Choosing your bicycle rack for your campervan

Choosing your bicycle rack for your campervan
Monica Ganas

Types of Campervan Bike Racks

1. Rear Door-Mounted Racks

These racks attach to the back doors of your campervan, making them a great option if you want easy access to your bikes without needing a hitch.

✅ Pros:

  • Doesn’t require a tow hitch.

  • Generally more affordable than hitch racks.

  • Keeps bikes easily accessible.

  • Free access to rear doors.

❌ Cons:

  • Can be tricky to install on certain van models.

  • Limited weight capacity compared to hitch racks.

Budget Pick: *Bike-Hook * – A well-loved option that’s reliable and doesn’t break the bank.

 

2. Hitch-Mounted Racks

If your campervan has a hitch, this type of rack is a solid choice. Hitch racks slide into your van’s tow hitch and offer strong support for multiple bikes.

✅ Pros:

  • Easy to install and remove.

  • Can carry multiple bikes (up to four in some models).

  • Keeps rear doors partially accessible, depending on design.

❌ Cons:

  • Requires a hitch, which not all campervans have.

  • Adds extra length to your vehicle, making parking trickier.

  • Higher-end models can be pricey.

  • Most models are bulky and large 

Budget Pick: Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack – A sturdy and affordable hitch rack that gets the job done without costing a fortune.

3. Roof-Mounted Racks

For those who want to keep their rear doors and hitch free, a roof-mounted rack is a good alternative. These racks attach to roof bars and hold your bikes securely up top.

✅ Pros:

  • Keeps bikes out of the way, leaving rear doors accessible.

  • Works well for lightweight bikes and road bikes.

  • Doesn’t require a hitch.

❌ Cons:

  • Can be tough to load bikes, especially on taller campervans.

  • Impacts fuel efficiency due to added wind resistance.

  • Requires roof bars, which can add to the cost.

Budget Pick: Swagman Upright Roof Rack – A no-frills option that’s affordable and reliable.

4. Ladder-Mounted Racks

Some campervans come with rear ladders, which can be a great spot to attach a bike rack. These racks mount directly onto the ladder, making use of space that would otherwise go unused.

✅ Pros:

  • Doesn’t block access to doors or hitches.

  • Compact and space-saving design.

  • Affordable compared to other options.

❌ Cons:

  • Limited weight capacity (usually just one or two bikes).

  • Requires a sturdy ladder for proper support.

  • Not ideal for heavy mountain bikes or e-bikes.

Budget Pick: Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack – A solid, budget-friendly choice for carrying up to two bikes.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right campervan bike rack depends on your van’s setup, how many bikes you need to carry, and your budget. If you want something affordable and simple, a rear door or ladder-mounted rack might be your best bet. For those who need more carrying capacity, hitch racks are a great investment. And if you prefer to keep your van’s back clear, a roof-mounted rack could be the way to go.

No matter which option you choose, securing your bikes properly and checking for compatibility with your van model is key. Happy travels and happy riding!

Got a favorite budget-friendly campervan bike rack? Let us know in the comments!