Campervan Bike Racks: Which One Fits Your Van?

Carrying bikes on a campervan is more complicated than on a car. Rear doors are usually the only access to the living space, tailgates are tall, and the combined weight of two bikes can push a van's payload. Get the type right and you'll hardly notice the bikes are there; get it wrong and you'll be fighting with straps every morning.

Tailgate-mounted racks

These strap to the rear doors or tailgate and are the cheapest option, typically £80–£200. They suit small bikes and occasional trips, but they block rear door access — a real nuisance when your fridge, gas locker or toilet lives behind those doors. They also add strain to hinges designed for a tailgate, not two ebikes.

• Check the rack's weight limit against your bikes.
• Ebikes and rack-back camera bikes can be too heavy for cheap strap-on racks.
• Fit an extended number plate and light board if the bikes obscure the rear lights.

Towbar racks

If you have a towbar, a towbar-mounted rack is the best all-rounder. It sits behind the van, keeps the rear doors clear, and handles heavier loads. Expect to pay £150–£450 for a quality rack, plus more if you need a towbar fitting first.

• Look for a tilting rack so you can still open the doors with bikes fitted.
• Check the noseweight limit on your towbar.
• Two adults' bikes, or one ebike plus one regular bike, is about the practical maximum on most vans.

Roof racks

Roof-mounted carriers work on vans with a solid roof rack and keep the rear completely clear. They're great for long journeys but you'll be lifting bikes overhead, and a tall van can make this a struggle. Budget £120–£250 for carriers on top of your existing roof rack.

The legal and practical bits

Bikes must not obscure your lights or number plate, and overhanging loads need marking. Secure everything with decent straps and check them at every fuel stop.

A towbar rack with a tilt function is the upgrade most van owners wish they'd bought first.

If you're shopping for a van that can carry bikes without drama, a model with a rear ladder or twin rear doors helps. Browse campervans for sale to compare layouts, then see our accessories for sale for racks and straps.