Need a bike rack for inside a van

[opimax]

I bought a van to carry my 2 Stromers. It is a Mercedes Metris. I would like to have a ramp to push up the bikes and then have them snapped/locked in place and then off we go to our next ride is the plan. It needs to be quite secure, removeable and simple. I can't pickup the bikes any more due to my back. It would be great if it used the same rails and holes as the removeable seats. And lastly affordable.

Where would you start looking for possible installs/purchase?

 

[Dewey]

This guy did a neat job bolting after market racks to the floor of his van. Portland, OR, based Outside Van bolted a Park Tool repair stand to the inside of a van door. CycleRest make fork clamps for a seat headrest.

You could also ask the question on the German and U.K. Pedelecs forums., or an MTB forum or van owners forum - there's probably lots of VW owners that have done something similar.

 

[opimax]

Great help Dewev, thank you . I am envious of the set up. My van is the one smaller and still fits in a garage. Also if we consider the additional amenities they are too spartan for someone I am married to . I would sleep on that mattress and then go pick her up at Holiday Inn Express lol. But that is what i would like. I also would like t be able to charge batteries ,that is a large draw though , not sure that will be done but I will check on it, again thx.

 

[Dewey]

I also would like t be able to charge batteries ,that is a large draw though.

Solar panels on the roof of the van would take all day to charge one battery, not sure you would be happy with a noisy gas generator, perhaps stay in camp sites and RV parks with power hook up?

 

[rich c]

I carry two bikes in my cargo Ford Transit Connect. I load the bikes in the side doors, and put the back tire between the edge of the seat and the B pillar of the van. Since it's a cargo style, I can use the roof struts to bring a cloth strap clamp and go around the steerer post and cinch the bikes back. Works great, and is fast to load.

 

[J.R.]

Since its an enclosed environment, where the forces at play aren't too bad, you could get away with a homemade something. I have a friend with a van and he made a rack from plywood. If you wanted something bolt or clamp on, you could make use of one or more of these.

Top Line AB2600 Add-A-Bike Clamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PHE47S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IpCIzbDA7GKZX

Reese Explore 1394300 Pickup Truck Bike Carrier, Set of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CHSG70Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_SqCIzbTY1EF9E

Racor PBS-2R Two-Bike Floor Bike Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000077CPJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IrCIzb4H5TB1K

Top Line UG2500-2 Uni-Grip Truck Bed Bike Rack for 2 Bike Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MK5M7E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4tCIzb467TYWW

 

[opimax]

Rich C, we looked at the Transit, wanted more creature comforts then they had in the cargo style and they raised the floor on the passenger model. The original Transit is what started me down this idea. This van has a flat floor of the same height either work or passenger style. I also very concerned about safety and potential damage to the vehicle, no rubbing for extra wear on any surfaces. I would be very interested in pictures. my imagination is not too good

 

[opimax]

JR, thx for the suggestions. I am not going to build this myself , I will have to have someone do this for me, just cant do it . I am hoping a rack similar to what I have been using can be mounted on the floor, just the part which latches the bike down.

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[J.R.]

I have 2 of these for my pickup truck bed.

https://www.thule.com/en-us/ca/bike-rack/truck-bed-bike-racks/thule-insta-gater-_-18344

They install by special ratchet straps that simply slip into the hinge of the tailgate, hence the name "Insta-gater". Clever system. Sold for $180 each plus $20 for the Thule lock cores (cores only sold in pairs). 2 bikes, $400 from Amazon. If I didn't have a tailgate that locked, I don't know if I'd use them.

I've actually considered mounting them at the front of the bed, it would only take drilling 2 holes in each base. When my friend saw them he thought they'd work perfect in his Transit van, as he'd already made something, it wasn't necessary. Lock cores wouldn't be needed inside a van. The ratcheting bike hold down is identical to the ones Thule uses on some of there hitch racks, if that helps to visualize it. If you could get your mechanic to drill a couple holes, this might work. They are rock solid, I've driven hundreds of miles at 65 mph+ and the bikes don't budge.

 

[opimax]

JR , this looks promising!

thx