice. Any other types of racks anyone loves?

No......We carry bikes secured to an RV-approved hitch rack.

Spritnsky · 08-08-2021, 08:45 AM

We use the Jackit bike rack. Mounts over your trailer jack in the front. Works GREAT!!

Cari&Dar · 08-08-2021, 10:36 AM

After exploring all the options, we’ve settled on bringing our two adult bikes inside the trailer and laying them down (with blankets under and between) on the dinette. They stay pretty still and it seems to be working well so far.

**JRTJH** · 08-08-2021, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cari&Dar

After exploring all the options, we’ve settled on bringing our two adult bikes inside the trailer and laying them down (with blankets under and between) on the dinette. They stay pretty still and it seems to be working well so far.

Years ago, quite a few people would mount "bike racks" on the underside of their dinette seat bottoms. When traveling, they'd turn the seat bottoms over, remove their bike front wheel, mount the bikes in the racks and travel with them tied down, inside the trailer, on the dinette. Then, on arrival, simply remove the bikes, turn the dinette seat bottoms over and put the cushions back in place....

For some reason, it became "more popular" to put bikes on the rear bumper, bend, damage or lose them in the process.... I never quite understood what was objectionable about traveling with bikes inside the RV like you're doing.

LERD · 08-08-2021, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Years ago, quite a few people would mount "bike racks" on the underside of their dinette seat bottoms. When traveling, they'd turn the seat bottoms over, remove their bike front wheel, mount the bikes in the racks and travel with them tied down, inside the trailer, on the dinette. Then, on arrival, simply remove the bikes, turn the dinette seat bottoms over and put the cushions back in place....

For some reason, it became "more popular" to put bikes on the rear bumper, bend, damage or lose them in the process.... I never quite understood what was objectionable about traveling with bikes inside the RV like you're doing.

I used an attachment on my RV bumper from Mount-N-Lock (sp?) that uses 2 brackets that attach to the frame and wrap a stiff bar around the bumper to keep in from twisting. Then I purchased the Stromburg Carlson bike carrier that was specifically designed for the rear of an RV. Then for added safety I added a hitch clip to remove any wable in the rack. Works beautifully, and I have under $250 for all of it. It is a 2 bike carrier.

**JRTJH** · 08-08-2021, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LERD

I used an attachment on my RV bumper from Mount-N-Lock (sp?) that uses 2 brackets that attach to the frame and wrap a stiff bar around the bumper to keep in from twisting. Then I purchased the Stromburg Carlson bike carrier that was specifically designed for the rear of an RV. Then for added safety I added a hitch clip to remove any wable in the rack. Works beautifully, and I have under $250 for all of it. It is a 2 bike carrier.

If that works for you, great !!! My post was to offer an "alternative" that's been around for ages that, for some reason, fell from favor... It's still a viable option for some people, not so much for others....

Northofu1 · 08-09-2021, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Years ago, quite a few people would mount "bike racks" on the underside of their dinette seat bottoms. When traveling, they'd turn the seat bottoms over, remove their bike front wheel, mount the bikes in the racks and travel with them tied down, inside the trailer, on the dinette. Then, on arrival, simply remove the bikes, turn the dinette seat bottoms over and put the cushions back in place....

For some reason, it became "more popular" to put bikes on the rear bumper, bend, damage or lose them in the process.... I never quite understood what was objectionable about traveling with bikes inside the RV like you're doing.

In my travel trailer I modified and mounted my bikes on the dinette, loved it. If I had a dinette in the 5er I would have done the same.

KimNTerry · 08-16-2021, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cari&Dar

After exploring all the options, we’ve settled on bringing our two adult bikes inside the trailer and laying them down (with blankets under and between) on the dinette. They stay pretty still and it seems to be working well so far.

Same here, way easier, no more dis-assembly or removal of the front tire. Up the door and in, they ride nicely between the opposing slides when pulled in. I throw an old sheet or moving blanket over them to protect the trailer furniture from getting dirty.

When we get to where we're going they come out and get locked up to the front landing gear until we need them.

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