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Van Racks

Gripsport Van Racks are generally fitted to caravan drawbars. A cross member is required to house the Gripsport bolt on mount. Mostly there is no direct welding required unless a custom mounting setup is required. Check the below link for further information.

Fitting a GripSport Van Rack to a van

The Gripsport Universal Cross Member (UCM) is an innovative bolt-on solution for mounting a GripSport bike rack or other accessories to your caravan or camper drawbar, without the need for welding. Designed for DIY fitment, the UCM ensures a seamless, low-profile installation while maintaining maximum strength and durability.

Whether you’re adding a bike rack or other essential gear, the Universal Cross Member (UCM) makes mounting simple, safe, and hassle-free.

If you have a short drawbar or the UCM is not compatible because of unmovable items on your drawbar, a custom made cross member maybe required. Generally this does NOT require any direct welding as Gripsport supply “U” shaped “saddles” with the bolt on mount and the new cross member is welded onto them.

Please Note: NOTE: UCM measurement is taken from outside to outside of the chassis rails, at the largest point where you want the cross member installed.

The Gripsport Towbar Adapter allows you to swap your Van-Rack from caravan to car quickly and easily, watch the video in the link below for full details.

The Adapter is made from heavy-duty zinc plated steel and is suitable for 2″ (50mm) square hitch receivers (Tongue Mount available in 2-Bike Tilting configuration only).

Converting a GripSport Van Rack to vehicles further info

At Bush Chook RV & Leisure we offer a complimentary assembly and fitting service for customers in the Perth Metro area. You will need to take your van to our fabricator who is based in Wangara, the factory is easy to access with a van.

Don’t pay $400-$500 to fit your Gripsport van rack. No other dealer offers assembly and fitting for free. (NOTE: Does not include fabricating cross member or custom mounting).

Fabrication of the cross member is usually around $150, this can be paid directly to the fabricator. We plan the location of the cross member, assist the fabricator with setting up and install the completed member and rack for no charge. Installation usually takes about 1 hour and customers can wait at the factory whilst fitting.

More info

Vans like Jayco Expanda’s beds push out over the drawbar, this means the bikes and rack will be in the way. You now have two options to fit a Gripsport Van Rack, either the traditional method of installing a quick release post or our new Mid-Post Tilting Mechanism. This new system means that the rack and bikes can remain by simply tilting the post, select the link below for more information.

Fitting GripSport Van Racks to Expanda vans

We have developed our very own Mid-Post Tilting Mechanism for van owners with a large hinged front opening boot, like some of the Jayco Stirling/Silverline models and some Euro brands. Previously there was no way to access the boot without removing the post, this is now as simple as removing the locating pin and tilting the post. Click the link below for more information.

Fitting to vans with a large hinged front boot.

Yes, but only if the manufacturer has given the appropriate weight rating on the bumper and two bikes will be the maximum number of bikes you can fit to any caravan rear bumper. *It is important to consider your rear overhang laws in your local state. Click the link below for further information.

Fitting GripSport Van Racks to the back of caravans

Short drawbars are always an issue when installing van racks on the drawbar, the bikes need to be close to the van to give the back of the vehicle clearance to the rack when doing tight turns. This can be an issue if items like front windows need to be opened as they clash with the standard Gripsport tilting mechanism setup. Our solution is simple, install the new mid-post tilting mechanism allowing complete access. If your drawbar is short and you have a front opening window, our new Bush Chook Mid-Post Tilting Mechanism is perfect for this application.

Along with our new Bush Chook Mid-Post Kit, this is all that’s required to fit a functioning Gripsport rack to your van. The posts have several holes drilled to adjust the height if required.

Further info

carrier weights
  • 1 bike – 14kg
  • 2 bike – 16kg
  • 3 bike – 29kg
  • 4 bike – 34kg
bolt on mount weight
  • 13kg

Further info

The weight of the rack plus bikes will effect pretty much everything with your vehicle and van. For example, a 2 bike rack weighs 16kg and the bolt on mount 13kg. Add two bikes and all of a sudden you have an extra 50-60kg up front. Check all of your van and vehicle weights including TBM (Tow Ball Mass), GTM (Gross Trailer Mass), GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) and GCM (Gross Combined Mass). For further information select the link below.

Further info

If you find your “A” frame lacks the room required to install a cross member or use the Bolt-On Mount (extremely rare), or if you simply prefer to DIY, you can still fit your Van-Rack by fabricating (or having us fabricate for you), your own custom mount for it.

Select the link below for further information.

Custom mounting a GripSport van rack

There are several different post types/sizes, in most applications a tall post will work but in some situations a short or quick release post is required. Note: If fitting our NEW Mid-Post tilting mechanism there is a separate post kit available for this application. For Further information select the link below.

Selecting the correct post size/type

No, GripSport does not include a lock with our racks. We recommend purchasing a strong lock for increased security, there are multiple points around your GripSport bike rack to run a lock through, including the frame of your bike.

All Hitch-mounted GripSport racks can be secured to your car with our Bike Rack Hitch Stabiliser and your own padlock.

No, due to heavy wind shear loads, it is not recommended to travel with a cover on the bikes. The forces exerted may cause damage to the bikes and rack.

Gripsport manufactures their own Premium Bike Cover which available to purchase, suitable for the 2-Bike Van Rack an 2-Bike GS-Adventure Rack. Please note: this cover is designed for storage purposes only.

Gripsport have just released a NEW loading ramp, load your bikes onto your GripSport Van Rack or GS Adventure Rack effortlessly with the Bike Rack Loading Ramp. Designed for riders who use a Hoop and Taco Wheel Holding Setup, this telescopic aluminium ramp expands up to 2.1 metres, offering a smooth and secure way to roll your bike into place. Gripsport Loading Ramp 

VEHICLE RACKS

The “+” on Gripsport’s vehicle range signifies that the carrier is supplied with a rack light and number plate mount.

Each state has their own laws regarding “overhang”. Please contact your local road authority for the overhang laws in your particular state.

The GS2 and GS2+ racks can be swapped onto your RV. This will require you purchasing our GS2 Adventure Van Rack Conversion Kit. The rest of the vehicle racks are not compatible. For further information select how to convert GS2 to caravan.

No, GripSport does not include a lock with their racks. We recommend purchasing a strong lock for increased security, there are multiple points around your GripSport bike rack to run a lock through, including the frame of your bike.

All Hitch-mounted GripSport racks can be secured to your car with our Bike Rack Hitch Stabiliser and your own padlock.

Gripsport platform vehicle racks can handle bikes up to 30kg each.

Gripsport have just released a NEW loading ramp, load your bikes onto your GripSport Van Rack or GS Adventure Rack effortlessly with the Bike Rack Loading Ramp. Designed for riders who use a Hoop and Taco Wheel Holding Setup, this telescopic aluminium ramp expands up to 2.1 metres, offering a smooth and secure way to roll your bike into place. Gripsport Loading Ramp 

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