If you are looking for a bike rack for the back of a fifth wheel, there is one very important thing you need to know before you start shopping: not all bike racks are rated for use on an RV.
In fact, it gets even more confusing than that. Some racks are approved for Class A or Class C motorhomes but not travel trailers or fifth wheels. Some can be used on vehicles being flat-towed, while others specifically prohibit use behind a camper.
That was one of the biggest things we learned when we started looking for a rack for our two Lectric XP Lite 2.0 e-bikes.
Our setup is a 2025 Grand Design Reflection 295RL fifth wheel, and after doing our research, we decided on the Hollywood Racks RV Rider, Model HR1700.
At the time of this review, the rack is selling on Amazon for about $649.99.
I will admit that we had a little sticker shock when we first saw the price. Six hundred and fifty dollars for a bike rack isn’t exactly cheap. But then we looked at it another way: we have a couple thousand dollars’ worth of e-bikes riding on the back of our fifth wheel. This probably wasn’t the place to save a few bucks.
So we bit the bullet.
This Thing Is Built Like a Tank
The first thing you notice when you pick up the box is that this isn’t a lightweight bike rack.
The HR1700 weighs about 56 pounds and is rated to carry two bikes weighing up to 80 pounds each.
Our Lectric XP Lite 2.0 bikes weigh approximately 48 pounds each with the batteries installed and around 41 pounds with the batteries removed. We always remove the batteries before transporting the bikes.
That not only takes some weight off the rack, but I would rather have those expensive batteries riding inside the camper or truck than bouncing down the highway on the back of the fifth wheel.
One important warning from Hollywood Racks: do not use a hitch extension or adapter with this rack.
Assembly
Assembly wasn’t particularly difficult.
It took me around 45 minutes from opening the box to having the rack together and installed.
Hollywood Racks does include the tools needed for assembly. Technically, you could put the entire thing together using what comes in the box.
Could you?
Yes.
Would I?
Absolutely not.
Unless you have an extra hour to kill and enjoy making simple projects unnecessarily difficult.
Do yourself a favor and grab:
- 17mm socket
- 19mm socket
- 19mm wrench
- #2 Phillips screwdriver
With decent tools, assembly is pretty straightforward.
How Solid Is It?
This is probably the part that impressed me the most.
Once the rack is installed in the receiver and everything is tightened down, there is very little movement and almost no rattling.
That matters a lot on the back of a fifth wheel.
The rear of a camper gets considerably more movement than the hitch on the back of your truck or SUV. Every bump in the road gets magnified back there, which is exactly why you want a rack that was actually designed and approved for RV use.
The HR1700 feels extremely solid.
Loading the Bikes
Hollywood recommends lowering the center support when loading the bike closest to the camper. That certainly makes it easier, although I have found that I can load ours without lowering it.
The outside bike is extremely easy to put on the rack.
For our particular setup, I make two small adjustments before traveling.
I fold the pedals on the bikes. You really don’t have to, but since the Lectric pedals fold, there is no reason not to.
On the bike closest to the fifth wheel, I also fold the handlebars down. Again, it isn’t absolutely necessary, but it gives me a few extra inches of clearance between the bike and the camper.
Any extra clearance back there is cheap insurance.
Securing the Bikes
The rack uses heavy-duty wheel straps, and once they are tightened down, the bikes aren’t going anywhere.
Getting the straps between the spokes can be a little tricky depending on exactly where the wheel stops, but after you’ve done it a couple of times, it isn’t a big deal.
The rack also has two locking frame clamps that we attach around the seat-post area of our bikes.
This is another feature I really like.
Both clamps have built-in locks, and Hollywood uses the same key for the frame clamps, hitch lock and included security cable.
That may sound like a minor detail, but anybody who travels with an RV knows how quickly you can end up carrying around enough keys to qualify as a school janitor.
Having one key for everything associated with the bike rack is a very nice touch.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Designed for RV use. This was the biggest reason we bought it. Fifth wheels put a lot more movement and stress on a bike rack than a normal passenger vehicle.
- Excellent weight capacity. It can carry two bikes weighing up to 80 pounds each, making it a good choice for many e-bikes.
- Very solid construction. Once installed, there is very little movement or rattling.
- Secure wheel straps. The heavy-duty straps hold the bikes firmly in place.
- Locking frame clamps. Each bike is secured with its own locking clamp.
- One key for everything. The frame clamps, hitch lock and security cable are keyed alike.
- Security cable included. You don’t have to immediately go out and buy another locking system.
- Good fit for our Lectric XP Lite 2.0 bikes. We have plenty of capacity to spare, especially with the batteries removed.
- Tools are included for assembly. Even though I recommend using your own sockets and wrench, everything you technically need is in the box.
- Straightforward assembly. With proper tools, it took about 45 minutes to assemble and install.
Cons
- The price. At around $650, there is no getting around the fact that this is an expensive bike rack.
- It is heavy. At approximately 56 pounds, you will know you’re moving it when you install or remove it.
- Wheel straps can be a little awkward. Depending on where the spokes land, feeding the straps through can take a little patience.
- No hitch extensions or adapters. Hollywood specifically warns against using them, so your receiver location needs to work with the rack as designed.
- Loading the inside bike takes a little more effort. The outside bike is easy, but the bike closest to the fifth wheel requires a little more maneuvering.
- Overkill for lightweight inexpensive bikes. If you’re carrying two $200 bicycles on the back of a regular vehicle, there are much cheaper options. This rack makes the most sense when you’re carrying heavier or more expensive bikes on an RV.
Who Is This Rack For?
I think the HR1700 makes the most sense for someone who:
- Owns a fifth wheel, travel trailer or compatible RV
- Carries e-bikes or heavier bicycles
- Wants very little movement in the rack
- Wants built-in security
- Is willing to pay more for something specifically designed for RV use
If you are just carrying a couple of lightweight bikes around town on the back of an SUV, this rack is probably more than you need.
But if you are putting several thousand dollars’ worth of e-bikes on the back of a fifth wheel and heading down the interstate, that changes the equation considerably.
Final Verdict
After using the Hollywood Racks RV Rider HR1700 with our Grand Design Reflection 295RL and Lectric XP Lite 2.0 e-bikes, we are extremely happy with it.
It is heavy, solid, secure and clearly designed for the abuse a bike rack takes on the back of an RV.
Yes, it is expensive.
Other than the price, though, I honestly haven’t found much to complain about.
If you have expensive e-bikes and need a rack that is actually designed for the back of a fifth wheel, the Hollywood RV Rider HR1700 deserves a serious look.
For us, the peace of mind knowing our bikes are securely attached to the back of the camper makes the price a lot easier to swallow.
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Take a hundred dollars off the price and I’d have a hard time finding a reason not to give it a perfect five.
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