Rear Racks: The Most Popular Campervan Add-On (And for Good Reason)

Rear racks are the most common accessory we install on our campervan builds—and it’s easy to see why. They solve a few big problems that come up often with fully built campervans:

1. Limited storage space. Our vans are packed with amenities to make your life easier, which means there’s not a ton of leftover space—especially on trips with 4 people and all their gear.

2. Bulky outdoor equipment. Skis, snowboards, bikes, and other large items take up room and can easily turn the inside of your van into a mess.

3. Emergency gear and spare tires. If you're off-roading and blow a flat, you’ll want more than a doughnut to get back to pavement. A rear rack gives you a safe, out-of-the-way spot to mount a full-size spare and other essential gear.

4. Easy access to gear while traveling. Instead of digging through bins or opening doors, you can grab your bike, chairs, or tools right off the back of the van in seconds.

5. Room to grow. Modular rear rack systems can evolve with your needs—add more mounts, boxes, or fuel carriers as your hobbies change.

6. Security for your gear. Lockable storage options keep expensive equipment safe and out of sight while you’re parked at a trailhead, restaurant, or campsite.

   
   

While those are the most common reasons people ask us for rear racks, let’s dive deeper into why they might matter for your van. Years of building camper van conversions and managing rentals has given us valuable insights that we would love to share with you here. We have installed all sorts of rear racks from Flatline Van Co. and Flarespace to Avatar and Owl Vans but we wouldn't recommend a rear rack for everyone.

1. Rear Racks = More Storage, Without Sacrificing Comfort

Storage is one of the most overlooked aspects when people build their campervan. Once you add in a kitchenette, fridge, A/C, beds, plumbing, and electrical systems, it’s easy to underestimate how little storage you’re left with—and how much gear you’ll end up wanting to bring.

This is a common trade-off we see in rentals. Some customers choose the Transit vans for more storage, but they miss out on luxury features. Most renters choose the Mercedes Sprinters for the full comfort experience—room for four, all the bells and whistles—but they often end up needing more room for gear. Rear racks are the perfect solution. They let you keep the amenities and expand your storage with boxes, bike mounts, and ski racks.

2. Keep the Toys Outside and the Van Clean

Beyond general storage, rear racks give you a home for your bigger adventure gear. Mount a ski rack or bike carrier and your setup is always ready to go. Park, pop the doors, and get straight to the fun—no gear explosion to clean up first.

From what we’ve seen, this is the number one use of rear racks: getting you to the fun faster. It also helps you keep the interior of your van organized, clean, and free of the mud and slush that comes with outdoor toys.

3. Be Ready for Anything

We’ve also seen owners use their rear racks to mount emergency gear: full-size spare tires, fuel tanks, traction boards, recovery tools—you name it. This isn’t as common with our renters (thanks to upgraded tires and 4x4 diesel Sprinters), but for owners, it’s peace of mind. You can explore deeper, drive further, and stay out longer without worrying about what could go wrong.

4. Easy Access on the Road

One underrated benefit of rear racks is quick, no-hassle access. Need a bike for a lunch break ride? Want to grab camp chairs without rummaging through the van? Rear racks make it easy to reach your gear fast without even opening the van doors. When you’re constantly on the move, that convenience makes a big difference.

5. Room to Grow

A big bonus of choosing a rear rack is flexibility. Most systems are modular—you can start with a bike rack, then add a lockable storage box, fuel can holder, or ladder later on as your needs change.

At Blackthorn Campervan, we usually recommend adding the rack during the original build process if you think you’ll use it down the line. It’s both cheaper and faster to install as part of the initial build than it is to retrofit it later—plus, it keeps everything integrated and clean from the start.

6. Extra Security for Your Gear

Rear racks can also keep your gear safer. Lockable storage boxes and secure bike or ski mounts help protect your equipment whether you're parked at a trailhead or stopping for food in town. You won't need to stash expensive items inside the van—or worry about them being visible through the windows. For travelers who value peace of mind, this added security is a big win.

So... should you get one? Rear racks are our most installed accessory for a reason—but they’re not for everyone. If you don’t travel with bulky gear, don’t overpack, and don’t plan to go too remote, you may not need one. But if you have a hobby, gear to haul, or just want more flexibility from your van, a rear rack might be the upgrade that makes your trips way easier—and a lot more fun.

Ready to build a custom camper van conversion with a rear rack?

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