It’s very common to want to take a bike with you on your next camping trip, especially if you have kids. Many camping grounds have great access to bike paths and it’s also convenient to use a bike to ride around town instead of using your car. When it comes to transporting your bikes then you will need to use some sort of bike rack.
There are several different styles of bike rack that can be used when towing a caravan or camper trailer, one that attaches to the tow hitch or one that attaches to roof racks, or finally one that attaches to the back or front of the caravan.
So choosing a bike rack will really depend on your current situation in terms of caravan and mounting options. That said here are 5 great bike racks that are worth checking out.
A Quick Buying Guide to find the Best Caravan Bike Racks
People spend a lot of time and money to purchase the most suitable gear for their outdoor expeditions. They want to make sure they have the equipment needed to spend less time worrying and more time enjoying. However, with hundreds of models and brands available in the market, choosing the most suitable caravan bike rack can be a bit intimidating.
In this buying guide, we will cover some important features to help you narrow down your choices when choosing a bike rack for your next adventure.
Type Of Bike Rack
Purchasing the right bike rack begins with knowing the type of rack to use. Some of the most commonly available types of bike racks are hitch racks, trunk racks, roof racks, rear-mounted bike racks, roof-mounted bike racks, and tow bar mounted bike racks.
The Number Of Bikes To Transport
This feature is very important to consider because you don’t want to pile up multiple bikes on a rack that cannot handle the load. Every bike rack available out there, despite its model, has a certain number of cradles. So once you know the number of bikes to transport, you can consider a product to match the requirement.
- Here, the maximum weight of the bike rack is also of utmost importance in regard to the number of bikes it can easily carry around.
Your Car
A lot of car or caravan owners struggle to know which rack is suitable for their vehicle. Most of them end up with the wrong product that doesn’t pack a punch. Know that your car’s model has a major impact on your decision. It is a determining factor; it is very important while choosing a model to suit your routine requirements.
Your Overall Budget
When it comes to the caravan bike rack, cost and price tag matters. When all the factors are considered, ensure that you know the exact amount you are willing to afford as it concludes the type of rack you can purchase for your caravan.
Safety And Security
If safety and security are your biggest concerns, go for bike racks with anti-theft features. Some models have this feature, while others don’t. The ones with a locking system can hinder thieves from stealing the rack, so you always know your item is going to be safe at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bike Racks Damage Your Caravan?
The answer is both yes and no! There are many models that do not cause any damage to your caravan even when loaded completely. However, many trunk-mounted bike racks can damage the vehicle if you do not fully secure your bikes. If the front wheel of your bike can move, it can rub against your car’s paint and may cause scratching or fading with time.
Can I Open The Trunk Of My Vehicle With A Bike Rack On?
No, you cannot! If you are a driver that needs constant access to the trunk, a bike rack is not for you. Many bike rack manufacturers do not suggest opening up the rear trunk with the unit installed. Since the door hinges are not manufactured to hold the extra weight, the trunk door might come down on the road or on the person underneath it.
What Are The Key Features Of Rear-Mounted Bike Racks
These bike racks are the most affordable options you can start exploring with your bikes. They are ideal if you need some roof space to carry other camping goods or holiday items. With such bike racks, you can easily carry up to three bikes and even e-bikes (model compatibility is required). They are also easy to remove when not in use and are easy to fold away for convenient storage.
Why Should I Consider My Individual Needs Before Buying A Caravan Bike Rack?
Before opting for a certain product, it is very important that you know what you want from your bike rack. You must know if you want access to your vehicle’s boot while transporting the bikes or need extra space on the bars to carry around other stuff. Moreover, it is also imperative to know which caravan bike rack is the easiest to fit/install. Lift up your bikes and use them.
Final Thoughts
Though it is extremely fun to bring your bikes on an outdoor excursion, you cannot keep them in the trunk of your vehicle. You need a high-quality bike rack instead. These are some of our best caravan bike racks for the year. All these suggested models are high-rated and high-selling, but the true winner is FIAMMA CARRY BIKE CARAVAN XL A 2 BIKES.02093-01A. It is a budget-friendly, convenient, and easy to install unit. It gives good value for money and can easily support up to 2 bikes simultaneously when on the road.