Bringing bikes along in your motorhome opens up the trip enormously: once parked, you can get around the area, explore without moving the vehicle, and get some exercise. But fitting bikes on a camper has its own technique, because you need to mind the weight, manoeuvrability and security. Let's look at the types of bike rack and how to choose the right one.
Rear bike rack (the most common)
Fits onto the back of the vehicle (on the wall or on a rear-mounted frame). It's the most common option on motorhomes. It carries the bikes comfortably and within easy reach, but adds weight as an overhang at the back, which affects handling and load distribution.
- Pros: easy to load, doesn't take up interior space.
- Cons: weight at the back, and it can block rear visibility or the number plate if not fitted properly.
Other options
- Bike storage in the "garage": if your motorhome has a large storage compartment, carrying bikes inside protects them from theft and the weather, but takes up cargo space.
- Tow-ball mounted racks: fit onto a tow ball, easy to load.
- Roof racks: unusual on motorhomes given the height and how hard it is to lift bikes up there.
What to check before choosing
- Weight: bikes plus rack add up to significant kilos. Check you're not exceeding your MAM or the rack's own load limit, especially with electric bikes (which weigh a lot). See weight and MAM.
- Fixing: make sure the bikes are securely held and don't move or knock about while driving.
- Visibility: make sure lights and the number plate aren't blocked (you may need an auxiliary plate and light).
- Approval of the rack and its fitting.
Anti-theft security
Bikes on the outside are an easy target. Use sturdy locks to secure them to the rack and to each other, and for long stops or overnight, it's better to protect them or bring them inside. See security and anti-theft.
In summary
The rear bike rack is the most common option; choose based on your vehicle, paying close attention to weight (and MAM), fixing, visibility and approval. The step to take today: before buying, add up the weight of your bikes and the rack and compare it against your payload margin; with electric bikes, this calculation is essential to avoid ending up overloaded.
