There are hitch mounted racks that swing away allowing you to access the tailgate search for "swing away bicycle carrier". These will be more expensive. If the Jeep is a toad you can use a Swagman bike carrier from Camping World which slip on the tow-bar hitch draw bar and then carry the bikes between the RV and the toad.
Swing away type carrier - yakima pictured


Swagman mount on tow bar draw bar style (mounts on any 2inch draw bar)




-- Edited by RVDude at 16:34, 2009-01-01

We're also looking for a bicycle rack, but need one that will accomodate 4 bikes.  Any suggestions?  We'll be using a fifth wheel set up.  Thanks!

I've used a swing away many times and really like them though I don't own one. Get a quality one, like a Yakima/Thule or other top brand. They can be fitted to carry 1 - 4 (even more) bikes as you need. You won't regret buying the quality. I would also try out a few to see if you like the way swing works (like the swing lock release, and the bike retention devices). Many can also convert to be ski racks too.

The only "issue" is that the swing arm styles are heavy and a little awkward when not installed due to the swing arm mechanism. SO, if you plan to remove the hitch often it might not be right for you. They might obstruct taillights but not to the point of obscuring - we are talking bikes which have a lot of empty space to see through - and you always have the center brake light that would probably be in clear view.

Note there are "swing down" styles that might be good for you too. I little tough and heavy to swing down with bike loaded and may not provide the clearance to open tailgates. But might be an option than the swing arm style.

I would definitely buy a bike cover, things get real nasty back there especially under tow not to mention the sun exposure. Camping world has bike covers for hitch mounted bike racks. I also use several bungies to keep the cover from flapping in the wind and thus tearing it up.

I use the Swagman style mounted on my tow bar carrier. Hence it sits between my rig and toad as I often have a different hitch mounted carrier on my toad hitch. I then carry a very small cheap hitch bike carrier to use on the toad hitch when I am camped and remove the other toad carrier.

Hi Natasha

I've heard alot about Yakima but have never found anyone that carries them. Where did you find yours? I've decided that maybe a regular 2 bike rack (not swing-away) is the route I'll go. I'll just use the back doors of the Jeep Liberty to access the rear end.

Thanks

Paul

Paul -

We bought ours at REI.

Here's a link:
http://www.rei.com/product/767986

Another option to consider:  A roof rack. 
We have a soft top on our Jeep, so that's out of the question.  But, it could work for a Liberty!

Hope this helps

- Natasha

Paul...

I use a swing-away type as well on my Liberty and the best thing I did was get an extension tube for the hitch that puts the rack out past the spare tire allowing you to access the back window panel without a problem. Mine is older and sways a lttle bit but so far no issues to report.

We haven't found an ideal one yet.  We originally bought one from camping world that hangs off the ladder, but we found it to be flimsy and didn't like how much it moves around.

We ended up installing one that mounts on the RV bumper (the following link has a picture of it): http://www.rvstuffusa.com/2bikervbumpermountrackbyswagman.html .

This one works ok, but it is kind of tedious securing the bikes with bungie cords.


We do take our bikes in the truck fairly often to go for bike rides away from where we're camping.  We have just been throwing them in the back of the truck, where they get all greasy from the hitch - so we're thinking about getting another bike rack for the truck.

-Colleen