bike rack advice needed for berlingo panel van

[peri]

Hi all
spot of brains picking here!
I have a 2013 swb berlingo panel van, which I use as an overnight camper. I'm looking for a solution to taking my bike with me - at the moment I put it inside the van, as this is also my sleeping and outdoor kit area its not ideal and requires me to use a tarpaulin to keep the mud off my bedding etc. Ideally I'd like to fit a rear mounted carrier as I'm quite small so roof mounted carriers are awkward, but being a panel van it has side hinged doors which rule out most of the rear carriers designed for cars I'v seen. The van doesnt have a tow bar. So has anyone got any idea on my best options? Is there anything out there which would work, or do I need to get a tow bar fitted? Hoping somebody knows of the perfect product ;-)
cheers
Peri

[stumpie]

You can fit a VW Fiamma bike rack to the back of your van after some modifications.

I keep thinking about it as I run mine with 2/3 bikes inside - great for keeping them secure not so good for the interior!

Here's the other thread on bike racks: http://www.berlingoforum.co.uk/thread-260.html



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[Opensauce]

Unless you want to use the cheap strap on type then only option is probably fit a towbar & use a towball mount carrier. Usually a few towball mount carriers on ebay for under £100 s/h. Fiamma do make rack for vans with hinged doors but not for Berlingo unless you can adapt one but cost new is over £200. Towball mounted type with it's own lights with bike held by wheels & crossbar is best option for safe carriage & ease of use so probably worth the investment. Also most secure as rack locks onto ball & bike can be locked to rack.

[knackerdan]

Thule carrier on towbar worked well for us.

[Mrleadfoot]

Could you fit the carrier just to the first door that opens?

[miccheck1516]

I have my berlingo for exactley the same thing taking the bike away on weekends riding and racing, I have 2 wheel bags that i use to help keep teh van clean inside, and also have a (12v) powered water hose that i can clean teh frame with if it's that bad, but i've never felt like i've had to yet.

[Dr.Jekyll]

Remember: if you fit a tow bar you need to tell the insurance company as its a "modification" to the vehicle. I was quoted £40 and £260 extra on top of the insurance for this modification.

Its why I have the fammia (sp) VW one fitted to my Teepee.