6 Best RV Bike Rack Hooks For Accessories That Maximize Every Inch

Your RV bike rack sits on the most valuable real estate you own: the exterior. Too often, it’s seen as a single-purpose tool, sitting empty unless you’re hauling bikes. But for those of us squeezing maximum function out of every square inch, that empty rack is a missed opportunity for storing bulky, dirty, or awkward gear that has no business being inside.

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Beyond Bikes: Using Your RV Rack for Gear

That two-bike platform rack isn’t just for bikes. Think of it as a heavy-duty exterior shelf. It’s the perfect spot for items you need at the campsite but don’t want cluttering your living space or precious bay storage. We’re talking about sandy camp chairs, greasy portable grills, or wet beach towels.

The real goal is to re-prioritize your storage. Interior cabinets are for food, clothes, and clean linens. Pass-through bays are for essential tools and setup equipment. The bike rack becomes the "utility closet" for everything else. This simple shift in thinking can dramatically declutter your rig and streamline your setup and teardown process.

Of course, the challenge is that a rack designed to hold a bike by its wheels or frame isn’t naturally suited for a folded-up canopy or a bundle of firewood. You can’t just toss things on and hope for the best. This is where specialized hooks and hangers come in, transforming your bike rack from a specific tool into a versatile gear-hauling platform.

Swagman Platform Rack Hooks for Chairs & Grills

Swagman knows their own products best, and they offer simple, effective hooks designed to integrate with their popular platform-style racks. These aren’t universal solutions; they are purpose-built to slide into the wheel trays or clamp onto the specific dimensions of their rack frames. This specificity is their greatest strength.

Imagine sliding a pair of sturdy, J-shaped hooks into the same channels your bike tires sit in. Suddenly, you have the perfect perch for a couple of folded camp chairs, hanging securely and out of the way. Because they’re made by the manufacturer, you can be confident they fit perfectly and are rated for a reasonable weight, taking the guesswork out of the equation.

The primary tradeoff here is compatibility. These hooks are designed for Swagman racks. While they might coincidentally fit another brand, don’t count on it. If you own a Swagman, this is your cleanest, most integrated option. If not, you’ll need to look at more universal solutions.

BlueStrap GearTies for Flexible Mounting

Sometimes the best "hook" isn’t a hook at all. BlueStrap GearTies (and similar products from Nite Ize) are essentially giant, industrial-strength twist ties. A tough, grippy rubber exterior encases a thick, bendable wire, allowing you to create a custom-shaped hook or loop for just about anything.

Their flexibility is their superpower. You can wrap one around the vertical mast of your bike rack to create a loop for hanging a water hose, or twist two together to secure a bundle of leveling blocks to the platform. They conform to oddly shaped items that a rigid metal hook could never accommodate. They’re also lightweight and take up zero space when not in use.

This versatility comes with a responsibility, however. Their strength is entirely dependent on how well you wrap and twist them, and their weight capacity is lower than a dedicated steel hook. They are perfect for lighter, awkward items but aren’t the right tool for hanging a 40-pound generator. Use them for securing and organizing, not for bearing heavy loads.

Let’s Go Aero GearHook Heavy-Duty Hangers

When you need to hang something with serious heft, you need a hook that means business. Let’s Go Aero specializes in robust gear-hauling systems, and their GearHooks are built to match. These are typically oversized, coated steel hooks designed to fit over the 2-inch square tubing common on heavy-duty bike racks and cargo carriers.

This is the solution for items that would overwhelm lesser hooks. Think of hanging a small generator, a full 5-gallon water jug, or a heavy tote of tools off the back of your rack. The hook’s job is to bear the vertical load, distributing the weight directly onto the rack’s main frame.

Just remember that the hook only solves half the problem. You must still use ratchet straps or cam buckles to lash the item tightly against the rack. The hook prevents it from falling down, but the straps prevent it from swinging, swaying, or bouncing off on a bumpy road. Using a GearHook without straps is asking for trouble.

Yakima HangOut Hooks for EXO System Racks

Yakima’s EXO system is a masterclass in modularity, and the HangOut Hooks are a perfect example of its ecosystem approach. This isn’t a universal hook; it’s a purpose-built accessory designed to click directly and securely into the EXO’s frame. It’s an elegant, factory-level solution for owners of that specific system.

The use case is immediately obvious. After a day at the lake, you can hang dripping life vests and wet towels on the hooks to dry in the breeze on the drive back to camp. It’s a simple, brilliant way to keep moisture and mildew out of your RV. The hooks are strong, secure, and require no tools to install or remove.

The major consideration is the closed ecosystem. These hooks are only for the Yakima EXO system. If you haven’t bought into that platform, these are useless to you. It highlights a key decision point for RVers: invest in a modular, integrated system like the EXO, or piece together a more universal solution from different brands.

GearHaul Universal Hitch Rack Utility Hooks

For those who don’t have a rack from a major brand or have a generic cargo carrier, universal hooks are the answer. Products like the GearHaul hooks are designed with adaptability in mind. They typically use a U-bolt or a clamp-style mechanism that can be tightened down onto various sizes of square or round tubing.

This versatility opens up a world of possibilities. You can mount a pair to the side of your rack to create a dedicated spot for your camp shovel and axe. Or, you could use one to hang a "Trasharoo"-style spare tire trash bag, keeping camp garbage outside your rig where it belongs.

The word "universal" should always be taken with a grain of salt. Before buying, measure the diameter or width of your bike rack’s tubing. While these hooks fit many racks, they don’t fit all of them. A little prep work with a tape measure will save you the headache of a return.

CargoBuckle E-Track Hooks for Custom Setups

For the RVer who loves to tinker and create the perfect custom solution, E-track is the ultimate answer. E-track is the slotted rail system you see in moving trucks and cargo trailers, and it supports a massive ecosystem of hooks, rings, and strap tie-downs. By mounting a small, 12-inch section of E-track to a flat surface on your bike rack, you unlock limitless possibilities.

Once the track is installed, you can click in any accessory you need. Use J-hooks for chairs, O-rings for bungee cords, and rope tie-offs for securing a tarp over your gear. You can change your setup in seconds without any tools. One day it can be configured for firewood and a grill; the next, it can be set up for fishing poles and a tackle box.

This is not a plug-and-play solution. It requires drilling holes and securely bolting the track to your rack. You must be comfortable with this minor modification. But the payoff is a completely customized, incredibly strong, and endlessly flexible storage system that’s tailored exactly to your needs.

Final Checks for Safe and Secure Rack Storage

Choosing the right hook is only the first step. Using it safely is what really matters. A poorly secured item can become a dangerous projectile on the highway, endangering you and everyone behind you. Before you hit the road, run through a quick but critical checklist.

Your final pre-trip inspection should become second nature. Make sure you’ve considered every angle, from weight distribution to legal requirements. A few minutes of diligence in the driveway can prevent a disaster on the interstate.

• Weight Limits: Know your rack’s total weight capacity and the limit of your hooks. Add the weight of your gear and the bikes. Don’t guess.
• Visibility: Step back 20 feet. Can you clearly see your license plate and tail lights? If not, you need to rearrange your gear or consider a license plate relocation bracket and auxiliary lights.
• Road Grime: Everything on the back of your RV will be covered in a fine layer of dirt, dust, and road spray. Only store items that can handle the abuse.
• The "Wiggle Test": This is non-negotiable. Grab every item and try to shake it violently. If it moves, rattles, or swings, it needs more straps. Hooks carry, straps secure.

Your bike rack is more than a bike rack; it’s a blank canvas for smart storage. By leveraging the right hooks, straps, and systems, you can effectively add an external utility closet to your rig. This frees up critical interior space and makes life on the road simpler, cleaner, and more efficient.