The hitches on most RVs are built-in for good reason. Camping and adventure are two of RV owners’ favorite things. Many of them are cyclists who carry multiple bikes over long distances.
No matter what you own, at some point, your trailer hitch or bumper vehicle is going to need a rack. While there might be room in an RV for a bike, compromising that limited storage space could be frustrating. We don’t recommend it!
There are a lot of good bike racks for RVs, but picking the right one could make all the difference. Racks should match RV models and bike sizes and be compatible with your RV.
To make things easier for you, I have picked the 9 best RV Bike Racks based on functionality, price, and durability.
Best Bike Racks for RVs This Year: Our Criteria and Results
It’s best to go over the buying guide I’ve provided before you make a final decision, so you can really understand what factors to consider and what type of bike rack you need.
| Rank | Brand and Model | Top Advantage | Top Disadvantage | Link to Purchase | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick |   | Swagman RV Approved Traveler XC2 Bike Rack | Can fold down when not in use | Installation is a bit difficult | Click to check price |
| Runner-up |   | Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack | Easy installation | Can only carry up to 60 pounds | Click to check price |
| Also consider |   | Quick Products RV bumper-mounted 2-Bike Rack | Adjustable to cater to all types of bikes | Low weight capacity | Click to check price |
| 4 |   | Surco Ladder Mounted Bike Rack | Access ladders easily thanks to the pivoting arm | Can only carry 60 pounds | Click to check price |
| 5 |   | Swagman RV Approved Dispatch Hitch Bike Rack | Vertical columns can be folded down when not in use | Very pricey | Click to check price |
| 6 |   | Swagman RV Approved 2-Bike Bumper Bike Rack | Can fit many different bike configurations | Can only carry 60 pounds | Click to check price |
| 7 |   | Swagman RV Approved Around the Spare Deluxe Bike Rack | Can be installed around spare tires and has anti-sway cradles | The straps are not very durable | Click to check price |
| 8 |   | Stromberg Carlson Products Bike Bunk | Can carry up to 100 pounds | Difficult to install (doesn’t fit all RVs) | Click to check price |
| Avoid this one |   | Swagman RV Approved Ladder Bicycle Rack | Lightweight and easy to install | Not very durable | Click to check price |
You may have noticed it’s mostly Swagman. That’s because they’re one of the only triple A brands to actually put a bit of focus on RV-rated bike racks, and have been for many years.
How We Select the Best RV Bike Racks
When you know all the features below, finding the best RV bike rack isn’t as hard as you think:
1. Quality
Buying a bike rack is all about quality. On online sales sites, you should read customer reviews to find out the quality of the product. It will be based on what previous customers have experienced, the advantages and disadvantages. You’ll need this info before making a decision.
2. Number of Bicycles: 2 bikes or 4 bikes!
There’s a specific capacity for each rack you’re looking at. At the moment, most bikes on the market can carry two. Depending on your needs, you can pick one that can hold more bicycles. Multiple bike models are available.
3. Price
There are all kinds of RV bike racks to choose from. When choosing bike racks, consider your budget. Consider ladder ladders if you want something cheap and simple. Reviewing your budget will make the options easier. Shopping for bike racks starts with a budget. You don’t need the most expensive products to get the best.
4. Bicycle size
Depending on how big the bike is, you’ll have to make a decision. You might have trouble using a stand that isn’t adjustable, and it may not be safe. You won’t have any problems if you choose an adjustable bike rack.
5. Material
You can simplify installation and use by using very light materials. However, they aren’t very durable. You’ll be able to use better, heavier materials for a longer time. To help prevent corrosion, most materials have a powder coating. You should choose good materials, though, to avoid trouble.
Simple criteria, but they’re reliable ones that’ll help you get the best value for your money.
Now let’s get into more detail on the best RV bike racks this year.
Swagman RV Approved Traveler XC2 Bike Rack
Pros
- Comes with two different mounting systems
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons:
- May be tricky to install
- Looks a bit thin
Among all the hitch mount racks on the market, we’d probably choose Swagman Traveler XC2 RV Bike Rack. In our opinion, this has too many cool features to not pick it.
Swagman offers a lifetime warranty on this traveler rack. This tells us they’re confident and rely on their own product. Also, it’s easy to install and powder coated for a great finish. That’s what makes it corrosion-free and durable.
Traveler XC2 bike rack for RV comes in two versions: hitch receiver and bumper mount. Place it on a bumper rack to make it more visible on a particular day.
You can change the wheel hoops on the Traveler XC2 bike rack, and it has a ratcheting arm for more protection. By sliding the hoop, you can fit different wheels.
Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack
Pros
- Folds down when not in use
- Quick and simple installation
Cons:
- Can only carry up to 60 pounds
- Not very durable
With some stellar features, Camco’s new bike rack for RV is a steal at an affordable price. Here’s our top ladder mount rack pick.
Camco RV Ladder Mount Racks are easy to install and come with installation add-ons if you have difficulty. Those extra straps will keep your rack secure, and the tight cradles will keep it in place.
To avoid damage during close turns, make sure your rack is higher than the bumper mounted height. Even though this rack’s capacity might be too low for some, its easy folding and unfolding system makes it very convenient to use.
Quick Products RV bumper-mounted 2-Bike Rack
Pros
- Highly adjustable to suit any bike
- Quick and easy installation
Cons:
- May have shipping problems
There are two parts to this bike rack. They’re both powder-coated, which prevents corrosion and made of heavy gauge steel. They’ll survive whatever the weather can throw at them because the coating is good.
Designed for continuous steel RV bumpers between 4 and 4.5 inches wide, this rack fits them. There are eight bolts that attach it to the bumper. Four U-clamps are attached by two bolts each.
It fits most bikes and frames because each rack can be moved inside or outside of the bumper. Fat bikes or bikes with tires bigger than 29″ are the only exceptions.
This rack can hold 60 pounds, which is 30 pounds per bike. This is something we say all the time, but it’s worth repeating; we think this is too low. Don’t buy some bikes without checking them out first.
It’s super easy to load the rack. Make sure you load the heavier bike first when loading the rack. Plus, load it the other way around. It’ll give you more stability when you move. If you want even more stability, tie the wheels and frames around the upright steel bar with a strap.
Surco Ladder Mounted Bike Rack
Pros
- Access ladders easily thanks to the pivoting arm
- Good quality and durability
Cons:
- Low weight capacity
- Looks thin and flimsy
The bike rack is of high quality. You can fit two bikes on it, and it’s made from aluminum. Aluminum is corrosion-free, which is one of its great advantages. Also, it’s highly polished, so it looks cool.
Our favorite ladder attachment mechanism is on the Surco 501BR Ladder Mounted Bike Rack, and it’s quick to install. Better yet, once it’s secured, it won’t move.
There are rubber straps to keep the bikes in place on the two bike rack arms. It’s easy to tighten and deploy the straps. Furthermore, they’re durable and likely to last for a long time.
Cradles hold bikes by their seat tubes. In other words, the front wheels will be facing downwards and resting against the ladder. It’s a good idea to get some ties so you can tether the front wheels to the ladder since there are none provided.
Our favorite part is that the arms can be folded back against your RV’s back when not in use. You can adjust them in seconds and it’s worth it.
The 60lb weight limit isn’t our favorite. It’s something we’ve complained about before, and we’ll complain again. You might think a 60lb weight limit is fine now, but what about when you buy a new bike that’s heavier?
We see it as a potential problem.
Swagman RV Approved Dispatch Hitch Bike Rack
Pros
- Can carry up to 90 pounds
- Vertical columns can be folded down when not in use
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Heavy
Another Swagman bike rack that’s high-quality.
You can mount the Dispatch bike rack to your RV using either the 2″ hitch mount receiver or directly on your bumper. You can use it on other vehicles besides RVs this way.
There are a few upgrades and improvements to the Swagman Dispatch bike rack. Weight carrying capacity goes from 30lbs to 45lbs, which is one of the biggest upgrades.
Most recreational bikes can easily tip over 35 pounds, no doubt about it. As a result, you can carry just about any bike you want with the extra 15lbs. E-bikes, cruisers, and heavier mountain bikes all fall into this category.
This weight limit is awesome, we can’t thank you enough.
There’s also a tie-down ratchet strap on the redesigned wheel trays. So there’s less chance of moving or wobbling.
Also, the wheel trays move more freely on the frame. Having a wider range means you can haul more bikes and wheels. The Swagman Dispatch can handle any bike with wheels 16″ to 29″ wide.
There are a few things that don’t change, like the solid steel frame and the powerful ratchet arm. The mast can also be folded down when it’s not in use.
I really like this rack, and it’s worth the extra money over more basic models.
Swagman RV Approved 2-Bike Bumper Bike Rack
Pros
- Can fit many different bike configurations
- Quick and easy installation
Cons:
- Can only carry 60 pounds
- Looks thin
Here’s another well-made, heavy-duty steel RV bike rack that’s affordable. There’s no doubt that it’s one of the best RV bike racks you can buy right now. We reviewed a number of Swagman bike racks and this was the least expensive among them.
Swagman RV Approved 2-Bike Bumper Racks attach to the bumper of your RV, as the name implies. With just four ‘U’ bolts, you can install it on any RV with a solid continuous steel bumper measuring between 4 and 4.5 inches.
With two sets of wheel trays, it leaves a stable platform. Lifting your bikes onto the frame is easy with this system since the rack is close to the ground.
Because the wheel trays can be moved separately, you can mount just about any bike on this rack. Loosen the bolts, reposition the trays, and tighten them up. Obviously, this isn’t a quick process, and it’s not something you’ll do often, but it’s still an option.
While you’re moving, the rack doesn’t move laterally. A steel bar provides extra stability at the back of the rack. Additionally, it can be used to secure bikes further with straps. Unfortunately, there are no securing straps included.
Swagman RV Approved Around the Spare Deluxe Bike Rack
Pros
- Can be installed around spare tires
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Straps are not durable
- May have to spend extra to replace the straps with stronger ones
Despite being affordable, this bike rack still has all the Swagwan quality you expect. The solid frame of this bumper mounted bike rack is powder-coated to keep it corrosion-free.
Fits RVs with four- to four-and-a-half-inch solid steel welded bumpers. All you need is a wrench to mount it, and it takes about five minutes.
You get minimal sway once you’re in position. Because the front wheels aren’t secured to the bikes’ frames or the rack, you may only get movement from them. Strap the front wheels to one of them with some sort of strap.
Unlike other racks, this one fits around the spare wheel’s back. The upper part of the bike rack can be easily removed for storage at home or inside your RV when it’s not in use.
There’s no way to mount it on a hitch mount receiver. It’s only compatible with bumpers. As a result, you can’t use it on another vehicle, which is a negative. Given its low price, we’re sure you won’t mind.
Bike cradles hold bikes and are fastened in place using rubber straps and buttons like Swagman Dispatch. Just one hand is all you need to secure the straps.
We’re not crazy about the 30-pound weight limit per bike. That’s too low in our opinion, and you can’t carry many different bikes with that.
The bike cradle fits any size bike, with any size wheels, because bikes are held in place exclusively by their frames.
Stromberg Carlson Products Bike Bunk
Pros
- Can carry up to 100 pounds of weight
- Protects bike and vehicle with generous padding
Cons:
- Quite heavy
For over 20 years, Stromberg has been making RV accessories. Top-quality RV accessories and tools have earned them a reputation around the world. For a reliable way to carry your bikes in your RV, we found their LA-102 1-Inch Bike Rack.
You can haul up to two bikes safely and securely with this rack. Your bikes will have enough space to avoid hitting and scratching each other during transit with a maximum distance of 9 inches between the two cradles.
This rack secures to your RV ladder and doesn’t rattle, as it’s designed to be secured in place. With its pins, you can easily pull your RV ladder up and down once it’s installed.
This aluminum ladder is lightweight but sturdy, matching your RV ladder’s rust- and corrosion-proof finish. Almost all RV ladders can be mounted with this universal ladder rack.
Swagman RV Approved Ladder Bicycle Rack
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Comes with generous protective padding
Cons:
- Not very durable
- Not applicable when RV doesn’t have a ladder
Compared to a regular car, RVs put a lot more strain on the bike rack. That’s why they make all their racks to handle RVs. Swagman’s ladder rack is another RV-approved rack that’s been tested and proven to withstand RV use.
With the easy-to-use rack, you can transport two bikes to wherever you want. You can easily mount it to your RV ladder with its reliable hooks. It also comes with two rubber straps to keep your bike and rack in place.
The dual-arm design makes this rack great for hauling bikes securely. Furthermore, the rack has soft cradles to keep your bike securely in place.
Summary: Our Final Results and Picks for the Best RV Bike Racks Per Section
There are clearly a lot of RV bike racks in the market but we’ve identified the best price points for each bike rack so you don’t have to. Click the link on the bike rack that you’re most interested in to check the price because it’s bound to be on sale this time of the year.
| Brand and Model | Why we liked it | Link to Purchase | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | | Swagman RV Approved Traveler XC2 Bike Rack | Can fold down when not in use, high quality build | Click to check price |
| Runner-up | | Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack | Great quality and super easy to install | Click to check price |
| Also Consider | | Quick Products RV bumper-mounted 2-Bike Rack | Very versatile and adjustable to fit all kinds of bikes. Even electric ones | Click to check price |
People Also Ask
What is the best brand for RV Bike Rack?
One of the most trusted brands when it comes to making top-notch bike racks is Swagman, as you might have guessed from our review of the 9 best RV bike racks. Their racks are strong and distinctive, and they come in a bunch of different colors. Swagman delivers what it promises.
Lippert and Quick make racks that are similarly durable and secure. These brands are built to last, with unique features and well-built finishes. In contrast, Camco builds ladder mount racks that are affordable and secure.
Does a bike rack obstruct access to other parts of the RV?
Your bike size and the type of rack you choose will determine whether certain parts of your RV are obstructed. Unlike ladder mount bike racks, bumper mount bike racks leave the rear part of your vehicle free. There’s no ladder with ladder mounts. That means you might have a hard time getting to the ladder when you want.
When you’re using easy folding racks, you don’t have to worry about the rear of your car getting obstructed. A spare tire mount, on the other hand, mounts the bikes by the wheels. Nothing on the RV is obstructed.
How do you install a bike rack for RV?
Your RV model determines how you can install a bike rack. You can install all three types of bike racks for RVs yourself because they’re easy and straightforward.
Don’t forget to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure you’ve got all the hardware you need.
Summary: Our Final Results and Picks for the Best RV Bike Racks Per Section
There are clearly a lot of RV bike racks in the market but we’ve identified the best price points for each bike rack so you don’t have to. Click the link on the bike rack that you’re most interested in to check the price because it’s bound to be on sale this time of the year.
| Brand and Model | Why we liked it | Link to Purchase | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | | Swagman RV Approved Traveler XC2 Bike Rack | Can fold down when not in use, high quality build | Click to check price |
| Runner-up | | Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack | Great quality and super easy to install | Click to check price |
| Also Consider | | Quick Products RV bumper-mounted 2-Bike Rack | Very versatile and adjustable to fit all kinds of bikes. Even electric ones | Click to check price |
RV owners know that time on the road is just as important as the destination itself when it comes to enjoying their RV. RV trips can last days, weeks, or even months if you have your bikes with you. That’s when a quality RV bike rack comes in handy.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. RV bike racks make all the difference. You don’t have to worry about your RV or bike getting damaged. If it’s compatible, your bikes are ready to go. Now, why not find out What Makes a Bike Rack RV Approved?
