RV & Motorhome Use Policy

This policy defines approved and prohibited RV and motorhome configurations for the use of hitch-mounted racks. Approval is based on vehicle geometry, hitch location, and real-world dynamic loading, not solely on hitch class or published tongue weight ratings.

✅ Approved Applications

Class B Motorhomes

Class B motorhomes are van-based vehicles built on OEM chassis (such as Sprinter, Transit, or ProMaster platforms). These vehicles have:

• Short wheelbases
• Minimal rear overhang
• Rear hitches located close to the rear axle
  

Because the hitch is close to the axle, vertical and dynamic forces at the rack are comparable to those experienced on passenger vehicles and heavy-duty vans.

Class B motorhomes are approved, provided that:

• The hitch is frame-mounted
• The hitch class and tongue weight rating meet rack requirements
• Rack load limits are not exceeded
  

Class A Motorhomes Flat-Towing a Vehicle

Class A motorhomes are approved only when flat towing a vehicle and the rack is mounted on the towed vehicle, not on the motorhome itself.

In this configuration:

• The rack is supported by the towed vehicle’s suspension
• The axle-to-hitch distance is short
• Dynamic forces are similar to normal automotive use
  

From a structural and mechanical standpoint, the rack experiences car-like loading, not the amplified forces present at the rear of a Class A motorhome.

Approval applies only if:

• The towed vehicle is equipped with a properly rated, frame-mounted hitch
• Hitch class and tongue weight meet rack requirements
  

❌ Not Approved Applications

Direct Mounting on Class A Motorhomes

Mounting a rack directly to the rear hitch of a Class A motorhome is not approved.

Class A motorhomes typically have:

• Long rear overhangs
• Hitch locations far behind the rear axle
• Rear frame extensions rather than full-length chassis rails
  

This geometry creates a lever-arm effect, where road impacts are amplified at the rear of the vehicle. As a result:

• Static loads become extreme dynamic loads
• Vertical forces at the hitch can multiply several times over the rack’s rated weight
  

Even when a hitch’s published tongue weight rating is not exceeded, real-world driving conditions can generate forces capable of causing:

• Hitch or frame extension failure
• Rack fatigue or structural damage
• Loss of rack or cargo while in motion
  

Class C Motorhomes

Although smaller than Class A motorhomes, Class C motorhomes share similar rear-overhang characteristics, including:

• Extended rear frames
• Increased axle-to-hitch distance
• Elevated bounce and frame flex
  

For these reasons, rear hitch mounting on Class C motorhomes is not approved.

Towed RVs and Trailers

Bumper-Pull Travel Trailers

Use on bumper-pull (conventional) travel trailers is not approved.

These trailers experience the most severe rear-end dynamics due to:

• Pivoting at the hitch ball
• Long distance from the tow vehicle to the rear of the trailer
• Significant vertical and fore-aft bounce at the rear
• Additionally, most travel trailers use:
• Light-duty frame extensions at the rear
• Rear hitches intended for towing only, not vertical loads
  

Even small loads can generate extreme dynamic forces, creating a high risk of structural failure.

5th Wheel Trailers

Use on 5th wheel trailers is not approved.

While 5th wheels are more stable than bumper-pull trailers due to the hitch location over the truck’s axle, they still commonly feature:

• Very long rear overhangs
• Rear frame extensions
• Significant vertical motion at the rear of the trailer
  

Mounting a rack at the rear of a 5th wheel exposes it to excessive dynamic loading beyond safe design limits.

Summary of Approved Use

• ✅ Class B motorhomes with properly rated, frame-mounted hitches
  
• ✅ Class A motorhomes flat towing a vehicle, when the rack is mounted on the towed vehicle
  
• ❌ Direct rear mounting on Class A or Class C motorhomes
  
• ❌ Bumper-pull travel trailers
  
• ❌ 5th wheel trailers