5 Best Bike Storage Accessories For RVs That Nomads Swear By
Road-tested bike storage for your home on wheels.
Bringing your bikes on the road isn’t a luxury; for many nomads, it’s essential. It’s your local transport, your trail-shredding machine, and your ticket to exploring places your RV can’t reach. But figuring out how to transport them without causing damage to your rig or your bikes is a puzzle that stumps many new and even experienced RVers. The wrong solution can lead to a bike dragging on the highway or a voided RV warranty.
The core of the problem is that an RV is not a car. The forces at the back of a trailer or motorhome are dramatically different, with more bounce and sway than a standard vehicle. This means a bike rack that works perfectly on your sedan could fail catastrophically on your fifth wheel. Choosing a rack isn’t just about fit; it’s about understanding the unique physics of your home on wheels.
Ultimately, the best bike storage accessory is the one that aligns with your specific RV type, the bikes you own, and how you travel. There is no single "best" rack, only the best one for your setup. We’ll explore five popular and proven options that address different needs, from bumper mounts to interior solutions, giving you the framework to make a smart decision.
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Secure Your Bikes on Your Next RV Adventure
Finding a way to bring bikes along is one of the most common challenges in RV life. They are bulky, awkwardly shaped, and you need them to be both secure during transit and accessible when you arrive at your destination. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about protecting two of your most valuable assets: your home and your recreational gear.
The key is to think of your bike rack as an integral part of your RV system, not just an add-on. Its weight, position, and method of attachment all impact your rig’s balance, length, and even your ability to access storage bays or hookups. A poorly chosen rack can block a rear slide-out, interfere with a backup camera, or add too much weight to a bumper not designed to carry a load.
Before you buy anything, assess your specific situation. Do you have a motorhome with a ladder, a travel trailer with an A-frame, or a fifth wheel with a robust hitch receiver? Are you hauling lightweight road bikes or heavy e-bikes? Answering these questions first will save you from making a costly and potentially dangerous mistake.
Swagman Traveler XC2: Your Bumper Mount Solution
The Swagman TRAVELER XC2 bike rack is RV-approved and hauls up to two bikes using a 2" Class 3 hitch receiver or RV bumper adapter. Its sturdy, foldable design allows easy bike loading and rear vehicle access.
The bumper-mounted rack is often the first solution people consider for travel trailers. The Swagman Traveler XC2 is a classic in this category because it’s straightforward, relatively affordable, and designed specifically for the common 4 to 4.5-inch square RV bumper. It gets the job done without complex installation.
However, the most crucial factor here is your RV’s bumper, not the rack itself. Many standard RV bumpers are little more than thin steel tubes tacked onto the frame, primarily to protect the sewer hose. They are not rated for the dynamic weight and bouncing force of two bikes. Before even considering this option, you must verify that your bumper is robust, continuously welded to the frame, and rated by the manufacturer to handle the load.
Easily manage RV waste with the durable Camco RhinoFLEX sewer hose kit. This 15-foot hose features a clear elbow with a 4-in-1 adapter that fits multiple dump station pipes and compresses for compact storage.
This rack is an excellent choice for standard, non-electric bikes on a travel trailer or fifth wheel that has a properly reinforced bumper. It keeps the bikes secure and out of the way, but it’s absolutely the wrong choice for heavy bikes or any rig with a standard, non-rated bumper. Misusing it is a recipe for a failed bumper and lost bikes on the interstate.
Fiamma Carry-Bike: Utilize Your RV’s Ladder
Transport your bikes with ease using the Fiamma Carry Bike for Mercedes Vito. This durable rack securely holds your bicycles, making it ideal for any adventure.
Many Class A, Class C, and some larger travel trailers come with a factory-installed rear ladder. The Fiamma Carry-Bike is a clever Italian design that transforms this vertical real estate into a functional bike carrier. It clamps securely onto the ladder’s rungs, creating a stable platform that holds up to two bikes.
The primary advantage of a ladder rack is that it keeps your bikes high off the ground. This protects them from road grime and, more importantly, keeps them clear of a towed vehicle or your trailer’s A-frame during tight turns. It’s an elegant solution that uses a part of the RV that is otherwise single-purpose, which is a core principle of efficient small-space design.
The major tradeoff is weight capacity and ladder access. You must check the weight limit of your specific RV ladder, as they vary widely; most can handle two standard bikes but will struggle with heavy cruisers or e-bikes. Using the rack also means you can’t easily climb onto the roof for maintenance, so you’ll need to remove the bikes or the rack itself for those tasks.
Thule T2 Pro XTR: The Ultimate Hitch-Mount Rack
Transport your bikes safely and easily with the Thule Pro XTR 2 Hitch Bike Rack. It fits various bike styles up to 60 lbs each, including e-bikes and fat bikes, with a tool-free installation and integrated locks.
For RVers with a proper frame-mounted hitch receiver, the Thule T2 Pro XTR is a top-tier solution. This isn’t just any hitch rack; it’s a platform-style carrier that is specifically RV-rated. This designation is critical, as it means the rack is engineered to withstand the intense bouncing and vibrations at the back of an RV or trailer.
Its design is what sets it apart. The T2 Pro XTR secures bikes by their wheels, with a large arm that ratchets down over the front tire. This means there is zero contact with the bike’s frame, making it ideal for carbon fiber bikes, full-suspension mountain bikes, or any frame with a non-traditional geometry. It’s also robust enough to handle the weight of most e-bikes.
This is a premium solution with a corresponding price tag and weight. It’s a heavy rack, and that weight, combined with your bikes, must be factored into your RV’s cargo carrying capacity and tongue weight calculations. For the serious cyclist with expensive bikes, the security and frame-safe design make it a worthwhile investment, but it’s overkill for casual riders with simple cruisers.
Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk: Above Your Propane
Carry bikes safely on your RV with the Stromberg Carlson CC-275 Bike Bunk. This adjustable, steel rack mounts to your A-frame, creating a 2" receiver for RV-approved bike racks and supports up to 100 lbs.
Travel trailer owners face a unique dilemma: a rear bumper might not be strong enough, and there’s no hitch receiver at the back. The Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk offers an innovative solution by creating a mounting point over the trailer’s A-frame, right above the propane tanks and batteries. It’s a steel framework that provides a 2-inch receiver for a compatible bike rack.
This system brilliantly solves the problem of rear-end bounce and keeps your bikes in view through your rearview mirror. It also leaves the rear bumper and any potential storage there completely free. You can use a variety of hitch-mount platform or hanging racks with it, giving you flexibility in how you carry your bikes.
The non-obvious consideration here is tongue weight. Placing two bikes, plus the weight of the Bike Bunk and the bike rack itself, directly on the A-frame adds a significant load to your trailer’s tongue. You must ensure that this added weight doesn’t exceed your tow vehicle’s hitch capacity or throw off your trailer’s balance, which should ideally be 10-15% of the total trailer weight on the tongue.
Delta Cycle Michelangelo: Secure Indoor Storage
Store two bikes securely without drilling using the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Gravity Stand. Its adjustable design fits most bike styles up to 40 lbs each, while the space-saving vertical format and durable steel construction make it ideal for apartments, homes, or garages.
Sometimes the best place to store your bikes is inside your RV. For full-timers with expensive bikes, leaving them exposed to the elements and potential theft isn’t an option. The Delta Cycle Michelangelo is a gravity-based stand that leans against an interior wall, providing secure, vertical storage for two bikes without drilling a single hole.
This rack is a perfect example of a dual-use solution. On travel days, it can be positioned in a secure spot—like a toy hauler garage, a shower stall, or against a slide-out wall when it’s pulled in—to keep bikes from moving. When you’re parked for a while, it can be moved to a less obtrusive corner, keeping your bikes safe and out of the way.
Of course, this only works if you have the interior space to spare. It’s an ideal solution for larger rigs, toy haulers, or couples traveling in a rig designed for a family. For those in a compact van or small travel trailer, dedicating this much interior real estate to bike storage simply isn’t practical. It’s a destination solution, not a transit solution for every RVer.
Choose the Right RV Bike Rack for Your Rig
There is no universal "best" bike rack. The right choice is a careful calculation based on your unique setup. Don’t just buy what someone else has; analyze your own needs through a clear framework to avoid a costly mistake.
Start by asking yourself these critical questions:
- What is my RV type? A Class A motorhome has different options than a 19-foot travel trailer. Identify your potential mounting points: a 2-inch frame-mounted hitch, a reinforced square bumper, a ladder, or the A-frame.
- What kind of bikes am I carrying? Note the weight, frame material, and tire size. Two 60-pound e-bikes require a completely different solution than two 25-pound road bikes.
- How do I need to access my RV? Will a rack block your rear storage bay, an emergency exit window, or a slide-out? Think through the daily use of your rig and how a rack might interfere.
Making the right decision comes down to matching the product’s design to your specific constraints. A bumper rack on a weak bumper is a failure waiting to happen, just as an A-frame rack could overload your tow vehicle’s hitch. Do your research, understand the limitations, and choose the accessory that truly fits your nomadic lifestyle.
Hit the Road with Your Bikes Safely Stowed
Bringing your bikes along transforms a simple RV trip into a multi-sport adventure. It opens up local exploration and gives you the freedom to leave your rig parked while you pedal into town for groceries or to a remote trailhead. The right storage solution makes this transition from driving to riding seamless and secure.
The key is to view bike storage not as an afterthought but as a critical component of your overall RV system. Every option involves a tradeoff—be it weight, cost, access, or capacity. The nomads who have successfully integrated bikes into their lifestyle are the ones who have honestly assessed these tradeoffs and chosen a system that works for their specific rig and travel style.
Ultimately, a well-chosen bike rack is an investment in freedom. It’s the piece of gear that connects your rolling home to the world around you. By making a smart, informed choice, you ensure that your bikes will be ready for you at every destination, safely stowed and ready for the next adventure.
The world of RV bike racks can feel overwhelming, but it boils down to a few key principles. Understand the forces at play on your specific type of RV, know the true weight and dimensions of your bikes, and be realistic about how you’ll use both your rig and your gear. The options discussed here represent the most reliable solutions that experienced nomads return to again and again.
Don’t be swayed by a slick advertisement or a low price tag. The most important feature of any RV bike rack is that it is rated for the job. An "RV-Approved" or "RV-Rated" sticker isn’t a marketing gimmick; it’s an assurance that the product has been engineered to handle the unique and violent forces exerted at the back of a motorhome or trailer.
Your bikes are your ticket to freedom, and your RV is your home. Protecting both is paramount. Take the time to research, measure your rig, weigh your bikes, and invest in a quality solution. The peace of mind you’ll have cruising down the highway, knowing everything is secure, is worth every bit of the effort.
