We just got a 2014 16' Scamp, and it has a hitch in the back for adding a bike rack. I got a rack from Amazon today, only to learn that it's not meant to be used on trailers, because the vibration/motion on the back of a trailer is much more drastic than when they're attached to the back of a vehicle. When I search Amazon for "camper trailer bike rack," or "trailer bike rack" or whatever, I just get results that ignore the fact that I'm trying to put it on a trailer. There's nothing on the site that tells you which ones may be compatible, for the most part.
I'm just looking for something inexpensive that would fit the bill... curious to see if anyone else has something they recommend?
Oh, and I posted this on a Facebook group, and everyone starting steering me toward roof racks, propane tank front mounted racks, blah blah blah. I'm really only looking for advice on how to use the hitch that's already there :)
A friend with a 16' bought a bike rack from a reputable JEEP accessory guy. He didn't know the difference either. I followed her on her initial trip with it--the bikes on the racks were swaying so bad they cause the trailer to sway dangerously. I was sure I was watching a wreck in progress! We ended up pulling over on the side of the highway and took the bikes off the rack. She threw hers in the ditch (!!!) and I crammed mine into my 13' and we continued on our trip. She ended up buying a correct RV bike rack and has since racked up thousands of safe miles. Go to an RV dealer and buy one from them. Yes, it will cost more than Amazon. I wish I had a video of exactly how scary that was. If I hadn't been following she wouldn't have had a clue as to how bad it was.
Rhonda Riebow
Hi Rhonda,
My wife and I just purchased a 16 foot scamp and are in the same boat-- trying to figure out the best way to carry our bikes, one of which is a heavy e-bike. I did look at (videos of) different solutions. The one that seems safest is when the bikes are mounted over the hitch, but they require some heavy lifting overhead, and ebikes are pretty heavy. Perfect way to throw out a back!
But when I searched for bike racks for RV's, seems to come up with the same list of racks you would get from any bike rack search. Do you know what kind of rack your friend got?
Thanks!
George Shaker
I have a Saris Superclamp HD, 2 Bike rack, purchased from the local bike dealer. This is an RV motor home listed heavier duty carrier for a 2" receiver, without need for a 1-1/4" to 2" adapter. It is rated for two up to 60 lb bikes (e-bikes are heavier than standard). I haven't used it yet on the Scamp, but on the car hitch , there is no sway with e-bike.
https://saris.com/collections/racks#
I don't know what brand she bought, and knowing Kerry she wouldn't have a clue either! I would check with an RV dealer. I know what you mean about the weight of ebikes! Lifting a regular bike onto a regular rack is a bit of a struggle for me, I can't imagine lifing our ebike up there by myself.
Rhonda Riebow
i have a Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes which i use with my 1984 16" scamp AND i have a sway bar and never travel over 60mph... works well no sway problems... always load weight inside toward front
This is the hitch bike rack I ordered to use on the back of my 13' Scamp. I can also use it on the hitch of my tow vehicle when I'm not towing my Scamp. I will be picking up my Scamp next month so I can't tell you how it fares with the bouncing around of towing. It will be easy enough to tighten with a wrench if needed when you hit the rest stops though. Happy Camping to you!
https://saris.com/products/bones-hitch-2-bike
As additional precaution we cross tied the bike rack from the top to the right and left bumper ends.with simple ratchet straps. Not super tight but enough. This stopped any and all wagging of the bike rack. We have a Yakima rack that has a bolt to secure it to the hitch receiver and moved very little but this added more control. and stability and seemed to take some of the chafing and movement away for the bikes.
2019 Scamp 13 standard
Just as an update... this is what we got. I had consulted with our local bike shop, and they suggested the etrailers.com site. We used the hitch this weekend, and it worked very well. We did start to get some sway over 65 mph, so I just watched the speed and all was well. I did make sure to try to counterbalance things as much as possible, keeping heavy stuff in the front of the camper.
https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch_Bike_Racks/Swagman/S64400.html
The Kuat Transfer V2 (dedicated 2 inch version) is rated for trailer use. Very few bike racks are, so buyer beware. It tightens well to the receiver and there is very little movement going in the rear.
Of course, YYMV and depends greatly on the capability of your tow vehicle. Inadequate tow vehicle == sway.
I've used Thule bike racks for years. They aren't cheap and that may be why... the part that holds the bike is a massive, very solid piece of formed/shaped rubber and that may be the cushioning you need. Look at racks in bike stores and compare the actual mounting part that holds the bike to see how it cushions it... they picture some on an RV and have some trailer/RV specific models. I'd guess the style they use for that, would include most all of that type of holder... more secure...
Carl