Which bike rack is the best choice for your campervan?
Here at Achtung Camper, we often get asked about which bike rack is right for our Volkswagen campervan? It’s not a straightforward answer, as there are many on the market. But after chatting to a selection of van owners and bike experts, we’ve narrowed it down to our top two recommendations.
There are considerations such as type of bikes (ie. e-bikes, mountain or road), weight, ease of use, rear campervan access, and securing your wheels.
To get the ball rolling, let’s answer the following questions:
- Why would I need a bike rack? Adding a bike rack to your campervan is a big benefit. It provides you with another mode of transport once you’ve parked your van. Jumping on a bike and whizzing to the shops, cafe or pub, without packing up your chairs and awning, etc. is a bonus.
- How many bikes do you need to mount? This is a fairly obvious and important one.
- What is the weight of your bikes (e-bikes can be up to 13kg or more)? Keep in mind that some bike racks don’t necessarily specify the number of bikes that they might carry but rather are based on overall weight.
- Does the rack provide theft protection? This is also vital. No point strapping your wheels on without any security.
VW Genuine Bike Carrier
There are two standard ways you can attach your bike onto your van – a tailgate option or a towbar mount. For tailgate-mounted bike racks tailored to the Transporter, we recommend the VW Genuine Bike Carrier, crafted as the original T6 bike rack from Volkswagen.
This carrier features a raised platform designed specifically for the Volkswagon T6. Boasting seamless installation and user-friendly functionality, the elevated design ensures continuous visibility of your license plate and rear lights. The versatility of this rack shines through, allowing for easy removal when not in use.
Highlights:
The VW Genuine Bike Carrier, designed for a tailgate, accommodates up to four bicycles, optimising rear vehicle space. Its complete pre-assembly facilitates swift, straightforward installation and anti-theft security. Constructed from anodised aluminum, the VW Genuine Bike Carrier comes pre-assembled, ensuring effortless mounting on the vehicle.
The tailgate remains operable even with the support mounted (without bicycles). The carrier’s sliding bicycle rails and one-hand removable mounting arms simplify the loading process for up to four bicycles. Moreover, the sliding bicycle rails and mounting feet with secure transport mechanisms guarantee stability.
Specifications:
- Maximum load: 60kg
- Deadweight: 15kg
- Capacity: transporting four bicycles
- Wheel rail width: 50mm
- Tensioning frame profile: diameter 80mm
- VW part number: 7E0071104
Important instructions:
- Only for vehicles with a tailgate
- Suitable for both electric and non-electric tailgates, depending on model
- Not compatible with tailgate/roof spoilers
- Not suitable for high-roof vehicles
- Incompatible with vehicles displaying rear signage
- If necessary, replace the tailgate’s gas struts to support additional weight
- The rack pictured above has been powder-coated black
Before installation, meticulously check the gap between the tailgate and tail lights, making necessary adjustments if needed; the minimum gap must measure 4.5mm on both sides.
Yakima FullSwing
The towbar-mounted option that we recommend for the Transporter van is the Yakima FullSwing. It weighs approximately 25kg and has a 68kg load capacity. What are its wins?
Highlights:
- You can rack up your bikes and still open the tailgate easily to access the rear of your van
- SKS Locks included; lock racks and bikes
- Fully-padded arms
- Swings open with one touch
- Quick and easy assembly
- Tool free installation
- Zero-hassle ZipStrips quickly secure bike to rack
Specifications:
- Four bike capacity (two e-bikes)
- Max weight 18kg per bike
- Total max bike weight 68kg
For further information on these and other bike racks, head to the following websites and find one that works for you and your bikes:
Other highly recommended brands for bike racks include Thule and Fiamma.
If you are seeking more help in choosing extra features to add to your van take a look at our blogs.
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