We have a 2021 G.D 5er and it has a factory hitch on the rear, any recommendations for a stout bike rack for the rear? We will have 2 adult and 2 kids bikes. We had a thule 4 bike rack that was about 10 years old that failed, I don't think it was overloaded just think it wasn't built very well.

 

Just make sure it is "RV approved." Swagman has some, one of which we've used for six years full-time with zero issues (though we only carry our two bikes). etrailer.com carries bike racks and can tell you which are and aren't suitable for use on an RV.

Rob

 

We use a Yakima Longhaul on the back of our 337RLS. It is “RV approved”. We have about 15,000 miles using it, and so far nary a problem.

 

We used this style of Thule on the pick-up for 20k miles before moving it to the rear of the 5th wheel for 35k miles and not all highway miles, some pretty rough forest roads. Never an issue and would look at the Thule brand again.

 

Definitely go with a platform rack. The traditional rack where the bikes hang are more prone to failure because of the additional leverage due to bouncing that happens on the rear of the trailer.

Also, if your hitch isn't a 2" receiver, I'd think twice about putting rack on. Just too much flex.

 

Great points!

 

We bought this Swagman unit which is one of several they have that are RV Approved and warranted accordingly. It is a very solid unit and they have a unique threaded hitch receiver pin that eliminates all slop within the hitch itself. Very sturdy and we regularly carry 3 mountain bikes on it mounted on the back of our GD Reflection.

 

This is the swagman we purchased.

https://www.explosivepowersports.com...utm_medium=cse

 

For those with a 4" square bumper and concerned about bouncing and leverage breaking the welds, there are bolt in solutions for reinforcement if you are not a welder.


We have driven 10's of thousands of miles with bikes on our 5th wheel bumper. I wouldn't even think about it if it were not for the reinforcement brackets though. I am not a welder and even if I were I would be more of a grinder.

 

Not for everyone, I know but this is what works for me with no worries of bounce and less chance of theft. While traveling it amazes us when we see the rear bike racks on some campers, usually swaying back and forth up & down.
I made the reciever mount myself and is bolted to the pinbox. It is a tilting/folding 4 bike Thule rack I got years ago.

 

that is a real nice setup but I am running a goosebox so I wouldn’t be able
to mount it like you have it.

 

There is nothing like a 1UP rack for design, quality and ease of use. They are pricey, but worth it.

 

They only haul upto 2 bikes. He needs 4 bike rack. I found it online and immediately thought Erector Set.

 

I've never heard of these, but they really do look nice. Thanks!

It appears you actually can hold four bikes on a 1UP, with accessories: https://www.1up-usa.com/

 

I see now. Thanks!