An RV bike rack might seem like a simple purchase – you simply need something to hold your bike on your rig while you drive. But if you want both the bike and the rack to last for as long as possible, you’ll need to make a few basic decisions when you buy one.
We’ll take a look at the best RV bike rack for you. We’ll look at the price range for RV bike racks, reviews by others who have used these bike racks, how easy these bike racks are to use and install, and more. Let’s get started!
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Average Cost of An RV Bike Rack
An RV bike rack can range in price, depending on what you’re looking for. You can find some RV bike racks for under $100, but they can go up to $1,000 and more. However, most RV bike racks are on the low end of the continuum, between $100-200.
The cost of your RV bike rack is going to depend on a few factors. Different types of racks cost different amounts. Bumper-mounted bike racks tend to be one of the cheapest options, and ladder-mounted racks are also pretty inexpensive. Hitch-mounted bike racks have the biggest range of prices.
The capacity of your bike rack will also affect its price. A rack that can carry fewer bicycles will cost less than one that can carry four or more bikes.
The quality of your bike rack will also be reflected in its price. Lighter bike racks will be less expensive than those that use heavy materials like aluminum and steel. Extra perks like tilting so you can open your RV, locks, and expandable wheel trays will also cost more. And, of course, famous brands like Thule and Yakima will be more expensive than generic or cheaper brands.
Different Types of RV Bike Racks
Now that you’ve considered what you’re looking for in a bike rack, let’s take a look at the four main kinds. These bike racks are suitable for RVs and trailers. There are also pop up camper bike racks, and you can learn more about those here.
1. Bumper Bike Rack
A bumper bike rack uses several U-bolts to secure the rack to the bumper. The bumper also needs to be well-attached to the RV so the bike’s weight won’t cause too much strain. Generally, these are very easy to install if you pick a model that fits your bumper. Strong bumpers are most commonly found on fifth-wheel trailers, travel trailers, and pop-up campers.
The only major considerations for this model are weight distribution and added length. Extra weight from the bikes could shift the RV’s balance toward the back end, and make it more difficult to maneuver and park.
Popular models include the Quick Products RV bumper rack.
2. Hitch Bike Rack
As the most popular bike rack option, the hitch rack offers the most variety. You can easily attach one of these to the front or back of an RV or to the rear of a trailer. It’s easy to transfer this rack from one vehicle to another as it’s compatible with different vehicles. However, the vehicle must have a pre-installed trailer hitch with a square port for the rack to attach. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to purchase and install one.
Depending on which rack you choose, these will hold as few as two or as many as six bikes per rack. Like the bumper bike rack, the only major drawbacks here are offset weight balance and added vehicle length.
There are lots of models of this type, including the Allen Sports Deluxe Hitch Mount Racks and the Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack.
3. Ladder Bike Rack
Typically, most ladder bike racks will be compatible with any RV or trailer that has a ladder, but check for compatibility information on the box or in the item description just to be sure. Depending on the style of your RV ladder bike rack, your bikes will hang either vertically or horizontally. RV ladder bike racks are made of lightweight aluminum and are usually rustproof, making them safe, durable, and long-lasting.
These racks hook or strap onto the ladder’s steps without any tools. They’re easy to install and take up very little space. You will need straps to keep the bikes securely in place, particularly when on the road. You can find straps made from durable materials such as rubber, vinyl, and webbing in many RV or camping stores or even online.
The number of bikes you can carry with a bike ladder rack is generally limited to two. The bikes may also be hard to access unless your ladder is low to the ground, or you are tall enough to reach them.
Ladder rack models to consider include the Surco ladder-mounted bike rack and the Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack.
4. Trailer Tongue Rack
This uncommon setup allows you to store a bike in front of your trailer or camper via a mount attached to the tongue, near where the trailer attaches to a vehicle hitch. You may need to create your own custom rack if you opt for this method. Trailer tongues come in many shapes and sizes, so it might be hard or expensive to find one that provides for your exact needs. However, many people appreciate the convenience of this option if you manage to find one that suits you.
There are only a few options if you want to buy a trailer tongue rack, including the Camping World bike bunk.
In all four of these categories, some models secure bikes by their wheels with rails and tie-downs, or by their frames. It’s more popular to carry a bike by its frame, and those racks often fold easily out of the way. However, attaching a bike to the rack by the wheel makes loading and unloading bikes easier.
Here’s a price breakdown by RV bike rack type.
| Type of RV Bike Rack | Description | Average Price |
| Bumper Bike Rack | Mounts directly to the RV’s bumper, usually holds 2-4 bikes. | $100 – $300 |
| Hitch Bike Rack | Attaches to the RV’s hitch receiver, available in various sizes and configurations. | $150 – $400 |
| Ladder Bike Rack | Attaches to the RV’s ladder, typically holds 2 bikes. | $50 – $150 |
| Trailer Tongue Rack | Mounts on the tongue of a trailer, often used for heavier bikes. | $200 – $500 |
Determining Which RV Bike Rack is Best for Your RV
So which RV bike rack should you buy for your particular rig? You may want to ask yourself a few questions to determine exactly which rack to choose.
1. How many bikes do you plan to carry with you?
The average RV bike carrier will hold two to four bicycles. However, there are single bike mounts for RVs, as well as mounts that will hold a total of six bikes. Knowing how many bikes you need to carry narrows your choices.
2. Do you have a roof ladder on the back of your rig?
Ladders are often used for attaching bicycles. This is the easiest way to quickly mount and unmount your bike on your RV.
3. Do you have a square bumper?
A square, one-piece bumper is the most popular place to mount a bike for your RV. Bumper mounts are supported by two arms with cross bars. Bicycles sit between the cross bars and are easy to remove.
4. Do you have room to add a hitch mount?
A hitch mount is a unique RV bike carrier that holds up to three bikes. Hitch mounts are very easy to connect and can be transferred from your RV onto the back of a vehicle.
5. Do you have a spare tire on the back of the RV?
Spare tires can be used for an RV bicycle carrier. This is a popular choice for campers, pop-up trailers, fifth wheels, and trailers. The rack fits over or around the spare tire and connects to the bumper or frame. The biggest problem with this type of RV bike rack is the added length. If you already have a 39-foot fifth wheel, you may not want an additional three feet of length.
6. Will you be accessing your bicycles often or just once in a while?
If you use your bikes often, you will want easy access. If you rarely use your bikes, you can choose a higher mount that keeps them out of the way. Bumper, hitch, or spare tire mounts make it simple to get your bike on and off the rack. Ladder and roof mounts are higher and harder to access.
7. Are your bikes the same size and style?
Some bike racks are adjustable, and others are permanently fixed. Be sure to know what size and style of bicycles you plan to carry.
8. Who will mount and remove the bikes?
Size matters when it comes to RV bike racks! Ladder racks work great if you are tall, but are frustrating for shorter people. Bumper mounts are easy to unhook but may provide less security. Determine which feature is most important to you and look for bike racks that have it.
9. Wheel mount or frame mount?
Do you want your bike held by the wheel or by its frame? Knowing which style you want to use will help you choose the correct rack. A bumper hitch will allow you to choose a frame mount or a wheel mount. Ladder racks usually connect to the wheels. Spend some time looking at online photos, to see which style would work best on your motorhome, camper, or fifth wheel.
Recommended RV Bike Rack Accessories
While an outside bike rack is convenient, keep in mind that your bike will be subjected to the weather. Rain, mud, and snow can cling to your bicycle just like they cling to your RV. Purchasing a bike cover is the easiest way to avoid the hassle of a dirty bike. Many bike covers will accommodate 2 or more bicycles, keeping your ride clean and dry.
Velcro straps, bungee cords, duct tape, and neoprene are all popular ways to secure your bicycle to the rack. If you are concerned about bike security, you may also want to invest in a lock and chain for each bicycle.
Here is a list of potential RV bike rack accessories you may want to consider.
- Bike Rack Cover – Look for a waterproof, UV-resistant cover that can protect your bikes from weather and dirt.
- Locking Cable – A sturdy cable with a combination or key lock can help prevent your bikes from being stolen.
- Wheel Stabilizers – Wheel stabilizers can keep bike wheels from spinning while you’re driving your RV.
- Bike Rack Stabilizer Straps – These straps attach the bike rack to the RV frame or hitch to keep the rack from moving or vibrating too much.
- Reflective Tape or LED Safety Lights – Reflective tape or LED lights can ensure that other drivers see your bike rack at night.
- Hitch Tightener – A hitch tightener reduces the wobbling of hitch-mounted racks.
- Bike Frame Adapter Bar – This bar makes it easier to mount bikes that have different frames, such as women’s bikes and children’s bikes.
- Bungee Cords or Tie-Down Straps – These can help stabilize bikes on the RV bike rack.
- Rack-Mounted Storage Bag – This bag attaches to the bike rack and can hold tools, helmets, and other small bike accessories.
- Tire and Handlebar Pads – These pads can protect your RV from being scratched by bikes … and your bikes from being scratched by your RV.
- Swing Away or Tilt Adapter – A tilt adapter tilts your bike rack out of the way and a swing away swings the rack out. Both of these options allow you to access the back of your RV without having to take the rack off.
Installing Your RV Bike Rack
Installing your RV bike rack will be different, depending on what type of bike rack you have. For any bike rack, it’s important that you follow the instructions that come with your rack. But here are a few general steps you can expect to take to install each kind of bike rack.
Bumper Bike Rack
A bumper bike rack attaches to the top of a square bumper pretty easily.
- Line up your bike rack so that the screw holes are on either side of the bumper.
- Slide the U-bolt under the bumper, with each end coming up through one of the screw holes, holding the rack in place on top of the bumper.
- Tighten the screws to keep the rack in place.
- Check that the rack won’t move after you have tightened everything.
Hitch Bike Rack
Hitch bike racks are the most popular option for an RV bike rack. One of the reasons they’re so popular is that they’re so easy to install.
- Make sure your hitch receiver is the right one for your bike rack. If your vehicle doesn’t have a hitch, you’ll need to install that first. Receivers are rated by class, and there are 5 classes of hitches. The smallest are Class 1s and 2s with 1.25-inch openings. Class 3 and 4 hitches have 2-inch openings. Class 5 hitches are for commercial vehicles.
- Purchase a hitch-mounted bike rack and make sure you have the correct receiver. Set up your rack by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Pick up your bike rack. Put the end into the hitch receiver.
- Line up your bike rack and hitch receiver bolt holes. Insert the hitch bolt and tighten it. If your rack has a cotter pin, insert that as well, to keep the bolt in place.
- After you load your bikes, check that everything is in place and secure.
Ladder Bike Rack
If you want to attach your RV bike rack to your ladder, read the instructions carefully. They should go something like this.
- Ladder bike racks come with a hook, and they hook over one of the rungs of your ladder. Hook the rack over the rung, and secure it with straps.
- Place your bikes in the cradles on the rack. You can also pass straps through the tires to hold the bikes, and use more straps to tie the bikes to the ladder.
- Pin your rack into place.
- Check your fastenings when you’re finished, and periodically during your trip, to make sure the bikes are secure.
Hopefully, this article has helped you to decide what kind of RV bike rack is best for your travels! Next, check out our suggestions for epic bike trails to try out on your next road trip.
