Bike Rack ... and definitive solution ?

alfasean

alfasean

Member
So I'm considering a Commer as a family camper for 2 alleged grown ups plus a 5 year old.... we will need to be able to take our bikes along and would only want the nipper's bike inside at the most so will need to fit some kind of bike rack for at least 2 mountain bikes.

I did a quick search for threads last night and found a few but seemingly without any final solution ... (e.g.: this thread ending with the ultimate clean install solution to use legs as god intended)... https://forum.commervanfan.co.uk/threads/pb-bike-rack.2870/ )

I see mention of the fold down tow bar option and also the swing out tow bar option and also custom one that was made with a view to knocking a few more up but that perhaps remained a one off ?

So ... I was wondering if anyone has nailed down a good bike rack solution that allows easy back door access ??

The folding / drop down tow bar style ( https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-rack/towbar-bike-racks/thule-easyfold-xt-2-_-933300 ) ... I'm not sure it would have the clearance to drop low enough for the rear Commer doors to open ? ( seems more suited to a hatch )

Swing out tow bar style (thule apex) ... expensive / availability in UK / fit on UK hitch ? ... but could be the go if it works ?

Custom ... how did that work ? any pics ?

Hoping bike rack hassle won't pout a dent in my plans to be trucking on down the line in a Commer.

cheers
 
That does look like a possibility. Bit of a permanent looking extreme piece of kit though... spoil that cute vintage backside. Ideal if touring europe for a year or two, which isn't on the Commer agenda to be fair.
 
I assume it sticks to the one door so would the door hinges actually take the weight of rack and 2 bikes if you open it? I mean if you are camping then where will you put the bikes when not in use. If that's the case will they all just fit in the back and just chuck them out when making camp etc
 
No idea about hinge strength as don't have a van yet.

Don't fancy trucking 3 bikes around inside as that's a nailed on recipie for trashing the interior woodwork etc... sharp bits like pedals not to mention mud... no good for the odd stealth overnighter en route here & there either.

Be ideal if that Fiamma vw door thing works.... just not sure why the question has been raised before as a seeming problem without an easy solution for the Commer if it were that easy.

Must be a few on here carrying bikes no?
 
I'm going for the swing out Opion after looking through loads, hopefully getting a 2" hitch fitted this winter with a step to push it out far enough to allow doors to open without swinging it. There's loads of types cheapest shipped from states is about £280, a Surco. I like the option as don't have to drill the body, it goes well out the way and it's removable easily
 
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252155915038

Like this one...I've been through it all and see it as the best option, like said will need a 2" towbar hitch putting on but could usefully adding a step and can also then fit a ball if required for towing. Regarding front not sure it's legal also I'm mounting the spare on the front at some point to allow more space underneath for gas, water etc.
 
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