Bike-Hook vs DIY Van Bike Racks: Which One’s Right for You?
Monica Ganas
Introduction
When it comes to carrying bikes on your campervan, you’ve got two main routes:
-
Build your own DIY rack (wood blocks, bolts, interior mounts).
-
Use a purpose-built system like Bike-Hook.
Both can work—but they’re not created equal. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each, so you can decide which option fits your vanlife needs.
DIY Van Bike Racks
The Pros:
-
Cheap: Wood blocks, bolts, or Amazon hardware can cost under $50 but, good materials can be expensive when buying single to a few pieces.
-
Customizable: You can size it exactly for your van layout.
-
Fun project: Great for hands-on van builders who enjoy tinkering.
The Cons:
-
Takes space: Most DIY solutions are mounted inside the van, eating up valuable living/storage room.
-
Not universal: Unlikely to fit multiple bike types (road, MTB, fat tire, eBikes).
-
Durability issues: Bolted setups can loosen; wood can swell/warp with weather.
-
No rear-door access: Once bikes are inside, getting in/out is harder.
Bike-Hook: Purpose-Built for Vans
The Pros:
-
Lightweight: Each Bike-Hook weighs ~3 lbs. Compare that to 60–100 lb hitch racks.
-
Space-saving: Mounts vertically on rear doors—zero interior space lost and nothing elongated from the bumper.
-
No drill design: Clamps securely to doors and locks into place when the rear doors are closed. they are fully removable anytime once the rear door is open.
-
Universal fit: Works across van models (Sprinter, Transit, Promaster, Ducato, Transporter, Boxer, etc.).
-
Custom hub blocks: Designed for everything from eBikes to fat tires, downhill rigs, and even budget Chinese eBikes with odd hub spacing.
-
Secure: Bikes lock directly to hooks; doors remain accessible.
The Cons:
-
Not free: Costs more than DIY hardware, though far less than premium hitch racks.
-
External mounting: Bikes are outside, so you’ll want protective tape and tire wraps (included) to keep paint scratch-free.
Which One’s Right for You?
-
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind losing van space, a DIY rack may be fine.
-
If you want door access, space efficiency, and a system designed for your van, Bike-Hook is the smarter choice.
Conclusion
DIY racks can get the job done—but they often come with compromises in space, flexibility, and durability. Bike-Hook was engineered specifically for vanlife, giving you a lightweight, secure, and no-drill option that makes traveling with bikes hassle-free.
👉 Shop Bike-Hook Today and upgrade your van’s bike storage system.
