The Ultimate Vanlife Bike Storage Guide

Easy loading Bike-Hook bicycle rear door bike rack
Monica Ganas
3 bicycles on a rear door of a camper van, Transit, sprinter, promaster

Introduction

  • Hook: “When space is at a premium, how you carry your bikes can make or break your vanlife experience.”

  • Mention common frustrations: heavy hitch racks, blocked rear doors, lost storage.

  • Promise: this guide will compare the most popular bike storage options and show why vertical fork-mounting (Bike-Hook) stands out.

1. The Traditional Options: Hitch & Roof Racks

  • Hitch Racks:

    • Pros: familiar, carry multiple bikes.

    • Cons: heavy (up to 100 lbs), block rear doors, swing arms needed.

  • Roof Racks:

    • Pros: out of the way, no blocked doors.

    • Cons: hard to load (especially eBikes), bad for fuel efficiency, height clearance issues in cities/garages.

2. Interior DIY & Cargo Mounts

  • Discuss how some vanlifers bolt down mounts inside the van.

  • Pros: protected from weather.

  • Cons: takes up living/storage space.

3. The Bike-Hook Advantage (Fork-Mount, Rear-Door System)

  • Lightweight (under 3 lbs per hook).

  • No drilling, no bounce, easy install/remove.

  • Fits 1–4 bikes across most van doors.

  • Works with Sprinter, Transit, Ducato, Promaster, Transporter, and more.

  • Custom Hub Blocks: Adaptable for fat tires, eBikes, downhill, budget Chinese eBikes.

4. Real-World Benefits for Vanlife

  • Space-Saving: No extra vehicle length, easier parking in tight spots.

  • Accessibility: Rear doors open freely.

  • Security: Bike can be locked directly to the hook.

  • Durability: Galvanneal steel, powder-coated, stainless hardware.

5. Which Option is Best for You?

  • Quick comparison chart: Hitch vs Roof vs Interior vs Bike-Hook.

  • Position Bike-Hook as the sweet spot for vanlife.

3 bike-hooks for rear door bicycle van storage

Conclusion

  • Reassure readers: no matter what bike they ride—premium MTB, budget eBike, or road bike—Bike-Hook has a fit.

  • CTA: Shop Bike-Hook Now

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Vanlife Bike Storage

Q1: What’s the best way to carry bikes on a campervan?
The three most common options are hitch racks, roof racks, and fork-mount systems like Bike-Hook. Hitch racks are heavy and block rear doors, roof racks are hard to load and affect fuel efficiency, while Bike-Hook offers a lightweight, no-drill rear-door mount that saves space and keeps your doors accessible.

Q2: Can Bike-Hook hold eBikes or heavier bikes?
Yes. Bike-Hook has been road-tested with eBikes up to 70 lbs each. For extra security, we recommend removing the battery when possible and using a tie-down strap across the seatpost.

Q3: How many bikes can I carry with Bike-Hook?
Most vans can carry up to 2 bikes per rear door, meaning you can securely mount 4 bikes across both doors.

Q4: Will Bike-Hook fit my van?
Bike-Hook systems are available for major van models including Ford Transit, RAM ProMaster, Mercedes Sprinter, Fiat Ducato, VW Transporter, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper, and more. Custom setups are available for ambulance-style vans and unique bike types.

Q5: Do I need special tools to install Bike-Hook?
No drilling or heavy tools are required. Installation is as simple as swapping your bike’s front tire for the Bike-Hook, aligning with our Steadicord strap, and placing it on the door mount.

www.bike-hook.com
Tags: Adventure Van Gear, Campervan Bike Mount, campervan bike storage, Rear Door Bike Rack, Secure Bike Rack, Space Saving Bike Rack, vanlife ebike storage, Vertical Bike Storage