When planning an RV trip, bringing along your bicycles can make your adventure even more enjoyable. However, not all bike racks are suitable for travel trailers. Many standard bike racks aren’t designed to withstand the unique forces that trailers experience on the road, leading to potential safety risks, damage, or even voided warranties.

In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the complexities of choosing the right bike rack for your travel trailer, avoid common mistakes, and ensure safe and hassle-free transport.

Read the Fine Print: Is Your Bike Rack Compatible with RVs?

Before purchasing a bike rack, it’s crucial to verify whether it’s rated for use on travel trailers. Many bike carriers that work perfectly on passenger vehicles are not approved for RV use due to the unique stresses exerted on a rack when mounted on a travel trailer.

• Check Manufacturer Guidelines: Always look at the manufacturer’s specifications to see if a rack is labeled as “RV-approved” or “travel-trailer rated.”
• Travel Trailer vs. Motorhome Compatibility: While some racks may be suitable for motorized RVs, they may not be approved for use on towable trailers. Motorhomes have a more stable ride, whereas travel trailers experience more bounce and sway, which can stress a rack and its mounting points.
• Risks of Using an Incompatible Rack: Using bike carriers not rated for travel trailers can lead to premature failure, bike loss, vehicle damage, and warranty voids. A rack that works fine on a car may crack or break due to the additional forces applied during travel.
• Check Your RV's Hitch Rating: Not all RV hitches are made the same. While many new travel trailers are fitted with Class II or better hitch receivers, some models and brands may still have lower hitch ratings (or may not include a hitch at all). Review your RV's manufacturer specification to learn your hitch class and weight ratings.

Best Types of Bike Racks for Travel Trailers

There are several types of bike carriers designed to work with travel trailers or 5th Wheels, each with its pros and cons.

Hitch-Mounted Racks

A hitch-mounted bike rack is one of the most stable ways to transport bicycles on a travel trailer. It attaches directly to the hitch receiver, providing strong support and minimizing excessive movement during travel. As mentioned above, camper trailers experience more bounce and sway than motorhomes, so not all hitch bike racks are rated for RV trailer hitches. Whether you have light road bikes or big electric fat tire bikes, you will want to be sure your rack is rated not only for your bikes but for your vehicle as well.

✔ Pros:

• Offers strong support and stability (on racks rated for travel trailers; be sure to check with your bike rack manufacturer).
• Lots of options for different bike models including wheel mounts and platform bike racks.
• Easy to load and unload from ground level.
• Suitable for multiple bikes.

✘ Cons:

• Requires a compatible hitch receiver (usually a 2-inch receiver, Class 2 or higher).

RV Rated Bike Carriers For a rock-solid, RV-rated bike solution, Let's Go Aero’s hitch-mounted bike racks are built to handle the unique demands of travel trailers. Featuring our TwinTube™ platform design, these racks offer unmatched stability and strength, reducing vibration and stress on your bikes. With models rated up to 80 lbs per bike with optional bike cover add-ons, they provide the durability needed to carry heavier loads securely, ensuring safe, worry-free transport for all your adventures. SHOP NOW

A-Frame Mounted Bike Racks

An A-frame bike rack mounts at the front of the trailer, providing one of the most stable environments for carrying bikes. Positioned over the trailer’s frame and hitch, this location minimizes bounce and sway, reducing stress on the rack and bikes. Since the rack sits at the front, bikes remain visible in the tow vehicle’s rearview mirror, allowing for easy monitoring while driving, so you can have peace of mind that your bikes remain safe. Additionally, this setup keeps the rear of the trailer open for cargo or other accessories and allows for add-ons like cargo trays for generators and lifts for easy bike loading.

✔ Pros:

• Enhanced Stability: The A-frame location reduces the impact of road vibrations and sway, keeping bikes more secure.
• No Rear Interference: Since the bikes are positioned at the front, this rack type doesn’t block rear cargo access, spare tires, or other accessories.
• Better Weight Distribution: Unlike hitch-mounted racks, A-frame racks don’t add weight to the back of the trailer, helping maintain proper towing dynamics.

✘ Cons:

• A-Frames Only: Limited to travel trailers with A-frame tongues. Does not work with 5th wheels or travel trailers with straight tongues.

A-Frame Bike Mounts Jack-IT® bike racks let you transport bikes in previously unused space over your trailer’s A-frame, keeping the rear of your RV free for other cargo. With bikes positioned in front, you can see them in your rearview mirror, adding peace of mind while towing. Heavy-duty models are rated not only for travel trailers but also for electric bikes. Optional add-ons for additional gear and bikes expand your gear-hauling capabilities for even more adventure-ready storage. SHOP NOW

Bumper-Mounted Racks (And Why You Shouldn’t Use Them)

Most modern travel trailers either lack traditional steel bumpers or have lightweight bumpers not designed for load-bearing. Mounting a bike rack on an unsupported bumper can lead to bending, cracking, or failure, posing a safety risk. While aftermarket reinforcement kits exist, they are not a universal solution and should only be used if explicitly rated for standard bike transport and should never be used to transport heavier electric bicycles.

You can learn more about the dangers of RV bumper mounting and RV bike rack failures in our blog.

Ladder-Mounted Racks

Ladder-mounted bike racks attach to the rear ladder of an RV, making them a solution for trailers without a hitch or A-frame mounting options. They work best for lightweight bikes but are not suitable for heavy e-bikes or multiple bikes. Since not all ladders are rated for dynamic loads, always check with the manufacturer before installation.

✔ Pros:

• Works for RVs that don't have hitches or A-frame tongues for more stable mounting.

✘ Cons:

• Not suitable for heavy electric bikes.
• Ladders may not be rated for dynamic loads (check with manufacturer before installation).

What Doesn’t Work: Common Bike Rack Mistakes

To ensure safe bike transport, avoid these common mistakes:

• Using non-RV-rated bike racks: A standard bicycle rack may seem secure or even have reviews from customers using them with your RV, but non-rated racks can eventually fail and lead to dangerous situations under harsh RV trailer hitch conditions.
• Overloading the rack: Exceeding the rack’s weight limit can cause structural failure even on the most robust bike rack; always adhere to manufacturer weight limits. If possible, remove heavy parts such as batteries and avoid adding additional weight to the rack.
• Improper stability: Unstable racks can shift, causing safety hazards. Use an Anti-Rattle Hitch Pin or hitch tightener to tighten hitch connections if your carrier doesn't already include one.
• Using bumper-mounted receivers: These add stress to parts on the trailer that are not designed to carry loads and are not recommended.

Are Bike Racks Prohibited on RVs?

No, bike racks are not prohibited on RVs, but there are regulations and restrictions to be aware of:

• State laws on vehicle length: Some states limit the total length of a trailer and any attached accessories. If you're already towing a very long trailer, ensure you haven't exceeded your state's regulations on vehicle length.
• Accessory overhang limits: Many states restrict how far accessories can extend beyond the rear of a vehicle, often to 4 feet or less; beyond that, accessories may need identification or flagging.
• License plate visibility: If a bike rack covers your license plate, you may need to relocate it to comply with legal requirements.

Tips for Choosing the Right Bike Rack for Your Travel Trailer

When selecting a bike rack for your RV trailer, keep these factors in mind:

✅ Prioritize Stability and Security – Look for racks that offer strong attachment points, stable platforms, and Silent Hitch Pins that can handle the trailer’s movement.

✅ Choose RV-Rated Racks – Only select bike racks specifically approved by manufacturers for travel trailer use.

✅ Consider Ease of Loading and Unloading – Hitch and A-frame racks tend to be the most user-friendly, while ladder racks require more effort.

✅ Avoid Using Hitch Extensions – Hitch extensions and adapters increase motion on the hitch. Avoid using extensions and adapters, and always use an anti-rattle hitch device to remove extra motion.

The Road to Safe Bike Transport

Choosing the right bike rack for your travel trailer is crucial for safety, compliance, and convenience. By selecting an RV-approved rack, avoiding unstable mounting options, and following state regulations, you can enjoy worry-free bike transport on your next road trip.

Stay tuned for our recommendations on the best travel-trailer-compatible bike racks to make your adventures even better. 🚲🚐