All About the RV Bike Rack: Installations and Repairs

There’s nothing better than going on a long RV trip with your bike. You know you’ll want to explore the trails and go for a few rides along the way. The problem is that bikes take up a lot of storage, and just bringing them into the RV is not desirable (and definitely isn’t all that safe). The alternative is to use an RV bike rack. These are often installed at the front or the back of the RV and, once in place, can easily and safely transport your family’s bikes no matter where you plan to go.

The Benefits of an RV Bike Rack

Installing an RV bike rack makes sense for a number of reasons:

It provides you with dedicated storage for your bike, which means not only is the bike stored out of your way, but it is not going to move, shift, or fall over during the trip.
It provides you with more storage space elsewhere for your other needs. That means your camping gear for your RV trip is easy to store.
There’s less tangling. Let’s face it: when you pop a bike into the back of a truck instead, it falls, tangles with the others, and can be difficult to remove without risk.

Types of RV Bike Rack Options

When it comes to RV bike installation, you have plenty of options to choose from. Always follow the instructions provided by the RV bike rack manufacturer for proper installation. It is never wise for you to install a rack without following those instructions, and they can differ from one manufacturer to the other.

First, you need to choose the right one for your needs. Consider:

Ladder-mount bike racks: This is a permanent rear ladder bike rack. That means it will hook over the top of the ladder rungs and create a very stable place to transport your bike.
Hitch-mount racks: A hitch mount is one, as their name says, links to the RV trailer’s hitch. A good option overall if you are not pulling anything else, this is a wise choice for those bringing multiple bikes (you can usually bring about four with you on some of these systems).
Bumper-mount racks: The bumper mount is the most common option for those using travel trailers and fifth wheels. These typically do not have a hitch to hook up to, so you’ll use the trailer’s back bumper instead.

Keep in mind if you need some help with any of your existing RV parks, such as replacing the hitch on the current system, you can find what you need at Leisure Coachworks. We offer a huge assortment of everything you need.

It is also possible to install custom solutions. If you really want to ensure that you get your bike out there, and you have a specific idea or strategy to make it happen, consider the various exterior upgrades you can make.

What to Consider When Choosing an RV Bike Rack

Before you make a purchase, make sure you consider the following tips:

Determine the number of bikes you need to take with you.
Consider the weight and weight capacity of your bikes.
Consider the usability of how easy it is to load and unload the bike using the rack.

RV Bike Rack Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Now that you have the bike rack that’s perfect for your RV, you need to install it. As noted, always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to use it properly. The good news is that most of them are very easy to install.

Use the instruction manual to know what they require.
Always follow those instructions since they can play a role in warranties.
Make sure that, if you are placing your RV bike rack on a custom-designed RV, like a bus conversion, that the system is placed properly.

Once the bike rack is in place, you are not out of the woods just yet. Once in place, that rack is going to move and flex throughout the trip.

Every time you put your bikes on it, inspect it. Ensure there are:

No broken components
The fit is snug and tight without any room for slipping
There are no obvious areas of damage to the RV or the mount itself

If there are any signs of notable damage, it’s best to have a professional take a look at it. Replacing the RV bike rack may be a necessary step, but any damage to the RV should never be put off. Reach out to our team at Leisure Coachworks for help with any repair and maintenance you need help with before your next trip.