Carrying bikes on a pop up camper presents unique challenges: limited tongue weight, soft roof material, and compact storage. We researched and compared the top bike carriers designed for pop up campers, evaluating manufacturer specifications, published safety standards, and aggregated owner feedback. Our goal is to help you find a rack that securely transports your bikes without compromising your camper’s structure or safety.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack Best Overall for Most Pop Ups 2-bike capacity, 35 lb per bike, 2-inch hitch, tilting feature |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Thule T2 Pro XT 2-Bike Hitch Rack Premium Build and Security 2-bike capacity, 60 lb per bike, 2-inch hitch, integrated lock |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Hollywood Racks Destination 2-Bike Hitch Rack Best Value for Lightweight Campers 2-bike capacity, 35 lb per bike, 2-inch or 1.25-inch hitch, no-tilt |
8.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Hitch Rack Best for Heavy Bikes and Durability 2-bike capacity, 60 lb per bike, 2-inch hitch, integrated workstand |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Saris Bones 2-Bike Trunk Rack Best Trunk Mount Alternative 2-bike capacity, 35 lb per bike, trunk mount, no hitch needed |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Rack Budget Friendly Trunk Mount 2-bike capacity, 35 lb per bike, trunk mount, no assembly required |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Yakima HighRoad Roof Mount Bike Rack Best Roof Mount for Soft Tops 1-bike capacity, 40 lb per bike, roof mount, no frame contact |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack: Best Overall for Most Pop Ups
The Swagman XC2 is a hitch-mounted rack that tilts away from the camper, giving you access to the rear even with bikes on board. Many owners report it fits pop up campers with standard 2-inch receivers without issue. The rack holds two bikes up to 35 lbs each, which covers most adult mountain and road bikes.
However, if your pop up camper has a 1.25-inch hitch, you will need an adapter, which can reduce stability. Also, the rack does not lock the bikes to the frame, so you may want to add a separate lock. Some users noted the anti-wobble bolt could be tighter. But overall, for a straightforward, reliable rack, this is a top choice.
- Tilting design allows access to camper rear even with bikes loaded.
- Fits standard 2-inch hitches common on pop up campers.
- Corrosion-resistant black powder coat finish.
Pros: Easy to tilt and access camper; Solid steel construction
Cons: Does not fit 1.25-inch hitches without adapter
2. Thule T2 Pro XT 2-Bike Hitch Rack: Premium Build and Security
The Thule T2 Pro XT is a premium hitch rack that many owners praise for its ease of use and secure hold. It uses ratcheting arms that clamp the wheels, not the frame, making it suitable for various bike geometries. The integrated cable lock and hitch lock add peace of mind when leaving bikes unattended.
That said, the Thule T2 Pro XT is heavier (around 50 lbs) and more expensive than many alternatives. Some pop up campers with limited tongue weight may struggle, so check your camper’s capacity. Also, the rack only fits 2-inch hitches. If you have a lightweight pop up and value security, this is a great investment.
- Tool-free ratcheting arms secure bikes by the wheels.
- Integrated cable lock and hitch lock for security.
- Folds up when not in use for compact storage.
Pros: Excellent build quality; Integrated locking system
Cons: Higher price point; Heavier than some competitors
3. Hollywood Racks Destination 2-Bike Hitch Rack: Best Value for Lightweight Campers
The Hollywood Racks Destination is a budget-friendly option that works with both 1.25-inch and 2-inch hitches, making it versatile for many pop up campers. It is made of aluminum, so it adds minimal weight. Owners appreciate the easy assembly and the ability to fold the arms when not in use.
However, this rack does not tilt, so you cannot open the camper rear door with bikes loaded. Some users report the wheel straps can loosen on rough roads, requiring periodic checks. It is best for short trips or campers where rear access is not critical. If you need to frequently access the camper, consider a tilting model.
- Fits both 1.25-inch and 2-inch hitches with included adapter.
- Lightweight aluminum construction reduces tongue load.
- Folding arms for compact storage.
Pros: Works with smaller hitches; Lightweight and affordable
Cons: Does not tilt for rear access; Straps can loosen over time
4. Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Hitch Rack: Best for Heavy Bikes and Durability
The Kuat NV 2.0 is a premium rack with a built-in workstand that allows you to perform minor bike repairs at the campsite. It holds bikes up to 60 lbs each, accommodating heavy e-bikes or mountain bikes. The foot-operated tilt lever makes it easy to access the camper rear without lifting.
On the downside, the Kuat NV 2.0 is one of the heaviest racks, which may exceed the tongue weight capacity of smaller pop up campers. It also comes with a premium price tag. Some owners found the cable lock a bit short for larger frames. If you have a sturdy camper and want a feature-rich rack, this is a solid pick.
- Built-in bike workstand for repairs on the go.
- Foot-operated tilt lever for easy rear access.
- No-frame-contact design protects bike paint.
Pros: Very sturdy and durable; Integrated workstand is unique
Cons: Expensive; Heavy (55 lbs)
5. Saris Bones 2-Bike Trunk Rack: Best Trunk Mount Alternative
The Saris Bones 2 is a trunk-mounted rack that can attach to the rear of many pop up campers, provided the panel is flat and sturdy. It uses adjustable straps and rubber feet to avoid scratching. This is a good option if your pop up camper lacks a hitch receiver or has limited tongue weight.
However, owner feedback indicates that the fit is not universal; some campers have curved or soft panels that make the rack unstable. It also does not lock the bikes to the rack. We recommend measuring your camper’s rear panel before buying. This rack is best for occasional use and lighter bikes.
- Fits many pop up camper rear panels with adjustable straps.
- Arms fold flat for storage.
- No hitch required, saves tongue weight.
Pros: No hitch needed; Very lightweight
Cons: May not fit all camper shapes; Less stable than hitch racks
6. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Rack: Budget Friendly Trunk Mount
The Allen Sports Deluxe 2 is an inexpensive trunk rack that can be attached to the rear of some pop up campers. It comes fully assembled and uses individual tie-downs for each bike. Many owners use it on campers with flat rear panels and report it works for short trips.
However, this rack is not as sturdy as hitch-mounted options. The straps may loosen over rough terrain, and the rack can sway. It also does not tilt, so rear camper access is blocked. We recommend this only for very light bikes and short distances. For frequent or long trips, invest in a hitch rack.
- Folds flat for easy storage.
- Patented tie-down system with individual straps.
- No tools required for installation.
Pros: Very affordable; Easy to install and remove
Cons: Straps can loosen on bumpy roads; Not as secure as hitch racks
7. Yakima HighRoad Roof Mount Bike Rack: Best Roof Mount for Soft Tops
The Yakima HighRoad is a roof-mounted carrier that holds the bike by its wheels, making it suitable for carbon frames and odd geometries. It can be mounted on roof crossbars, which some pop up campers have. This avoids adding weight to the hitch or rear panel.
However, the HighRoad only holds one bike, so you need multiple units for more bikes. Also, not all pop up campers have roof crossbars, and installing them may be complex. Some owners noted that lifting a heavy bike onto the roof can be difficult. This is best for solo travelers or those with lightweight bikes and existing roof bars.
- Clamps bike by the wheels, no frame contact.
- Fits most roof crossbars, including soft top pop ups.
- Locking knob secures the bike.
Pros: No frame contact protects paint; Fits on soft top campers with crossbars
Cons: Only holds one bike; Requires roof crossbars
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular hitch bike rack on a pop up camper?
Yes, but you must check your pop up camper’s tongue weight capacity. Many pop up campers have a tongue weight limit of 150-200 lbs. A typical 2-bike hitch rack weighs 30-50 lbs, plus two bikes at 30-40 lbs each, totaling 90-130 lbs. That leaves little margin for other cargo. Also, ensure the hitch receiver is rated for the rack’s weight. We recommend using a lightweight rack and keeping bikes light.
Will a trunk rack damage my pop up camper's rear panel?
It depends on the panel material. Pop up campers often have thin aluminum or fiberglass panels that can dent or crack under pressure. Trunk racks rely on straps and rubber feet that can leave marks or cause flexing. We advise using a hitch rack if possible. If you must use a trunk rack, place soft padding between the rack and the camper, and avoid over-tightening straps.
How do I know if my pop up camper has a 1.25-inch or 2-inch hitch?
Measure the inside diameter of the hitch receiver tube. Most pop up campers come with a 2-inch receiver, but some smaller or older models may have 1.25-inch. You can also check your owner’s manual. If you have 1.25-inch, many racks offer adapters, but stability may be reduced. We recommend using a rack designed for your hitch size.
Can I carry e-bikes on a pop up camper bike rack?
Only if the rack is rated for the weight. Most standard racks have a per-bike limit of 35-40 lbs, which is too low for most e-bikes (50-70 lbs). Look for heavy-duty racks like the Thule T2 Pro XT or Kuat NV 2.0, which can handle up to 60 lbs per bike. Also, consider the added tongue weight and your camper’s capacity.
What is the safest way to secure bikes on a pop up camper?
Use a hitch-mounted rack with a locking hitch pin and integrated cable locks. Ensure the rack is properly tightened to prevent wobble. Check all straps and clamps before each trip. For trunk racks, add secondary straps for redundancy. Never exceed the rack’s weight limit or your camper’s tongue weight. Periodically inspect all hardware for wear.
Our Verdict
After researching and comparing the options, the Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack is our top pick for most pop up campers due to its tilting feature, solid build, and reasonable weight. For those with a higher budget and need for security, the Thule T2 Pro XT is an excellent runner-up. Always confirm your camper’s hitch size and tongue weight before purchasing.
