How to Choose the Right Bike Rack for Your Campervan (And Why Fork Mount Racks Win)

Loading a bicycle onto a rear door of a camper van
Monica Ganas

🏕️ Intro: Not All Bike Racks Are Van-Friendly

Choosing the right bike rack for your campervan isn’t just about price or capacity—it’s about space, security, and simplicity.

Whether you're traveling full-time or heading out for a weekend ride, your bike rack should make life easier—not more complicated.

Let’s break down the options—hitch racks, interior frame mounts, and the Bike-Hook fork mount system—and help you decide what fits your vanlife best.

🔄 Types of Bike Racks for Campervans

1. Hitch Racks

  • Mount to your tow hitch

  • Can carry 1–4 bikes

  • Often block rear door access

  • Exposed to theft and weather

  • May bounce or wobble off-road

2. Interior Frame Racks

  • Sit inside the van, usually on the floor

  • Keep bikes protected

  • Take up valuable living or cargo space

  • Require tie-downs or modifications

  • Not ideal for tall or heavy bikes

3. Fork Mount Door Racks (Like Bike-Hook)

  • Mount to the outside of your rear door

  • Hold bikes vertically by the front fork

  • Minimal footprint, low bounce

  • No drilling required

  • Rear door still opens freely

  • Easy to install/remove

carrying 4 bicycles is easy with your campervan - bike hook

🏆 Why Bike-Hook Is the Best Fit for Campervans

Feature Hitch Rack Interior Floor Rack Bike-Hook Fork Mount
Rear Door Access ❌ Blocked ✔ Yes ✔ Yes
Bike Security ❌ Exposed ✔ Safe ✔ Safe
Interior Space Saved ✔ ❌ Takes room ✔
eBike Compatible ⚠️ Weight limits ⚠️ Hard to manage ✔ Tested to 70 lbs
Drilling Required ❌ Often yes ❌
Install Time Moderate Complicated ✅ Minutes

🔋 What About eBikes?

Bike-Hook is engineered to handle the weight of modern eBikes, with tests showing safe support of 70 lbs per rack. That’s more than enough for most electric mountain or commuter bikes—and doesn’t stress your hinges or damage your doors.

🚐 Van Compatibility

Bike-Hook fits directly on the rear doors of:

  • RAM Promaster & Promaster City

  • Ford Transit & Transit Custom

  • Mercedes Sprinter

  • Fiat Ducato

  • VW Transporter T5 / T6

  • VW Crafter

  • Peugeot Boxer

  • Citroën Jumper

  • Vauxhall Vivaro

  • GMC Savana

  • Chevrolet Express

  • Ford Transit Connect

  • Ford Custom EU

No drilling. No cutting. Just clean, secure bike storage.

 

💬 FAQs

Q: Can I still open my doors with a Bike-Hook installed?
A: Yes! Bikes hang close to the door and don’t block it. You can open both rear doors fully.

Q: Is it secure enough for long trips?
A: Absolutely. We’ve tested the system on rough backroads and with eBikes—zero bounce or failure.

Q: Will it damage my van?
A: No. Bike-Hook uses protective foam, thick clear protective tape, stainless hardware, and safe tie-downs to prevent rubbing or stress.

🛒 Ready to Choose Your Rack?

Skip the bulky gear. Choose simplicity.
👉 Shop Bike-Hook Fork Mount Racks
👉 See our YouTube Channel for more videos

🧭 Summary

Hitch racks are bulky. Floor racks take space.
Bike-Hook is the cleanest, smartest, no-drill fork mount rack for your campervan.
Secure, fast-loading, and made for riders who live on the move.

Tags: Bike-Hook Comparison, Campervan Bike Rack, Choosing a Bike Rack, eBike Rack for Vans, Fork Mount vs Hitch Rack, No Drill Bike Rack, Vanlife Gear