The Complete Guide to Motorhome and Campervan Bike and Sports Storage — Carrying Equipment Without Compromising the Journey

The Storage Challenge

Sports equipment and motorhomes create a paradox. The vehicle provides the freedom to reach adventure locations, but the equipment needed for those adventures is difficult to transport alongside the living accommodation.

Inside the vehicle, bikes take up the entire living area. Kayaks do not fit at all. Surfboards consume the only available floor space. Internal storage sacrifices the very comfort that makes motorhome travel appealing.

Outside the vehicle, equipment is exposed to weather, road spray, theft, and the aerodynamic and handling consequences of external loads. External carriers add weight, length, height, and width to an already large vehicle.

The solution is always a compromise — the right compromise depends on your vehicle, your equipment, and how you travel.

Rear-Wall Bike Racks for Motorhomes

Coachbuilt motorhomes (those with a body built onto a cab chassis) commonly carry bikes on a rack mounted to the rear wall. This is the most popular bike-carrying method for motorhomes.

How they work. The rack bolts to the rear wall using dedicated mounting points or through-bolted brackets. Bikes hang vertically or sit in cradles, secured with clamps and straps.

Weight capacity. The rear wall's structural strength determines the maximum load. Manufacturers specify a maximum rack load — typically 30–60 kg, sufficient for two standard bikes but potentially insufficient for two heavy e-bikes (which can weigh 25–30 kg each).

E-bike compatibility. If carrying e-bikes, confirm that the rack's per-bike and total weight ratings accommodate the heavier bicycles. Some racks are specifically designed and rated for e-bike weight.

Advantages. Loading height is accessible — bikes are lifted to waist or chest height, not overhead. The bikes are visible from the rear, providing a visual check at stops. The towbar remains free for towing.

Disadvantages. Adds length to the vehicle. Obscures or blocks the rear window. Bikes are exposed to road spray from the rear wheels. Requires supplementary number plate and lighting in most jurisdictions.

Towbar-Mounted Bike Carriers

If the motorhome has a towbar (many do), a towbar-mounted platform carrier provides a stable, low-loading bike transport option.

Advantages. Platform carriers hold bikes securely on individual trays — bikes do not contact each other. Loading height is low (below waist height). Tilt mechanisms allow access to the rear door or garage without removing the bikes.

Disadvantages. The towbar is occupied — the carrier cannot be used simultaneously with a towed vehicle or trailer. Adds further length behind an already long vehicle. Requires a supplementary number plate and lighting board.

E-bike suitability. Towbar-mounted platform carriers are generally the best option for e-bikes — the low loading height makes lifting heavy bikes manageable, and the platform design handles the weight securely.

Rear Garage Storage

Many larger motorhomes (particularly European A-class and semi-integrated designs) feature a rear garage — a large, enclosed storage compartment at the rear of the vehicle, accessed via external hatches.

What fits in a garage. Folding bikes, small electric scooters, sports bags, toolboxes, outdoor furniture, and compact equipment. Some garages are large enough for two standard bikes laid flat — though access can be awkward.

Advantages. Equipment is enclosed, protected from weather and road spray, and secure (locked hatches). No external aerodynamic penalty. No additional number plate or lighting required.

Disadvantages. The garage has a finite volume — equipment stored here reduces space available for other items. Bikes must often be partially disassembled (wheels removed) to fit. Lifting heavy items into the garage floor level requires effort.

Bike rails and wheel chocks installed inside the garage hold bikes upright and secure during travel — preventing movement and damage.

Roof-Mounted Carriers

Roof-mounted carriers (for bikes, kayaks, surfboards, or roof boxes) use the vehicle's roof rails or a dedicated roof rack as a mounting base.

For motorhomes, roof mounting has specific challenges. The roof is high — loading requires lifting equipment overhead, which is physically demanding and potentially dangerous with heavy items. Vehicle height increases significantly — a motorhome with bikes or a kayak on the roof may exceed height restrictions for bridges, tunnels, and car park barriers.

For campervans (particularly lower-profile vans), roof mounting is more practical. The roof is lower, loading is easier, and the height increase is more manageable.

Advantages. Does not affect vehicle length. Leaves the towbar and rear wall free. Good for long, flat items (kayaks, surfboards, skis).

Disadvantages. Increases vehicle height — a critical hazard for already-tall vehicles. Loading requires lifting to roof height. Increases fuel consumption due to aerodynamic drag. Equipment is exposed to weather.

Internal Storage Solutions

For short trips or when carrying a single piece of equipment, internal storage may be sufficient.

Folding bikes collapse to a compact size that fits inside a motorhome or campervan without dominating the living space. A folding bike stored in a bag or cover protects the interior from grease and dirt.

Bike mounts and interior racks hold a bike vertically inside the vehicle — using the floor-to-ceiling height to minimise floor space consumption. These suit campervans where the bike is stored during travel and removed at the destination.

Soft equipment (wetsuits, helmets, climbing gear, running equipment) fits in dedicated bags or storage bins that slide under beds, into lockers, or into the rear garage.

Kayak and Canoe Carriers

Kayaks and canoes are long, bulky, and heavy — they require dedicated external carriers.

Roof-mounted kayak cradles hold the kayak on its side or upside down on the roof rack. Padded cradles protect the hull and secure it with straps. Suitable for campervans; challenging for tall motorhomes due to loading height.

Rear-mounted vertical carriers hold the kayak vertically against the rear of the vehicle. This avoids the height and loading issues of roof mounting but adds length and requires a robust mounting system.

Trailer transport. A small, dedicated kayak trailer towed behind the motorhome separates the kayak from the vehicle entirely — providing the most secure and accessible transport at the cost of towing a trailer.

Surfboard and Paddleboard Storage

Surfboards and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are long, wide, and relatively lightweight. They can be roof-mounted on padded crossbar cradles, stored inside the vehicle (if length permits), or carried in a rear-mounted rack designed for boards.

Inflatable SUPs solve the storage problem entirely — they deflate and pack into a bag the size of a large rucksack, storing easily inside the vehicle or in the rear garage.

Ski and Snowboard Carriers

Roof-mounted ski carriers clamp skis and boards flat to the roof rack. They are secure, aerodynamic (when flat-mounted), and free interior space. Loading requires reaching the roof — manageable for campervans, challenging for tall motorhomes.

Internal storage in the rear garage is possible for shorter skis and snowboards — protected from weather and theft.

Scooter and Motorcycle Carriers

Some motorhome owners carry a small scooter or motorcycle for local transport at the destination.

Rear-mounted scooter carriers are heavy-duty platforms that bolt to the rear of the motorhome or mount to a reinforced towbar. They carry significant weight (a scooter typically weighs 80–120 kg) and require a vehicle with adequate rear structural capacity and payload margin.

Loading ramps allow the scooter to be ridden onto the platform and secured with wheel chocks and tie-down straps.

Weight impact. A scooter plus carrier can add 120–170 kg to the rear of the vehicle — a substantial load that affects handling, braking, and payload. Ensure the vehicle's total weight with the scooter does not exceed its maximum permitted mass.

Weight, Payload, and Handling

Every piece of external equipment adds weight to the vehicle — and the position of that weight affects handling.

Rear-mounted loads (bike racks, scooter carriers) shift the centre of gravity rearward — potentially reducing front-axle grip, affecting steering feel, and increasing braking distances.

Roof-mounted loads raise the centre of gravity — increasing body roll in corners and crosswind sensitivity.

The vehicle's payload limit is the maximum additional weight it can carry beyond its unladen mass. Passengers, personal belongings, water, fuel, food, and all equipment (including bikes, carriers, and sports gear) must fit within this limit.

Weigh the vehicle loaded. If you are close to the payload limit, use a public weighbridge to verify the actual laden weight before a long journey.

Security

External equipment is visible and accessible to thieves. Bike racks at motorway service areas and tourist car parks are targeted.

Carrier locks secure bikes to the rack and the rack to the vehicle. They deter opportunist theft but do not stop determined, equipped thieves.

Supplementary cable locks threaded through all bikes and the carrier provide an additional layer.

Cover the bikes. A fitted cover obscures the equipment — reducing the visual temptation. Some covers also protect against road spray and weather.

Remove bikes when leaving the vehicle unattended for extended periods. No lock is unbeatable. Where possible, take the bikes with you or store them inside the vehicle.

Access and Convenience

Tilt mechanisms on towbar-mounted carriers allow the loaded carrier to tilt away from the vehicle — providing access to rear doors and the garage without removing the bikes.

Quick-release mounting systems allow carriers to be fitted and removed without tools — useful for carriers used intermittently.

Consider your daily routine. If you cycle every day, the carrier must allow fast, easy loading and unloading. If the bikes are carried for occasional use, convenience is less critical.

The Honest Limitations

Every external carrier adds complexity. Length, height, weight, fuel consumption, and visibility are all affected. Accept the trade-offs.

E-bikes are heavy. Two e-bikes at 25 kg each, plus a carrier at 15–20 kg, adds 65–70 kg to the rear of the vehicle. This is a significant load.

Height restrictions are a genuine hazard. Roof-mounted equipment on a tall motorhome can exceed bridge, tunnel, and barrier clearances. Know your laden height at all times.

Payload limits are easily exceeded. A motorhome loaded with passengers, food, water, clothing, equipment, and bikes can exceed its maximum permitted mass without the owner realising. Weigh before you travel.

Choosing Storage by Equipment Type

Common Mistakes People Make

Exceeding the rear wall's weight rating. Particularly with e-bikes. Check the carrier rating and the vehicle's rear wall capacity.

Not measuring vehicle height with roof-mounted equipment. A kayak on a motorhome roof can exceed height limits for bridges and tunnels.

Not securing equipment for travel. A bike that shifts on a carrier at speed can damage the bike, the carrier, and the vehicle. Check every securing point before driving.

Forgetting the supplementary number plate. A rear-mounted carrier that obscures the number plate requires a visible supplementary plate — a legal requirement in most countries.

Ignoring payload limits. The combined weight of passengers, belongings, water, fuel, and sports equipment must not exceed the vehicle's maximum permitted mass.

Your Pre-Purchase Checklist

Identify Your Equipment

Bikes (standard or e-bike), kayak, surfboard, scooter — what are you carrying?

Check Your Vehicle's Capacity

Rear wall rating, towbar rating, roof load rating, and total payload.

Choose the Right Carrier Type

Rear-wall, towbar, roof, internal, or trailer — matched to vehicle and equipment.

Verify E-Bike Compatibility

If carrying e-bikes, ensure per-bike and total weight ratings are adequate.

Add Security

Carrier locks, cable locks, and a cover.

Check Legal Requirements

Supplementary number plate, lighting board, and towing mirrors if applicable.

Why Buying Through Amazon Is a Smart Option

Amazon carries the full range of motorhome and campervan bike and sports storage equipment — from rear-wall bike racks and towbar carriers to roof-mounted kayak cradles, ski carriers, internal bike mounts, and scooter platforms. Customer reviews from motorhome and campervan owners provide practical feedback on fit, weight capacity, stability, and compatibility with specific vehicle types — the kind of detail that specifications alone cannot convey.