If you’ve ever loaded your e-bike onto the back of your camper and hit the road without a second thought… you’re not alone.

But here’s the truth: not every bike rack setup is safe for an RV—and using the wrong one can lead to damaged bikes, damaged campers, or worse. In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, we sat down with Cameron Hahn from Buzz Bikes and Sean Kneale from Hollywood Racks, both experts in e-bikes and bike rack safety and design, to break down exactly what you need to know before transporting your e-bike. Let’s dive into what every camper should understand before their next trip.

At first glance, it seems simple: a bike rack is a bike rack, right? Not exactly.

RVs and travel trailers experience much more movement and bounce than a standard vehicle. The farther back you go on a camper, the more amplified that movement becomes. That means:

And here’s the kicker—many standard bike racks are not rated for RV use.

One of the biggest mistakes campers make is assuming that any hitch-mounted rack will work on the back of their RV.

According to Sean from Hollywood Racks: Many racks are only designed for use on passenger vehicles—not travel trailers or motorhomes.

When choosing a rack, you need to look for one that is specifically:

E-bikes are heavier than traditional bikes—sometimes twice as heavy.

Before loading up your bikes, you need to consider:

Ignoring these limits can lead to:

Yes… it happens more often than you think.

Many travel trailers come with a rear bumper, and it’s tempting to use that as a mounting point. But here’s where things get tricky.

Most RV bumpers are not designed to support the dynamic weight of e-bikes and racks bouncing down the road.

This can lead to:

If you’re using a bumper-mounted solution, it’s worth double-checking whether your setup is truly safe.

If the back of your camper isn’t the best option, here are safer alternatives:

Mount your bike rack on your tow vehicle instead of the camper.

A secure and stable option for many campers.

Not always convenient, but often the safest option.

Some RVs can be upgraded with a properly installed hitch designed for bike racks.

Are you wanting to learn more about e-bikes? Things you should know before you buy one, what to look for in one, what to avoid? Check out this previous podcast episode we did on just that! ALL ABOUT E-BIKES

If you’re thinking about adding an e-bike to your camping adventures, Buzz Bikes offers options designed for comfort, ease, and fun on the road.

👉 Use code GIRLCAMPER to get 20% off your purchase: Buzz Bikes

At Girl Camper, we believe there’s no wrong way to camp like a girl—but there is a smarter way to do it.

Join a community of women who love camping, adventure, and learning together.

👉 Become a member and start your next adventure: https://girlcamper.com

A special thank you to Progressive Insurance for sponsoring this episode.

Whether you’re traveling with an RV, towing your camper, or bringing along your bikes, it’s important to make sure you’re properly covered.

👉 Learn more about RV coverage and get a quote today: Progressive Insurance