By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, we join Jason Epperson of RV Miles for a discussion of how to haul bikes with an RV.
Jason says that too often, RVers neglect to consider how they will haul bikes and eBikes on their RV trips.
In the video, Jason shares options for hauling bikes if you have a motorhome or a trailer, so all bike lovers can benefit from giving it a watch.
How to haul bikes with a motorhome
Jason says that motorhome owners have it a little easier than trailer owners. That’s because a lot of motorhomes come with a receiver hitch built in. You will want to check the vertical weight rating, which is different than the tow rating, and match it against the eBikes or bikes you want to carry. Beyond that, Jason covers other options for motorhome owners:
• Swing-out bike racks keep the bikes away from the door so the back doors remain usable and easy to access.
• If you tow a vehicle, you can mount the bikes to that.
• Folding bikes take up less space and can be stowed in a tote bin or, in some cases, your pass-through storage.
How to haul bikes with a travel trailer
• In the back of your truck. Jason goes over various ways to do this in the video. Watch the video to see the ramp Jason uses to get their heavy eBikes in and out of the truck.
• Above the propane tanks. Jason says this is probably the best place to mount your bikes. In the video, he covers several options that make it easy to get your bikes up there.
How to haul bikes with a 5th wheel
• On the front of your truck. Jason cautions to never cover bikes on the front of the truck as this would block airflow to the engine.
• Some 5th wheels can support a back receiver hitch, but you must be cautious. See point 17:00 in the video.
How NOT to haul bikes with a travel trailer
Yes, some trailers have back receiver hitches, and there are aftermarket options available. However, Jason says these come with big potential problems including:
• The weight of bikes, coupled with the force of bumps on the road, has been known to rip the bumpers clean off some trailers.
• Installing an aftermarket receiver hitch can potentially void your trailer’s warranty.
• The same goes for RV ladders. They are simply not rated for enough weight.
Therefore, Jason does not recommend hauling bikes on the back of your trailer or 5th wheel. RV dealers say that people mounting things to the back of their RVs is one of the biggest causes of leaks and one of the biggest reasons consumers end up seeking repairs.
Jason also reveals the exact system that he and Abby use; however, know that it’s pricey.
RELATED
- Two good RV e-bike rack and carrier options
- Test ‘driving’ the new Lectric XP4 eBike—big improvements and upgrades
- RV Rider bike rack is made just for RVers
RVDT2696
Thank you for calling attention to the video and reviewing the major points, Cheri! Has RV Travel done a survey of readers to see how many travel with bicycles or electric bicycles? Probably, but I cannot recall if it did. Have a great week and safe travels!
Hi, Neal. Here’s a poll we ran last August regarding e-bikes. Might be time to run another one.🤔 Have a great day! 😀 –Diane
Might want to poll Readers as to how many RV with Recumbent Trikes
Thanks, Max. (My dad’s name, BTW.) I’ll pass your suggestion along to the powers that be, i.e., those who make up the polls. I’m sure we’ve never asked that question before. Have a great day! 😀 –Diane
How about Hauling options for Recumbent Trikes ?
We Tow our Chrysler Pacifica Limited on a Acme EZTow Tow Dolly with the Trikes tucked safely inside the Pacifica, where they’re out of sight, out of mind, out of the weather. Each trike is about 40ish lbs. Plus some 30-40 lbs of riding gear, and tools. So negligible added weight. Our 17 Challenger 37TB with it Trition V10 don’t even know it behind us !
PS your articles are bordering on unreadable, due to the huge number of PoP Up Adds ! Very annoying !