How much can the rear hitch hold?

[jerseygirls]

We have a 2023 Riverstone with a Class 2 hitch and 300 lb. limit.

Our ebikes (64 lbs. each) and a rack would total 200 lbs. but every major bike rack manufacturer requires a Class 3 hitch to carry ebikes.

The Hollywood Racks RV Rider is made for RVs and holds 2 bikes at 80 lbs. each. But they said it would be a safety issue with a Class 2 hitch:

We don't recommend/warranty our racks on a 5th wheel/trailer due to concerns about sway and load bounce from stiff suspension systems.

Am I missing something? I would be 100 lbs. under the hitch limit.

Has anyone had this issue with their hitch? Can anyone recommend a bike rack for a Class 2 hitch for ebikes?

Thanks for your help!

[Gary RVRoamer]

The bike rack no doubt extends rearward and the weight of the bikes has leverage, basically the distance from the hitch to the furthest bike multiplied times the weight. That increases the effective weight and applies torque to both the receiver and the bike rack. So you would be actually pushing the limits of both.


If the bike rack manufacturer has found it wise to issue a warning like that (and hurt sales a bit), it's probably equally wise to listen.

[twogypsies]

Can you put your bikes in the RV while you're moving from place to place? It's a hassle but that's a lot of weight on a hitch and rack.

[vanmark]

The flexing of the hitch metal would be the problem. Metal fatigue. I had a friend that about lost his bikes. He had the hitch to crack in to places.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by vanmark

The flexing of the hitch metal would be the problem. Metal fatigue. I had a friend that about lost his bikes. He had the hitch to crack in to places.

It is the dynamic load that breaks things.

[DR60]

Front racks used to be common, putting a bike rack on the front moves them away from problems of weight, overhang and towing interference.
Did they go out of style for a reason? Or just because styles change? DR

[HopsBrewster]

I recently put a Class III front receiver on my truck to carry my ebike. It works perfectly. Doesn't interfere with my visibility at all, plus I can keep a close eye on it. Bonus, I can attach a receiver mounted shackle or even a winch.

I considered putting a receiver on my TT, but I didn't like the torque it would put on a frame not designed for it. Most TT frames can't handle a Class III.
The bouncing at the rear of a TT creates an effective torque of the weight of the load squared. Way too much torque for a class II receiver.

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by HopsBrewster

I recently put a Class III front receiver on my truck to carry my ebike. It works perfectly. Doesn't interfere with my visibility at all, plus I can keep a close eye on it. Bonus, I can attach a receiver mounted shackle or even a winch.

Do you have a cover to solve the bug issue on an expensive bike?

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by DR60

Front racks used to be common, putting a bike rack on the front moves them away from problems of weight, overhang and towing interference.
Did they go out of style for a reason? Or just because styles change? DR

Two years ago a couple parked beside us in an Airstream MH with a front bike rack. They carried two expensive looking E-bikes; the cover was black imitation leather.
He said there is no problems with engine overheating, visibility or front axle weight.

[glwinger]

Along with the visibility and weight problem on the front, you also have to consider blocking the headlights and turn signals.

I've seen small cars with bike racks on the rear that block the signals, brake lights and license plates.
Not so much a problem on RV's and trailers
Plus the flip flopping of the bikes on rear rack. You would have no idea if they fall off and cause a traffic hazard.

[ArtJoyce]

For years when I towed a 31' travel trailer I had my bike rack on the front of the VAN. Only downside I could see was the dead bugs. Otherwise it was the best location.

[HopsBrewster]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Do you have a cover to solve the bug issue on an expensive bike?

Nope. In my mind's eye I see a bike cover coming loose and covering my windshield at 65mph. I just clean the bike when I get to camp.

[HopsBrewster]

Originally Posted by glwinger

Along with the visibility and weight problem on the front, you also have to consider blocking the headlights and turn signals.

On my 3/4 ton pickup, the ebike doesn't block my field of vision at all. I can see the handles and the seat. The turn signals are clear as well. The low beam head lights are only slightly obscured by the wire spokes of the wheels. High beams are not obscured at all. And since I don't generally tow at night (I'd much rather be at camp sipping good rye) the point is moot.

Those wire headlamp guards or smoke colored lens covers do a better job of blocking the headlamps.

Keep an eye out on your travels. I'm guessing you'll start to notice more rigs set up this way.
The weight issue hardly matters on the front. There is much, much less lever action happening at the front, so far less torsion as compared to the extreme bouncing up and down at the rear end of a trailer. Not to mention my front hitch is a class 3 receiver, not the class 2 they put on trailers.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by glwinger

Along with the visibility and weight problem on the front, you also have to consider blocking the headlights and turn signals.

I've seen small cars with bike racks on the rear that block the signals, brake lights and license plates.
Not so much a problem on RV's and trailers
Plus the flip flopping of the bikes on rear rack. You would have no idea if they fall off and cause a traffic hazard.

My front mounted bikes only blocked the signal lights. I added 2 more further out.