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Old 02-23-2021, 04:11 PM   #1
Camp CA
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Another Bike Carrier Thread

I have read all the previous threads on this subject but wanted to confirm whether Thule T2 bike rack (link below) that weighs 50 lbs and extends 3 feet from the end of the trailer for carrying 2 bikes up 120 lbs total. Hitch looks strong and well built.
Any concerns using using this rack with up to 170 lls and 3 feet cantilevered on a back of a Montana 3780RL that is 41 feet long (has a 2 inch receiver hitch welded to a channel under the trailer)?

https://www.thule.com/en-us/bike-rac...---2-_-1689772
 
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Old 02-23-2021, 04:51 PM   #2
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That is a very nice rack. I spent forever researching bike carriers, and it paid off. Minimum 2” tube for the receiver with no reductions is a must. Only thing I don’t like is the tilt option. Just too many moving parts to shake, rattle, and roll on our cruddy pothole roads. One thing that you have to get is the hitch stabilizer, this prevents any movement (attached). We carry two heavy bikes with no movement using this. Good luck.
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Old 02-23-2021, 05:10 PM   #3
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Jamesb...........really appreciate the feedback on the Thule T2 carrier and the anti-rattle hitch tightener stabilizer.
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Old 02-23-2021, 08:40 PM   #4
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Hitch stabilizer is a must-
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Old 02-23-2021, 09:14 PM   #5
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Steve,

Looks like a good rack. Might be good to mount it with a bike and then have someone follow first time out to observe the bike and hitch.

We have a Hollywood rack that was designed for 5th wheels and ebikes that has worked well for us.
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Old 02-27-2021, 10:42 AM   #6
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Update: Thule advised me that they did not recommend a T2 Classic bike rack on a fifth wheel trailer and instead recommended a Range. Swagman advised that all 5th Wheel/RV Approved models can be found in the link below. 1UP recommended a Super Duty bike rack. LetsgoAero has an RV approved bike rack. I decided to order a Swagman Escapee since it can carry 2 bikes weighing up to 60 lbs each, bikes can be locked to the carrier, zero frame contact (but I guess most are that way) and cost $400. I also purchased an anti-rattle hitch tightener stabilizer as the forum recommended.

https://www.thule.com/en-us/van-acce...e-range-_-9057
https://www.swagman.net/subgrouping.htm?cat=40497
https://www.1up-usa.com/product-category/bike-racks/
https://letsgoaero.com/v-lectric-two...e-out-carrier/
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Old 02-27-2021, 11:02 AM   #7
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CampCA, have you looked at the Kuat bike racks. They will fold up and down for loading, and have a dial that tightens it up inside the receiver. We have the two bike carrier and it is absolutely rock solid with our beach cruisers. My good friend is using his with their two pedal assist electric bikes, which are heavy. It literally takes 30 seconds to load your bike and securely fasten it. The bike racks also come with an integrated lock for your bikes and the pin going through your receiver is also keyed with a lock, Kuat gets top reviews, but they are pricey.
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Old 02-27-2021, 11:50 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by 432bartman View Post
........have you looked at the Kuat bike racks.............
No.....thanks for letting me know about this rack. I made a note in the event the Escapee does not work out.

Thule Range $330
Swagman Escapee $400
Areo $569
1Up Super Duty $619
Kuat $749
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Old 02-28-2021, 12:54 PM   #9
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I think you made a great choice with the Swagman Escapee. Nice solid rack with a 2” receiver. I would’ve bought that one too. Kuat racks are good, but really pricey.
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Old 03-03-2021, 01:17 PM   #10
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Thule T2

We have the same Thule and it is very stable without the stabilizer. The bikes when tightly locked down do not move and the rack does not wiggle in the receiver. Unlike many racks this one stabilizes the upper and lower parts of the bikes so there is no way they can contact the back of our RV.
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Old 03-03-2021, 02:30 PM   #11
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I have a Kuat Bike Rack NV 2.0
The best, tilt feature, lock bikes to rack feature, Adjustable Repair Clamp if you need to work on your bike in the field, fold up when not in use, a built-in tightening feature to keep rack from wiggling.
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Old 03-03-2021, 05:58 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by lkennerly View Post
We have the same Thule...........
Is that the Thule T2 Classic and is it attached to the back of your fifth wheel?
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Old 03-03-2021, 07:08 PM   #13
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We've been using that rack or very similar since 2013 2 different Montana 's. Also with the bracket. Works great. Florida for 4 years now Arizona for 2. No problems.
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Old 03-04-2021, 07:05 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jamesb View Post
That is a very nice rack. I spent forever researching bike carriers, and it paid off. Minimum 2” tube for the receiver with no reductions is a must. Only thing I don’t like is the tilt option. Just too many moving parts to shake, rattle, and roll on our cruddy pothole roads. One thing that you have to get is the hitch stabilizer, this prevents any movement (attached). We carry two heavy bikes with no movement using this. Good luck.
Never knew about the hitch stabilizers, so thanks! My hitch had extended adjustments, so I drilled new holes to shorten the unit up and now it is great. Will be even better with the stabilizer that I just ordered.
Love this forum!
Thanks everyone for the great information!
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Old 03-04-2021, 09:40 AM   #15
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The rack you are looking at and most other Bike Racks are not made or approved for RV (5th wheel use) You will see the disclaimer in one of their pdf files on their site..

This is the best rack I have ever owned and it approved for RV use:
Stromberg Carlson BC-202BA Platform-Style 2-Bike Rack with Bumper Hitch Adapter
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And it locks!
And it is only $140.00
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Old 03-04-2021, 10:19 AM   #16
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Swagman Bike Rack

I settled on the Swagman rack because it is approved for trailer and 5th wheel use with ebikes. It works great
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Old 03-04-2021, 04:18 PM   #17
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When I was looking at bike racks, it was my understanding that any bike rack that folds up toward the rear of the camper should not be used on an RV. But may be wrong. Etrailer shows which bike racks they carry are approved for different RVs.
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Old 03-07-2021, 06:48 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Camp CA View Post
I have read all the previous threads on this subject but wanted to confirm whether Thule T2 bike rack (link below) that weighs 50 lbs and extends 3 feet from the end of the trailer for carrying 2 bikes up 120 lbs total. Hitch looks strong and well built.
Any concerns using using this rack with up to 170 lls and 3 feet cantilevered on a back of a Montana 3780RL that is 41 feet long (has a 2 inch receiver hitch welded to a channel under the trailer)?

https://www.thule.com/en-us/bike-rac...---2-_-1689772
I have a Thule bike rack on the back of my 3120RL and have never had a problem with my hitch. Only thing to watch is entering and exiting driveways. Have never scraped the back/bottom of the trailer but did scrape the bike rack once.
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Old 03-30-2021, 03:33 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by 432bartman View Post
CampCA, have you looked at the Kuat bike racks...................
I did look at them and should have included them in the list above. Kuat NV 2.0 2-Bike Hitch Rack $749 60 lb/bike it is reportedly not suitable for an RV per the link below.

https://www.etrailer.com/question-452214.html

Since my bikes weigh ~30-35 lb each I purchased a Swagman XC Hitch Mount Bike rack model 49401 with a rated carrying capacity of 35 lb/bike for $147 (Amazon) or $200 (Camping World) since our bikes were within the weight carrying capacity, only extends 24" from the trailer for two bikes and it was the only one we could purchase when I got the bikes.
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