Bike rack question

[darbydrewandstarbietoo]

So we have just gone from a 38ft crossroads Z-1 to a Crusader 29bh 5th wheel. Only self inflicted wound we ever had with the Z-1 was on 1 of about 12 trips with the bike rack, we went through some bad storms and the sway caused one of the bikes' handle bars to slam into the back of the camper multiple times and dent the rear aluminum panels. We had your standard $100 walmart 4 bike rack. My question is, can anybody recommend a better bike rack that is more stable and has more clearance from the camper? We are willing to pay more but wanted some opinions before we spend 3 or 400$ just to carry around $300 worth of bikes [emoji848]

[bikendan]

Swagman makes RV-approved racks.
My bikes are worth much more than yours, so I don't carry them where I can't see them.

[darbydrewandstarbietoo]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Swagman makes RV-approved racks.
My bikes are worth much more than yours, so I don't carry them where I can't see them.

Thanks! Checking them out now

[AZ Pete]

Thule makes very good racks as well. You can compare them on eTrailer

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by AZ Pete

Thule makes very good racks as well. You can compare them on eTrailer

I'm pretty sure that none of theirs are RV-approved.

[B and B]

Nope, Swagman is the only one.

I have a $2500 mountain bike that rides safely behind my Bighorn on my Swagman.

[rockfordroo]

I've had my Thule 990XT for about 8 years now. I've been using it on my Roo 19 and Mini Lite (as well as just my truck) for about 6 years now. It's not "RV-approved," but it's doing the job just fine. It's a 2-bike platform rack and I added LED's so I can cover the bikes, which blocks the tail lights, and still have lights. They make 4-bike racks, but you're talking big $$$.

https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-...e/TH990XT.html

[Ron045]

Originally Posted by B and B

Nope, Swagman is the only one.

I have a $2500 mountain bike that rides safely behind my Bighorn on my Swagman.

Not really accurate. I have a Let's Go Areo bike rack and it is RV approved according to several sources including the manufacturer.

What I like about it is it can be 1 four bike rack or 2 two bike racks.

I have a thread on this forum about my setup this season. Drove 6,000 miles this summer and all worked great.

Have fun!
Ron

[AZ Pete]

I've got a cheapo rack that has been hauling our two bikes on the back of three different travel trailers, and alternately the tow vehicle since about 2002. Not RV approved, but doing just fine for well over 100,000 miles.

Honestly, I don't know what makes an "RV Approved" rack different, except what the manufactures says.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by AZ Pete

Honestly, I don't know what makes an "RV Approved" rack different, except what the manufactures says.

If it's not RV-approved, it means that it voids the warranty if it fails, while on a RV.

[rockfordroo]

A year into any bike rack and there's no warranty anyway.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by darbydrewandstarbietoo

So we have just gone from a 38ft crossroads Z-1 to a Crusader 29bh 5th wheel. Only self inflicted wound we ever had with the Z-1 was on 1 of about 12 trips with the bike rack, we went through some bad storms and the sway caused one of the bikes' handle bars to slam into the back of the camper multiple times and dent the rear aluminum panels. We had your standard $100 walmart 4 bike rack. My question is, can anybody recommend a better bike rack that is more stable and has more clearance from the camper? We are willing to pay more but wanted some opinions before we spend 3 or 400$ just to carry around $300 worth of bikes [emoji848]Attachment 184446

Why not just add a pc of 1/8" alum to the damaged part?

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

A year into any bike rack and there's no warranty anyway.

True That!

[uhduh camping]

You could loosen headset and turn handle bars only takes a min.

[darbydrewandstarbietoo]

Originally Posted by uhduh camping

You could loosen headset and turn handle bars only takes a min.

I have been doing that since the damage. I'm more worried about that cheap O rack coming apart from all the bouncing At this point lol

[uhduh camping]

One up is another brand rated for RV use

[Wandering]

Yakima Longhaul is also RV approved. Purchase it after my Saris rack failed. Very fine print in “lifetime” warranty says void if used on a RV.

Both Swagman & Yakima are very robust. I picked Yakima because the arms fold down when not in use.

[AbdRahim]

Originally Posted by Wandering

Yakima Longhaul is also RV approved. Purchase it after my Saris rack failed. Very fine print in “lifetime” warranty says void if used on a RV.

Both Swagman & Yakima are very robust. I picked Yakima because the arms fold down when not in use.Attachment 185016

X2. I also tie the handlebars to the seat so they stay straight. I also chin the front and rear wheels to the frame. This also limits handlebar movement.

[raforan]

Originally Posted by Ron045

Not really accurate. I have a Let's Go Areo bike rack and it is RV approved according to several sources including the manufacturer.

What I like about it is it can be 1 four bike rack or 2 two bike racks.

I have a thread on this forum about my setup this season. Drove 6,000 miles this summer and all worked great.

Have fun!
Ron

i have the same bike rack and have used it for 3-4 years. the pin tights up so it keeps the rack from bouncing as much. i drive 8k miles a year and in all conditions with Fat tire bikes and never had an issue. i placed mine in the different location as you can tell by the picture. but i have a hitch on the back that i have transported my bikes with and never had an issue. good luck

[aeblank]

Originally Posted by raforan

i have the same bike rack and have used it for 3-4 years. the pin tights up so it keeps the rack from bouncing as much. i drive 8k miles a year and in all conditions with Fat tire bikes and never had an issue. i placed mine in the different location as you can tell by the picture. but i have a hitch on the back that i have transported my bikes with and never had an issue. good luck

I did the same, only I customized my bike bunk... Used straight pipe verticals and welded a stub for the bike rack. Between both things it moves the bikes back probably 18+ inches.

https://imgur.com/a/xvMB5