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What Gear Is Worth Bringing on a Class B Van?

What Gear Is Worth Bringing on a Class B Van?

Best Exterior Accessories & Storage Solutions

Traveling in a Class B van means maximizing space without sacrificing adventure. You've only got so many cupboards, and let's be honest, the coffee set up already claims half of them.

Whether you're hauling bikes, surfboards, recovery gear or a suspicious amount of propane, the real question is this : How to carry gear on a Class B van without turning your van into a rolling storage unit?
 
Let’s sort that properly! 

CORE rear door support installed on a Ford Transit Class B van

Why Exterior Storage Solutions Matter on a Class B Van

Van exterior storage solutions aren't about adding more stuff. They're about protecting your space. In a camper van, every inch matters. When gear like bikes, spare tires, and propane tanks move inside, “cozy” becomes “climb over everything.” 

Good camper van accessories create separation: Living space inside. Utility outside. 

Mud stays out.  

Fuel stays out. 
 
Chaos stays out. 

And suddenly, van life feels intentional instead of improvised.

Class B Van Exterior Storage for Active Travelers

Class B van exterior storage solutions allow you to transport bikes, surfboards, and extra fuel without overcrowding your interior space. If you weekends involve trailheads, surf breaks, or slightly ambitious detours, you need storage that adapts.

That's where Pivot modular accessories come in. Designed to evolve with your hobbies  (and we fully support having too many), they let you build your van setup that fits your  lifestyle without compromise.  

Because the goal isn't to own less gear. It's to carry it intelligently ;)

Bike Racks and Rear Door Support for Class B Vans

Bike racks and rear door supports for Class B vans should do two things brilliantly : hold weight properly and protect your back.

The real foundation here is the CORE rear door support. It distributes weight across the door structure instead of stressing a single point. That means no sagging hinges, no suspicious creaks. No long-term regret. 

Add horizontal tubes to the mix and unlock proper mounting capability. With that structure in place, you can securely install a sturdy bike rack, and we highly recommend the MOS rack. This one comes in handy to save your back if you are not trying to hit a CrossFit session everytime you want to hang your bike. The rack allows a lower, more ergonomic loading position. No stretching your arms to heroic lengths. No awkard lifting above shoulder height. Especially useful when e-bikes decide to weigh as much as a small motorcycle. 

Picture it: 
Bikes mounted. Doors opening smoothly. Zero wrestling. 

Rear door support system with bike rack mount on a Class B van



And no apologetic call to your osteopath because you tried to lift 27 kilograms at full 
extension like a weekend superhero.

Roof Racks for Surfboards, Kayaks and Extra Cargo

Roof racks for Class B vans expand your carrying capacity without compromising interior comfort, witch frankly is the whole point. If you want your van to feel like a tiny home, and not a storage locker, the roof rack becomes prime real estate.

The ASPEN Safari roof rack is built for full-capacity adventures. Think solar panels, ventilation, modular platforms for sunset watching, extra cargo. It's robust, structured, and designed to handle serious setups, all while delivering that rugged safari look that make your van considerably cooler. 

Prefer cleaner lines? The ASPEN Breeze roof rack keeps things lighter visually while delivering the same structural confidence. Minimal in appearance. Not in performance. And for those whose weekends revolve around swell reports, the KNIK surf support ensures your board are properly secured. Secure it properly once, and you’ll never have to stare nervously at your rear-view mirror again.

Side Ladders and Access System for Roof Access

Because climbing onto your rear tire while pretending you've got balance is not a long term strategy. Side ladders for camper vans make roof rack access safer and more efficient.

Once your roof setup is dialed, you'll actually want to use it. That's where the  ALTA side ladder comes in. It integrates cleanly with your build and provides stable, confidence inspiring access to the roof. Solid footing. Smart design. Engineered by actual humans who understand that balance matters. You can climb it barefoot without hesitation, and yes, if you happen to open a beer before climbing to observe the sunset, it will handle that with it's bottle opener integrated. 

Need a bit more reach? The RIDGE extension ladder clips seamlessly into your rear door support system and extends your access without looking like an afterthought.

Must-Have Class B Accessories for Overlanding & Off-Grid Travel

When your route includes gravel road, forest track, or the infamous “this looked shorter on the map” detour, your setup matters even more. Because off-grid is awesome, until it isn't...

Tire Carriers and Rear Support Systems

Tire carriers for Class B vans are essential for long-distance and off-grid travel. And let's be honest : if your spare tire isn't mounted on the rear door and easily accessible it's probably hiding somewhere deeply inconvinient.  

The RESCUE tire carrier, integrated with the CORE rear door support, keeps your spare secure, visible, and ready where you actually need it. No crawling under the van in the mud, and certainly no unloading half your cargo to reach it.  

Rear door support system with RESCUE spare tire carrier for Class B van


Flat tire? Open door. Swap tire. Adventure goes on!

Propane and Utility Mounts for Outdoor Cooking

Propane tank holders for camper vans do something simple but transformative: they move bulk where it belongs : outside.

The SPARK propane tank holder mounts externally, freeing up valuable cabinet space and giving your galley room to breathe. No more squeezing cookware around a fuel cylinder. No more awkward kitchen layouts. 

And when summer hits, it changes the mood entirely. 

With your propane mounted outside, your outdoor kitchen becomes the centre of the action. You’re cooking with everyone, not tucked inside the van while the good stories happen without you. 

Cleaner layout. Smarter use of space. Better evenings.

How to Choose the Right Exterior Van Accessories

Not all exterior van accessories are created equal.

Here's what actually matters:
 
Weight distribution 
●A proper mounting system protects hinges and prevents long-term misalignment. 
Engineering isn’t optional when you’re loading real weight. 
 
Modular System 
●A system like the MESA platform allows you to adapt without rebuilding. New season? New hobby? Adjust. Flexibility isn’t a luxury on the road : it’s a necessity. 
 
Durability (aluminium, stainless steel) 
●Look for aluminum structures with stainless steel hardware. Lightweight but incredibly strong. Resistant to corrosion. Built for real crappy weather, not just sunny brochure days. 
 
Compatibility 
●When your exterior functions as a cohesive system instead of a collection of random parts, van life stops being cramped and starts being clever. 

Pivot designs every accessory with these principles in mind, so you don’t have to piece it together yourself. If what you’re after is peace of mind and unlimited flexibility, the groundwork has already been done for you.  

Adventure is unpredictable. Your setup shouldn’t be. The next move is yours.