Installing Racks On A Teardrop Camper: Is It Possible?

Pop-up campers are a great, cost-effective way to get into camping and RVing. They are compact, versatile, and can be used for camping, as a mobile office, or even for kayaking and biking trips. However, they don't always have room for large items such as boats, kayaks, or bikes. The good news is that you can install a roof rack on a pop-up camper to carry these larger items.

There are several ways to install a roof rack on a pop-up camper. Some pop-up campers come with a mounting system installed, but if yours doesn't, you can add an aftermarket roof rack. You can also use pool noodles to carry kayaks or bikes without damaging the roof of your camper. If you want to transport bikes, there are various types of bike racks available, such as tongue mount bike racks, hitch-mounted bike racks, and roof-mounted bike racks.

When installing a roof rack, it's important to consider the weight limits of your pop-up camper's roof, which is typically around 300 pounds when closed and 120 pounds when popped up. Additionally, make sure that the roof rack is securely attached to the roof supports or metal trim to avoid any damage to your camper.

Roof racks can be installed on camper shells

There are two main types of roof racks for pop-up campers: those for roofs with rails and those for roofs without rails. If your camper has roof rails, you won't need to drill holes as some roof racks provide interface hardware and other mounting options. Most pop-up camper roof racks, however, are meant for trailers without rails, which will require drilling holes and permanent installation.

When choosing a roof rack, it is important to consider the width of your camper to ensure you get the right size. Additionally, some roof racks have fixed crossbars, while others have adjustable bars. Adjustable bars are often preferred as they can fit various roof widths and can be transferred between your camper and your car or SUV. It is also important to consider the carrying capacity of the roof rack and the maximum load that your camper's roof can support.

There are several highly-rated pop-up camper roof racks available on the market. One option is the SportRack Camp Trailer Rack System, which features adjustable crossbars and legs and offers multiple mounting options. Another popular choice is the Yakima Round Crossbars, which are made from durable vinyl-coated galvanized steel and come in various widths to fit your camper's roof.

It is important to note that the installation of a roof rack may require drilling into the roof of your camper and could potentially damage the wiring. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the placement of the rack and, if necessary, seek professional assistance.

Pop-up campers can carry an installed bike rack

Most pop-up campers now come with a rear hitch receiver, which makes transporting bikes extremely convenient. There are several ways to install a bike rack onto a pop-up camper, and some of them can even be turned into DIY projects.

Pop-Up Camper Roof Rack

Some pop-up campers have a mounting system installed on the roof. For those that don't, there are third-party mounting systems available on the market. For example, the Swagman Roamer RV Cross Bars Roof Bike Rack consists of two rails that can be installed on the roof of a pop-up camper. Another option is the Yakima High-Road Wheel-On Upright Bike Mount Rack, which attaches perpendicular to the vertical dual rails with thick ratchet straps.

Tongue Mount Bike Rack

Tongue mount bike racks are installed directly on the V-section of the trailer tongue. They extend upwards in the shape of an upside-down field goal and can hold more than two bikes, although the front tires need to be removed and stored elsewhere. An example of this type of rack is the ProRac RVPB-020-1 Two-Bike Carrier Tent Trailer Bike Rack, which may hold more than two bikes with its telescoping arms.

Tow Vehicle Front Hitch Racks

For vehicles with front hitch receivers, installing a front hitch rack for bikes is a good option. Bikes are a suitable choice for front hitch racks as they won't block the radiator and cause the vehicle to overheat. The Hollywood Racks Sports Rider for E-bikes is a good option as it supports a 60-inch wheelbase and can accommodate most bicycles.

Tow Vehicle Roof Racks

Tow vehicle roof racks can be installed on existing rail mount systems on cars or modified to fit on top of pop-up campers. It is important to note that most SUVs and similar vehicles have rail systems installed, but they are not standard on all pop-up campers. The Swagman Standard Fork Mount Rooftop Bike Carrier is a simple and effective single-bike mount option.

Hitch-Mounted Racks

Hitch-mounted bike racks can be attached to the rear hitch of a pop-up camper. The Yakima FullSwing Swing-Away Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack is an excellent choice as it can hold up to four mountain bikes and can swing to the side of the vehicle, taking up minimal space.

Truck Bed Bike Rack

Truck bed bike racks are simple tools that clamp to the rim of a truck bed and use a ratchet strap to hold the bike upright. An example of this type of rack is the INNO RT201 Truck Bed Bike Rack, which is a good choice for its simplicity and affordability.

Spare Tire Bike Racks

For vehicles with a spare tire mounted on the back, such as a Jeep or an SUV, a spare tire bike rack can be secured to the tire. The Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack is a suitable option for this type of rack.

When choosing a bike rack for a pop-up camper, it is important to consider factors such as the number of bikes, weight restrictions, ease of installation, accessibility, and compatibility with the pop-up camper and tow vehicle. Additionally, ensuring that the bike rack is RV-approved is crucial to withstand the forces exerted on it during travel.

The best type of rack depends on your needs

If you want to avoid drilling holes in your pop-up camper, a tongue mount bike rack might be the best option. These racks are also good if you want to keep your bikes within sight. However, they usually have a limited weight capacity.

If you have a front mount hitch on your vehicle, a front hitch rack can be a good choice. This option keeps your bikes in view and saves room in the back. However, you need to make sure your bikes don't block your headlights or limit airflow to the radiator.

If you want to carry a variety of bikes, a tow vehicle roof rack might be the best option. These racks typically fit on your vehicle's existing rail mount system. However, they can add extra drag and be challenging to mount, especially if your vehicle is tall.

If you want a versatile option, a hitch-mounted rack can be attached to the rear or front hitch of your pop-up camper. They are also interchangeable with some tow vehicles. However, they can be challenging to access, especially if your camper is hitched.

If you have a pickup truck, a truck bed bike rack might be the best option. These racks are simple and affordable. However, they can be challenging to work around a large wheel well.

If you have a spare tire on the back of your pop-up camper or tow vehicle, a spare tire bike rack might be a good choice. These racks typically hold two bikes and attach by constricting down on the wheel.

Ultimately, the best type of rack depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the number of bikes you need to carry, weight restrictions, ease of installation and access, and compatibility with your pop-up camper and tow vehicle.

Racks can be mounted on the front or back of a camper

Front-Mounted Racks

If your tow vehicle has a front-mount hitch, you can install a standard hitch-mounted bike rack to carry bikes on the front of the vehicle. This option allows you to keep your bikes in view from the driver's seat. However, you need to ensure that the bikes do not block the headlights or limit airflow to the radiator.

Rear-Mounted Racks

If your pop-up camper has a rear hitch receiver, you can mount a hitch-mounted bike rack to the back of the camper. This is a convenient option for transporting bikes, as it does not require any modifications to the camper itself. These racks can typically carry up to four bikes, and some models even allow you to swing the bikes to the side of the vehicle for easy access.

Roof-Mounted Racks

Another option for mounting racks is on the roof of your camper or tow vehicle. Roof-mounted racks provide a stable and secure platform for transporting bikes or other gear. There are two main types of roof racks: those with fixed crossbars and those with adjustable crossbars. Adjustable bars offer the advantage of fitting various roof widths and can be transferred between your camper and your car or SUV. When choosing a roof-mounted rack, it is important to consider the weight capacity and ensure that it does not exceed the maximum load your camper's roof can support.

Tongue-Mounted Racks

Tongue-mounted bike racks are another option for pop-up campers. These racks mount directly to the V-section on the trailer tongue and extend upwards, providing an excellent mount for more than two bikes. However, you will need to remove the front tires and store them elsewhere.

DIY Options

If you're handy and want to save some money, you can also create a DIY bike rack for your pop-up camper. This typically involves using wooden 2x4 boards and MBP Alloy Quick-Release Fork Mount Bike Blocks to create a secure platform for your bikes.

In summary, there are several options for mounting racks on the front, back, or top of your pop-up camper, each with its own advantages and considerations. Choose the option that best suits your needs and ensure that you follow the proper installation procedures to safely transport your gear.

The weight of the load should be considered

When considering adding a rack to your pop-up camper, it is important to take the weight of the load into account. The weight of the load will impact the type of rack you can install and where you can install it.

The weight of the load will determine the type of rack you need. Different racks have different weight capacities, so you will need to choose a rack that can safely accommodate the weight of your items. For example, if you are transporting bikes, a hitch-mounted rack can typically carry up to four bikes, while a tongue mount bike rack has a more limited weight capacity.

The weight of the load will also impact where you can install the rack. While pop-up campers can generally support weights of up to 300 pounds on the roof, you should always check the weight capacity of your specific camper before installing a roof rack. Additionally, the weight of the load should be evenly distributed to avoid putting too much strain on any one area.

If you are considering a bumper-mounted rack, it is important to note that the bumper of a pop-up camper is not designed to carry much weight. While it may be possible to install a rack on the bumper, you should keep the weight light and limit the number of items to one or two.

Finally, the weight of the load will also depend on the type of items you are carrying. For example, kayaks can weigh anywhere from 20 to over 100 pounds, so you will need to take this into account when choosing a rack. Bicycles, on the other hand, typically weigh less, so you may be able to carry more of them depending on the weight capacity of the rack.

Frequently asked questions