Tips on fitting a bike rack

MMM’s long-term test at the time, the Bürstner Ixeo returns to Camper UK to have a bike rack fitted.

In the case of the Ixeo, the choice was a relatively easy one – the motorhome rear panel had been designed to accommodate bike racks.

A high level rail – concealed with a moulded plastic panel – provides the uppermost fixing point and Bürstner recommends a specific model of rack that the rail has been designed around. For me this was a Thule model.

Before selecting a bike rack, we advise consulting your dealer and the motorhome manufacturer if possible. We had a limited choice with this motorhome, and others may be subject to similar design restrictions.

The first job is a weighbridge visit to work out if your motorhome has enough payload to be able to take a bike rack and the resultant bikes. Weight the whole vehicle, with all your touring kit on board, all passengers and a full tank of fuel. And also weigh the back axle to check whether the axle weight can accommodate the extra
loading of a rack and the bikes.

This has an added complication; as bike racks fitted to the very rear of motorhomes, have a greater downforce than their actual total weight, with bikes included, so you’ll also have to factor this in too (see further reading).

Camper UK also offered this advice: “Bike racks have a weight limit. If you overload them, they can bend and twist – they are only made of aluminium tubing. On this rack the limit is 50kg. And remember the extra length out back – when in use or even empty.”

So, weigh your bikes and work out what your bike rack will need to carry before you choose which one you need.
There are many other options out there, which differ from ‘van to ‘van depending on the type of camper you have and other such considerations. It’s quite a complicated issue.

Look at the Fiamma catalogue - the range is massive. Your choice might also be restricted by what’s at the back of your motorhome – windows, vents, access hatches or pre-installed fixing points. A whole host of companies supply racks for mounting on towbars, but remember that towbars have a maximum load that can be placed upon them.

STAYING SECURE

Once you have narrowed it down to the right rack, you’ll need to get it fitted. Manufacturers should be able to guide on the best place to drill, as it is essential that any drilling through the back wall is considered – you don’t want to drill into a gas cooker or shower cubicle.

We strongly advise fitting spreader plates on the inside of the wall to spread the load of the rack at the fixing points. Fiamma also recommends that you check the bike rack and its fixing points regularly – especially after the first ten or so miles.

Finally, when it comes to fitting you have to make sure the bikes and rack don’t obscure number plates and lights. If they do, you’ll need to fit an extra number plate and lighting board. This will need wiring up and make sure you opt specifically for a board that is designed for bikes.

THE IXEO RACK

On its first outing, the rack fitted to the Ixeo performed superbly – I used it to deliver the Powabyke prize from the March 2011 issue to the winner, Rowland Rowark.

The rack sits high on the back of the motorhome, but lowers to about my waist height with an awning-style winder. The bike wheels sit within brackets, a bar fits around the frame and there are plenty of straps to ensure nothing moves. And then you simply raise the bike rack back up to a high-level. Simple.

Rowland was as impressed with the operation of the rack as he was with his new electric bicycle, adding that he really didn’t expect to win, as he’d entered online. Keep an eye out on subsequent articles to find out how we get on.

FURTHER READING

For comprehensive advice refer to John Wickersham’s article in June 2009 MMM (page 171), which states unequivocally what not to do and therefore how to go about choosing and fitting the right bike rack.

Click here to download a pdf of the feature, originally published in the June 2011 issue of MMM.
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