Making the wilderness more accessible is what RV life is all about. Find that perfect spot by the placid lake or on a scenic mountainside. Once you park, it’s time for some non-motorized fun on the bike. Perhaps your destination is isolated and rustic, without access to rentals, or you have your own perfect custom bike that goes everywhere with you. Luckily, there are a lot of stylish, dependable bike racks out there to suit any RV out there.
Video source: John Marucci
What to Consider When Purchasing a Bike Rack
There are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing a bike rack. It’s important that you not only choose the right one for your RV, but that you select one that will work with your bikes. When making the selection consider:
- The type of rack
- Where it mounts
- How many bikes you have and what sizes
Let’s dive a little deeper into each of these factors.
Choosing the Right Rack: Wheel or Frame?
There are two basic kinds of bike racks: those that hold the bikes by the tires and ones that are fastened to the bicycle frame. The wheel mounted rack, although adjustable, sometimes has problems accommodating bikes of different sizes. A rack that holds the bike by the frame is more common as it can carry several bikes of varying sizes at once.
Where to Mount Your Rack
Thanks to the natural chemistry that exists between the worlds of RVing and cycling, there is a myriad of different bike racks to suit any RV, bike, or terrain. There are racks you can hitch up to your bumper, the front of your RV, ladder, or the trailer hitch. There are pros and cons to each.
- Bumper: Keeping your bikes on your front or rear bumper gives you easy access. Using a front bumper mount also keeps your motorhome rear and hitch free if you need to tow something.
- Front: Front mounts, also called A-frame mounts, sit on top of the tongue of your travel trailer. These can be a little harder to get to than bumper mounts.
- Ladder: These are typically super easy to install and free up your bumper space if you have other things to haul.
- Trailer hitch: Hitch mounts are the most popular choice. They install quickly using an existing hitch, are simple to access and reach, and fit on most rigs.
Consider the Number of Bikes
Lastly, you need to consider the amount of bikes you have and the size. Make sure you buy one that will accommodates the number of cycles you want to bring.
If you’re hauling children’s bikes or ones with wide tires, make sure that they will fit.
Best RV Bike Racks
Still need help deciding? Here are some of the best-selling and highest rated RV bike racks on the market.
Hitch/Bumper Mount Wheel Rack
This XC Bike Rack can be mounted on either the hitch or bumper and can hold two bicycles. The bikes will be mounted by the tires.
Price: $200.99 at Camping World
Ladder Mount Bike Rack
Free up your hitch and bumper space with this rack, which hangs from your RV’s roof access ladder. It attaches in seconds without any tools and can carry up to two bikes. This model also comes with tie-straps for extra security.
Price: $50.99 at Camping World
Hitch Mounted Rack
This lightweight rack is perfect for occasional use and can hold up to four bikes (with a maximum combined weight of 100 lbs). The rack fits with most hitches, holds the bike by the frame, and is capable of tilting away from the vehicle if you need to get the bikes out of the way.
Price: $195.00 at Swagman.net
Together at Last
When your bike rack of choice is ready to go, it’s time to find a place that combines recreational vehicles with cycling paths. Head east to Maine and Acadia National Park and experience the unique, crushed rock surface of the local carriage roads, which are perfect for cycling.
If a coastal view is more to your liking, go west and travel The Strand on the California coast. Also referred to as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, this trail is 22 miles of paved bike path right on the beach. The Strand also passes by famous landmarks, like the pier at Venice City Beach. There are several RV parks to choose from between where the trail begins at Will Rogers State Beach, and where it ends at Playa del Rey.
Hit the Road (and the Trail)
Biking is a great way to enjoy your RV adventures. Luckily there are plenty of ways to take your trusty aluminum steed with you if you rent an RV on Outdoorsy and roll into the sunset.
