Caravan Bike Racks
Caravan Bike Racks: Good or Bad Idea?
Cycling’s a great accompaniment for a caravan holiday, but a quick google search will reveal that there’s quite a wide debate about whether it is safe to fit a bike rack to the rear of your caravan and its effect on towing stability. Bailey of Bristol teamed up with Bath University’s Centre for Power Transmission and Motion Control to learn more about the dynamics of towing stability, including the effect that varying weight distributions have on performance.
This long-running partnership supports Bailey’s R&D process and contributes to safer caravanning generally. Indeed, Bath University is regarded as the UK’s foremost authority on caravan stability and towing dynamics, with over 20 years’ research to its name.
So, what has the research programme found? In relation to bicycle racks, the bottom line is: don’t fit them to the rear of your caravan or it could all end in tears, as clearly demonstrated in the centres towing simulation video. At Bailey, our caravans are built without any tools to enable bicycle rack attachment due to the weight distribution problems that can cause.
For more general information about the programme, visit the research website.
How To Transport Your Bikes On A Caravan Holiday
Some caravan models have lashing points for transporting bicycles inside the habitation area. As a general rule of thumb, concentrate your heaviest items over the caravan axle(s), while of course paying attention to your maximum towing and nose weights.
As an alternative, transporting your bikes on your towing vehicle is a safer option and there are systems for mounting them on the roof or the rear. If rear-mounting, do give some thought to weights, as the bicycles will be behind the rear axle and above the tow bar.
Motorhome Bike Racks
Transporting your bicycles on the rear of your motorhome is a different matter and we stock a range of Fiamma bike racks designed for exactly this purpose. These include the extremely popular Fiamma Carry Cycle Pro bike rack system, which you can accessorise with a sturdy bike cover and additional rails.
A motorhome bike rack keeps your habitation area and garage (they seem to get bigger all the time) free of bike clutter, although again, always observe the MTPLM and individual axle weights specified by your manufacturer when loading your motorhome.
Secure & Protect Your Bike
Alongside our motorhome bike racks, we have all the bike racks accessories to secure your bikes safely and a range of Fiamma Bike Covers to protect your bikes from the elements.
Caravan Bike Rack? Why Risk It?
Incorrect loading is a major cause of caravan accidents and the authorities, as well as insurance companies, will look at this as a factor when investigating an incident.
It’s better to be safe than sorry – and if you invest in a car bike transporter, you’ll have it available for great days out when you’re leaving the van at home.
Safe travels!