Carrying an Electric Bike with a camper van, motorhome, or caravan

[@paulwebb4146]

I fitted the E-bike version of the Fiamma Carry-Bike Lift 77 to our motorhome that lowers down to floor level to load our E-Bikes and then is raised via a winding handle to the higher travelling position.

[@viktorklisursky2515]

Thank you, Andrew! Very useful as always! Another option that was not mentioned - I was caring my electric bike and a regular one on the roof of my car, across Europe last year. The disadvantages are that you need to take the bikes off every time you want to use only the car, or just to lock them. Also the mounting of the bikes on the roof of the car is tricky. The positive side is that we were parking the caravan out of the city and we used the car to carry the bikes near the cities centers and from there we were using the bikes to see the city. This worked really well with a a seat for a toddler on the electric bike, as this was the only option to properly explore a city with 2 years old.

[@darrenwilson8042]

Just spent a week in Christchurch ( Dorset ) in a small 2 berth ( 4 at best ) static. Blooming cold so happy for the static's heating and it was a lovely break but whenever we stay there I do take a tour of the site and there are touring pitches. As the utility blocks are there its easy to engage in conversation and in many cases I found that in older ( probably 6 years plus) electric bikes are a great option to get about when you pitch but storage can be a pain

[@carolynandcocohaywood2638]

Hi Andrew, Dougal and Ted, a very useful video. Thanks

[@perlundin86]

I would go for a roof mounted bike carrier on the car. In that way they are never in the way. Sure its a bit of a Pfaff to load the bikes, but there are roof racks that can slide to one side making it easier to load the bikes. But great video as always!

[@Paul523069]

Another option is the Thule Lift V16. We have it on the back of our motorhome. The big benefit is that you load the bikes at car bumper height and then wind the rack up to bring the bikes up to the travelling height (around 1.5m off the ground). The rack easily takes our 2 Specialised e-mountain bikes. The rack limit is 50kg and each bike can be no more than 30kg. The only down side is the price. But if you’ve spent thousands on a van and bikes, it makes sense to carry them safely and save your back.

[@johnranson4696]

Think you missed one option Andrew, we get our two folding Mirider One bikes under the bed (which is permanently made up) in our 5.4m long Hymer free Blue Evolution Ducato campervan. Both bikes fit folded in a space 700 x 700 x 700mm and each weigh 17kg with battery. The wheels are not removed to fit in this space. We have off-road tyres on them and although they only have 16" wheels, the suspension makes up for a lot of that. No bike rack required so better security.

[@GedandMichele]

Great vlog. Hard to beat a tow ball mounted rack (with a cover) if you don't need to actually tow anything. We have an Atera Strada DL which hinges forwards so great for both the motorhome and hatchback. I have 2 full suspensionEMTB's (Orbea Rise and Cube) and the 2.5" wide tyres only just fix into the wheel holders but they do just go or I let out a bit of air. I also lock them to together and to the rack.

[@daverdaceng]

Lot of useful information in this video - thanks

[@janetowen3042]

Hi Andrew. Lovely to have bumped into you Douglas and Ted, yet again at Hawksdown. 😊 Best wishes x

[@richardcope3850]

Excellent video as ever Mr. Ditton! Good information as always, regularly see badly and/or overlooked leisure vehicles on my travels.

[@petermartin1772]

Great video, we have a Nissan Navarra towing an Adria Altea. Three e bikes are mounted over the load bay of the Navarra and one on the Adria's A frame. Setup works really well, we have been touring Europe for last year with our 2 boys and it wouldn't have been the same without the bikes.

[@mikepepler]

Makes me wonder if the Swytch ebike conversion kit might be better. It results in a less capable ebike, but the motor is in the front wheel and the battery is removable, so it won't upset the balance as much.

[@shetlandsheep3081]

We ended up getting two folding ebikes to use with our wee camper bc by the time we had put the towbar on, and the 4 bike thule carrier we would have needed to carry our heavy trad style Volt bikes, one of the bikes cost would have been covered. And we could keep them in the van for security.

[@ilkyway5854]

Great video! We just bought Bromptons to use with our camper van. They do offer eBikes too now.

[@stevezodiac491]

So do I, they are the best solution for getting about on a bike, whilst camping in my opinion.

[@Figure11_Home_and_Garden]

We decided to use my work van to tow the caravan and put the bikes in the back, easy solution I thought. Turns out work van not welcome on a lot of sites. Possibly looking to replace tow car with private van instead.

[@andrewjditton]

I used to tow with a Renault Trafic and yes, there are some stuffy sites about even if the van isn't sign written. A shame, but that's life sadly.

[@CaraVanOlogywithBecky]

Ah the curse of physics and tail swings, rear racks would be fab were it not for science and height ;-) Great video. Best place in general for bikes when towing a caravan is probably car roof, great for stability, kills the aerodynamics though, but at least if you need to drive to ride once at destination it’s useful. but that’s totally unworkable (speaking from the viewpoint of a hefty but 5’ not a lot person!) for many even before the additional weight of an ebike is accounted for! However… Drop racks make a roof rack that lowers down the side of the vehicle to be able to roof mount bikes but at waist ish height so still quite a high lift but at least just about workable for more people. Pricey but really neat solution for not having to lift over your head! Fischer Dachlift is a similar idea in that the frame slides down the side of the vehicle, the bikes are loaded vertically but end up horizontal when back up on the roof but no where near as solid looking, elegant or winched like the drop rack, plus I’m not sure the dachlift would take the weight. Having fun testing out that bike! Absolutely adore my haibike, ebike, it’s brilliant, and thus far has replaced all those annoying little car trips (well except for the occasional day when it’s totally precipitating, I’m not that mad!) during the past ~18months! Travels inside the caravan if my boys are with me, or inside the T6 if I’m solo, as it’s an xs frame those locations are just about workable; there have to be some benefits of being 5’ + not a lot!

[@mick2d2]

Thanks for the video! That ebike looks like one of the more expensive "lightweight" ones! The motor on mine is about 3kG and the battery about 4KG! I find the best option to be a bike rack that slots onto the hatchback of my estate car. Thule have some really sturdy well designed options. It hooks on above the rear window and is fixed with two adjustable "claws" under the bottom edge of the boot, so you can even open the boot with it on (someone would need to take the weight for you to access the boot). I usually remove the battery and seat post/seat of my bike to save weight. Because it is fairly high up (on the back window), it doesn't affect towing.

[@ianferguson3543]

Our e-bikes are folding and we fit them under the bed by folding the handlebars, pedals & lowering the saddle. We don't need to totally fold so it takes a few minutes. We chose alloy bikes as they are lighter. I'm 70 and can lift the bikes in and out easily. I put the back in first as that's the heavy end. Ours are Estarli E20.

[@darrenfox9769]

Great vid as usual Andrew - answered every question I had including will my e-MTB fit in the van!

[@davidbentley4099]

Timing is everything, thanks Andrew. My wife and I are looking to purchase e-bikes for our time away. Love the review with so much detail. We have an iH 630RL on a Peugeot Boxer base and aim to use a Thurl bike carrier on the tow bar. Keep all this fabulous knowledge and experience coming, you've saved me money and ultimately my sanity at times.

[@andrewjditton]

Many thanks David, hope you enjoy the eBikes!

[@GaetanHobby]

Thank you Andrew for the tips 👍 What we do on holiday we rent our bikes like that we don t have any problème with the caravan 😊

[@andrewjditton]

That's the simplest, cheapest, and best option I think!

[@BobEarnshawMoHo]

Timely video, thanks!

[@sylviapage8572]

A great video full of useful information. Thanks for sharing.

[@Alex-ek5fb]

Great summary - thank you

[@Border-Reiver-a-Roaming]

Great factual video as always. Just towing mine in UK, luckily the Eriba is similar to Bailey Discovery with A frame mounted carrier. But being at front in windflow, a full rain cover not allowed by manufacturer. Therefore to protect handlebar electronics on the odd day of rain :) . I used bin bag with bungee around handlebars, now have a custom cover for the bars.

[@cathworrall805]

We have the same issue, details & a photo of your cover would be very useful please.

[@andrewjditton]

Very good point about the electrics! Thanks for watching.

[@1mw2mam]

Excellent and informative video. Perfect timing as we're just off for a week at the weekend and will carry an e-bike and a gravel bike. We have an A frame carrier rated for 2 x 35kg e-bikes on a Weinsberg 390. I used your other video and some bathroom scales to check nose weights. Without the bikes we're at 57kg and with the bikes we're currently at 85kg. The tow car (Ioniq5 electric - still waiting on my new Enyaq - been 19 months so far but is now apparently being built) - shows a tow-bar nose weight of 75kg. I'll be making adjustments to get this balanced. Haven't worked out what exactly - moving the largish plastic table form the forward under bed locker may be enough (need to move the van before I can access this - something for the next day os so). Anyway - always brilliant to see these nuggets of gold videos coming through - thank you.

[@andrewjditton]

Great stuff Andrew, hope the Enyaq arrives soon!

[@lynnmic1417]

Another great video Andrew, we have 2 e-bikes a cube and a trek powerfly 5 both weight 23kg without the batteries but have the motor on the pedal axle so they are fairly balanced when it comes to lifting. We use a tow bar mounted carrier but even then when we were packed to go on a 3 month Europe trip I took the van to a weight bridge and found the rear axle 30kg over weight so decided not to take them with us. Another thing to take into account is the weight allowed on the rear wall of the van, ours is 60kg which has to include the weight of the carrier which is why we went for the tow bar mounted option.

[@montyspearo]

If buying ebikes look for smaller compact 20" wheel ones. Ride quality isn't quite as good as 27.5" wheels but easier to transport. See Tern range, some have folding handlebars and even frames.

[@colinbennett3433]

Hi Andrew, a really through and well presented video, thank you, I carry two electric bikes on my Bessacarr caravan each weighs 25Kg as i take off the batteries and saddles. the van and car can manage the weight but the difference it makes to the nose weight is significant. it makes the nose weight about 35Kgs lighter and unbalanced, quite a handful. Fortunately my car weighs 2930 Kgs unloaded so i have a large margin of safety to play with and can load up the front to compensate. This makes a change as i have previously always found it a challenge to get the nose weight low enough. Have you seen the Drop Rack system. A very expensive but good solution to loading bikes onto SUVs. When I am too old/weak i may invest as the bike is an essential part of my caravan experience. Thanks Colin

[@yaminthegrey]

Hari OM ... there are good folding options available these days; MiRider is a good all-rounder from what I have seen. But I do understand the desire for a 'full' bike and your observations, as ever, are sound! YAM xx (who finally got word and will be collecting The Grey next week!!!)

[@bobhalliday8934]

Great information as always - thanks for the information

[@spinnekopje]

We tow a fully enclosed trailer with the bikes inside, closed and (almost) no impact on the loading capacity of the campervan (in our case). For Europe towing a small trailer with a maximum weight of 750kg you don't need another drivers license. Going fancy I even have Thule slideout bike racks, so I can stand behind the trailer to unload/load the bikes which is handy because mine almost reaches the 35kg weight limit of the rack. For taking the dogs with me behind the bike I'm thinking about a Carla Cargo trailer for our 2 Newfound dogs, but I still have to convince my wife ;-)

[@stevezodiac491]

We always take Bromptons with us. So small folded, you can fit two, in the boot of a saloon car. No need for bike racks. I can personally put out 266 watts for an hour straight ftp ( at 64 ) so no need for electrical assistance. I leave all my race bikes at home, I am on holiday. Makes me laugh though, the weights of the bikes you showed. My lightest racing bike for hills, a cannondale super 6 evo, is 6.8 kg total weight. You need an electric motor just to carry all that unnecessary extra ballast.

[@stevezodiac491]

We have bromptons, they just fold up and go in the boot, best option out there unless you want to go trail riding, if I do, I would take my cyclo cross bike and bungee it to the fixed bed frame, with a cover over the bed. I have seen people on youtube disconnecting and stealing bikes from rear carriers where you can't see at all. Rear racks are also positioned where there is the most road filth, back drafted onto your expensive bike.

[@andrewjones-productions]

A roof-rack system manufacturer which I think was one of the Japanese manufacturers (either RV INNO or TERZO - I THINK) used to have a bicycle lifting system onto the roof of your vehicle. THULE have an excellent system for lifting canoes and kayaks and I think it is time for them to introduce a bicycle lifting system. Especially as there is a SUV boom going on and that means a lot of higher or high roof vehicles. The alternative of course is not buy an e-bike or a mountain bike and consider something like a cross-bike which gives you the same gears, is sturdier than an ordinary bicycle and far lighter than a mountain bike. The Bailey Discovery being able to carry bicycles is one of the features that makes it a toss-up between the Phoenix and the Discovery for me.

[@anneshirley1748]

You always give everyone plenty of useful info on these vlogs!! Very good! You wouldn't be able to lift my e-bike tricycle at all I wouldn't think! Comprehensive video giving really good advice as usual! I'm shattered! Went to see Skerryvore last night! I must have lost half a stone after! You're only 79 kilos?!! Don't believe it! Are you back home or still down South? Have a safe trip back if the latter! Take care, love and hugs xxx 🥰😘🐶🐕

[@andrewjditton]

Hope you enjoyed the Skerries, Anne! xx

[@anneshirley1748]

@@andrewjditton I certainly did! xx

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Thank you Andrew. Useful information. I do take my bike out with me sometimes, but only on day trips, and inside the car. Nice to see the boys. 😍 ilona

[@RHJ-29-6]

Topical. I’m off to North Uist next week with my car, caravan and 25kg e-bike. Solution is to put it inside car. Everything else I explored like you was a non-starter. Staying at Pairc Niseabost than Balranald. I’ll keep an eye out for you.

[@mrgari189]

When I think of some of the solutions I've tried it makes me feel old - I've had a pendle bike rack, Thule roof rack mounted bike rack, Thule towball mounted bike rack, an A frame bike rack (Fiamma), even ones which fitted on the trailer cargo bars. Newest acquistion is a folding Buzz Rack e scorpion towball mounted bike rack which is great when not towing as you can fold the rack and put it in your boot when off cycling. I have a very short drawbar otherwise A frame would be my choice (with some nose weight adjustments). Things are made slightly more complicated because my towball is a detachable swan neck othewise a flange mounted rack might have been the answer. Maxx Raxx used to make one which fitted to swan neck towballs but sadly they are not in business any more. Currently, front wheel comes off and bike goes in the back of the car. Its not ideal but its the best option with my current setup. If you are not a die hard cyclist, I would thoroughly recommend getting an ebike as it makes cycling fun and not a spinning class session! If you have an unused bike and you are a bit of a diy'er there are plenty of videos which show you how to convert existing bikes (re-cycling 🙂). I have a folding bike as well (20 inch wheels) but smaller wheels means its less stable. Personally, I think cycling is the best way to see the surrounding countryside so my ebike comes with me every caravan trip.

[@bobmckayfreedom]

What about car roof ?

[@marketheridge5866]

We have an electric bike lift on the back of our Motorhome. Wheel the bikes on at ground level and the motor lifts it up. Max load 60kg

[@themagicrat8803]

There appears to be a gap in the market for an e-bike with snap in battery and motor, so the heavier components can be carried separately . An e-bike with no motor or battery is also less attractive to thieves.

[@andrewjditton]

Do you have any tips or tricks for carrying an ebike when touring? If so, please share them! :)

[@rogermcnair4234]

I carry a carbon e-road bike (weighs in at 11.5kg) inside our caravan. The bike is strapped to the nearside metal divan seat frame and I use short pieces of pipe insulation to protect vulnerable parts of the bikes frame...or is it the caravan furniture? Successful trip to Tarragona last September with no damage to the bike or caravan. Really informative video Andrew.

[@juttapelzer6632]

We started with non electric folding bikes in the garage. When we decided to go for ebikes we choose the solution from the netherlands company called busbiker for our van conversion. We're still very happy with the solution and can now carry both our ebikes safely and legally with us.

[@MoThomson]

I can squeeze my full size Whyte e-bike inside my short wheelbase campervan, it sits nicely on the stand and front wheel is tucked in behind drivers seat. At night I stow it under the van, with a good bike lock attached to my towing hook. It's not ideal, but it does the job. I can fit the wifes folding e-bike into the back of the VW, so we can take both bikes on a day trip, but it isn't much use for a longer trip.

[@jimmywailes8087]

Or alternatively get a FOLDING 20" compact E Bike .Mines a crosscity from Halfords .5 years old now! Keeps in a bag in the car or over the axle in the caravan. Weighs just 18kg. WARNING ⚠️ Don't forget you still have to add the weight of the bike carrier as well as the bikes upon it to account for the nose weight on your caravan Andrew 😢

[@Sthilboy56]

I’m sure the 20 kg ebike on a 35 kg bike rack even though it says 18 kg plus 17 kg will be perfectly fine

[@montyspearo]

That weight diagram was to show heavier bike is better mounted closer to van. Still OK to put 1x30kg bike in that position.

[@andrewjditton]

You would think so, but... If the rack were then to fail and cause an accident, do you think the Police and my insurers would think the same way? :-/

[@Sthilboy56]

@@andrewjditton it’s a 35 kg max load bike rack as long as the load it under 35 kg you are fine

[@jermurphy2167]

Another opinion is across the a frame of a caravan

[@paulefc1971]

We have a Swift Celeste 560 with bike rack preparation on the rear (As most Swifts do), I honestly have no idea why as the weight on the back would be awful for towing

[@iancalderbank9767]

I feel you are too quick to dismiss the "tow and carry" towbar mounted rack on the grounds of noseweight for the caravan use case. It needs explaining more. If you have a large caravan you probably already have a vehicle with a large towbar noseweight capacity. A vehicle that can take 150kg noseweight load has ample capacity for a caravan and a 4 bike tow-and-carry rack. I've used a maxxraxx 4 bike carrier on the rear of an AudiQ7 for 5 years, carrying 4 push bikes, whilst towing at the same time a twin axle Bailey Unicorn Series 4. One of the 4 is now an ebike but remove the battery it doesn't weigh a lot more than a push bike. Mount the heaviest bike closest to the car. Multiple Long haul tows from SE england to south of france, or to Scotland (7 stanes trail centres) , all super stable. Keeping the bikes in the gap between car and 'van means almost negligible fuel-efficiency impact (its the 'van that matters!). whereas on the roof is costly in aerodynamic efficiency loss. The key to being able to do this is the tow vehicle having a high noseweight loading capacity, which means in practice one of the large 4x4's (pick carefully because not all have this high a limit) or most commercial vehicles. The bike racks are then of course on your car to move the bikes with you if you are driving to go to a MTB trail centre away from the campsite , which is why I'd never go for a rack mounted on the caravan itself (even if the stability wasn't an issue). Maxxraxx are brilliant but unfortunately no longer made

[@mikeayriss8631]

I'm not a fan of bike racks on the rear of caravans. Goes against principle of keeping heavy weights over axle, increasing pendulum risk Personally, I go for car roof mount if you can lift the bike (I can). Placing the weight on the towing vehicle is is best for stability considering car/caravan weight ratios. Placing on roof also means towvall limit.os unaffected. What about folding e-bikes? Unless you're intending to go off road these seem an ideal option unless you intend offroading as they can be stowed inside car or Caravan, avoiding need for racks.

[@chestercopperpot9294]

The way to solve the problem is to switch to an EUC. Small and portable and can travel faster and further than an ebike.

[@stuartforsyth4279]

Hi Andrew, my partner and I have purchased an XPlore 402. Do you have any tips for a nervous fifty something who is worrying about picking it up from the dealership?. What accessories would you suggest are worth getting?. Is it worth participating in an introductory course like CAMC run? Man6 thanks for you sage guidance ☺

[@andrewjditton]

Congratulations! I think the towing courses are definitely worthwhile if you are nervous. It might sound silly, but start thinking about how you would position yourself in the road if you had the caravan on the back even when you are driving solo - it will get you into the good habit. Most of all - ENJOY! After 5 minutes of towing you'll wonder what on earth you were worried about.

[@stuartforsyth4279]

@@andrewjditton thanks Andrew, I have been practicing with a phantom caravan on the back. Will let you know how it goes, as you say I’m hoping the trepidation evaporates quickly and will be endless enjoyment from there ☺

[@johnmackenzie693]

A folding ebike can be put into a bag and carried inside the van

[@ianhadfield65]

Remove the back wheel and carry it inside , not only does this erase the weight issue it also acts as a theft deterrent .

[@roland9423]

Super Dougal xxxxxx

[@philipwilliams3674]

I carry our e-bikes on the roof of my car. So far I can still lift them up!

[@lindakirk698]

Is that not too heavy for the roof? There is a weight for roof mounted. I wouldn't want 25 kg on the roof

[@michaelalexander65]

My car's manual says 100kg max load on roof bars.

[@2fernandi]

I was very nervous putting my brand new beach cruiser on this rack. kzbin.infoUgkxG6JIgwJhur8_Rg8UeQ3EmePzi_wSncL8 But after reading many reviews I decided to get this one and take a chance. When arrived it was very simple to adjust and put together. I also added spike tape over the metal hooks before securing and tightening the straps, and no scratches. I also purchased the top bar made by the same company so that my cruiser sits straight on the rack without having to turn upside down. Extra bungee cords are used to secure the front wheel from flapping and even piece of mind knowing your bike is secure. Definitely recommend...

[@AliWade1971]

Get a MiRider - folds and even I can lift one

[@lindakirk698]

Defo insist on safety and being legal. Best option of all is rent a bike when you get there!

[@andrewjditton]

YES!

[@Daveindurham]

Your video is not much use if there are two people and two bikes. You keep referring to one bike, there are equally as many people travelling in pairs.

[@janetowen3042]

Spelling mistake 🙃 Dougal. He never smiles 😞

[@MYJ61]

So you know W.C. Fields said never act with children or animals. 😉

[@intelmacs]

You need to remove that EU flag from the number plate.

[@adamkiddle]

Not so sure he does.

[@michaelalexander65]

No, it's fine as long as a separate UK sticker is displayed on the vehicle when travelling abroad (except Ireland, where it's not a requirement).