Can I install a bike rack on the back of my RV?

I would advise that you NOT mount any type of bike rack on your trailer bumper.

I mounted a receiver on the bumper of our 5vr for a bike rack. I added cables to minimize side to side and front to back movement. That DID NOT work! There was still enough movement to eventually crack the welds on the trailer bumper.

I made a PVC Bike Rack to go inside for mine.PVC Bike Rack

maybe look into a front mounted trailer hitch for the front of that SUV?

I have a Sierra Ultra Light with the backpack add on, part of which is a fold rack to haul stuff on. I modified the rack and welded an bumper receiver to it and haul our bikes that way.

A friend of hours just bought a new TT made by Forest River. It came with a bike rack that attaches to a factory installed mount on the rear bumper.

Before you actually haul any bikes for any distance, make sure that everything is secure and there is no twist in the bumper. I tested mine by jumping up and down on the bottom of the rack to see if anything flexed or moved. I think this was a fair test since I weigh more than the weight rating for the bike rack.

93Cobra2771 wrote:
I mounted quick release clamps on the bottom of my flipped over dinette benches and all four bikes go there. Safe and dry and very sturdy there.

As above, bad idea for the bike rack on the back bumper without major reinforcement of the bumper.

Awesome idea!

ependydad wrote:

93Cobra2771 wrote:
I mounted quick release clamps on the bottom of my flipped over dinette benches and all four bikes go there. Safe and dry and very sturdy there.

As above, bad idea for the bike rack on the back bumper without major reinforcement of the bumper.

That's *exactly* what I've been debating doing! None of my bikes have quick-release wheels, though. But, I've been kicking around other mounting methods.

You can get replacement "skewers" for almost any bike made, for relatively cheap...

I have a frame mounted receiver hitch that the previous owner used to tow doubles (a 4 wheeler trailer). I put a hitch rack on it and carry 3-4 bikes no problem. Two of those are pretty little bikes though for my kids.

In your situation I think a roof mount on your SUV would be the best way to go.

We've also carried a bike inside the 5er on the the folded down couch. Works great too.

93Cobra2771 wrote:
I mounted quick release clamps on the bottom of my flipped over dinette benches and all four bikes go there. Safe and dry and very sturdy there.

As above, bad idea for the bike rack on the back bumper without major reinforcement of the bumper.

That's *exactly* what I've been debating doing! None of my bikes have quick-release wheels, though. But, I've been kicking around other mounting methods.

your Shamrock is an ultra-light trailer with an ultra-light frame.
these are not built the same as 5th wheel or MH frames or non-ultralight TT's.
the only way for your Shamrock to carry that amount of bouncing/flexing weight, is to have a receiver welded and braced to the frame.
BUT this mod will void the frame's warranty unless your Shamrock's has expired. if so, go for it.

be aware, since TT's/HTT's don't have shocks, the load of bikes will be bouncing up/down and back, putting forces that can cause most bike racks to fail.
very few rack manufacturers will warrantee a rack for RV usage. Swagman is one of the few.

bottom line is that 5 bikes will be extremely challenging for any bike rack, let alone one attached to the rear of a trailer.

my suggestion is to get a roof rack system from Yakima or Thule, for your SUV. 5 bikes is just too much weight for any other type of setup.

I mounted quick release clamps on the bottom of my flipped over dinette benches and all four bikes go there. Safe and dry and very sturdy there.

As above, bad idea for the bike rack on the back bumper without major reinforcement of the bumper.