How to choose your RV bike rack

Motorhome travellers love to explore New Zealand’s off-the-beaten-track destinations. And for many, that means parking up the campervan and heading off on two wheels to enjoy our many fabulous cycle tracks and trails.

If cycling is part of your motorhoming adventures – something we definitely recommend – then a good bike rack is one of your must-have campervan accessories. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the considerations for choosing a bike rack, including:

 

Why you should install a bike rack on your RV

 

E-bike transport

 

 

Why you should install a bike rack on your RV 

Having a bike rack installed on your motorhome makes it easy to load up your bikes. It is one of those must-have RV accessories that can transform your campervan holidays. You can hit the road knowing your bikes are safe, secure, and easily accessible. It’s not advisable to store your bikes within the living space of your motorhome or campervan. Not only can this cause expensive damage to your RV, but it’s also very dangerous to you and your passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an accident.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why taking bikes with you on your motorhome travels is a great idea.

 

Get out in nature

Riding a bike is an enjoyable and healthy way to get out in nature and discover otherwise hard-to-reach locations. New Zealand is lucky to be home to many incredible bike tracks in national parks, along coastal trails, beaches, and reserves.

Exploring nature by bike is a fantastic way to see and do more. While the thought of walking a 10 km track might put you off, cycling it is a whole lot easier – especially if you’ve got a few friends joining you.

 

Exercise

Travelling by motorhome often means that you’re indulging in more tasty goodies than you normally would at home (as you should, you’re on holiday!). Getting out on a bike is a great way to balance out those extra indulgences and burn off a few extra calories.

Making time for exercise when you’re at home can seem like a bit of a chore. But when you’re cycling past snow-covered mountains, beautiful lakes, or through lush forest tracks, you’ll be having so much fun, it won’t seem like exercise at all.

All that exercise in the fresh air surrounded by nature at its finest… what better way to feel refreshed and rejuvenated?

 

Mountain biking

New Zealand has a great mountain biking scene, with many popular biking tracks scattered across the country.

The Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand take you through some of the country’s most incredible scenery and must-see attractions. Some of these include:

 

E-bike transport 

E-bikes have experienced a huge surge in popularity over recent years. And with good reason. With the extra power of a motor on board, you can mix peddling with cruising – making your bike ride so much easier! Peddle your way along the flat trails and let the bike’s motor do the hard work on the hills.

There are many different types of e-bikes now available to suit all levels and budgets. You can even get e-bikes that fold down to fit into your motorhome’s external storage unit. Many motorhomes now have charging ports so that you can charge up your e-bike battery too.

 

Considerations when choosing an RV bike rack

Once you start researching bike racks for your motorhome or caravan, you’ll soon discover there are several different design options and product features to consider. To help you find the best bike rack for your needs, we’ve put together a list of some of the most important considerations:

 

The type of rack

There are many different options of bike rack to choose from, all with their own benefits. These can include:

  • Wall mounted – these are securely attached to the back of your motorhome or caravan
  • Tow bar mounted (these can be attached and removed as needed)
  • Ladder mounted – these simply hook onto your standard RV ladder
  • Slide out – these are used to store your bike inside your motorhome’s external storage locker (garage). The unit slides out making it easy to access your bike and keeping it secure as you travel.

 

How many bikes you have

One of the key factors that will determine the type of rack you’ll need is how many bikes you’ll be transporting. Do you have a large family who all love to bring their bikes on your motorhome road trips, or will you just have one or two bikes?

Some racks are better for heavier loads, and some are larger and better suited to fit multiple bikes.

 

What types of bikes you have

Not all bikes are created equal. E-bikes and mountain bikes, for example, vary greatly in weight and size. The type of bikes you have will dictate the strength and type of bike rack that’s best.

 

Whether you want your bike rack on at all times

If you take your bike with you on frequent RV trips it is definitely worth investing in a good quality rack. If your rack isn’t up to the task of carrying heavy weights, you may end up having to deal with damage, or worrying about whether your bikes are secure while you’re driving – not a very relaxing way to spend your campervan holiday.

 

Your type of RV or campervan

If you want to install a wall-mounted bike rack you first need to be sure of the maximum load the wall can support. Speaking with one of the experts at your local RV Super Centre is a good idea. The team are experienced in installing bike racks and can help you choose the right one for your motorhome.

You’ll also need to factor in the layout of your RV. For example, having a kitchen or a bathroom on the other side of your rear wall will make the installation of your bike rack trickier as you’ll have to avoid water pipes. You’ll also need to avoid obstructing your windows.

Another factor to consider is whether your motorhome has barn doors, a tailgate, or a spare tyre mounted at the back of the vehicle. These may prohibit the use of certain types of bike racks.

 

Bike racks available at RV Super Centre

There are many different options of bike rack to choose from, all with their own benefits. RV Super Centre stocks internationally renowned brands including Thule and Fiamma. Both brands offer sturdy and durable products with great features as well as a large range of RV accessories and spare parts to customise your bike rack. Here are some of the most common options available:

 

E-bike racks 

RV Super Centre has multiple e-bike rack options including the Fiamma Carry Bike Lift 77E. Some of the features include:

  • Winch mechanism for easy loading and unloading.
  • Max load of 60kg.
  • Capacity for two bikes.

 

Electric bike lifts 

Electric bike lifts, such as the BR Systems Bike Lift do all the hard work for you. Thanks to an integrated 12V motor, the platform of the bike life can bridge a 110cm height distance. The BR Systems Bike Rack features:

  • A manual override system.
  • Sturdy and simple platform locking.
  • Ability to lower the platform to the ground for best access.

 

Caravan suitable bike racks 

Don’t risk damaging your caravan interior by storing bikes inside. RVSC has a range of bike racks, especially for caravans including the Thule Caravan Superb Bike Rack. Features include:

  • Easy loading with a lowered platform.
  • Capacity for two bikes, including e-bikes, up to 60 kg total. Extenders are available for a third bike.
  • Lockable bike holders with a key to secure and lock your bikes on the carrier.

 

Quick fit bike racks

Quick-fit bike racks are all about getting on the road quickly and easily. The Coast RV Quick Fit Pro Bike Rack fits onto (almost) any vehicle tow bar. Features include:

  • A modern design that allows you to still access your boot and van doors.
  • Accessible height fit to make getting your bikes up and down easier.
  • Can be secured with the lock on a quick connector.

 

Bike accessories available at RV Super Centre

At RV Super Centre, you’ll find a great range of bike rack parts such as upgrade kits and rack straps. We also have bike rack accessories such as locks and extra rails to help ensure your bike is safe and secure as you travel.

Buying a bike cover is also a great investment and will help protect it from bad weather, stone chips, dust and debris, etc.

 

How to install your bike rack

It’s very important that your bike rack fits well. If it is badly mounted you could cause untold damage to your bike, your RV, and possibly other motorists. We highly recommend you get your bike rack professionally installed by a specialist.

Contact the friendly team at RV Super Centre’s Service Centre for advice or to book an installation.

 

Ready to hit the cycle trails on your next holiday?

Whether you’re a serious cycling enthusiast, or you’re just enjoying some family time together, cycling is a great activity to incorporate into your campervan holiday. Once you’ve got the right bike rack installed onto your RV, it’s just a matter of loading them up and heading to the next great cycle trail.

RV Super Centre have a full range of bike racks, accessories, and parts. Call in to your nearest branch, chat with our friendly experts, or shop online today.

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