Most people think you need the biggest, chunkiest bike rack for camping trips. I thought the same – until I watched a neighbour at the Lakes try to reverse with a bulky rack and three bikes wobbling behind his VW. It didn’t end well.
The truth? It’s not about size. It’s about getting a bike rack that actually fits your van and lets you enjoy your time outside, not waste it swearing at your kit.
That’s where the Atera Strada DL3 and DL2 come in. Sleek, clever, and solidly German-engineered, both are top picks for campers who want to carry bikes without the hassle. But which one’s right for you? Let’s dig in and break it down camper-to-camper.
Meet the Atera Strada: Built for Campers, Not Showrooms
The Atera Strada range shows up on campsites for a reason. Unlike most racks that look strong but make life harder, these ones are designed by people who know how annoying it is to have wet bikes blocking your boot when you just want a brew.
The Strada DL series, in particular, has saved many campers’ bacon – mine included – when the rain’s pounding down and you need to get at your stove, not wrestle with straps.
DL2 vs DL3: What’s the Real Difference?
This is the question every camper ends up googling at some point. Is the DL2 enough, or will you regret not going DL3? Both are made to latch onto a tow ball, both are solid as a rock, and neither demands an entire tool kit to mount.
But here’s the rub: it’s not just bike numbers that matter. It’s about clearance, expansion, and – above all – getting to your boot without unloading everything.
Bike Capacity: DL2 takes two bikes (three with an adapter). DL3 swallows three (or four with the adapter).
Weight: DL2 is lighter – handy if you’re carrying it solo. DL3 is a bit heavier but not unmanageable.
Slide-Out Reach: DL2 slides out just enough for most car boots but struggles with vertical van tailgates. DL3 slides further, almost guaranteeing enough clearance, even for campervans like the VW California or Mercedes Marco Polo.
Expandable: Both can carry an extra bike with an adapter. DL3’s extra space makes adding a fourth easier.
Which Suits Who?: DL2 for cars and smaller campers. DL3 is the one for vans, families, and anyone who values boot access.
The Key Components: What You’re Actually Getting
I’ll break this down like you’re checking your gear in the rain:
- Tow Ball Clamp: A big, lockable lever that secures the rack. No tools, just push and lock.
- Sliding Rails: These are the game changers. Both racks slide back (not just tilt) so you can open the boot, but DL3 goes further.
- Wheel Trays: Each holds a tyre in place, with ratchet straps. Most bikes fit, but big mountain bikes can be tight.
- Frame Clamps: These lock each bike to a vertical bar. It’s a stiff setup – no shaking loose on rough tracks.
Integrated Locks: One key fits all – racks, rails, and bikes. - Lights and Indicators: Full-length tail lights plug into your van. It keeps you legal on UK roads.
- Fold-Flat Storage: The whole rack folds small enough to stash in a shed or under a campsite bench.
A quick tip: keep the master keys in a safe spot. I once spent half an hour turning out my entire van for a lost key on a wet Cornish morning. Lesson learned.
Mounting the Atera Strada
You don’t need to be a strongman or a mechanic. Here’s how I do it, even on chilly dawn starts:
- Stick the rack on the towball. The clamp is wide enough for any standard hitch.
- Push the handle down so it locks. You’ll hear the click and see a green button pop up.
- Plug in the electrics. Done.
No spanners, no cursing. If you can carry a big bag of logs, you can mount this rack. The DL2’s lighter, so it’s easier if you’ve done your back in lifting water jugs!
How to Load Your Bikes – Even If You’re Tired and Grumpy
After a knackered day’s riding (or a few pints at the pub), faffing with straps is the last thing you want. Atera’s rails mean you just lift the bike into the grooves (front closest to the van first), strap down the wheels, and clip the frame arm over. Each clamp locks in place.
- Two tips from the field:
- Get the heaviest bike nearest the vehicle for balance.
- Make sure the pedal of the first bike isn’t blocking the second.
It’s a short job, but fat-tyre e-bikes are a squeeze. If you run wide 29ers or fat bikes, you might need longer straps, but for most hybrids, road bikes, and mountain bikes, it’s a snug fit.
Boot Access: The Make-or-Break Feature for Campervans
Here’s where the DL3 wins hearts. It slides backwards – rack, bikes, the lot – far enough for most tall, upright campervan boots to swing open. I’ve seen a DL2 block a VW California’s tailgate, leading to much groaning and awkward crawling over the beds to fetch the loo roll.
With the DL3, you press the button, use your foot to release the “kick bar,” and the rack slides clear. You can open up, grab your kettle, even when the rain’s hammering down. For small car boots, DL2 usually works, but on campers, that longer slide on the DL3 is pure gold.
Carrying E-Bikes
Let’s be real: e-bikes weigh a ton. The DL3 can handle about 63kg in total, so two standard e-bikes are fine. Three is pushing it, especially if you overlap chunky tyres. Note that super-long wheelbase bikes (like XL electric mountain bikes) fit tight or sometimes not at all.
Thick fat bike tyres can also play havoc with the straps. You can get longer Atera straps, but it’s a faff ordering extras. If you transport a different beast every weekend, you might look at wider alternatives like the Thule EasyFold, but for most bikes, Atera’s rails are just right.
One snag: threading the clamp bars through the frames can be fiddly, especially with big hands and several bikes. I once nipped my knuckles trying to ratchet down a muddy hybrid at dusk – nothing major, but it’s not entirely painless.
Practical Tips for Using Your Atera Strada
- Store the keys somewhere safe and memorable.
- Grease the slide rails every season, especially if you camp near the sea. Salt ruins everything.
- Check the clamp’s green button every time. If you don’t see it, the rack’s not secure.
- If you’re carrying fat bikes, get longer wheel straps before your trip.
Camping is about freedom, not faff. Get the rack that saves you time at every stop, and lets you focus on riding, exploring, or making that much-needed cuppa after a soggy morning.
Looking for more kit tips or bike rack advice? Drop a question below or see our full guide to the best campervan bike racks for the UK.
