Do you like to go biking but don’t want to leave your bike behind when you hit the open road in your RV? You’re in luck! There are several different RV bike rack ideas that will let you take your two-wheeler with you wherever you go.
There is nothing like hitting the road and experiencing all of the wonders of the great outdoors. Along the way, you may want to hop on your bike to explore less-traveled paths, which is where a bike rack can come in handy.
RVing and bike-riding are great ways to explore the outdoors and see new things. And with a little bit of planning (and a bike rack), it’s easy to combine the two activities.
Finding the proper bike rack setup that suits your lifestyle is key to enjoying your experience to the max, so we’re here with some awesome ideas for your camper van.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best options for transporting your bike in your camper van. So whether you’re hitting the trails or just cruising around town, there’s an RV bike rack out there for you!
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Why You Should Bring Bikes Camping
Picture this: you’re finally taking that cross-country trip you’ve been planning for years. You’ve packed your car to the brim with gear, and you’re ready to hit the open road.
But there’s one problem – you have no way to explore the great outdoors once you reach your campsite. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: bring bikes!
Bicycles are an ideal way to see the sights when camping, and they come with a host of other benefits as well. For starters, they’re environmentally friendly, so you can feel good about not leaving a carbon footprint as you explore.
They’re also relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain, making them an excellent option for budget-minded campers. And perhaps best of all, they’re a lot of fun!
What is an RV Bike Rack?
For those who love to explore the great outdoors on two wheels, an RV bike rack is a must-have accessory. But what exactly is an RV bike rack?
In simple terms, it is a device that allows you to securely transport your bikes on your RV. There are a number of different designs to choose from, and the type of rack you need will depend on the number and size of bikes you want to carry. Many racks also have features that make them easy to use, such as folding arms or tilting platforms.
With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. To help you narrow down the field, here are some of the most popular RV bike rack ideas for your camper van.
Types of RV Bike Racks
Choosing the right RV bike rack is essential for any camper van owner who wants to hit the open road with their bikes in tow. But with so many different types of racks on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. To help narrow down the options, here is a brief guide to the different types of RV bike racks.
Ladder Mounted Racks
If you’re an RV owner, you know that figuring out how to pack all of your belongings into the limited space can be a challenge. And if you love to cycle, finding a place to store your bikes can be especially difficult. That’s where ladder-mounted bike racks come in.
These racks allow you to add bike storage space to the outside of your RV, freeing up room inside for other gear. But before you purchase a ladder-mounted bike rack, you should consider a few things.
First, does it fit your ladder? The attachment fittings on ladder-mounted racks aren’t all universal so check if the rack will fit your ladder right out of the box or if you need any special adaptors.
Second, think about how many bikes you need to store. Ladder-mounted bike racks come in different sizes, so you’ll want to make sure you choose one that can accommodate all of your bikes.
Lastly, consider the weight of your bikes. Heavier bikes will require a more sturdy rack, so be sure to take this into account when making your selection.
Hitch-Mounted Racks
For the avid outdoors lover, a hitch-mounted bike rack is a great way to bring your bikes with you on your next RV adventure. It attaches to the existing hitch at the back of your RV and allows you to safely transport up to six bicycles.
Hitch-mounted bike racks come in a variety of styles, but most feature a close-fitting tray that your bikes rest in during transport. Some models even include straps or other securing devices to keep your bikes from moving around while you’re on the road. Whether you’re an experienced RVer or just getting started, if you have a lot of bikes or a heavy load, a hitch-mounted bike rack is a great way to take your love of cycling with you on your next trip.
Bumper Mounted Racks
When it comes to hitting the open road with your bikes in tow, bumper-mounted bike racks are another popular option. As the name suggests, these racks attach to the bumper of your RV, providing a sturdy and secure way to transport your bikes.
And because they don’t rely on a pre-installed hitch, it takes away the need for another piece of equipment.
Bumper-mounted racks typically have arms that fold down when not in use, and they can accommodate anywhere from two to four bikes (depending on the model). They’re also relatively easy to install, making them a great option for those who want to get on the road quickly.
Front Mounted Racks
RV front-mounted bike racks are a convenient and easy way to transport your bicycles with you on your RV vacation. These racks attach to the front of your RV and, believe it or not, keep them cleaner than if they were mounted on the back.
Most front-mounted bike racks can accommodate two or three bikes, and some even come with built-in locks for added security. While they are typically easy to install and use, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a front-mounted bike rack for your RV.
First, make sure that the rack is compatible with your RV’s front bumper, and second, that it folds away. You don’t want anyone running into your unloaded rack.
Key Things to Consider When Choosing an RV Bike Rack
The choice of an RV bike rack is one that can have a significant impact on the quality and safety of your family’s travels. Here are some key points to consider when making your decision:
Is It RV Approved?
Not all bike racks are created equal, and not all are approved for use on RVs. Why is it important to choose an RV-approved bike rack?
First and foremost, an RV-approved bike rack will have been tested and approved for use on RVs. That means it’s been designed to work with the specific dimensions and weight limits of an RV and has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its safety and durability.
How can you tell if a bike rack is approved for use on an RV? The best way to do this is to check with the manufacturer. Bike rack manufacturers test their products on vehicles, so if they say it’s approved, that indicates they’ve tested it.
If you use a non-RV-approved bike rack (or one that is not approved for your RV), you may run into problems later. While you could experience no issues at all, and many RVers undoubtedly have, we recommend being safe rather than sorry. Using an RV-approved bike rack will also ensure you don’t invalidate the warranty.
How Many Bikes Does It Carry?
When it comes to choosing a bike rack for your RV, one of the most important factors to consider is how many bikes you want to be able to carry. After all, there’s no point in buying a rack that can only accommodate two bikes if you have a family of four who all love to cycle.
Likewise, if you only ever take your bike on solo adventures, you probably don’t need a rack that can hold four bikes. Instead, something smaller and more compact would likely suffice. Ultimately, the number of bikes you need to be able to transport will play a big role in determining which bike rack is right for you.
Weight Capacity
Another important factor to consider is the weight capacity of the rack. This is especially important if you have more than one bike or if your bikes are on the heavier side.
The last thing you want is for your bikes to come crashing down while you’re driving! To avoid this, make sure to check the weight capacity of the rack before making your purchase.
With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect rack for your needs – and rest assured that your bikes will be safe and sound.
Build Quality
When you’re looking for an RV bike rack, build quality should be one of your top considerations. After all, you want a rack that’s going to be able to safely and securely transport your bikes without any risk of damage. There are a few key things to look for that can help you assess the build quality of a given rack.
First, check to see what materials the rack is made from. Sturdy metals like steel or aluminum are always a good choice, as they’re less likely to bend or break under the weight of your bikes.
Second, take a look at the way the rack is put together. Are the joints welded or bolted? Welded joints tend to be stronger, so they’re less likely to come apart.
Finally, if possible, try to get a feel for the overall construction of the rack. Does it feel flimsy or well-built? If you can, try to find a rack that comes with a warranty, as this is usually a good indicator of quality.
Ease of installation & Usability
When you’re out on the open road, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your bike is securely mounted on your RV. That’s why it’s important to choose an RV bike rack that is both easy to install and use. Fortunately, there are a number of great options on the market that will make life on the road a breeze.
One of the most important things to look for in an RV bike rack is the ease of installation. You should be able to easily attach the rack to your RV without any fuss or hassle. Additionally, the rack should be easy to use so that you can quickly and easily load your bikes onto it whenever you need to hit the road.
Price & Budget
Of course, one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an RV bike rack is price.
The key is finding a great bike rack that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Go for one that is backed by years of quality and that will hold up for the years ahead to make sure that you’re spending your money wisely.
Fortunately, there are a number of great options available at a variety of different price points. While it’s always important to find a rack that fits within your budget, don’t sacrifice quality or safety in the name of saving a few bucks.
Best RV Bike Racks
Here are our top picks for the best RV bike racks:
- Overall Best RV Bike Rack- Swagman Bicycle Carrier TRAVELER
- Best Bumper RV Bike Rack – Quick Products QPRBM2R RV bumper-mounted
- Best Ladder-Mounted RV Bike Rack – Surco 501BR Ladder Mounted Bike Rack
- Best Budget-Friendly RV Bike Rack- Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack
- Best For Travel Trailers RV Bike Rack – Lippert’s Let’s Go Aero
For the full reviews, read more: Best RV Bike Racks (Reviews and Comparison)
FAQs
How Do You Carry A Bike On An RV?
If you’ve ever tried to store a regular bike inside an RV, you know it takes up a lot of space.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to carry your bike on the outside of an RV. One popular option is a hitch-mounted rack. These racks come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find one that fits your RV and your biking needs.
Another popular option is a roof-mounted rack. These racks are great for keeping your bikes out of the way and freeing up space inside your RV. So, whatever type of RV you have, there’s a way to carry your bikes!
Can You Put A Bike Rack On The Back Of An RV?
Most RVs have plenty of space on the back bumper or ladder for a bike rack. And if you don’t have a rack, there are plenty of other options. You can strap the bikes to the side of the RV or even put them inside. Just make sure that they’re securely fastened, so they don’t become a danger on the road.
Do You Need A Special Bike Rack For An RV?
You might think that all bike racks are created equal. But if you’ve ever tried to use a standard bike rack on an RV, you know that this simply isn’t the case. RV bike racks are designed to accommodate the unique dimensions of these vehicles, and most standard bike racks are only designed for cars, so you won’t be able to properly secure them to your RV.
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Conclusion
When it comes to finding the perfect RV bike rack, there are a number of factors to consider. From weight capacity and build quality to ease of installation and price, it’s important to do your research before making your purchase. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect rack for your needs – and hit the open road with peace of mind.
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