Are You Looking For the Best Bike Rack For Trailers?
VelociRAX vertical hitch bike racks are ideal for trailers due to tire-only contact, stability of the rack with the hitch locking mechanism, and full steel construction that can be trusted in adventurous transportation situations. If your vertical hitch bike rack is installed correctly on a trustworthy hitch, bikes will stay safe on the back of your vehicle or trailer, so the possibilities of biking locations are endless! Don’t pick between your bike rack and your trailer– bring both!
Most hitch bike racks strongly advise against installing their bike rack on any sort of trailer, but our major differentiator is the trusty anti-rattle system. This mechanism creates added durability and is integrated into all VelociRAX hitch racks. If the anti-rattle wedge is tightened as instructed, your hitch bike rack may be suitable for hauling bikes on a trailer. We do not recommend attaching your hitch bike rack to your trailer unless all specific criteria are met. This includes completely tightening the anti-rattle system, using a high-quality class III two-inch hitch, using provided rubber bands for brakes, and staying within the weight limits of all items.
Can I Put a Hitch Bike Rack on a Trailer?
Yes, you can! VelociRAX hitch bike racks are RV approved and can be used on trailers if all requirements are met. Most hitch bike racks are not RV approved, so check with the company’s bike rack requirements before trying it on your RV or trailer. When using VelociRAX hitch racks, you need a Class III hitch with a tongue weight capacity of 500 lbs and 3 ⅜ inch depth past the center of the hitch pinhole.
Each trailer owner will have unique bike storage possibilities based on their vehicle towing abilities, trailer weight factors, and bike rack orientation. Obey the manufacturer specs of the car, trailer, and bike rack when combining forces. Neglecting crucial weight features to take bikes on a long road trip is not worth the risk, especially if you’re a long way from home. By planning appropriately you can make it all work and have the best of both worlds!
You can install a hitch package yourself or have it professionally installed. Before the hitch installation, check the bike rack specs to make sure they align with your bike rack choice. We strongly recommend not skipping this detail, especially since trailers move around more than your vehicle.
What Kind of Trailer Works With My Hitch Bike Rack On?
If your trailer is qualified to support a class III hitch, you can install your VelociRAX hitch rack to your trailer. Small travel trailers are typically not recommended for towing a hitch rack due to the possibility of fishtailing with a heavy bike load attached. Medium to large travel trailers are better suited for VelociRAX hitch racks due to their height, weight distribution, and tongue weight capabilities.
Travel trailers come in many shapes and sizes, and many are capable of adding a hitch package. Gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers are also up to the task. These types of trailers are typically larger and suitable for Class III hitches.
Gooseneck hitches are popular for industrial and horse trailers while fifth-wheel hitches are typically built for large travel trailers. Both are capable of adding a VelociRAX hitch rack if approved by the specific trailer manufacturer.
Pop-up trailers are not recommended due to the possibility of off-setting the weight balance of the trailer. Becoming rear-heavy significantly increases the chances of fishtailing and disrupts the trailer and vehicle. This can damage the structure of your vehicle and pop-up trailer.
Bumper hitches, ladder mounts, and front hitch mounts are all not suitable for VelociRAX vertical hitch bike racks.
VelociRAX Hitch Racks Keep Bikes Safe With Anti-Rattle
Our anti-rattle system is the perfect solution for driving on uneven terrain, carrying a load of bikes, and ideal for any type of bike transportation– especially on large trailers. All our vertical hitch bike racks come with an integrated anti-rattle system, which tightens with a 17 mm wrench. This will rid extra space in the hitch to lock VelociRAX hitch racks in place for optimal stability.
Once the anti-rattle wedge is engaged, there will be no excess space in the hitch, which diminishes rack play and unnecessary movement. Our anti-rattle mechanism is helpful when driving long distances but becomes very important for travel trailers when carrying weight distanced from the vehicle. Skipping out on a good quality anti-rattle system can be detrimental to your bikes.
This feature is made of high-quality steel, like the rest of the rack, so your hitch bike rack can confidently withstand the road on a trailer. Once all weight and hitch requirements have been met, our anti-rattle system is the finishing touch that will do the trick to stabilize your hitch rack to your trailer.
Use Rubber Bands On Brakes
We provide rubber bands to be used on brake levers, which will reduce potential bike movement by locking the brakes out. You can also cut up old bike tubes for the same result.
Proceed With Caution: Follow Trailer, Hitch Bike Rack, and Hitch Specs
Inevitably, trailers will sway. Passing high-profile vehicles on the freeway may affect the trailer's movement, but taking the drive slow and easy should keep your trailer smoothly moving. For this reason, trailer and vehicle manufacturers have weight and weight restrictions. Most often, the failure point for a setup in this scenario is the hitch. Do not try to place your VelociRAX hitch rack on your trailer unless your vehicle and hitch are within the specified abilities. To install a VelociRAX hitch rack, you will need a hitch that is rated an absolute 500 lbs.
Exceeding the GCWR (gross combined weight rating) will put you, your trailer, and your bikes at risk. You can calculate the GCWR by adding the gross vehicle weight rating and the gross trailer weight (Weigh Safe). This is an easy way to give an estimated weight expectation, but remember that passengers and cargo will add to the total weight.
A good practice to follow when hauling large loads is to drive slowly and brake early. This will help decrease fishtailing and unnecessary strain on the combined weight. It’s important to be more attentive when backing up or turning with trailers, but adding a vertical hitch bike rack will require even more attention. Be patient with all maneuvering to preserve all cargo on board.
Best Hitch Bike Rack For Trailers
A VelociRAX hitch rack is the best hitch bike rack for trailers. Road trips have never been more fun and action-packed. VelociRAX vertical hitch bike racks are easy to load and unload, including for kids, and are the only bike rack you can confidently take seven bikes on the same bike rack at once. 
Bring all your toys on your next road trip with your trailer. Bring ‘Em All!
