<strong>Different Types of Caravan Bike Carriers</strong>

Ever since the pandemic hit the world, it has forced people to make difficult life changes. One such change that is commonly seen in many households is buying bikes. Therefore, the need for caravan bike carriers has increased. Hence, it has opened up a new market. Here are a few different types of caravan bike carriers that you can choose from.

Platform Style

Because they are practical and effective, tray-style bike racks are among the most popular. These trailer hitch-required racks are often offered for either standard 2" hitch receivers or the smaller 1-14" receivers that are more frequently found on smaller cars. The advantages of these hitch bike racks over roof-mounted caravan bike carriers are their ease of loading, the fact that you don't have to raise your bike over your head, and the fact that they don't significantly reduce your fuel efficiency.

However, look carefully at the specific model you're contemplating, especially if you're planning to transport kids' bikes with small wheels or fat bikes with broad tyres, as there are some restrictions on the size of wheels that fit in tray bike racks. In addition, though some variants can hold up to four bikes or just one, tray-style racks typically hold two bikes.

Rooftop Carrier: A roof caravan bike carrier is a simple addition if you already have crossbars installed, and it's typically more affordable than other types of racks. A roof rack is one bike rack that you can utilize without a trailer hitch. Fork mount and upright models are both available for rooftop bike racks. Both mountain bike roof racks and fork mount rooftop racks call for you to remove your front wheel, which adds a step to either end of your ride and necessitates having space inside the car for your wheel. Compared to an upright roof rack, this lowers the bike's profile on the roof. Due to the drag your bike or bikes produce, racks typically impact your fuel economy.

Vertical bike carrier: Vertical caravan bike carriers originated with mountain bikes, but they now offer designs that may be used with any bike. These mountain bike car racks feature a crossbar from which you hang bikes and a "mast" that rises from your trailer hitch. While some of these racks feature a tray that holds the front wheel, others fork by holding onto suspension forks (and are only compatible with suspension forks). One of the most adaptable racks available, the vertical hanging racks with a tray can hold almost any wheel size. As a result, these racks are excellent for transporting many bikes.

Horizontal carrier: Such caravan bike carriers may also be attached on a trailer hitch, including horizontal arms that hang bikes by their top tubes. They frequently accommodate enough bikes for an entire family and can swing out to access the trunk. These carriers are excellent for transporting classic bicycle frames with a flat top tube. They cannot, however, transport mountain bikes or other bikes, such as cruisers, with atypically shaped frames. Additionally, because these racks depend on touch with the frame, there is a chance of rubbing and scratching.

Trunk carrier: A trailer hitch is not necessary for trunk bike racks, which are adjustable racks that attach to the trunk of your car. These racks are among the least expensive and are simple to take down when not used. The majority of these racks suspend bicycles from the top tube. Due to the distinctive shapes of mountain bike frames, it is challenging to carry them using these racks. Because these trunk caravan bike carriers are just attached with straps rather than locking rooftop systems, there is no way to lock your bike down with these racks. Thus it is crucial to set them up appropriately. We advise considering various types of racks if you want to transfer your bike frequently.

Closing thoughts

If you are fond of off-road trips and biking over high altitudes, then you can explore the caravan mentioned above bike carrier options. These are comprehensive carriers, and they all have their pros and cons. Therefore, you must know about all the available options in the market. Also, make sure that you compare the options based on quality and cost.