Campervan Bike Racks - Types & Assembly

If you're a campervan enthusiast, you probably know that hitting the open road isn't just about the adventure. It's about bringing along the things you love, including your trusty bike.

Whether you’re an avid cyclist or someone who enjoys a leisurely ride, having a campervan bike rack can transform your road trips. But before you rush out and grab the first bike rack you see, there’s a lot to consider.
In this guide, we’ll look at the different types of bike racks available for your campervan, how to assemble them, their uses, and everything in between.

Types of Campervan Bike Racks

First, let's talk about the different types of bike racks for campervans. Understanding which one suits your needs will make your experience smooth and hassle-free.

1.Rear-Mounted Bike Racks

These racks are the most popular option for campervans. They mount onto the rear of your vehicle, which is often the most accessible place for bikes. You’ll find both vertical and horizontal designs, and they can hold one or multiple bikes depending on the model.

• Pros: Easy to use, typically quick to assemble, and don’t take up valuable space inside the campervan.
• Cons: Can obscure rear view visibility, and some models may need a tow bar to fit.

2. Tow Bar-Mounted Bike Racks

These racks attach directly to the tow bar at the back of your campervan, allowing you to carry more bikes with greater stability.

• Pros: More secure than rear-mounted racks, better weight distribution, and usually, these racks can carry up to four bikes.
• Cons: You’ll need a tow bar on your campervan for this type of bike rack to work, and it may limit access to your rear doors.

3.Roof-mounted Campervan Bike Racks

Roof-mounted racks are great for those who don’t want to obstruct their rear view or access their campervan doors. These racks allow you to secure bikes on the roof of your vehicle.

• Pros: Keeps the rear of your van clear for access and doesn’t interfere with visibility while driving.
• Cons: You need to be able to lift the bikes onto the roof, which can be a challenge, especially if you’re on your own. Plus, they can increase your campervan’s overall height, making low-clearance areas tricky.

4. Campervan Bike Rack Box

If you're looking for a more secure way to transport your bikes and want to protect them from weather conditions, a campervan bike rack box might be the way to go. These boxes typically sit on the roof or hitch of your van and can hold bikes along with other gear.

• Pros: These boxes can also double as storage, making them a two-in-one solution. Provides extra protection for bikes and luggage, and keeps everything safe and secure.
• Cons: They can be a bit bulky and may affect fuel efficiency.

What to Consider when choosing a Bike Rack

Choosing the best bike rack for campervans can feel like a tricky task, but breaking it down will help make the decision easier.

1. Number of Bikes
How many bikes do you typically travel with? If you're a solo rider, a simple rear-mounted rack might be enough. But if you're travelling with family or friends, you’ll need something larger, like a tow bar-mounted or even a campervan bike rack box.

2. Weight Capacity
Different bike racks have different weight capacities, so make sure the rack you choose can handle the combined weight of your bikes. Some racks are designed for lightweight road bikes, while others can support heavy mountain bikes.

3. Security
You’ll want to keep your bikes safe while you’re out exploring. Look for a rack that has a good locking system to prevent theft, especially if you're leaving your campervan unattended.

4. Ease of Assembly and Use
No one wants to spend hours struggling with bike rack assembly. Choose a bike rack that is easy to assemble and quick to use. Some racks are tool-free and can be attached or detached in minutes, which is super convenient when you’re on the go.

5. Accessibility
Think about how easy it will be to access your campervan’s rear door or hatch once the bikes are loaded. A tow bar-mounted bike rack might be more secure, but it could block access to your van’s rear. Similarly, campervan bike rack storage should be easy to reach when you need it.

Assembly of a Campervan Bike Rack

Once you've chosen the right bike rack for your campervan, it's time to assemble it. Here’s a general guide to assembling a campervan bike rack. Keep in mind that assembly can vary depending on the model, so always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Check the Components: Before you start, make sure all the parts are there, including bolts, straps, and mounting brackets.

2. Position the Rack: Depending on the type of rack you have, you’ll need to position it on your campervan. For rear-mounted racks, you’ll attach the frame to the rear of the vehicle. For roof-mounted racks, you’ll position it on your vehicle’s roof rails.

3. Secure the Rack: Use the provided straps or bolts to firmly secure the rack in place. Make sure everything is tight and stable to prevent movement while you’re driving.

4. Attach the Bikes: Place your bikes on the rack and secure them with straps or other locking mechanisms. Be sure to position the bikes properly to avoid damaging them or the vehicle.

5. Test It Out: Before hitting the road, test the rack and bikes to make sure they’re securely attached and not obstructing your rear view.

Extra uses for Campervan Bike Racks

While the main purpose of a bike rack for a campervan is to transport your bikes, these racks can serve several other purposes that make them invaluable on your travels.

1.Extra Storage
Many campervan bike racks also provide extra storage space for gear. For instance, a campervan bike rack box can give you additional space for your luggage, outdoor gear, or camping equipment.

2.Outdoor Exploration
Having a bike rack means that you can explore new locations by bike, making it easier to enjoy the scenery without worrying about transporting your bike. This adds a whole new dimension to your outdoor campervan adventure.

3.Access to more locations
Bikes can help you access remote areas that a campervan can’t reach. Whether you're riding through a national park or exploring a coastal town, having your bike with you allows you to discover new places on your own terms.

4.Easy setup
Bike racks allow you to quickly get your bikes in and out of your campervan, so you can spend more time enjoying your trips and less time fussing over your gear. Plus, they make the bikes more accessible, so you can just grab them and go when you’re ready to explore.

Specialist Campervan Insurance with Ripe

When you’re hitting the road with your campervan and your bikes in tow, it’s important to have the right insurance in place. That’s where motorhome and campervan insurance comes in.

Not only does it cover your campervan, but it can also include your campervan bike rack and any damage that might occur while transporting your bikes. Whether you're using a roof-mounted rack or a tow bar-mounted one, insurance through Ripe ensures you're covered for those adventures, giving you peace of mind as you ride off into the sunset with your bikes securely strapped on.