Taking Your Bikes on the Road: A Guide to Carrying Bicycles on Campervans

One of the joys of campervan travel is the freedom to explore, and for many, that exploration extends to two wheels. Bringing your bicycles along can open up a whole new world of adventure, from leisurely rides through scenic countryside to challenging mountain bike trails. However, transporting bikes on a campervan requires careful consideration to ensure their safety, your vehicle's integrity, and ease of access.

Here's a breakdown of the most common and effective ways to carry bicycles on your campervan:

1. Rear-Mounted Bike Racks

Rear-mounted racks are perhaps the most popular option due to their relatively easy installation and accessibility. They attach to the rear of your campervan, often to the tow bar, the rear door, or the chassis.

• Tow Bar Mounted Racks: These are generally the most robust and secure rear-mounted option. They clamp onto your tow bar and often feature a tilt function, allowing you to access the rear of your campervan even with bikes loaded. Look for models with integrated lights and a number plate holder if your bikes obscure your vehicle's lights.

• Door Mounted Racks: Designed to fit specific campervan models, these racks attach directly to the rear doors. They are usually easy to install and remove, but it's crucial to ensure the rack is compatible with your van and that the door hinges can support the extra weight. Some models can hinder rear door access when loaded.

• Chassis Mounted Racks: Less common for smaller campervans, but an option for larger vehicles, these racks are bolted directly to the campervan's chassis. They offer excellent stability and weight distribution.

Pros of Rear-Mounted Racks:

• Relatively easy to load and unload bikes.

• Keeps bikes external, saving valuable interior space.

• Good visibility in your rear-view mirror compared to roof racks.

Cons of Rear-Mounted Racks:

• Can obscure rear lights or number plate (requiring an additional light board).

• Adds length to your vehicle, making reversing and maneuvering more challenging.

• Bikes are exposed to road grime and weather.

• Can make accessing the rear of your van difficult.

2. Roof-Mounted Bike Racks

If you have a sturdy roof rack system already in place, roof-mounted bike carriers are a viable option. These typically consist of individual carriers that secure each bike to the roof bars.

Pros of Roof-Mounted Racks:

• Keeps bikes clear of the rear of the vehicle, allowing full access to doors.

• Bikes are generally more protected from road spray.

• Doesn't add to the overall length of your vehicle.

Cons of Roof-Mounted Racks:

• Increased vehicle height, which can be an issue with low bridges, car parks, and ferry crossings.

• Can be difficult to load and unload bikes, especially heavier electric bikes.

• Increases wind resistance and can impact fuel economy.

• Bikes are exposed to the elements from above.

3. Interior Storage

For maximum security and protection from the elements, storing your bikes inside the campervan is an excellent choice, assuming you have the space. This is particularly popular for dedicated cycling enthusiasts or those with valuable bikes.

• Dedicated Bike Garages: Some larger campervans come with a 'garage' area at the rear specifically designed for storing bikes and other gear. These often have reinforced floors and tie-down points.

• Custom Interior Mounts: For smaller vans, you can create a custom setup. This often involves removing the front wheels of your bikes and using fork mounts secured to the floor or a platform.

Pros of Interior Storage:

• Maximum security against theft and vandalism.

• Bikes are completely protected from weather and road grime.

• No impact on external vehicle dimensions (height or length).

• Keeps bikes clean and ready to ride.

Cons of Interior Storage:

• Uses up valuable living or storage space inside the campervan.

• May require removing front wheels, adding a small step to setup.

• Bikes can still shift if not properly secured, potentially causing damage.

• Dirt from bikes can be brought inside.

4. Front-Mounted Racks (Less Common)

While not as common for campervans, some vehicles can accommodate front-mounted bike racks, similar to those seen on some buses. These attach to the front bumper or a dedicated front hitch receiver where permitted.

Pros of Front-Mounted Racks:

• Keeps the rear of the vehicle clear.

• Good visibility of bikes while driving.

Cons of Front-Mounted Racks:

• Can obscure headlights or the front of the vehicle.

• Impacts engine cooling and fuel economy.

• Adds significant length to the front, making maneuvering tricky.

• Bikes are exposed to road grime.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Bike Carrier

• Number and Type of Bikes: How many bikes do you need to carry? Are they standard road bikes, heavier mountain bikes, or even heavier electric bikes?

• Weight Capacity: Ensure your chosen rack or mounting system can safely handle the combined weight of your bikes. Also, consider your campervan's payload capacity.

• Security: How secure is the system against theft? Look for integrated locking mechanisms or plan to use additional locks.

• Accessibility: How easy is it to load and unload bikes? Can you still access the rear of your van or your roof storage when bikes are on the rack?

• Aerodynamics and Fuel Economy: External racks, especially roof-mounted ones, can significantly impact your fuel consumption.

• Legality: Be aware of regulations regarding obscured lights, number plates, and overall vehicle dimensions in the regions you'll be traveling.

• Van Type: The make and model of your campervan will dictate which rack types are compatible.

Whether storing your bike inside your vehicle or on the back, Wheeliams Universal Bike Fork Mount is an essential accessory.

The Wheeliams Universal Bike Fork Mount is a versatile and robust solution for securing bicycles on your campervan. Its universal design means it can accommodate various fork sizes (often with adaptors), providing a stable anchor point for your bike once the front wheel is removed. 

Combine the Fork Mount with one of our cargo storage Backracks and you have a great bike storage solution.

So, carefully consider all these factors and solutions, then you can find the perfect way to bring your beloved bicycles along on your campervan adventures. Happy riding!