Carrying Your Motorcycle in a Camper Van: How to Do It?

Slowly but surely, camper van travel is gaining popularity in the vacation world, especially among couples. Traveling in a camper allows for greater flexibility, avoiding the rigidity of fully planned trips and embracing a more spontaneous way of traveling. One way to take the freedom of a camper even further is to add a motorcycle, allowing you to explore more trails, mountain passes, and remote villages.

However, transporting a motorcycle in a van can be quite a challenge in terms of space, safety, and planning. It’s crucial to find an ideal placement that ensures proper weight distribution, along with a solid anchoring system that complies with regulations.

Motorcycle Inside the Van: Solution or Complication?

Can you carry a motorcycle inside a camper without losing the vehicle’s main functionalities? To determine this, you need to consider the different van sizes, the type of motorcycle you plan to transport, and how the interior space will be arranged.

• Large vans (L3H2 or L4H3): These allow you to carry the motorcycle inside without significantly altering the layout of the living space.


• Medium vans (L2H2): Require a more strategic approach; space is limited, so the anchoring system must be efficient without compromising functionality.


• Minicampers and compact models: Carrying a motorcycle inside is practically impossible without dismantling the living area.

If you choose to transport the motorcycle inside the van, it is essential to comply with all safety regulations. To ensure safe transportation, you will need a ramp to load the motorcycle securely, a front-wheel chock to prevent unwanted movement, and several high-strength straps positioned at key points to avoid shifting. Additionally, installing a divider panel is highly recommended to prevent the motorcycle from invading the living area in case of sudden braking.

Alternative Options for Transporting the Motorcycle

If carrying the motorcycle inside the camper is not an option or if you prefer to avoid dirt and fuel odors inside, there are more practical solutions.

1. Rear Motorcycle Carrier: Balance Between Functionality and Accessibility

Among the available motorcycle transport options, the rear carrier is the most popular since it allows you to keep the camper’s interior free without the need for a trailer. However, not all motorcycles can be transported this way.

• Center of Gravity: Placing too much weight at the rear of the van can affect handling.


• Accessibility: It is essential to have a tilting carrier that allows access to the rear doors of the van without requiring full removal.


• Load Capacity: Motorcycle carriers are ideal for small or lightweight bikes, such as scooters or trail bikes. Heavier motorcycles require transportation inside the van or on a trailer.

Although it seems like the perfect solution, legal compliance must be considered. In some countries, motorcycle carriers must meet specific requirements to be road-legal.

2. Motorcycle Trailer: Freedom at the Cost of Maneuverability

If the motorcycle is too heavy for a carrier or if you need to transport more than one, a trailer is the best option. The advantages are clear:

• Does not affect the van’s balance.


• Makes loading and unloading easier.


• Allows you to carry extra gear without taking up space inside the camper.

However, there are also drawbacks. A trailer limits maximum speed on the road, requires more parking space, and makes maneuvering in narrow paths more difficult. Additionally, in some countries, a special driving permit is required if the total weight of the vehicle and trailer exceeds a certain limit.

Key Considerations Before Hitting the Road

Transporting a motorcycle in a camper is not just about space. There are details that can make the difference between a smooth journey and a frustrating experience.

Weight Distribution and Road Stability

It’s not just about where to place the motorcycle but how its weight affects driving. An overloaded motorcycle carrier can make the rear of the vehicle unstable in turns and braking. If the motorcycle is inside, the best placement is as centered as possible to ensure even weight distribution.

Protection Against Theft

Travelers are often a prime target for thieves, especially when carrying a motorcycle. If transporting the bike outside the van, it’s highly recommended to use a disc lock with an alarm, a high-strength chain, or even a fixed anchoring system on the carrier. When parking in high-risk areas such as public parking lots or rest stops, an opaque cover can help deter thieves by keeping the motorcycle out of sight.

Legal Compliance and Regulations

If you plan to travel across multiple countries, it’s important to check each country’s regulations on motorcycle transport in campers. Some require certified motorcycle carriers or mandate periodic trailer inspections. Failing to check the rules beforehand can lead to fines or even vehicle immobilization.

Accessibility

If unloading the motorcycle is a long and complicated process, you will likely end up using it less than expected. A good setup should ensure easy loading and unloading, whether through a low-incline ramp or a hydraulic tilting carrier.

A Winning Combination When Done Right

The idea of bringing a motorcycle on a camper trip is as exciting as it is challenging. It’s not just about finding space—it’s about designing an efficient strategy to integrate it without sacrificing comfort or safety. Poor anchoring can make every turn risky, improper weight distribution can destabilize the camper, and choosing the wrong transport method can end up limiting freedom rather than enhancing it. However, with proper planning, the combination of a motorcycle and camper becomes the ultimate tool for limitless exploration: the van provides a home, the motorcycle provides mobility, and together they create the perfect journey.