Going on an adventure in a camper van while bringing along your bikes offers valuable freedom once you arrive at your destination. Although transporting them in checked baggage or on a trailer is sometimes considered, these options sacrifice the interior storage space or compromise the vehicle’s maneuverability. The use of an external support remains the ideal method.
However, transporting valuable equipment in the back of his vehicle raises two legitimate concerns: the risk of falling on the road and the fear of theft during prolonged stops.
Mecatek (formerly Sawiko France), an independent manufacturer specializing in equipment for recreational vehicles, delivers its products to you. Practical advice for securing your bikes in the back of your camper van and thus travel with peace of mind.
Always secure your bikes on the bike rack
The safety of your load starts with impeccable mechanical fixing. To avoid any oscillatory movement during the journey, each bicycle must be secured individually. Use the articulated mounting arms support to firmly hold the frame of each bicycle.
The wheels must be housed at the bottom of the rails and firmly secured using toothed belts or of buckle straps. If you are transporting several bicycles at the same time (up to 5 units on our Compact-Line model), please consider Insert protective foams at the contact points Potentialities to avoid frictions.
And finally.., Always place the heaviest bike (such as an electric model) on the inner rail, The closer to the body, in order to minimize the lever arm on the chassis and preserve the vehicle's road handling characteristics.
Which anti-theft devices should I use to protect my bikes?
Bicycles, and especially electric-assist bicycles (VAE), are prime targets for malicious individuals. The mere steel cables provide only a meager level of protection.
For maximum security, prioritize the combined use of several devices:
- The U-shaped anti-theft bars Choose models that are approved (certified SRA or Sold Secure). They must be anchored directly to a fixed and immovable part of the caravan bike rack, encompassing the frame and the rear wheel of your bikes.
- The key fixing arms Our bike carrier ranges, such as the E-Bike, P-Line or ST-Line, include or can accommodate key-lockable clamping buttons, preventing the quick removal of the bike from the holder.
- The removal of accessories Always take the habit of removing the on-board consoles, meters and removable batteries from the VAEs to store them inside the cell. An electric bike without a battery immediately loses a large part of its resale value.
The checks to be carried out before setting off
A good installation requires a rigorous verification protocol before turning the ignition key. Make sure that the total weight of your equipment and its load complies with the load capacity of the bike rack. (which ranges from 60 to 130 kg on our homologated models) and does not cause an increase in the PTAC of your camper van.
Also check the absence of play in the anchoring bolts on the chassis or on the coupling ball. After about fifty kilometers, a short stop is highly recommended. check the tension of the straps, Because road vibrations can cause slight mechanical vibrations at the outset.
Good practices for securing your bikes on a camper trailer
The use of a opaque protective cover It allows you to conceal the value and model of your bikes from prying eyes, while protecting them from the elements.
