Carrying tent on bike rack?

Lewisd3 · Jul 19, 2022

Hi, just wondered if anybody had used their bike rack for carrying anything other than bikes? I was thinking of attempting to fix a tent, approx 20kg, to the bike rack, to save room inside the van? Fixing it with ratchet straps.

Ch1pbutty · Jul 20, 2022

Lewisd3 said:
Hi, just wondered if anybody had used their bike rack for carrying anything other than bikes? I was thinking of attempting to fix a tent, approx 20kg, to the bike rack, to save room inside the van? Fixing it with ratchet straps.

Will be fine, lots of people do it. You can get lockable roof rack straps if you need additional security.

Surfdome - BrandAlley

Daily designer sales. Up to 80% off designer clothes, designer bags, homeware and beauty brands. Register free today for exclusive sales and discounts.

www.surfdome.com

Steve1 · Jul 20, 2022

Lewisd3 said:
Hi, just wondered if anybody had used their bike rack for carrying anything other than bikes? I was thinking of attempting to fix a tent, approx 20kg, to the bike rack, to save room inside the van? Fixing it with ratchet straps.

We have used the bike rack to carry lots of other stuff before, I did buy one of these https://bags4everything.co.uk/product/bike-rack-rear-storage-bag-large/
But that was mainly so I could more than one smaller items on, without strapping each one individually and to keep everything dry. Strapping a big tent bag on directly would be similar to that, if you strap it down well so it can't get away.

GrahamB · Jul 20, 2022

Yes absolutely fine as long as you don’t go over the weight limit for the rack.

Lewisd3 · Jul 20, 2022

Brilliant, thanks chaps. I'll test it out

Vagophile · Jul 20, 2022

I carry two sun loungers in a large canvas carry bag secured by rachet straps and a bike cable lock.

The Broomwagon · Jul 20, 2022

I put a full size Weber kettle BBQ on our rack when meeting family at a campsite and needing more cooking space. Lots of thumbs up on the motorway from people presumably thinking it was a far better use of the rack than carrying bikes.

Nick.C · Jul 20, 2022

Lewisd3 said:
Hi, just wondered if anybody had used their bike rack for carrying anything other than bikes? I was thinking of attempting to fix a tent, approx 20kg, to the bike rack, to save room inside the van? Fixing it with ratchet straps.

This is our set up when carrting a large awning on the bike rack - works well for us

Lewisd3 · Jul 20, 2022

Fantastic, that's reassuring. Thank you

Lewisd3 · Jul 22, 2022

Fits OK and feels secure thank you everyone for your advice

YELRAV · Jul 24, 2022

Taken our awning a few times on the bike rack. No problem. We also use straps and bungee a warning reflective plate to it also.

Intrepidgirl76 · Aug 10, 2023

Nick.C said:
This is our set up when carrting a large awning on the bike rack - works well for us
View attachment 96468

Hi Nick, we're hoping to do this too. Where did you get the cargo bag please? Many thanks

Nick.C · Aug 10, 2023

Intrepidgirl76 said:
Hi Nick, we're hoping to do this too. Where did you get the cargo bag please? Many thanks

Hi, I fear it May no longer be available. Probably best reaching out to Thule direct to check if it is still being made.

flying banana · Aug 10, 2023

It is actually unusual to see bikes on that rack

Vagophile · Aug 11, 2023

flying banana said:
It is actually unusual to see bikes on that rack

Agree. The most common use is to dry towels and swimwear.

Richi · Aug 11, 2023

I normally use bike rack for my mountain bike but last time we had inflatable paddle board on the bike rack.

Calimili · Aug 12, 2023

Ch1pbutty said:
Will be fine, lots of people do it. You can get lockable roof rack straps if you need additional security.

Surfdome - BrandAlley

Daily designer sales. Up to 80% off designer clothes, designer bags, homeware and beauty brands. Register free today for exclusive sales and discounts.

www.surfdome.com

I ignored the existence of lockable straps, which is exactly what I need! Thank you!