When choosing a bike rack for your pop up camper, you have quite a few different options. Most people secure bikes with a double hitch or partial roof style mounting system. The type of bike rack and hitch you should select depends on your preference and vehicle. Using the right mounting system will keep your bikes stable going down the road and from drifting in the wind.
The hitch mounted style rack should get the job done for most bike carrier needs when towing a pop-up camper. Not to mention, using a bike rack is a great way to keep your bikes secure for those who want to use their bikes while out camping.
Here’s a quick list of our top picks for the best pop up camper bike racks:
What to Consider
Before making a purchase you’ll want to consider what type of rack you’re looking for, how long your hitch is, and whether or not you want a certain rack style depending on your vehicle and how many bikes you need to carry. These could range from the double hitch, frame carrier mounts, and rooftop options. Some people also prefer to build a DIY pop up camper bike rack.
The Best Pop Up Camper Bike Racks
These are our favorite pop up camper bike racks and hitches for those of you who want a good mounting system to keep your bikes secure while traveling.
Pro Rac Tent Trailer Bike Rack
This telescoping bike rack is perfect if you need to carry more than a couple of bikes with your camper and vehicle setup. For carrying 4 bikes this gets the job done. It’s also sturdy enough without drilling holes into the roof of your pop up. However, if you plan on only taking 1 or 2 bikes, then you’d be better off looking elsewhere. This bike rack mounts higher over part of the roof, be sure to mount it close to the same height of your tow vehicle to prevent wind resistance.
Pros
- Wide, for carrying more bikes
- Specifically designed for pop-ups
- Attaches to the trailer frame
Cons
- Need to take front wheels off
- Height may cause wind resistance
- More expensive
Swagman Roamer RV Crossbar Bike Rack
For those who want a quality steel mounting crossbar for use with their pop up, this is the one to get. The rack works for mounting both bikes and kayaks. The free crossbar design also allows you to mount the rack wherever you see fit. Do keep in mind this may void a warranty or insurance by drilling holes into your camper’s roof. If you have a truck, you can also opt to mount the rack on a hard shell truck bed.
Pros
- Durable
- Steel material
- Crossbar design
Cons
- Drilling holes
- May void warranty/insurance
Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk
An excellent frame mounting option, this “bike bunk” is a hitch extender that goes over the frame of your trailer. The mount design features steel to create a bunk for attaching your bike rack hitch. The bike bunk is rated for up to 100 pounds, although some people opt to add additional support bars. Mounting this rack allows you to still have room for a manual crank, propane tanks, battery mounts, and frame storage.
Pros
- Mounts above trailer frame
- Room for 1 to 4 bikes
- Versatile for mounting any hitch
Cons
- Bikes may sit too close to your vehicle on turns
- Additional support brace may be needed
Let’s Go Aero Double Bike Carrier System
Similar to the bike bunk, this bike carrier system features a v-shape and tower. This works best if want an all in one system without needing to also have a bike rack to mount to the hitch. However, if you have a manual crank for your pop up, the support tower may be in the way. The high bike mount height may make it difficult for some to lift the bikes up to the rack and create additional wind resistance.
Pros
- Frees up the cargo area
- All-in-one system
- Little sway
Cons
- High mount height
- May block manual crank
HiTow Multiuse Dual Hitch Extension
Although not a bike rack directly, the dual hitch system can be used to mount your pop up camper ball hitch and bike rack above it. The lightweight and easy to use design makes it simple to attach and use when you need it. The hitch works in combination with your trailer and rack with plenty of room for a hitch extension.
Pros
- Good value
- Easy to use and sturdy
- Versatile/multi-purpose
Cons
- Requires bike rack
- May not clear rear bumper
Conclusion
As you can see there are many variations of pop up camper bike racks on the market. If you’re looking for a durable, bike rack/hitch design, that has enough room for multiple bikes, then the Pro Rac, Bike Bunk hitch, or HiTow hitch is recommended. But, if you want a bike rack for quick use for 1 or 2 bikes, then the Swagman crossbar or Aero Jack-It are great options you may want to consider.