Caravan Bike Rack Guide

Bike racks for caravans, RVs and motorhomes usually come down to one simple question: where can the bikes be carried without blocking access, affecting safety, or overloading the mounting point?

The main choices are tow-ball or car mounted racks, A-frame mounted racks, rear wall mounted racks and roof racks. Each style can work well, but the best option depends on your van, drawbar space, rear wall strength, number of bikes and how often you need access to boots, doors and hatches.

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1. Start with where the rack will mount

Before choosing a rack, check the practical limits of your setup:

• How many bikes you need to carry and their combined weight.
• Whether the bikes are standard, kids, mountain, road or e-bikes.
• Clearance to the car, drawbar, gas bottles, jockey wheel, boot lid and rear windows.
• Whether the mounting point is rated for the loaded rack.
• How the extra weight changes tow-ball weight or rear overhang.
• Whether number plates, lights or reversing cameras will be blocked.

Heavier bikes, especially e-bikes, need extra care. Always check the rack rating and the vehicle or caravan mounting limit, not just the number of bike positions.

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2. Car or tow-ball mounted bike racks

Car mounted racks are convenient because you can take the bikes with you after unhitching the caravan. They are often a good choice if you want to use the same rack at home, on day trips, and when touring.

The Quick Fit folding bike rack from Coast to Coast is designed for quick fitting to most tow bars and can tilt for easier access to the car boot.

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3. A-frame mounted bike racks

A-frame mounted bike racks are popular because the bikes sit between the car and caravan rather than hanging off the rear wall. Newer models can pivot to give access to the front boot without removing the bikes.

The main limitation is space. You need enough clear room on the A-frame, with no clash against gas bottles, stone guards, jockey wheels, brake handles or the tow vehicle during turns. Most A-frame racks are also limited to two bikes.

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4. Rear mounted bike racks

Rear mounted racks are the larger option and can suit caravans, motorhomes and vans where the rear wall or rear door mounting system is designed for the load. They commonly carry two to four bikes, depending on model and rating.

For caravans and motorhomes with a flat rear wall, the Fiamma Carry-Bike Pro and Carry-Bike Pro C are common options. Both have similar carrying features; the main difference is the mounting layout. The Pro suits vehicles with no rear window, while the Pro C is more compact and can be installed below a rear window.

Fiamma also offers bike racks for motorhomes and vans with rear doors. The Carry-Bike 200D suits Fiat Ducato and Peugeot J5 models made before 1999. It also suits Ford Transit (standard and high roof), Mercedes MB 100, Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Jumper, Citroen C25 models made before 1999, and VW LT (standard and high roof).

For Fiat Ducato, Citroen Jumper and Peugeot Boxer vehicles from 2006 onwards, use the current vehicle-specific rack frame and matching fixing bars. Confirm the vehicle year and that both required parts suit the installation before ordering.

For Mercedes Sprinter and VW Crafter vehicles, the Fiamma Carry-Bike 200 DJ Sprinter range is designed around the rear-door mounting style.