TRANSIT CUSTOM MK2 2023- BIKE RACKS

If you’re struggling for storage capacity in your new Transit Custom, don’t fret! Here at Vanstyle we’ve rounded up a great selection of ingenious solutions to help you get the most from your van, preventing you from whittling down what you are able to carry.

Bicycles can take up a lot of room, especially when you have a few to lug around, which takes up valuable space inside the rear cabin, and they’re massively awkward to keep in one place as they’re odd shape, which can prove frustrating to pack other items around too. If you have a carrier on the rear of your vehicle, you’re able to free up lots of space on the inside for carrying more items when on the move, but also allows spacious living area when you’re stationary too.

Our selection of bike carriers are a perfect fit for the Ford Transit Custom MK2, meaning you won’t have any fitment issues when you’ve found the right one for your van, giving you peace of mind and the ability to shop with confidence.

Security of your prized two wheel luggage is an essential, which is why the carrier from Thule and Ford have integrated lockable fastening, so whether you’re on your travels, or if you’re pitched up at a new site, you can keep them safe and secure. Thule have an ingenious method of using lockable securing AcuTight knobs – meaning there’s nothing extra you need to do, and being integrated prevents you from forgetting to take them with you!

The range on towbar mounted carriers is a great way of temporarily attaching a carrier, making it far easier to detach in a matter of seconds! All you’ll need to fit one is simply a towbar, and the relevant electrics to power the rear signals. A handy number plate holder allows you to be seen and identified from behind, complying to all legal regulations, which means you won’t fall foul of any local laws on your travels.

Ford’s own bike carrier is designed alongside the new Transit Custom, meaning you’ll get a perfectly tailored fit, rather than trying to fiddle with straps and clips. They’re designed to fit on tailgate, with mounting points on the top and sides of the rear door, held in place securely once adjusted, and takes no modification to the rear door other than the option to uprate the door struts. You don’t have to fit the upgraded struts, but without these the rear door will feel very heavy and cumbersome, so it’s a worthy step if you’re likely to leave the carrier fitted and want to use the door when there are no bikes attached.

FAQ
Q: I have 4 bikes, do you have a carrier big enough?
A: We definitely do! Our products range up to 4 bike capacity, but be sure to check the weights of the bikes and the load rating of the rack.

Q: Will all bike carriers fit E-bikes?
A: As E-bikes and some bigger mountain bikes have a longer wheelbase, ultra-wide tyres, or a higher than average weight, it’s important to check the specifications from the manufacturer to make sure it’s suitable for your bikes. It’s worth noting that a wider bike will may take up more room on the carrier, so you’re unlikely to be able to fit 4 burly mountain bike on a 4 bike carrier.

TRANSIT CUSTOM MK2 2023- STORAGE CARGO BOXES

Modern problems require modern solutions!

If you’re going out on your travels, you’ll need to take all the essentials with you, but you also don’t want to miss out on taking the everyday items that make your time away more enjoyable. Given that the amount of space you have is limited, the more essentials you have, including additional awnings and cooking equipment, the less room you have for non-essential but really ‘could do with’ items.

Smart organisation does go a long way, but there’s still a set about of room to get it all in, if you’re still struggling at that point, the only other option is to start looking a potentially expensive change to a bigger van, right?

Check out the smart storage idea from Thule, specifically designed to increase the amount of storage capacity your van has, without any major modifications needed! Their products are ingeniously designed to utilise the rear towbar to attach the luggage, meaning you keep a low roofline and an aerodynamic design, reducing wind noise that you’ll get from roof boxes and bars.

The Arcos range adds up to 400 litres and a maximum of 50 extra kilos of storage, all in a hard-shell compartment that helps protect your luggage from damage and weather. Available in medium and large depending on how much additional room you need; the mounting platform uses the towbar ball to securely fasten to the vehicle and can removed in a matter of seconds. The hard outer has a lockable flip lid, meaning it’s ideal to be able to grab any of the contents at service stations.

If you’re needing to carry a mixture of additional luggage, but torn with the need to store bicycles too, the Velospace is exactly the right combined of storage expansion for your needs. Starting life as a pure bike carrier, you can expand it to include luggage capacity in the form as a BackSpace box. The BackSpace neatly allows for the storage box and a bicycle to secure attach. Much in the same was as the Arcos box, and many other Thule bike carriers, the Velospace uses a towbar ball attachment system; allowing for easy installation, adjustment and removal any time you need, but still a fully lockable attachment for peace of mind.

All Thule bike carriers use a lockable system of fastening, meaning your bike frame is locked to the carrier. The BackSpace cargo box has a hard shell lower and a soft shell upper, this helps reduce centre of gravity but does allow for volume adjustment too, all with an easy to use flip soft shell lid.

Thule towbar mounted luggage is ideal for those that want the storage capacity when travelling, but if you don’t need it when you’ve reached your destination, simply unlock the attachment and pull the lever to leave you ready for day trips and anything else your journey throws at you.

FAQ:
Q: Do I need a towbar to attach Thule luggage
A: For all towbar mounted luggage, you’ll need a towbar with suitable ball, and the relevant electric point to run the integrated rear lights.

Q: Do these accessories obstruct my rear number plates
A: They will, but Thule have cleverly included a number plate mounting point, complete with visibility lights. You’ll need to have an additional number plate made for this, it’s very important to keep on the right side of the law, especially when on your travels.