How to Carry Bikes on a Campervan Without a Hitch Rack

For many campervan owners, bringing bikes along is part of the adventure.

Whether you're exploring mountain bike trails, gravel roads, or scenic coastal rides, a bicycle can turn a van trip into something unforgettable.

But there’s one problem many van owners run into:

Not every campervan has a hitch installed.

And even when they do, hitch bike racks can be heavy, bulky, and often block access to the rear doors.

So what are the alternatives?

Fortunately, there are several ways to carry bikes on a campervan without using a hitch rack.

Why Many Van Owners Avoid Hitch Bike Racks

Hitch racks are common, but they aren’t always ideal for campervans.

Most hitch racks:

• Add 2–3 feet to the back of your van
• Weigh 40–70 pounds before adding bikes
• Block rear door access
• Reduce departure angle when driving off-road

For van owners who value simplicity and mobility, many start looking for lighter alternatives.

Option 1: Interior Bike Storage

Some van builds include a “garage” area where bikes can be stored inside the van.

This can work well for larger vans, but it comes with trade-offs.

Pros

• Fully protected from weather
• Secure inside the vehicle

Cons

• Takes up valuable interior space
• Can limit layout options
• Harder with multiple bikes

For smaller builds or weekend vans, interior storage isn’t always practical.

Option 2: Permanent Exterior Door Racks

Some campervan owners install permanent racks that bolt directly to the rear doors.

These racks can carry multiple bikes and keep them outside the van.

However, permanent racks often require drilling into the vehicle and can add significant weight.

Pros

• Exterior storage
• Can carry several bikes

Cons

• Permanent installation
• Heavy steel construction
• May limit rear door movement

Option 3: Lightweight Rear Door Fork Mount Systems

Another increasingly popular solution is rear door fork mount systems.

Instead of carrying bikes on a large rack, these systems attach to the van’s rear doors and hold bikes by the front fork.

This design keeps the system lightweight and simple.

One example is the Bike-Hook rear door fork mount system, designed specifically for campervans.

With this approach:

• The bike’s front wheel is removed
• The fork attaches to the mount
• The bike hangs securely on the rear door

Because the system is compact and lightweight, it avoids many of the problems associated with traditional racks.

Why Lightweight Door Mounts Are Growing in Popularity

Many van owners prefer this style of bike storage because it keeps things simple.

Compared to hitch racks, lightweight door-mounted systems offer several advantages.

Benefits

• No hitch required
• Much lighter than traditional racks
• No added vehicle length
• Compact and removable
• Designed specifically for vans

For travelers who want to keep their van setup minimal and functional, this approach makes a lot of sense.

A Simpler Way to Carry Bikes

Van life often revolves around simplicity.

The less complicated your gear setup is, the easier it is to focus on the adventure.

That’s why more van owners are choosing compact solutions like rear door fork mounts instead of heavy hitch racks.

They provide a clean, lightweight way to carry bikes while keeping the van easy to drive and easy to access.

Learn More About Bike-Hook

If you’re looking for a lightweight way to carry bikes on a campervan without installing a hitch rack, Bike-Hook offers rear door fork mount systems designed specifically for vans.

You can explore the full Bike-Hook lineup here:

Shop All Bike-Hook Products
https://www.bike-hook.com/shop

Learn More About Our No-Drill Bike Rack
https://www.bike-hook.com/no-drill-bike-rack-info

Bike-Hook Mounting Compatibility Guide
https://www.bike-hook.com/mounting-options

GOT QUESTIONS ???
https://bike-hook.com/pages/contact

🔧 Have a RAM Promaster, Ford Transit, or Sprinter?
Browse van-specific mounts:
RAM Promaster
Ford Transit

Mercedes Sprinter

What is in the Bike-Hook box,.. This is the version V2.0 ,.. We have just released the V3.0 and shipping it now