10 Best RV Bike Rack Options for Your Ladder, Bumper, or Hitch in 2024

LOOKING FOR THE BEST RV BIKE RACK FOR YOUR RV OR TRUCK?

You are in the right place because the 10 best bike racks for your RV trip are all featured here. How do we know they are the best? We have done the research and testing to bring you the 10 best options, and they all have excellent reviews. We have also traveled and lived in our camper since 2010 and our bikes come with us.

Some RV bike racks can be cumbersome, difficult to use or expensive but the best RV bike racks provide an easy, convenient, and safe way to tag along with your bikes. Typical bike racks are mounted on your RV and secure your bike using a system of straps but there are a handful of great options and prices.

We share your best options and prices below with our 10 favorite bike racks that we have found from all of our travels and many destinations throughout the United States.

Quick Guide: RV Bike Rack

RV Bike Rack for a Hitch or Bumper

1. Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack

The Allen Sports Hitch Mount Rack is a great rack for the price of your four bikes. Out of the box, you can feel that it’s fairly well-made. It’s constructed from heavy steel and not lightweight, so that should be a plus for durability.

It’s a 4-bike hitch mount rack, which is great for family use. However, I found that bikes will generally mount close together. In most cases, you’ll need to manipulate the pedals, handles, etc., for every bike you add after the first one. You must be mindful of handlebars and pedals, and you’ll most likely get some scratches.

The padded cradles that the bike frames rest on can swivel 360 degrees, which is handy when accommodating the oddly shaped frames. It also saves you from buying extra support bars to use the bike rack.

Allen Sports RV bike rack for the ladder rack uses a tension bolt mounting system, which I find both a pro and a con. The pro is that it keeps the bike rack from rattling inside the hitch and eliminates play in the bike rack swinging.

The con side of the tension bolt, compared to a locking pin, is that it’s a hassle to remove. The tension mounting system isn’t the easiest to place and remove, although it lends to its security.

I also found the available straps and buckles adequate to keep the bikes secured. While the securing straps do not feel great, they function as they should.

The Allen Bike Mount frame support arms can fold down to give the hitch mount a lower profile for easier storage. On top of that, it also swivels down at the lower joint, which is handy when you need to access a hatchback-type SUV rear door.

➡ SHOP Allen Sports Hitch Mount Rack

2. Swagman Bicycle Carrier TRAVELER

If you need a 2-bike rack built to fit on the back of your trailer or 5th wheel, consider the Swagman Traveler Bike rack for an RV bumper. 

One of the benefits of this bike rack for a travel trailer is that it’s RV-approved. It comes with a bumper adapter and works well with various sizes of trailers and campers; it fits class 3″ and 2″ hitch receivers. I’ve also used it on my truck.

Performance-wise, it works like a charm and will hold on to your bikes, including many miles on rough roads. It’s the perfect way to haul your bikes on the back of your camper. You can fit two bikes and enjoy maximum weight support of 70 lbs. On top of that, this camper bike rack accommodates bikes with 20″-29″ wheels and supports tire widths of up to 2.5″.

I recommend a Swagman bike rack for an RV or a fifth-wheel bumper for use in an RV and truck. Since the handlebars are higher than the tailgate, you won’t experience issues with rubbing on the tailgate. It’s also easy to assemble and takes only a few minutes. And when not in use, you can fold it right down to give access to the rear of the RV.

The bumper adapter is rather sturdy, as is the entire camper bike rack assembly. Meanwhile, the inverted U-wheel retainers properly secure your bikes in place. The screw bolts holding the hitch bar ensure no wiggle on the assembly.

Reviewers point out that the handlebars rub against the back of the trailer, but turning the handlebars a couple of inches will help. The biggest downside with this travel trailer bike rack for an RV bumper is that the maximum tire width of 2.5″ is limiting for fat bike owners.

➡ SHOP Swagman Traveler Bike Rack

3. Quick Products QPRBM2R RV Bumper-Mounted

The Quick Products QPRBM2R RV Bumper-Mounted works well for an RV and bumper pull trailer to hold two bikes of any length. Its adjustable mounting can fit unique bike sizes, but the wheel sizes are limited to 29″. It’s great for most standard bikes.

For the price, I don’t think you’ll find anything more robust or safe for hauling your bikes on your RV. The all-steel construction feels sturdy, while the coating helps to mitigate corrosion and extend the rack’s lifespan.

You can also feel confident that your bikes are safe and secure. The heavy-duty straps provide a secure system, while the stabilizer post allows you to fasten your bikes for extra security.

Installing this bike rack for an RV bumper is also a breeze. It’s also ultra-light, which is great for RVers with a lower load restriction on their RV bumper.

Overall, the Quick Products RV bike rack seems like a fantastic bumper hitch and won’t disappoint you.

➡ Quick Products RV Bumper-Mounted Bike Rack

RV Bike Rack for a Ladder

4. Stromberg Carlson Model LA-102 Ladder Mount Bike Rack

The Stromberg Carlson Model LA-102 Ladder Mount Bike Rack is a great solution for RV owners who need extra storage space for their bikes. It can be installed in about 20 minutes.

This bike rack attaches to the RV ladder securely, ensuring a no-rattle experience. This ladder-mounted RV bike rack can carry two bikes and provides a safe and secure way to transport them to your destination.

It’s a perfect solution, especially if you’re worried about limited storage space in your travel trailers for longer trips. Made from aluminum, it matches the no-rust finish of your RV ladder.

The only minor issue with the Stromberg RV bike rack for the ladder is that it’s positioned a bit far over, causing the seat and handlebars to hang out slightly beyond the side of the RV.

But you’ll be impressed with the rack’s sturdiness compared to other options. Plus, the Stromberg bike rack for a travel trailer can be easily moved out of the way, allowing you to climb the ladder at the campsite without hassle.

You can install it all easily and take it on rough back roads with positive results. Overall, the Stromberg Carlson ladder-mounted rack offers a convenient and secure solution for RV owners looking to transport their bikes safely.

➡ SHOP Stromberg Carlson Ladder-Mounted Rack

5. Surco 501BR Ladder Mounted E-Bike Rack

The Surco Ladder RV ladder bike rack is perfect for carrying your bikes on any van or RV with a 1-inch ladder tube! This one-of-a-kind rack has pivoting arms for easy ladder access and securely holds two bikes on padded cradles.

Crafted from high-grade aluminum alongside a sleek satin finish, this RV bike rack for the ladder is durable, lightweight, and fully assembled for your convenience. No need for straps or ladder removal – it’s hassle-free!

The sturdy build with heavy aluminum extrusions and stainless machine screws and rivets ensure reliable performance- while the rubbery straps securely hold your bikes in place, making installation a breeze.

Mounting two bikes vertically on the bike rack for a travel trailer is snap, and the rack works seamlessly with other attachments like kayak racks and storage doors. Though the installation requires patience, the overall experience with this camper bike rack is highly satisfying.

However, some users may find installation challenging, particularly aligning the little bolts in the holes while up on the ladder. Although you can do it with patience, this aspect could be improved for a smoother setup experience.

➡ Surco Ladder RV Ladder Bike Rack

6. Camco RV Ladder Mount Two Bike Rack

The Camco RV Ladder Bike Rack is another convenient and practical solution for RV owners who want to bring their bikes along on their travels. It easily fits onto standard RV ladders and can hold up to 2 standard-sized bikes, with a combined weight limit of 60 lb.

The form-fit cradles properly to hold your bikes in place, ensuring they stay stable during travel. Additional straps provide added security to keep your bikes firmly attached to the rack, and the soft clasp handles and locking pins ensure that the bike rack stays in place while driving.

Another major highlight of this bike rack is its foldable design, which makes it easy to store when not in use. The folding feature adds to its compactness and a great RV bike rack option, allowing it to be conveniently tucked away after use.

This product is easy to use and does not compromise simplicity. The installation process is straightforward, including two tie straps to keep the rack secure.

The hinge for folding can be stiff and may require some effort to operate smoothly. Also, the weight limit is 60 lb, so it may not be suitable for heavier e-bikes.

This travel trailer bike rack is also sturdy and secure for standard-sized bikes and will do the job effectively.

➡ SHOP Camco RV Ladder Bike Rack

RV Bike Rack for an E-Bike 

7. Hollywood Racks RV Bike Rack for 2 E-Bikes

The Hollywood Rider E Bike Rack is a superb solution for your RV, motorhome, fifth-wheel rack, or flat-towed vehicle. This bike rack for an RV is specially designed to safely carry two E-bikes, each weighing up to 80 lbs, with a total load capacity of 160 lbs.

Safety and security are top priorities with this E–bike rack for an RV. It features extra heavy-duty wheel holders, a locking cable, and frame grabbers to keep your bikes in place and deter theft. The bike cargo racks also come with a receiver hitch tightener for added security.

Built with heavy-duty materials and a strong design, this E-bike rack for an RV provides the confidence to travel with heavy electric bikes- thanks to its heavy-duty receiver tube that enhances strength and durability.

The convenience of this best electric bike rack for an RV continues beyond there. When not in use, it folds up neatly for easy storage. Plus, it tilts down when bikes are not mounted, allowing for rear cargo access.

Additionally, this RV-approved bike rack is designed to fit various vehicles. It can be used with SUVs, trucks, and crossovers.

The solid feel and balanced weight are another plus worth mentioning. The keyed locks add a great security feature, and the awesome accessories enhance their practicality.

Whether on the car or the RV, this E–bike rack for an RV performs exceptionally well.

➡ SHOP Hollywood Rider E Bike Rack

8. HYPERAX 2023 Model RV Hitch Mounted 2 E-Bike Rack

Introducing the Volt RV 2023 – an exclusive design for RV owners!

This e-bike rack for an RV features a strengthened hitch mount designed to fit Class 3 or higher hitch receivers, ensuring extra safety on the road. It can handle the extra weight of the electric bikes with a total capacity of 160 lbs. This E–bike rack for an RV can support up to 80 pounds per e-bike.

It’s compatible with various bikes, including mountain, electric, and road bikes, with up to 5-inch fat tires and up to a 58-inch wheelbase. 

The whole thing is well-made and nicely packaged. It’s easy to assemble with clear instructions, and the powder coating adds a nice touch. While it may require adjustments to fit various bike sizes, the Hyperax bike rack for an RV hitch offers a secure and safe solution for carrying e-bikes.

Regarding safety, this travel trailer bike rack features co-injected spineless rubberized ratcheting hooks with die-cast metal housing, securing the bike’s frame without scrabbling the metal surface.

Dual key locks prevent theft, and adjustable universal heavy-duty wheel holders accommodate E-bikes of different sizes. Plastic ratchet straps tighten the wheels.

An additional security strap ensures the bikes stay firmly in place. And when not in use, the integrated storage hook lets you hang the rack on the wall, saving valuable space.

➡ SHOP HYPERAX RV Hitch Mounted 2 E-Bike Rack

RV Bike Rack for a Van 

9. Thule Elite Van XT Bike Rack

The Thule Elite Van XT is a sturdy, user-friendly bike rack designed specifically for vans.

One of its standout features is the quick and hassle-free installation process- it doesn’t require drilling. You can have it ready to use in no time, which is great, especially when you’re on the go and want to hit the road with your bikes securely mounted.

The smart design of the Elite Van XT makes loading your bikes a breeze. It offers 7.5″ of space between the bike trays, allowing for easy loading and safe transport of your bicycles.

The bike rack comes with detachable arms that lock your bikes in place, providing added security during travel (locks are sold separately). Adjusting the wheel holders is simple, ensuring your bikes are firmly positioned for a smooth journey.

Moreover, the Thule Elite Van XT RV ladder bike rack comes in a sleek black version, perfectly complementing vans with a sporty, off-road look. Additionally, this travel trailer bike rack is clamped and glued onto the vehicle, eliminating the need for drilling and making it easy to remove when not in use. 

Whether going on a short weekend trip or an extended outdoor adventure, this bike rack for a van provides a reliable and versatile solution to transport your bikes securely.

➡ SHOP Thule Elite Van XT

10. Young 2-Bike Rack Mount Platform for Minivans

The Young 2-Bike Rack Mount is another van bike rack designed with safety and security in mind, featuring soft padded hooks that securely hold your bikes in place without scratching the paint.

The included hitch tightener ensures a snug fit for different bike frame sizes, preventing swaying during transport. Additionally, the rear safety reflector enhances visibility in dark conditions, adding an extra layer of safety.

You can easily fold the bike rack for an RV hitch to save space after use, making it suitable for garage parking. The quick-release tilt-down feature enhances easy access to the trunk without removing the hitch rack, saving you time and effort.

With a total capacity of 200 lbs, this Van bike rack can transport up to 100 lbs per bike. The universal tire holders and wheel straps accommodate mountain and road bikes with up to 5-inch fat tires and 20″ to 29″ tire sizes. The travel trailer bike rack can fit bikes with a max wheelbase of 58″.

Young Fifth wheel bike rack is highly sturdy and reliably transports bikes, including e-bikes, and mountain bikes, even at high speeds on the freeway.

This rack for an RV is a budget-friendly solution that efficiently serves its primary purpose.

➡ SHOP Young 2-Bike Rack Mount

Factors When Selecting an RV Bike Rack

The ideal RV bike rack is more than just one that can accommodate your family bikes. There are other important factors to consider when selecting the best RV bike rack. And in the section below, I’ll highlight the important aspect to consider in your next RV bike rack purchase.

RV Approved Bike Rack

Many RVers often think that their regular car bike rack can double as an RV bike rack. Unfortunately, that’s further from the truth; an ideal RV bike rack should be RV-approved.

You see, RVs usually have different handling than that of regular cars. The long distance between the RV seat and the rear wheels magnifies the bumps on the road and increases the bounce. It means anything mounted on the RV experiences more significant force than it would on a car or SUV. Additionally, RVs have a less sophisticated suspension system and can therefore be rougher.

So, the ideal bike rated for RVs should be optimized to withstand these forces. It should be engineered with specific weight, size, and shape considerations and increased stability features to keep your bikes from bouncing, shaking, and falling off.

Unlike the traditional bike racks, RV-approved bike racks and bike racks for a travel trailer can absorb a fair amount of “bounce” to keep your bikes from falling off your trailer or damaging your RV.

Durability

An accessory that will spend most of its time outdoors needs to be heavy-duty and durable. Normally, the choice of material usually determines how durable and strong an RV bike rack is.

I recommend you pick bike racks constructed out of metal. Galvanized steel and aluminum alloys are great options since they remain sturdy and can withstand exposure to elements. On top of that, they’re long-lasting and can serve you for a long time.

Where You Will Mount It

The other big consideration is a type of RV bike rack. Usually, the type of RV bike rack refers to the RV bike rack’s design and determines the placement of the rack.

Generally, there are three main RV bike rack designs:

• Bike rack for an RV ladder
• Hitch RV bike rack mount
• RV bumper bike rack mount

Ladder RV Bike Rack Mount

Ladder mount RV bike racks, simply referred to as ladders racks, hook to the rungs of an existing RV ladder. I love ladder mounts because they work well with most RV ladders.

 A bike rack for an RV ladder doesn’t obstruct the trailer hitch and is a great option for RVers who want to mount their bikes and leave their hitch free for towing.

Other pros with the ladder mounts are they’re generally inexpensive, easier to install, and perfect for RVers who don’t want to install a bike rack for an RV hitch or bumper.

But there are some downsides to the ladder mounts. The biggest one is they generally have a lower weight capacity, and most can only accommodate two bikes. They might be perfect for a solo traveler or two, but beyond that, they may not be as handy.

The other downside of a bike rack for an RV ladder is that it requires you to take down the rack when you need to use the ladder. It’s not a great fit for those who need to use the ladder frequently.

Bumper RV Bike Rack Mounts

Bumper RV rack mounts, also known as RV bumper bike racks, are mounted on the RV bumper. One of the biggest benefits of a bumper mount is that it secures your bike in a low position, and therefore, they don’t obstruct your rear view or backup camera.

Unfortunately, the bumper racks can’t be installed on the OEM RV bumper. They require you to weld a solid metal bumper for this purpose.

Another downside is their capacity is limited to two bikes, which is a bummer for RVers traveling as a family. Depending on the design of the bumper rack, they may or not allow you to access your travel trailer hitch.

Hitch RV Bike Rack

Our final bike rack, the hitch mount rack, is usually mounted on the trailer hitch. And so, they’re only as useful if you don’t need to use your trailer or tow vehicle. Plus, having a hitch with a hitch receiver is necessary if you need to use a hitch mount.

Generally, most hitch receivers sport a 2′ diameter, but other sizes are also different.

The biggest benefit of a bike rack for an RV hitch is its huge capacity. They can support a greater weight than all other RV rack models, and depending on the design, they can secure up to five bikes.

Bike Capacity

Understanding the capacity of your camper bike rack is important, and in this context, there are two main metrics: the number of bikes and the total amount of weight your rack can support.

Regarding the number of bikes, you must choose a bike rack that can accommodate all your bikes. For example, if you’re a family of four, and everyone has a bike, you must pick a bike rack that can accommodate at least four bikes.

Meanwhile, regarding the total bike weight, you need to pick a camper bike rack that can hold the combined bike weight. A bike rack can have enough spots to hold all your bike collection, but it is worthless if it can’t hold its total combined weight.

Generally, most bikes weigh between 20-30 pounds. So, if you plan to strap four bikes, your bike rack should have a minimum weight capacity of at least 120 pounds.

The weight factor is particularly a sensitive metric for RVers with e-bikes. Average e-bikes tend to weigh two to three times more than traditional bikes. Fortunately, we’ve highlighted some of the best e-bike RV bike racks.

Ease of Use

The ease of use is an important criterion when selecting your RV rack. Ideally, the best bike rack for an RV  should be convenient to live with. Generally, the ease of use boils down to two main aspects size and weight.

The bigger bike racks can accommodate more weight and have a higher capacity. But even with the big size, the ideal RV bike rack should have a modular design. It should be able to fold up and compact nicely to smaller designs for storage.

Regarding the weight, your bike rack should be lightweight but without compromising durability and functionality. A lighter and compact RV bike rack is easier to handle.

Security

The primary role of an RV bike rack is to secure your bikes on your RV. And therefore, the best bike rack for an RV should be sturdy and provide all the safety mechanisms to keep your bikes from falling.

From experience, the safest bike rack for a camper incorporates wiggle-free attachments that don’t require extra straps or bungees. However, if you’re still concerned with the safety aspects, it makes sense to integrate aftermarket locking pins.

Clearance & Dimensions

Finally, you must consider the clearance and dimensions of your RV bike rack. The horizontal clearance is particularly important if the rear of your RV is curved or extends past the rear axle. Also, take the point of the horizontal rear clearance if your RV has a rear-mounted spare tire.

Regarding the dimensions, understand that although there are racks that can accommodate multiple bikes, the number of bikes can be limited by the space between the mounting points. If your RV bike rack has narrow spaces between the mounting points, the different bike handlebars, pedal height, and frame sizes may limit the number of bikes a rack can hold.

Other Considerations

Finally, consider the extra features you need for your bike rack for a camper. Most extra features are usually convenience features. For example, if you plan to strap an e-bike, consider a bike rack compatible with wider tires.

FAQ: Best Bike Rack For An RV

Is It Safe To Put a Bike Rack on an RV?

Yes, it’s safe to put a bike rack on an RV. The key thing to remember when choosing a bike rack for a camper is that it should be RV-approved. It should have safety features and, more importantly, be engineered to meet the grueling demands of RV riding and handling.

What Is the Best Way to Carry a Bike In an RV?

There are three main ways in which you can mount your bike on an RV. They include ladder mounting, hitch mounting, and bumper mounting. Each mounting design has its pros and cons and is suited for specific uses over the other.

Why Are Some Bike Racks Not Suitable For RVs?

The traditional/regular car bike racks are usually not optimized for RV use. They weigh more and aren’t certified to handle the extra bouncy conditions on the back of an RV.

How Do You Install a Bike Rack on an RV?

Different bike racks have different installation methods, so it’s always important to refer to the user manual. However, installation is usually effortless, and most bike racks usually come with the components required for installation.

Conclusion: RV Bike Rack

An RV bike rack is a convenient upgrade to any RV, especially for RVers who enjoy exploring outdoors using their bikes camping or while traveling the U.S. However, there are important aspects you must consider before purchasing an RV bike rack.

You can choose the ladder, hitch, or bumper-mounted RV bike racks, depending on your needs. On top of that, you must also consider the weight rating, capacity, and ease of use. Some of these racks will go on the back of an RV motorhome or their towed passenger car, or you can even make space for them to be front-mounted RV bike racks.

There are a lot of different configurations, and these are some of the best you will find.