The Ultimate Van Bike Rack Solution: Installing the Tokul Racks System
If you own a van and love mountain biking, you’ve probably run into the eternal struggle of how to carry your bikes on the back without a massive hassle. Traditional horizontal panels and tray racks often feel bulky, awkward to load, or just aren't designed for vertical storage.
When Matt from AVC set out to find a better solution for his van, he discovered a game-changer from a brand new player in the space: Tokul Racks, based out of Washington. Hailing from the snowboard world and expanding into van life, they’ve engineered a brilliant vertical carrying system.
Let's walk through the setup, the key components, and why this might just be the ultimate van bike rack setup.
What We're Installing: The 3-Part Setup
Instead of a single piece of hardware, this setup relies on three modular components designed to work seamlessly together on a Ford Transit rear door:
-
The Mullet Panel: A sturdy rear accessory panel that mounts primarily to the door hinges with a single anchor hole through the back of the door, providing a rock-solid foundation.
-
The ESB (Extra Special Basket): A four-piece lower basket that acts as a storage spot for gear and parts while serving as a secure standoff point for the rear bike tires.
-
The Panel Bike Racks: The core feature that holds front tires securely in a vertical configuration, saving space and minimizing profile.
The Installation Process
While this isn't a step-by-step DIY manual (always check the manufacturer's official installation videos for the latest updates!), the process is straightforward for anyone comfortable with basic van mods.
-
Hinges & Reinforcement: The main weight of the carrier is supported directly by the heavy-duty door hinges. A single precise hole is drilled into the back of the door to lock the Mullet Panel firmly in place.
-
Assembly: The ESB basket and panel bike racks are put together and bolted down securely, resulting in a minimal profile that sits tight against the van when not in use.
Once everything is bolted down, the entire system feels stout, clean, and remarkably low-profile.
Why This Setup Stands Out
After getting everything installed and testing it out with two very different bikes—a 26-inch BMX and a heavy 29er e-mountain bike—several standout features became clear:
-
Easy, One-Handed Loading: Lifting a bike up into the vertical tray is effortless. You just roll the front wheel into place, secure it with a Voile strap, and use the included crank leash to lock the pedal down tight.
-
Zero Frame Rubbing: Because the rack only touches the rubber of your tires and uses a soft crank strap, you don't have to worry about scratches or wear on your bike's top tube.
-
Full Rear Door Access: This is a massive win for van lifers. You can open your van's rear doors to grab gear without having to unload your bikes or mess with complicated swing-away arms.
-
Weight Capacity: It easily handles mixed tire sizes and heavy e-bikes without breaking a sweat, and can accommodate up to three bikes total.
Final Thoughts
If you're tired of high-mounted horizontal racks that make lifting heavy bikes a chore, or if you want a clean, minimal setup that keeps your gear secure and accessible, the Tokul Racks system is definitely worth a look.
Planning the rest of your gear setup? Pair a rear bike carrier with a Ford Transit roof rack for boards and bulky gear, add lower rear door storage panels for the small stuff, or see how we organize bikes and gear inside the van in our Gear Hauler van tour.
Note: This isn't a product sold directly by AVC, so you'll want to head over to Tokul Racks' website to check out the specs and pick one up for yourself.
Join the Conversation!
What is your preferred method of carrying a bike on your van? Do you swear by vertical racks, prefer a removable hitch mount, or pack everything safely inside?
Watch the full video on YouTube: Is This the Ultimate Van Life Bike Rack? (Tokul Review)
Check out Tokul Racks here: tokulracks.com
