After three years of rigorous use, including a round trip to Alaska, our Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack has proven to be an invaluable addition to our RV travel setup. Installed in the summer of 2021, this bike rack has consistently performed without any issues, exceeding our expectations and reinforcing our initial assessment of its robustness and reliability. This article provides an in-depth, updated review of the Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack, detailing our experiences, modifications, and why we believe it’s a top choice for travel trailer and RV owners looking for a dependable solution to transport their bikes.
No Complaints: A Testament to Reliability
In the realm of RV accessories, where failures can lead to significant headaches and even costly damages, the Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack stands out for its unwavering performance. Over the past three years, we have encountered zero complaints. It has consistently fulfilled its purpose, securely transporting our bikes without any complications. We’ve witnessed firsthand the bike rack failures experienced by fellow RVers, some even during our Alaska adventure. This reinforced our commitment to finding a bike rack that wouldn’t compromise the safety of our bikes or our tow vehicle. This Swagman rack has provided peace of mind, proving to be one of the most trouble-free RV items we own.
Bikes attached to the Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack before cover installation and electrical cable setup.
Positioning our bikes between the RV and the tow car necessitates a robust and dependable bike rack. Failure isn’t just an inconvenience; it could lead to damage to our car being towed behind. Stories of bike rack mishaps are unfortunately common, particularly on challenging routes like the Alaska Highway. Recognizing this risk, we proactively upgraded our bike rack and tow hitch assembly in 2021, a decision that has proven to be exceptionally wise.
Featured on Do It Yourself RV
Our positive experience with the Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack led to an article published by Do It Yourself RV in 2021. This article serves as an update and companion piece to that original publication. Do It Yourself RV has been a valuable partner in sharing information to help consumers make informed decisions and maximize value in their RV lifestyle. You can find the original article here: Do-It-Yourself-RV-Bike-Rack
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To ensure unique content and adhere to online best practices, this review offers a different perspective and updated insights compared to the Do It Yourself RV article. For the complete picture, we encourage you to explore both articles.
E-bikes and Bike Racks: A Chapter in Our E-book
Questions about our e-bikes are frequent, and yes, they accompanied us on our Alaska journey, securely mounted on our Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack. Our e-bike experiences and bike rack choice are also detailed in our e-book. For specific information on bike racks, you can jump directly to the relevant section here: Everything you need to know about a bike rack for your car.
E-bikes, How to choose the best electric bicycle!
Our comprehensive e-bike e-book covers everything from selection to usage, including our bike rack considerations. It’s a detailed resource for anyone considering e-bikes and the necessary accessories. You can access the e-book here: E-bikes 2024: How to choose the best electric bicycle: Free e-bike e-book
It’s crucial to understand that not all RV bike racks are created equal, especially when it comes to strength and RV compatibility. Many RV bumpers are simply not designed to handle the weight and dynamic stresses of a bike rack and bikes.
Strength You Can Stand On: The Swagman Difference
To illustrate the robust nature of the Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack, consider this: I can stand on it.
Demonstrating the strength of the Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack by standing on it.
This wasn’t a test of its limits, but rather a demonstration of its inherent strength, something I was already confident in. My weight surpasses that of two e-bikes combined. The Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack is built to be strong. However, it’s important to remember that dynamic stress while driving can exceed static weight loads. The constant motion, vibrations, and occasional jolts experienced by a bike rack on the back of an RV create significant stress beyond the bikes’ static weight. These factors are detailed further in the RV Life article.
The image below illustrates the potential consequences of insufficient bike rack support – a bent dual hitch from an Alaska trip. This wasn’t our hitch, but a stark reminder of the forces at play.
A bent dual hitch adapter after an Alaskan adventure highlights the stress on RV bike racks.
The bent 2-inch steel shaft in the picture belonged to a friend after their Alaska trip. Despite a smooth-riding RV, the stress from the bikes and rack alone, positioned on a dual hitch, was enough to cause significant bending. Countless RVers have faced the nightmare scenario of bikes dragging behind their RV due to rack failure. For us, the concern was bikes falling onto our tow car, potentially causing thousands of dollars in damage.
Warning against trailer bumper bike rack attachments due to potential failure.
Crucially, trailer bumpers are not designed to support bike racks. Attaching a bike rack to a trailer bumper is a recipe for disaster and rapid failure.
Construction: Built for the Long Haul
Steel components of the Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack, excluding wheel straps, ensure durability.
The Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack is constructed with durability in mind. Every component visible in the picture above, except for the wheel straps, is made of steel. This robust construction contributes to its ability to withstand the rigors of RV travel. You might notice the rack is wet in the picture; to prevent water pooling, I’ve since drilled small drainage holes in the wheel trays.
This model is intentionally designed as a non-folding bike rack. While folding racks offer convenience, they introduce potential weak points. The only folding element is the upper support hooks, visible folded down in the picture. This folding feature is designed to ease bike loading, not for compact storage.
On the Back of Our RV: Travel Ready
Our bikes travel securely positioned on the Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack, nestled between our RV and tow car. We use bike covers for both travel and storage. While uncovered travel is possible, covering them offers added protection and reduces wind resistance.
The Swagman bike rack setup ready for towing, positioned between the RV and tow car.
Optimizing Space Between RV and Car
Positioning the bikes on the rear of the RV, between the RV and the tow car, is our preferred setup for both travel and storage. This configuration maximizes space and keeps the bikes secure.
Bikes positioned on the rack between the RV and tow car, illustrating efficient space utilization.
My initial installation of the Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack wasn’t seamless. In fact, my first attempt failed, requiring a temporary return to our old rack to troubleshoot the issue.
Installation Journey: From Setback to Success
The upgrade to the Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack, while a significant improvement in quality, wasn’t without its initial hurdle. The issue wasn’t the rack itself, which is undeniably well-engineered. Instead, it was a compatibility problem related to our specific towing setup and double hitch receiver. Understanding this compatibility challenge is key for anyone using a similar configuration.
Double Hitch Receiver Considerations
Our bikes are mounted on the upper receiver of a double hitch, which also accommodates our tow arms in the lower receiver. The vertical distance between these receivers proved to be insufficient for the Swagman rack in our initial setup.
Our previous bike rack, illustrating its 1 1/4 steel tubing construction.
Our old bike rack, pictured above, was installed in the upper slot of the double hitch. Notice the intentional bend near the receiver exit. This bend provided necessary clearance for the tow bars, but it also created a weak point at a high-stress area – a less than ideal design.
Insufficient Double Hitch Height: The Root Cause
The problem wasn’t the tow arms themselves, but the stowed position of the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain Tow Bar. There wasn’t enough vertical space in our existing double hitch to simultaneously accommodate the Swagman bike rack and stow the tow arms.
Illustrating the tow bar in stowed position and the lack of clearance with the original double hitch.
As shown in the picture above, the stowed tow bar interfered with the bike rack. The solution was a taller double hitch receiver.
The successful configuration with a taller double hitch receiver providing necessary clearance.
The taller double hitch receiver, as pictured, provided the necessary vertical clearance, resolving the compatibility issue and allowing for successful installation. If you are using a double hitch setup, ensure adequate vertical spacing between receivers. For more details on our towing setup, you can refer to this article: How to tow – what we tow
Unboxing and Initial Setup
Unboxing the Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack and laying out components for pre-assembly.
Upon unboxing the Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack, minimal pre-assembly was required. The image shows the components laid out after removing the packaging. The tire cradles are visible at the top, and the support bracing at the bottom.
Our car with the Swagman bike rack installed, demonstrating its versatility beyond RV use.
The Swagman rack is easily transferable between the RV and our car. When mounted on the car, the bikes do extend slightly beyond the vehicle’s width, unlike on the RV setup.
Self-Securing Connection: No More Wobble
Our previous bike rack and double receiver hitch setup suffered from unwanted movement and bouncing. To mitigate this, we used a steel plate and U-bolt clamp.
The U-bolt and plate solution used to stabilize the old bike rack and hitch receiver connection.
This clamp, with large nuts on top, stabilized the connection between the old rack and hitch. However, the Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack eliminates the need for such makeshift solutions. Its precise engineering includes a threaded hitch pin, effectively preventing wobble and movement. This “Locking Anti-Rattle Threaded Hitch Pin” works remarkably well, simplifying setup and enhancing stability. The quick transfer between RV and car is also a significant convenience, as there’s no clamp to remove.
Loading Made Easier
Loading our bikes, even e-bikes, onto the Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack is manageable. For e-bikes, removing the seat and battery lightens the load. However, as bikes (and maybe I) have gotten heavier over the years, the idea of easier loading is appealing. Swagman offers a ramp designed for rolling bikes onto the rack, potentially compatible with our model. It’s a feature worth considering. Here’s a link to the ramp: Swagman Ramp
Swagman ramp for easier bike loading onto bike racks.
Integrated Locking System: Security Included
The Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack incorporates a built-in locking system, enhancing security and convenience. The hitch pin lock also secures the bikes to the rack using an integrated cable.
To utilize this feature, thread the cable lock through the bikes, loop the bolt end through the loop end, and then secure it to the hitch pin with the provided lock.
Swagman cable lock integrated with the hitch pin for bike rack and bike security.
For added security, I’ve bolted the cable to the rack and use secondary locks, including a chain, to further secure the bikes, especially for peace of mind during stops.
Robustness Has Limits: Weight Considerations
While robust, the Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack does have weight limits. To gauge its capacity, I tested it with a friend’s heavier, longer wheelbase Pedego cargo e-bike. Due to the extended wheelbase, only one Pedego bike fit on the rack. Given its substantial weight, roughly double that of our mountain bikes, carrying two such heavy cargo e-bikes might exceed the rack’s intended capacity.
A heavier Pedego cargo e-bike mounted on the Swagman rack, testing weight capacity limits.
Travel Trailer Bike Rack Buying Guide: Key Considerations
Choosing the right bike rack for your travel trailer, RV, motorhome, or fifth wheel requires careful consideration. Installation on motorized RVs is generally simpler than on towable RVs. Bike racks should always be attached to a frame-mounted 2-inch receiver. Attaching a receiver to a motorized RV frame is often more straightforward compared to the sometimes-limited frame access on trailers. Remember, dynamic stress is the primary cause of bike rack failures, highlighting the need for a robust, RV-approved rack.
Trailer Bumpers: A Definite No-No
Bike rack improperly attached to a trailer bumper, illustrating a dangerous and unstable setup.
Never attach a bike rack to a trailer bumper. They are not engineered to withstand the dynamic loads of a loaded bike rack. The constant movement and swaying while driving can exert forces far exceeding the static weight of the bikes.
Trailer bumpers are only designed for lightweight accessories like sewer hoses, not bike racks.
Towable RVs: Suspension Matters
Towable RVs often lack shock absorbers, relying solely on springs for suspension. Shock absorbers play a crucial role in dampening vibrations and maintaining bike rack stability. The absence of shocks in most towable RVs amplifies the importance of a robust, RV-approved bike rack.
Motorized RVs: Receiver Advantage
Motorized RVs typically come equipped with a 2-inch receiver for towing, simplifying bike rack integration. Adapting a bike rack often involves using a dual hitch receiver, especially when towing a vehicle. A 10-inch rise dual hitch receiver is recommended to optimize clearance and position the tow bar beneath the bike rack.
Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter for motorized RVs, facilitating bike rack and towing setup.
Air-Ride Suspension: The Smoother Ride
Motorized RVs with air-ride suspension offer a significantly smoother ride for both passengers and the bike rack. Air suspension minimizes dynamic loads from uneven roads, reducing stress on the bike rack compared to RVs without air suspension. The difference in ride quality is substantial, similar to the contrast between a school bus and a city bus.
RV-Approved Designation: Essential Assurance
Swagman RV-approved bike rack, highlighting the importance of RV-specific certification.
Prioritize RV-approved bike racks. While Swagman is our preferred brand based on experience, the key is choosing a rack explicitly certified for RV use. This certification provides assurance that the manufacturer stands behind the product’s durability and suitability for the unique stresses of RV travel. Without RV-approval, reliability is uncertain.
Stinger Length and Strength: Critical Factors
Swagman Bike Rack Components, emphasizing the stinger or receiver bar.
The “stinger,” or receiver bar, is a critical component. It must be long enough to prevent bike-RV contact and strong enough to handle the combined static and dynamic loads. If using a dual hitch, remember it extends the lever arm, increasing stress on the receiver and stinger. Only use a dual hitch if necessary for towing, as it amplifies these forces.
Tow Car Clearance: Avoiding Interference
For those towing a car, like us, ensure the bike rack design provides sufficient height to avoid interference between the bikes and the tow car, especially during turns or uneven terrain.
Ground Clearance: Preventing Dragging
Adequate ground clearance is essential to prevent the bike rack from dragging, particularly when navigating dips or uneven road surfaces. Swagman utilizes a gusset plate to enhance rack height and ground clearance. This is crucial even for RVs without tow cars.
Hinges: Potential Weak Points to Avoid
Bike racks with hinges introduce potential weak points. Opt for a robust, non-folding design whenever possible to maximize strength and longevity.
Platform Racks: Supporting Bike Weight Properly
Bikes hanging from a top tube on a hanger-style bike rack, illustrating a less stable design.
Choose platform bike racks over hanging racks, especially for heavier bikes like e-bikes. Platform racks support bikes by the wheels, distributing weight more effectively and minimizing sway. Hanging racks, particularly unsuitable for step-through frames or non-horizontal top tubes, induce more sway and stress.
Non-Contact Racks: Frame Protection
Non-contact bike rack design, highlighting tire-only contact and frame protection.
Non-contact bike racks, which secure bikes by the tires only, are the superior design. While not available or considered during my initial purchase, they offer optimal frame protection, especially for carbon frames. If your bikes have fenders, consider racks designed to accommodate them, supporting bikes vertically without tire contact.
E-bike Rated: Future-Proofing Your Rack
Even if you don’t own e-bikes now, consider an RV-approved bike rack rated for e-bikes. These racks are built to be more robust and will accommodate future e-bike upgrades.
Loading Ramp: Enhancing Convenience
Loading a bike onto a rack using a Swagman bike ramp, showcasing ease of use.
A bike rack with a loading ramp significantly simplifies bike loading, especially for heavier bikes. It’s a worthwhile feature to consider for ease of use and reduced physical strain.
Recommended Products and Resources
Two-Inch Hitch Receiver
For car use, installing a 2-inch hitch receiver allows for easy bike rack transfer between RV and car. This option is similar to our Subaru Forester hitch:
e-trailer Trailer Hitch Receiver for Subaru Forester.Subaru Forester 2-Inch Receiver (Ensure compatibility with your specific vehicle)
Dual Hitch Receiver
The Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, with a 10-inch drop/rise, is a recommended option for dual hitch setups:
Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter for motorized RVs, facilitating bike rack and towing setup.Roadmaster dual hitch receiver 10″ Drop/Rise
Tow Bar
We use the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar for reliable and trouble-free towing:
Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar
Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain Tow Bar
Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack “Dispatch” Model
Our chosen model, the Swagman RV-approved bike rack “Dispatch” model, is designed for two standard bikes and offers excellent value and robustness:
Swagman Dispatch Bike Rack, a robust and reliable choice for standard bikes.Swagman RV-approved bike rack “Dispatch” model.
Other Recommended Swagman RV-Approved Bike Racks
Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack “E-Spec” Model
For e-bikes, the Swagman RV-approved bike rack “E-Spec” model offers enhanced robustness:
Swagman E-Spec Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes, designed for heavier e-bikes.Swagman RV-approved bike rack “E-Spec” model.
Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack “Escapee” Model
The Swagman RV-approved bike rack “Escapee” model is another excellent option, particularly for carbon-frame bikes, with non-frame contact wheel hooks:
Swagman Escapee Bike Rack, featuring non-frame contact wheel hooks ideal for carbon bikes.Swagman RV-approved bike rack “Escapee” model
Conclusion: Invest in Peace of Mind
Even for non-RV owners, Swagman RV-approved bike racks are a worthwhile investment due to their exceptional strength and reliability. Knowing your bikes are securely transported is invaluable. Reflecting on the potential risks of bike rack failure, we are consistently grateful for our decision to choose the Swagman RV-Approved Bike Rack. It provides peace of mind and ensures our bikes arrive safely at every destination.
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Helpful Links
Swagman RV-approved bike rack “Dispatch” model.
Swagman RV-approved bike rack “E-Spec” model.
Swagman RV-approved bike rack “Escapee” model
Swagman RV-Approved bike rack “Traveler XC2” model
Swagman RV-Approved bike rack “Nomad” model
Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain Tow Bar
Roadmaster dual hitch receiver 10″ Drop/Rise
Subaru Forester 2-Inch Receiver
RV Life, Do-It-Yourself-RV-Bike-Rack
How to tow – what we tow
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