One of the best parts about camping is getting out and exploring the campground you are staying at and the surrounding areas. My favorite way to do that is riding a bike. However, for most of us, we don’t want to just throw out bikes inside our RV to haul them to the campground. And since our hitch is already occupied with the camper, where can we load the bikes?
Well, there are actually many great options for RV ladder bike racks available and they come in many different varieties. No matter what type of camper you have (toy hauler, travel trailer, 5th wheel) there is an option that should work for your setup.
Types of RV and Camper Bike Racks
Below you will find the different options you have available to you and a brief explanation of how each attaches to your rv. We also give some options for what we feel are the best rv bike racks available.
RV Ladder Bike Rack
The first option is a ladder mount bike rack for Rvs. The concept is pretty simple, the bike rack attaches securely to the ladder on the back of your RV. There are two versions; one that connects directly to the ladder and one that sits on the ladder with hooks.
An RV Ladder Bike Rack is a perfect solution for transporting bikes with you on your RV trips. Most ladder bike racks are produced for travel trailers, SUVs, and motor vans. There are certain factors to consider when choosing an RV ladder bike rack. The first and one of the main factors is size. Before buying a certain rack, you should measure the height, width, and style of the ladder on your RV. It is also important to check the weight limit. Most RV ladder bike racks are capable of holding a 250-pound load, but it is better to double-check the weight rate of your ladder.
Ladder bike racks also have a number of benefits, including the following:
- They provide more space that allows to bring more bikes
- Reduced injury risk. Loading and unloading with a ladder bike rack are much easier and therefore safer. As a result, this type of rack is characterized by a lower risk of back injuries.
- Secure storage. A ladder rack is secure and eliminates movement and slips while driving.
In most cases these camper ladder bike racks are going to hold 2 bikes so it may not be the best option if you are looking to take more than 2 bikes. If this is the case for you, then keep scrolling for more options.
Best RV Ladder Bike Rack
Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack
Camper Bumper Bike Rack
A camper bumper bike rack is attached to the towing frame of a pop-up camper. They can safely transport your bikes behind an RV, 5th wheel, or camper. Choosing the right bumper bike rack can be a real challenge, but with the right information, you will be able to pick the right one for you. There are certain things you should consider before buying a certain camper bumper bike rack. You should ask yourself the following questions:
- What types of bikes and how many of them do you want to bring?
- What kind of accessibility do you want to have?
- What is the compatibility of your camper?
- How do you want to mount your bike?
This type of bike rack has a number of benefits, including the following:
- Strength and durability. Most bumper bike racks have steel construction that resists corrosion.
- It is easy to use
- It supports different frames, bike sizes, and wheels.
Best Camper Bumper Bike Rack
Quick Products RV Bumper-Mounted 2-Bike Rack
Popup Camper Bike Rack
In contrast to other types of bike racks, a popup camper bike rack works by attaching your bike to the place on your towing vehicle or popup camper. One of the most popular types of popup camper bike racks is hitch mounted version. The best benefit of using a popup camper bike rack is that it can be used on a tow vehicle when the trailer is not attached. That means you can easily take your bikes anywhere.
The main advantages of popup camper bike racks include the capacity to hold up to 4 bikes at a time, a quick and simple way of loading and unloading the bikes, strength, and durability, no fuel consumption or main airflow, affordability compared to other types of bike racks, and easy maintenance.
When you are choosing the best bike racks for pop up camper you want to make sure you are getting the best one, there are certain things you need to take into consideration. Here is what you need to consider:
- The amount and type of bikes you are taking with you.
- The accessibility you will need.
- Your preferred method of mounting your bikes to the camper
- The models of popup camper that will be compatible with the type and model of your camper.
Best Popup Camper Bike Rack
Swagman STRADDLER Trailer Hitch Mount Adapter
RV Bumper Bike Rack
Bumper bike racks are the racks that are mounted directly to the bumper of your RV. This helps save a significant amount of storage, especially if you are traveling with a smaller RV like a Class C or a teardrop camper. Bumper Bike Racks are considered one of the safest, most aerodynamic, and affordable options to mount your bike. By using this type of rack, you will not add a ton of extra weight or length to your RV. Another advantage of this type of rack is that it is easy to install, and loading and unloading bikes are very simple.
A camper bumper bike rack mounts a bike horizontally. Most models also have a shelf for the bike’s wheels so it can stand up. A bumper bike rack is a perfect choice for RVs with a 4 inch x 4 inch or 4 and a half x 4 and a half inch continuously welded, steel, and rear bumper. It is important to make sure that a bumper bike rack is a steel construction, otherwise, the bumper of your RV may not be strong enough to support the weight of your bikes and the rack itself.
BestRV Bumper Bike Rack
Swagman RV Approved 4-Bike Bumper Rack
RV Hitch Bike Rack
It is a type of rack that slides into the receiver of a trailer hitch on your RV. This type of rack has a number of advantages over other types of racks, including the following:
- Easiness to load and unload bikes
- A large variety of styles
- Better aerodynamic compared to roof-mounted racks
- No overhead clearance problem with garage doors, which is quite common among roof-mounted bike racks
- Better security compared to trunk-mounted racks
- Compared to trunk-mounted racks, works with more RV models.
There are two types of hitch bike racks, such as platform bike racks and hanging bike racks. While hanging racks offer a better cost value, platform hitch bike racks are easier to use. In general, hitch racks are great for those who want an affordable and easy option to mount their bikes.
Best RV Hitch Bike Rack
CURT Clamp-On Trailer Hitch Bike Rack Mount, 3 Bicycles
Camper Tongue Bike Rack
Camper Tongue Bike Rack is the type of rack that is mounted at the front of the RV. In many cases, this is a custom setup that requires design prowess and some metal working. In comparison to other types of racks, this type boasts convenience and peace of mind. It can be difficult though to find a tongue rack that will fit your RV. Therefore, before buying this type of rack you need to make sure that it will fit your motorhome or camper. Also, a tongue bike rack is considered a more expensive option than others.
It is also important to know and take into consideration that tongue racks have a limited weight capacity.
Best Camper Tongue Bike Rack
Futura GP RV Bike Rack for Travel Trailer Tongue A-Frame
