Ladder bicycle racks

duplicate post

We used a ladder rack our first year out and it bent the ladder out of shape. Had to end up putting the bikes in the basement, which was a real problem. Ladder's OK, just warped.

Really liked the Thule one we have and had been using.

Never had any problem with it until the DW got her girlie bike.
Trying to hang a girls bike is close to impossible.

On the new fiver the ladder seems weaker so the wife bought a big heavier Swagman receiver hitch mount carrier.

I recommend a good quality ladder mount rack for ease of use...

I have heard and personally seen this type of bike rack fail. There are strange wind currents on the rear of a 5th wheel. If you have a substantial rear bumper I would try that, otherwise a pin box mount or a mount on the front of the tow rig works great.

Search this Forum for `bike rack' then search the results for `ladder' and read on.
The easiest solution, unless you are into big time biking, is to take along a foldup bike. We like Dahons. Camping World sells some.
I think the price is less than $200 for the bike and bag to store it in.

We've hauled 2 on the ladder rack, which holds them very well. The last few times out we just carried one back there. I think its a Thule ladder mount. It anchors very well and the bikes are tied on nice and tight.

In 5 years, knock on wood, we've never had a problem. Our ladder holds me, and I have in the past been over 300 - I periodically check the hardware that anchors the ladder, and tighten them if they are slightly loose.

The bike handle stuck out just enough for me to watch in my mirror...I never saw it shake, unless the whole trailer was shaking.

I have seen some pictures of people making a mount off the pin box. seem like a good Idea and stronger if done well.