What Are Bumper RV Bike Racks?
Many travel trailers, pop-up campers, and smaller RVs don’t come with a hitch receiver for attaching a bike rack. Thankfully, there are solutions to fit your needs.
One option is to add a bumper hitch receiver, such as the Towever Bumper Hitch Receiver (Amazon link), which clamps onto your RV’s bumper. This allows you to use a standard RV hitch-mounted bike rack. Another option is to go with a bumper-mounted bike rack, which attaches directly to the bumper with no hitch receiver.
Bumper-mounted bike racks are a simpler, more affordable alternative to receiver hitch racks. They work well for many RVers, especially those who want a straightforward solution.
I personally use a bumper-mounted RV bike rack on my travel trailer. I chose this option because I didn’t want to install a hitch receiver and needed a rack that could accommodate my spare tire. Installation was quick and hassle-free, and it securely holds our two large mountain bikes. It’s been a reliable choice, and we’ve had no issues so far.
Related Product: Check out the Swagman Bumper Bike Rack (click to view on Amazon) here.
What Are Ladder RV Bike Racks?
For RVs lacking a hitch receiver, bumper-mounted bike racks offer a practical solution. These racks attach directly to the RV’s bumper, providing a straightforward method to transport bicycles.
For RVs without suitable bumpers, ladder-mounted bike racks are an alternative. These racks attach to the RV’s ladder, allowing bikes to hang vertically. This design is beneficial for RVs with limited rear space or when a bumper-mounted rack isn’t feasible. However, accessing the ladder may be restricted when bikes are mounted.
Summary (Links to Amazon)
- Best for RVs with Bumper Mounted Spare Tires – Swagman Around The Spare Delux RV Bike Rack
- Best Bumper Mount Platform Style – Swagman Traveler XC2 RV Bike Rack with Bumper Mount Adapter
- Best RV Ladder Bike Rack – Swagman Ladder RV Bike Rack
Best For Spare Tire
Best Platform Style
Best For Ladder
Last update on 2025-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bumper Mount RV Bike Racks Reviews & Info
1. Swagman Around The Spare Delux RV Bike Rack
The Swagman Spare Tire RV Bike Rack is a versatile and budget-friendly option for RVs, travel trailers, and pop-up campers with a spare tire mounted on the bumper. It’s one of the few bike racks designed specifically to work around a spare tire, making it ideal for setups where space is limited.
Key Features
- Capacity: Carries up to two bikes, with a weight limit of 30 lbs per bike.
- Anti-Sway Cradles: Secures bikes horizontally using two anti-sway cradles, each with four thick rubber straps for added stability.
- Compatibility: Fits onto 4 to 4.5-inch steel bumpers and works around most spare tire mounts.
- Easy Installation: Designed for hassle-free setup, even with the spare tire in place.
- Visibility: Keeps the license plate visible, even with two bikes mounted, avoiding legal or safety concerns.
Personal Experience
I use the Swagman Spare Tire Bike Rack on my travel trailer because my spare tire is mounted to the bumper, leaving little room for other racks. The Swagman was a perfect fit, installing smoothly and accommodating both our mountain bikes with ease.
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For added security, I strap the bikes, rack, and spare tire together, creating a solid and secure setup that feels stable even during long trips.
Why Choose the Swagman Spare Tire Bike Rack?
- Compact Design: Fits neatly around the spare tire without crowding the rear of your camper.
- Secure Mounting: Keeps bikes stable while driving, thanks to anti-sway features.
- Budget-Friendly: A cost-effective solution for RVers with bumper-mounted spare tires.
- Spare Tire-Friendly: One of the few racks specifically designed to work around a spare tire mount.
I highly recommend the Swagman Around the Spare Delux RV Bike Rack for anyone looking for a reliable, affordable, and easy-to-install bike rack solution for their RV or travel trailer.
PROS
- Fits Around Spare Tire
- Can Strap Bikes To Rack & Spare Tire Mount
- Durable Rubber Straps
- Anti-Sway Cradles
- Won’t Scratch Bike Frames
- Fantastic Basic Option
- No Hitch Insert Required
CONS
- Front Bike Tires Need To Be Removed To Fit Right
- May Bend Forward If Bikes Exceed Weight Limit
- Must Remove Entire Bike Rack To Use Spare Tire
2. Quick Products Bumper Mounted RV Bike Rack
Some cyclists find hanging bike racks, which suspend bikes by their frames, less appealing because of concerns about potential damage or stability. Reports of bikes detaching on highways or frames getting dented are enough to deter many from using this style of rack.
Adding extra straps can mitigate these risks, but a platform RV bike rack often offers greater peace of mind. These racks allow bikes to rest on a secure base rather than hanging, providing a more stable and damage-free transport solution.
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The Quick Products Bumper Mounted RV Bike Rack stands out as a budget-friendly and easy-to-install platform option specifically designed for RVs with 4-4.5 inch bumpers. Here’s a detailed look at its features:
Key Features
- Customizable Platform Design: Comes with two separate steel platforms that can be adjusted to fit your bike’s length perfectly.
- Tire Slots for Stability: Each platform includes slots for holding bike tires securely. One platform features a stabilizer bar for added support.
- Weight Capacity: Supports up to two bikes, each weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Compatibility: Ideal for standard mountain and road bikes. Note that fat tire bikes or wheels larger than 29 inches won’t fit in the slots.
- Durability: Constructed with heavy-duty steel.
Why Choose The Quick Products Bumper Mounted RV Bike Rack?
- Affordability: A premium platform rack option without the premium price tag.
- Ease of Installation: Designed for simple mounting on RV bumpers, making it accessible for first-time users.
- Adjustability: Offers the ability to customize the distance between platforms, ensuring a perfect fit for your bikes.
- Space-Saving Design: An excellent solution for RVs without hitch receivers, optimizing bumper space.
If your RV has a spare tire mounted on the bumper, make sure it doesn’t obstruct the bike rack’s installation. Adjustments or repositioning of the spare tire may be required for proper setup.
PROS
- Secure Platform Style
- Can Customize Length
- Fantastic Basic Option
- No Risk Of Denting Bike Frame
- No Hitch Receiver Required
- Front Bike Tired Don’t Need To Be Removed
CONS
- Won’t Work For Fat Tire Bikes
- May Not Work With Bumper Mounted Spare Tire
- Vertical Secure Post Not Padded
3. Swagman Traveler XC2 RV Bike Rack with Bumper Mount Adapter
The Swagman Traveler XC2 is technically a platform hitch receiver bike rack, but its inclusion in this bumper mount bike rack review is warranted because of its unique bumper hitch receiver adapter. This feature allows it to mount directly to an RV bumper while retaining the convenience of a hitch receiver rack.
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What sets this rack apart is its versatility. The rack can easily be detached by pulling a pin, making it as functional as a standard hitch receiver bike rack. Its dual-purpose design also enables it to be used on your tow vehicle, offering the flexibility to transport bikes for trail rides or urban exploration.
Key Features
- Dual Mounting Options: Includes a bumper hitch receiver adapter, allowing it to attach to 4-4.5 inch RV bumpers or a standard 2-inch receiver.
- User-Friendly Design: Features padded upright arms with clamps for a secure and quick bike attachment system—no straps required.
- Foldable Stabilizer Bar: The vertical bar folds down to provide rear storage access or clear your rearview.
- Bike Compatibility: Accommodates wheelbases up to 52 inches, tire widths from 0.5 to 3 inches, and bikes up to 35 lbs each.
- Tow Vehicle Usage: After unhitching your RV, the rack can be transferred to your tow vehicle for added convenience.
Why Choose The Swagman Traveler XC2?
- Versatility: Perfect for both your camper and tow vehicle, providing more transportation options.
- Ease of Use: The padded hook system is simpler and faster than strap-based systems.
- Space Optimization: Ideal for RVs with bumper receivers.
- Durability: Made with sturdy materials.
The proximity of the bikes to the back of the camper can be a drawback. If your RV has a large rear window, bike handlebars might press against it during transit, potentially causing damage. This issue is rare, but worth checking for specific RV models with rear windows.
PROS
- Safe & Secure Platform Style
- Bumper Mount Hitch Receiver Included
- Can Be Used On Vehicles With 2 Inch Receivers
- Fast & Easy To Use
- High Weight Capacity
- Center Bar Folds Down
CONS
- Doesn’t Fit Well With Bumper Mounted Spare Tires
- May Not Work With Low Rear Windows
RV Ladder Bike Rack Reviews & Info
1. Swagman Ladder RV Bike Rack
Ladder-mounted RV bike racks are a convenient and space-saving option if your camper has a built-in ladder. The Swagman RV Ladder Bike Rack stands out for its lightweight design and simple installation process. Just hook it onto your ladder, and you’re ready to go.
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Constructed from aluminum, this rack is lightweight yet durable, featuring two arms for securely hanging bikes. Each bike is supported by anti-sway rubber cradles with two rubber straps to keep the frame stable during transport.
Key Features
- Lightweight Aluminum Build: Easy to install and transport, thanks to its lightweight yet durable construction.
- Bike Capacity: Holds up to two bikes, each weighing up to 35 lbs.
- Anti-Sway Cradles: Equipped with rubber cradles and straps to keep bikes secure and reduce movement during travel.
- Versatility: Can also hang camping gear, such as chairs, making it a multi-functional accessory.
- Space-Saving Design: Bikes hang vertically, saving space while keeping your trailer’s hitch or bumper free.
Why Choose The Swagman Ladder RV Bike Rack?
- Easy Installation: Hooks securely onto the ladder with no tools required.
- Compact Design: Saves valuable space by utilizing the vertical height of the ladder.
- Additional Security: The rest of the ladder can serve as anchor points to further secure the bikes with straps or bungees.
- Versatility: Works well even for RVs with a rear-mounted spare tire.
Remember that because the bikes hang vertically, mounting and dismounting them can be more challenging because of the height of the ladder. I also suggest using a bungee cord or strap to secure the bikes to the ladder is advisable for added security.
The Swagman Ladder RV Bike Rack is an excellent option for RVers looking for a simple, lightweight, and space-saving bike rack.
PROS
- Easy Install
- Takes Up Less Space Behind RV
- Works With Rear Mounted Spare Tires
- Lightweight
- Small
CONS
- Low Weight Capacity
- Must Also Strap Bikes To Ladder To Make It Secure Enough
- Must Remove Bikes To Use Ladder
- Low Weight Capacity
2. Camco RV Ladder Bike Rack
The Camco RV Ladder Bike Rack offers a simple and practical solution for transporting bikes on your camper’s ladder. Its standout feature is the ability to fold the rack arms upward, allowing full use of the ladder with no need to remove the bike rack.
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This rack is constructed from steel, making it slightly heavier than the aluminum Swagman model, but also more durable. However, the folding hinge at the elbow may reduce its overall strength slightly compared to a fixed design.
Key Features
- Durable Steel Construction: Stronger components provide added durability while maintaining a lightweight profile.
- Folding Arms: Allows you to fold the arms up for ladder access without removing the rack.
- Bike Capacity: Holds up to two bikes, each weighing up to 30 lbs.
- Anti-Sway Cradles: Includes two form-fitting rubber cradles per bike with rubber straps for added stability.
- Space-Saving Design: Bikes hang vertically, keeping the back of your RV organized and free of clutter.
Why Choose The Camco RV Ladder Bike Rack?
- Ladder Access: The foldable arms make it easy to use your ladder even with the rack installed.
- Durability: Steel construction provides strength and long-term reliability.
- Compact Design: Optimizes space on the back of your RV or trailer.
- Additional Security: Bikes can be secured to the ladder at multiple points to prevent movement during travel.
The Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack is a sturdy and versatile bike rack with the added convenience of foldable arms. Its steel construction makes it durable, while its design saves space and weight on your RV.
PROS
- Easy Install
- Takes Up Less Space Behind RV
- Works With Rear Mounted Spare Tires
- Small
- Arms Fold Up
CONS
- Low Weight Capacity
- Must Also Strap Bikes To Ladder To Make It Secure Enough
- Must Remove Bikes To Use Ladder
What To Look For In An RV Bike Rack
Space
Space is a valuable commodity on travel trailers and RVs, and adding bikes can quickly eat up what little is available.
Bikes take up width, and if you’re transporting more than one, they can protrude into valuable rear space. You’ll also need to account for any spare tires mounted on the back of the RV, which might obstruct certain bike racks.
The placement of your bike rack must not block your license plate, as most states require it to remain clearly visible.
To avoid issues, select a bike rack that minimizes how far the bikes extend out or up, and consider whether additional adjustments, such as relocating your spare tire or using an auxiliary license plate bracket, are needed. When planning your setup, always check state-specific regulations on RV license plate visibility.
For more info about license plates on recreational vehicles by state, check out this table here.
Number of Bikes
For bumper and ladder mounted RV bike racks, they are usually only for up to 2 bikes.
You can find some for more than just 2, but they normally aren’t very secure.
If you need a bike rack for over 2 bikes, I suggest getting a hitch mount bike rack instead (click here to go to best hitch mount RV bike rack article)
Weight
Weight is a critical factor when choosing a bike rack for RVs, campers, and travel trailers. The rack itself shouldn’t add excessive weight to your setup, and the combined weight of the rack and bikes must stay within the RV’s bumper or hitch weight capacity.
Most standard RV bike racks are designed to handle bikes weighing between 30-35 lbs each. If you have heavier bikes, such as e-bikes or larger models, you’ll need a heavy-duty platform bike rack with a higher weight capacity. These racks are specifically engineered to handle the increased load without compromising safety.
Always make sure the bike rack you choose is rated for use on the back of an RV. The forces at the rear of a large vehicle are significantly greater than on a passenger car, and only RV-approved racks are built to withstand these conditions. Overloading or using an unsuitable rack can lead to dangerous situations during travel.
Secure Straps
Most RV bike racks come equipped with rubber secure straps, which are effective for basic stabilization. However, relying solely on these straps might not provide enough security, especially when traveling on freeways or bumpy roads.
Using a ratchet strap to secure bikes to the rack and additional anchor points, like a spare tire or ladder, is an excellent way to minimize swaying and prevent movement that could damage the bike frames. This added step also serves as a backup in case the bike rack’s primary system fails.
Platform RV bike racks with heavy-duty hooks that clamp down on the bikes provide an alternative to using extra straps. These racks are particularly secure, and their design simplifies loading and unloading bikes. For those who want a hassle-free setup or extra peace of mind, a platform bike rack with a robust clamping system is a reliable option.
Conclusion & My RV Bike Rack Recommendations
There are three basic kinds of RV bike racks out there.
The classic hitch receiver style you can read more about in this article here (click to view), the kind that bolts right to the bumper, and the ones that hang off of the RV ladder.
Deciding on the right style for you mostly depends on what the back of your camper looks like.
If there is a large bumper mounted spare tire back there, you may want to consider getting the around the spare RV bike rack by Swagman.
If your RV has a ladder you want to use, that option is there as well.
If you have lightweight road bikes that dent easily, the platform style might be the safer option.
No matter what your RV bike rack needs are, the good news is there are lots to choose from. Here are my recommendations.
Best RV Bike Rack For Back Spare Tire
Swagman Around the Spare Delux RV Bike Rack
Tons of trailers and campers have a spare tire mounted to the bumper. That’s why the Swagman around the spare RV bike rack is my first recommendation.
It’s easy to install, and it works with the spare tire instead of against it.
The mounting bracket used to secure spare tires to the rear of an RV is usually very heavy duty and is a fantastic anchor to strap your bikes to for extra security.
Because it’s mounted around the spare tire, there’s no risk of the bikes hitting the rear of the camper, which is a big pro if your RV has a large rear window.
Saving space by mounting bikes around the spare tire is genius and it makes this RV bike rack even better for pop-up campers, travel trailers, and 5th-wheels.
I highly recommend it for anyone with a spare tire on the back of their camper.
Best Platform RV Bumper Bike Rack
Swagman Traveler XC2 RV Bike Rack with Bumper Mount Adapter
Sometimes the platform option is the better way to go, especially if you don’t like hanging your bikes for fear of damaging the frame.
The Swagman Traveler has platforms for two bikes and is a fantastic lightweight option.
The main thing that makes this one of the best RV bike racks is the high quality padded lock bars you use to anchor the bikes to the platforms.
It also can be used in a vehicle’s hitch receiver, which really comes in handy because campgrounds can be far from the local towns or mountain bike trails you may want to explore.
Best Ladder RV Bike Rack
The Swagman may not fold up like the Camco, but it’s very easy to remove if you need to move it out of the way.
I like how lightweight it is. Sometimes simple is better, and that’s exactly what this RV ladder bike rack is.
A lot of RVers buy these for more than just bikes.
You can hang chairs, ladders, and other camping gear from them and you can get multiple racks to hang from the same ladder for lots of storage options.
Just make sure you don’t go over the recommended weight limit since it is made of aluminum, which isn’t as strong as steel
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Bike Racks
Are RV ladder bike racks safe?
RV ladder bike racks are safe when used as intended and with proper precautions. These racks are designed to securely transport bikes, but their safety largely depends on adhering to their weight limits and ensuring proper installation.
Key Safety Considerations:
- Weight Capacity: Ladder bike racks typically have lower weight limits than other types of racks. Exceeding the manufacturer’s recommendations can compromise their stability and safety.
- Proper Installation: Make sure the rack is securely attached to the ladder and that all components, like cradles and straps, are properly engaged.
- Additional Support: Use straps or bungee cords to secure bikes to the ladder at multiple points. This prevents unwanted movement and provides backup security should any part of the rack fail.
Can I put a bike rack on my travel trailer?
Yes, there are many styles of RV bike racks you can put on the back of a travel trailer.
If it has a ladder, there is an RV bike rack for that. If the bumper is strong enough, you can mount one directly to that.
Last but not least, you can also have a hitch insert installed on the frame and use an RV approved hitch receiver bike rack (click here to go to post on the best hitch RV bike racks).
Are hitch mount RV bike racks better?
Hitch mount RV bike racks are often regarded as the superior choice for camper bike racks because of their premium build quality and versatility. One of their key benefits is the ability to use them on the back of both the RV and a tow vehicle, making them a flexible option for transporting bikes.
If your camper already has a hitch receiver, installation is straightforward, further adding to their appeal.
However, hitch mount racks are not necessarily the best option for every camper. Factors such as the location of spare tires, windows, and storage compartments can make a ladder or bumper-mounted bike rack a better fit for certain setups.
Not all hitch mount bike racks handle the unique stresses that come with being mounted on the back of an RV. It is crucial to use an RV-approved bike rack.
What is the easiest RV bike rack to use?
The platform style RV bike racks with vertical clamp bars are the easiest and fasted to use.
Most of them don’t require any extra straps and the hitch receiver ones can be removed quickly by releasing a pin.
How much weight can an RV bumper hold?
Determining how much weight an RV bumper can hold is often a debated topic, as many RV manufacturers do not provide specific weight ratings.
Generally, 4 by 4-inch steel RV bumpers are believed to support up to 150 lbs. However, this is not a universal standard, and some lightweight travel trailers may have bumpers that are not designed to carry any additional weight.
The best approach is to inspect how your RV bumper is connected to the frame. Thick steel construction and strong welds are good indicators that the bumper can handle moderate loads, such as a couple of bikes.
Have questions about RV bike racks? Leave a comment below.
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