Bike hitch for back of 5er

[Cdash]

Just got a new fiver that came from the factory with a 3,500# rated, frame mounted, receiver hitch. I'm looking for a bike rack to use on the back, preferably a 4 bike tray type hitch.

I am looking at the Swagman XTC4 and wondered if anyone has used this and would recommend it?

Thanks for your help!

Craig

[ependydad]

rhagfo wrote:

Nice write up and looks like could be done easily without all the nice tools, with the same results, just will likely take a little more time.

To heck with the rack, I want your shop!

Ha! Don't let me take a lick of credit- this was all my father-in-law. And the shop is a commercial fabrication/machine shop. He is friends with the owner and does work for them regularly and is allowed to use the shop any time he wants.

[rhagfo]

ependydad wrote:
My buddy put a bolt on receiver to his bumper. The whole thing twisted and he drug his bikes down the road until someone flagged him down. I would never opt for the bumper rack, but even putting my bikes that far back with no visibility- it wasn't for me.

Another vote here for the pinbox bike rack. At most $50 in parts and you need someone to fabricate it.

DIY build pictures here:
http://www.learntorv.com/2014/12/diy-fifth-wheel-pin-box-bike-rack.html

Nice write up and looks like could be done easily without all the nice tools, with the same results, just will likely take a little more time.

To heck with the rack, I want your shop!

[Cummins12V98]

rhagfo wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Swagman XTC2 is a very good quality product!

This is the best location for bikes on a 5er!!!

I am in the process of getting the bike rack, then the parts to build the Pin Box mount. Bike will have a smoother ride, yes you do need to lift the bike a little higher, but it is also always in your sight.

I was really bummed when I saw the new RV's nose hung over the kingpin so I could not use my bike back so I let it go with the old RV.

Little better pic if anyone would like to copy.

[ependydad]

My buddy put a bolt on receiver to his bumper. The whole thing twisted and he drug his bikes down the road until someone flagged him down. I would never opt for the bumper rack, but even putting my bikes that far back with no visibility- it wasn't for me.

Another vote here for the pinbox bike rack. At most $50 in parts and you need someone to fabricate it.

DIY build pictures here:
http://www.learntorv.com/2014/12/diy-fifth-wheel-pin-box-bike-rack.html

[WE_CAMP2]

I carry our bikes on a rack mounted to the pin box and love it, my buddy carry's his on a rack off the back. He built his own set up and it is very strong with basically no bounce. The biggest concern I had with his after following him was the side to side swing/twist. We added 2 ratchet straps going down to each frame rail and it now rides solid. But I have to say I prefer my set up as I can keep an eye on them at all times.

[rhagfo]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Swagman XTC2 is a very good quality product!

This is the best location for bikes on a 5er!!!

I am in the process of getting the bike rack, then the parts to build the Pin Box mount. Bike will have a smoother ride, yes you do need to lift the bike a little higher, but it is also always in your sight.

[Cdash]

avvidclif1 wrote:
No matter what bike rack you put on the back have a friend drive the rig and you follow and watch it. It will scare you. To those who say it doesn't move, I call BS. You never saw it in motion.

That's why I'm asking the question and on a specific model. There are many variables that can lead to movement: slop in the carrier, slop in the hitch, type of hitch, attachment to hitch, design of carrier, strength of carrier etc. I don't doubt that some of them look like they'll fall off at any time and I also don't doubt that there are a select few that are solid enough that they look like they could be an extension of the frame.

I expect that a carrier with a threaded pin to hold it in the hitch is more stable than one with just a pin. I also expect that the more joints in the hitch, the more potential for movement/bounce. Also, one that locks the bikes in would be more solid.

Just looking for experiences that help me pick the right one.

[bob_nestor]

I recently picked up a fat tire electric bicycle and went looking for the best hitch carrier I could find for it. Bought one but on my first trip with it I almost lost the bicycle. I think the bouncing, which wasn't all that noticable, did the thing in. I went to Northern Tool and found a lightweight hitch mounted small motorcycle carrier. I bought it and cut it down to the size of my fat tire bike and made a small modification to carry a second bicycle - if my GF ever joins me on a camping trip again and insists on me taking her bicycle. This new carrier may still bounce a little, but nothing is coming off that thing!

[SabreCanuck]

avvidclif1 wrote:
No matter what bike rack you put on the back have a friend drive the rig and you follow and watch it. It will scare you. To those who say it doesn't move, I call BS. You never saw it in motion.

Yep, followed a friend of mine with bike hitch on the back. He asked me why i passed him on the way to the campground and I told him it was because I couldn't stand watching his bikes bouncing around on the back. His response? "It doesn't move much".

[avvidclif1]

No matter what bike rack you put on the back have a friend drive the rig and you follow and watch it. It will scare you. To those who say it doesn't move, I call BS. You never saw it in motion.

[ACZL]

I mounted a 4 place bike rack on rear bumper 11 years ago. Still solid as a rock. No bounce, no nothing. Sadly, we don't take the bikes anymore, but figured I'd leave it on anyways "just in case". Adds an add'l 4', so I'm 54' nose to tail.

[Dick_B]

Four bikes is a lot of overhang. I'd be cautious (read scared).

[IAMICHABOD]

All very good info,I also have a Swagman, a very well made bike rack. Not to hi-jack the thread but as a side note that may be helpful.

They bounce a lot and if the rack is not tight in the receiver that added movement only amplifies that bounce.Stressing not only the mounting point but also the bike rack.

I have tried almost every Anti Rattle device on the market, most have been no good or so complicated and cumbersome that they are useless. I have a whole tool box full of them.

Until I found the one at Hitch Rider. This will keep everything tight.

Their Hitch Vice is the best and easiest one I have come across and it really works.

[Cummins12V98]

Swagman XTC2 is a very good quality product!