1-1/4" Bike Rack Hitch Receiver

[DDC]

I'm shopping for a new Silverback 33IK, choosing the options I see this
"1-1/4" Bike Rack Hitch Receiver" and I am wondering if it has any practical use, does anyone use this for a bike rack? I don't think this would be just this brand or model specific, any feed back would be appreciated.

[aceinspp]

Nice looking camper. I think other models can ordered with it but don't know if you could use for anything else. Later RJD

[dieselguy]

One came on my 33IK ... pretty flimsey. It's welded (not very good welds) to the 4" box channel that supports your sewer hose tube. I cut mine off and installed a real hitch directly to the frame. We pull a small SeaDoo squirt boat.

[dalford]

Originally Posted by aceinspp

Nice looking camper. I think other models can ordered with it but don't know if you could use for anything else. Later RJD

I'm using for a bike rack. Why wouldn't you use it? Rated for 150lbs. Just make sure everything is secure...

[dalford]

Originally Posted by dieselguy

One came on my 33IK ... pretty flimsey. It's welded (not very good welds) to the 4" box channel that supports your sewer hose tube. I cut mine off and installed a real hitch directly to the frame. We pull a small SeaDoo squirt boat.

Sewer hose tube? Are you talking about what most would call a bumper?

[SilverbackMel]

Look, do yourself a favor and buy 2 or 3 adjustable RATCHET STRAPS and secure the bikes together AND to keep the rack from swaying side to side ( like a see saw effect ). I DO NOW. First experience with my Silverback 33 rl, SAME HITCH, bike handlebar jumped up and hit my decal. No REAL damage, BUT AGGRAVATING!!
ALSO, check the tension at each re fuel. You will be fine. PLEASE LEARN FROM MY MISTAKE.
Also, after each night, check the nuts on your bike rack OR USE A LIQUID FASTENER TO SECURE THEM BEFORE HEADING OUT!
Lot's of vibration and movement behind that 5er! 4000 miles later, no other problem!!

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by dalford

I'm using for a bike rack. Why wouldn't you use it? Rated for 150lbs. Just make sure everything is secure...

I mentioned not using it for anything else but bike rack. Later RJD

[dieselguy]

Dalford ... the sewer hose tube (you call it a bumper) is attached to the main frame via 4" channel. The sewer tube is welded to the channel and the channel is welded to the main frame ... the pseudo 1 1/4" hich is welded between the 4" channels ... just like yours.

[MIFarmer]

The trick is finding a bike carrier that is "suitable for RV use" that fits the 1 1/4". I couldn't, and ended up with an adaptor. That makes it too sloppy and really stick out. Lots of straps needed to keep it from bouncing. Long story short, I'm going to cut the factory one off and add something less flimsy.

[SilverbackMel]

SWAGMAN XTC fits both sizes well.
Still need straps BUT, ez on and off and bikes wheel slots easily adjust.
$167 on Amazon. ( don't scrimp on $$) same mfgr, less expensive, not as good.

[mbienve]

get one of these to stop the bike rack from bouncing.


Roadmaster Quiet Hitch for 2" Trailer Hitches Roadmaster Hitch Accessories RM-061

[prairiecamper]

Don, save your money for something better. If you want to use it for something other than a bike rack it's worthless! We have one on our 29 RE , and this summer I am installing a class 3 type hitch directly to the frame.

[MIFarmer]

Originally Posted by SilverbackMel

SWAGMAN XTC fits both sizes well.
Still need straps BUT, ez on and off and bikes wheel slots easily adjust.
$167 on Amazon. ( don't scrimp on $$) same mfgr, less expensive, not as good.

Swagman specifically lists which of their carriers are recommended for the back of RVs/fifth wheels, and that one isn't on the list. Instructions say warranty is void if used as such.

[149252]

There is a hitch on the back of my 2014 Blue Ridge and I used it once and never again. The bikes beat the back wall of the camper and I had used extra straps. I mounted a GoPro and watched how they bounced, stopped the vehicle and took the bike apart and put in back of truck.This hitch is very flimsy and does not have any support to prevent bounce. My last 5er had a 2inch receiver mounter to frame and I towed a boat with no bounce or problems.

[kenenn]

Be sure to lock the bike rack AND the bikes. Thieves have taken bikes and when they were locked to the rack, they took rack and all LOL

[SilverbackMel]

I buy things based upon what I deem to have endurance to get the job done. I have never had a warranty issue on the many racks, bike, motorcycle or carrier in my over 50 years of carrying experience. I have never had to trash one either.

I am pretty confident that Swagman does not recommend specific carriers as strictly a liability disclaimer.

What carrier would recommend aftermarket tie downs? Sales would be zip! We as rv'ers have to modify based on experiences and need.

As previously stated, my "not recommended" carrier has carried our 2 bikes over 4,000 miles across the roughest roads in America. Never any issue after learning how to secure them.

[palmetto rogue]

On my 29rk my first bike rack broke from the bouncing and lost the bikes. I still use the same receiver except it is now bolted and welded back to the bumper. The bumper is really thin and welding alone is not adequate. I made a new rack from 1 1-4 x 1/8 square tubing. I can weld but a shop could do this cheap and easy. I also installed two forged eye bolts near the ends of the bumper and use ratchet straps back to the bumper eye bolts to secure the bikes. No bounce now.

[Dacline]

I have a 31RK with hitch hulled two bike from Pa to Florida for two yr no trouble. Plus one on a car for bikes.

[Joe-Barb]

We have 2013 Rockwood 2608ws ultra lite TT welded a length of Angle iron to the top and back of bumper and to 4"ibeam frame to beef it up and added a bolt on 2"receiver and use a cargo carrier to carry two electric bike conversions which are 80 lbs apiece. We have traveled thousands of miles the last few years with no problems with bikes or carrier.. This makes a heavy duty set up which can carry multiple bikes or gen or cargo

[hughd033]

Have a 2016 silverback 31rk with same hitch and use a Yakima fold down two up bike rack. Bounces a bit but So far no issues. I also wanted to cut off and put a 2 inch on but was told would void the frame warranty.