Here's my custom version of a bicycle rack mounted to the front tongue of a travel trailer. I have built 2 units so far- one for my camper and one for someone who saw mine and wanted one. They are overbuilt with USA sq tubing and gusseted everywhere. My rack holds 4 bikes easily. Clears the bed of the truck in the worst possible turning scenario by 8 inches. An SUV may need to check clearance during a sharp turn to be sure. There are many different shapes and sizes of campers and vehicles, but I think it would clear the majority of both with no problems, even hauling 4 bikes. The bikes don't budge at all during traveling. With all four loaded (or with the rack empty) it is very difficult to cause even a 1/4" of deflection to the rack. The A-frame rack that I built (with 2" receiver top) weighs 45 lbs. This doesn't include the bike rack.
It took me many many hours to design and build these, but the ease of loading (compared to the ladder hanging bike rack) and the peace of mind I have (compared to the bumper mounted bike rack) made it well worth the time, money, and effort! The LP tanks are still just as easily accessible as they were before. The bikes are very easy to load and unload. I am able to stand flat footed on the ground and load them. I lower the tongue jack down and unload just before leveling.
Here's the first unit with a universal 2" receiver and bike rack:
Here's the second unit with a permanent bike rack:
It took me many many hours to design and build these, but the ease of loading (compared to the ladder hanging bike rack) and the peace of mind I have (compared to the bumper mounted bike rack) made it well worth the time, money, and effort! The LP tanks are still just as easily accessible as they were before. The bikes are very easy to load and unload. I am able to stand flat footed on the ground and load them. I lower the tongue jack down and unload just before leveling.
Here's the first unit with a universal 2" receiver and bike rack:
Here's the second unit with a permanent bike rack:
