Motorhome trips can be a lot more enjoyable if you can take your bikes to explore around the camps. A few simple tricks can make carrying the bikes around easier. This guide covers all the essentials you need to know before taking your bike in a motorhome trip.
Some rules and regulations have to be followed while putting a bike in a motorhome. You must choose the right racks and accessories to secure your bikes. All these essentials are discussed in detail below.
11 Tips for Taking a Bike on Your Motorhome Trips
- Select the Right Bike
The type of bike you take on your trips should cater to the terrain and your needs. If the campgrounds are rough and bumpy, then, mountain bikes will be suitable. If you use the bike for all types of commutes during camping, then a hybrid, electric, or street bike would be appropriate. For beaches, a cruiser is necessary that will handle the sand well.
Electric bikes are suitable for traveling around campsites and the surrounding places. Specialized is a reliable brand for bikes. Make sure to check out their line of e-bikes!
- Make Sure the RV Can Support the Bike
The motorhome that you have or are planning to rent should be able to carry a bike. It is better if there’s a built-in rack for the bike behind the RV. But if you want to carry the bike inside the RV, it must be quite spacious.
The bikes must be well secured if you carry them inside the van. This will save it from thieves and keep it away from harm’s way while driving.
New types of motorhomes come with toy haulers for people who like to carry extra items around.
- Choose a Proper Rack
You need a proper bike rack with important accessories that will hold the bikes securely and will also look good. You should get one with adequate holding bars, rails, tilting trays, and ratchet straps.
Fixed bike racks are considered vehicle extensions, and removable ones are considered cargo. Racks with anti-theft locks will make you feel secure about your bikes.
You can use a trailer to carry the bikes. A covered trailer will protect the bikes from rain, sunlight, and prying eyes.
Don’t forget the basic stuff to do when you’re a bike lover…
- Attach the Bike Properly
The bike needs to be attached to the rack or the carrier properly. Make sure that the brake lights are visible behind the RV. The license plate must be visible as well.
You can carry your bike in the rear, top, or on a trailer rack. It’s also good to check if the carrier is suitable for your motorhome. You can add accessories to your carrier to increase capacity or security in your trip.
You can use a truck bed rack or a bumper pull to carry the bikes. Bumper pull racks often lack strength, so it’s better to opt for the truck bed ones.
- Pack Your Bike Properly
If you’re carrying your bikes on the trailers, then it means you’d be riding them around as well. You need to pack up your bike for those rides properly.
Make sure your bike has a water bottle carrier attached. A basket or trailer can be attached to carry things around. You should use headlights on your bikes for the night rides, including a phone holder.
For electric bikes, make sure you’re carrying a spare battery and that the bike is in good condition.
- Secure Your Bike
It is important to secure your bike, so it doesn’t get stolen. You also need to strap it on the rack properly, so it doesn’t get damaged.
For added safety when camping, use anti-theft accessories on the bike rack.
The rack should be sturdy enough to hold the bikes. The maximum load of the carrier should not be violated. It is usually around 45- 60 kgs.
You can use tensioners and tarps to secure the bike on the carrier. You can attach neon straps on the carrier to make people aware of the bikes on the road. Keep in mind that the bike carrier should not exceed 10% of the total weight of the carrier.
- Keep Your Bike As Dry As Possible
Rain and moisture can cause rust to form on bikes and damage the bikes. You can cover them up with an awning, but intense wind and rain can still make the bikes wet.
Modern RVs with a toy hauler can carry the bikes in the back garage. Campers that are 5-wheelers can carry the bikes underneath their front part. These options can reduce the possibility of rust formation on your bikes.
If you use a truck bed rack, a cover can be used on top to protect the bikes.
Let’s have a look on the 6 last tips to improve your motorhome life when you’re bringing your bike in a motorhome roadtrip…
- Choose a good Campsite
A good campsite for bike riding would be one with places around for exploring. There should be enough space to keep your bikes as well.
If the area is bike-friendly, then you can use the bike for running errands. This will save fuel in your RV.
If you’re traveling abroad such as in Italy or France, make sure to read their traffic and road safety laws before carrying your bike in the RV.
Now, with CaraMaps, it’s super easy to find the perfect campsite according to your desires and adventures needs. Let’s join the community!
- Keep the Bike In Good Condition
Your bike needs to be in good condition to enjoy it on your trip. You can ride it on a mountain or a narrow trail.
Check the brakes and balance of the bike before riding it out. The tires should be well pumped. You wouldn’t want to get into any accidents on your trip.
- Carry Some Tools
You must carry tools that are required to do an easy fix if something happens to your bikes. Loose screws and bolts can be fixed easily if you carry a tools box with you.
- Laws and Regulations That You Should Know
Traffic and vehicle laws need to be followed while carrying bikes on motorhome. Some of them are:
- Your view should not be obstructed by the bike.
- The brake lights and license plate number must always be visible.
- The bike should not protrude out dangerously.
- The maximum load should not be exceeded.
Conclusion
A motorbike trip where you can use your bike to explore around makes for a wonderful experience. Hopefully, these tips will help you safely carry your bikes and have a fun trip!
Have a good trip and make sure to have the best tips before going on adventure with CaraMaps!