Alternative use for bike rack

California Shellers · Apr 9, 2023

Hi all,

Partner and I have just purchased a California SE 2012 and have a question about the bike rack that has come with the campervan. Is it possible to use it as a luggage rack and if so can anyone suggest how best to use it?

Thanks!
Michelle

Ch1pbutty · Apr 9, 2023

You can get a bag that sits in the bike rack:

Brandrup Flexbag for the Original Volkswagen California T5 / T6 / T6.1 Bike Rack

Brandrup Flexbag for the Original Volkswagen California T5 / T6 / T6.1 Bike Rack, bike protection, easy to wipe, tailgate accessories

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Doorbundle · Apr 9, 2023

Among the worlds most expensive towel rails.

Ch1pbutty · Apr 9, 2023

Doorbundle said:
Among the worlds most expensive towel rails.

Works great with bikes though!

Doorbundle · Apr 9, 2023

Ch1pbutty said:
Works great with bikes though!

What!!....Who knew?

California Shellers · Apr 9, 2023

Ch1pbutty said:
You can get a bag that sits in the bike rack:

Brandrup Flexbag for the Original Volkswagen California T5 / T6 / T6.1 Bike Rack

Brandrup Flexbag for the Original Volkswagen California T5 / T6 / T6.1 Bike Rack, bike protection, easy to wipe, tailgate accessories

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Thanks, useful link! Just out of interest, is there any reason why we would not be able to just strap our cargo onto bike rack with weather proof tarpaulin, taking into consideration weight etc.

Ch1pbutty · Apr 9, 2023

California Shellers said:
Thanks, useful link! Just out of interest, is there any reason why we would not be able to just strap our cargo onto bike rack with weather proof tarpaulin, taking into consideration weight etc.

No, you can strap whatever you want to it.

The bag is handy as it’s waterproof and can be lifted off easily in one piece, making it easier to pack.

Doorbundle · Apr 9, 2023

California Shellers said:
Thanks, useful link! Just out of interest, is there any reason why we would not be able to just strap our cargo onto bike rack with weather proof tarpaulin, taking into consideration weight etc.

The likes of Thule would absolutely not want you to use your initiative in that way. Stop it at once.

Azteccamper · Apr 9, 2023

I bought the biggest 120l waterproof (ish) cargo bag from go outdoors and strap it to the bike holders when not carrying bikes - and carried folded sup boards etc. As long as safely strapped on I have had no problem. If leaving it unattended it might attract interest from lowlife.

gazmungo · Apr 9, 2023

This is how we travel, often with the green Quechua popup tent on the top bike rack.

Washburn · Apr 14, 2023

Here's the Menabo Bike Rack with a Pelican BX255 weatherproof Cargo Box secured with 4 u-bolts (and gaskets). Box is lockable (at all 5 latch positions if desired) and holds our lighterweight sports gear, etc. We still have a view out the back, rear camera works, tailights and license plate all visible (while the license plate looks obscured from this camera angle, the rack is actually above the license plate and is visible at normal seated vehicle height). Of course limited to 100kg total, but works great for us. We can swap the box for the bikes racks if need be (but we're not bikers so not an issue).

Steve1 · Apr 14, 2023

California Shellers said:
Thanks, useful link! Just out of interest, is there any reason why we would not be able to just strap our cargo onto bike rack with weather proof tarpaulin, taking into consideration weight etc.

It's fine to strap what you want on, but if you have multiple things you need to be careful you have attached them well otherwise if they move against eachother they can loosen in the straps and get away.
A bag just makes it easier to keep everything safely in, but its not needed if you strap everything down well.
I have paddle boards and found it hard to get all three well attached. So I used a cheaper but similar bag for them, it has strap loops to strap it down easily

BIKE RACK REAR STORAGE BAG LARGE - Bags4Everything

Store your caravan/motorhome accessories in a strong heavy duty bag on the back of your bike rack. It is made from our anti-rip reinforced and water resistant canvas material. Ideal for those items you cannot fit inside your vehicle like levellers, camping chairs, pegs, tools and so on. It is...

bags4everything.co.uk

Anthony1 · Apr 14, 2023

California Shellers said:
Hi all,

Partner and I have just purchased a California SE 2012 and have a question about the bike rack that has come with the campervan. Is it possible to use it as a luggage rack and if so can anyone suggest how best to use it?

Thanks!
Michelle

We bought this, in case we need to take a paddle board or inflatable kyak. Attached with U bolts. And the box is lockable.

The Blue Merle · Apr 15, 2023

California Shellers said:
Hi all,

Partner and I have just purchased a California SE 2012 and have a question about the bike rack that has come with the campervan. Is it possible to use it as a luggage rack and if so can anyone suggest how best to use it?

Thanks!
Michelle

Had that set up on my old van, Givi outback 110l atv back box