Member Since: 21 Nov 2006
Location: Worcs
Posts: 42
Bike Racks not requiring a towbar
Hi all,
Can anyone recommend a bike rack for a D3 without a tow hitch or bar? I need to carry 2 adult and 2 kids bikes.
Would like to avoid having to put the Bikes on the roof.
Many Thanks
2nd Apr 2009 1:04 pm
SJR
Member Since: 09 Aug 2006
Location: East Manchester
Posts: 4030
I wait to be shot down in flames , but I was under the impression that the reason you could not fit a rack to the tailgate is because it splits and would therefore not be able to be used, whereas all the decent tow bar mounted racks will tilt away thereby still allowing the tailgate to be used.
Not aware of anything else that is not either roof or towbar mounted for the D3
I believe that every human has a finite number of heart-beats. I don't intend to waste any of mine running around doing exercises.
Buzz Aldrin (1930 -
4 bikes? Hell of a weight to have swinging around on a bunch of nylon straps. I opted to buy a detachable towbar and got the Thule Euroclassic rather than damaging the car with an octopus of straps and hooks.
If you really want to stick with one that doesn't fit on the towbar and need to shift 4 bickes, this one seems pretty sturdy
You'd have to pull the fuse on the rear wiper though I know it's not considered "kind" to say no these days, but no. Just no, ok? And if it's not ok, still no.
2nd Apr 2009 1:10 pm
SJR
Member Since: 09 Aug 2006
Location: East Manchester
Posts: 4030
should have added, that if the bikes obstruct the rear lights, you will need the tow electrics for a lighting board anyway or risk being pulled over by PC Plod. I believe that every human has a finite number of heart-beats. I don't intend to waste any of mine running around doing exercises.
Buzz Aldrin (1930 -
2nd Apr 2009 1:14 pm
hughesajc
Member Since: 21 Nov 2006
Location: Worcs
Posts: 42
Thanks alot for the advice - everyone
If a go for the detachable towbar - any idea how much they are and where the best place to get it fitted is please ?
2nd Apr 2009 1:30 pm
SJR
Member Since: 09 Aug 2006
Location: East Manchester
Posts: 4030
Detachable tow bar best sourced from either TheLargeOne at Yeovil Land Rover or from ebay!
It takes seconds to fit and you will be able to do it yourself! DO NOT pay a dealer to fit it!
You will still need the electrics if you go tow bar mounted though, but they are easy enough to fit yourself as well I believe that every human has a finite number of heart-beats. I don't intend to waste any of mine running around doing exercises.
Buzz Aldrin (1930 -
If you go for a Tow-bar style rack I highly recommend this one by Thule:
Click image to enlarge
Comes in 2 and 4 bike variant. Very easy to fit, is very stable, has built in light-board and cable, bikes can be tilted away to allow access to the boot and is low enough that you don't strain your back lifiting the bike on 8)
Cheapest I found it was on eBAY.
Only down-side is that I wish I'd gone for the 4 bike varient as that would mean taking just one car when we go with friends.LRs are a fond memory, apart from the maintenance.
Just found Thule don't do a 4 bike version anymore just a 3 in this model. But they have slightly different 3-bike model which with adaptor fitted makes it capable of carrying a 4th. LRs are a fond memory, apart from the maintenance.
2nd Apr 2009 2:52 pm
SJR
Member Since: 09 Aug 2006
Location: East Manchester
Posts: 4030
the Thule G5 is another 3 bike carrier option, to which can be added an adaptor to make it into a 4 bike carrier.
I think most Thule tow bar carrier are either 2+1 or 3+1 format.I believe that every human has a finite number of heart-beats. I don't intend to waste any of mine running around doing exercises.
Buzz Aldrin (1930 -
2nd Apr 2009 2:59 pm
MARKW
Member Since: 29 Aug 2008
Location: SW
Posts: 2390
MRH
That's the rack that I have. Very good. Only downside is doing the "bolt" up to hold it on the towball. I have invested in a nice ratchet spanner to do the job rather than the spanner they give youHONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE
They shall not grow old as those of us left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condem. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
I bought a brand new, never used, removable towbar on ebay for £190. It takes about 30 seconds to fit - pull out red plug, push towbar very firmly up, turn key, fitted. I bought the electrics from Nick and TFC fitted them.
I bought the excellent Altera Strada bike rack from www.roofbox.co.uk . It is very impressive and very easy to fit. It uses a lever system so no tools are required. The sliding mechanism is great as it allows full access to the boot.
LR do not recommend using tailgate mounted carriers. I've used them in the past on other cars but they eventually chaff and scrape the paintwork.
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, but I was under the impression that the reason you could not fit a rack to the tailgate is because it splits and would therefore not be able to be used, whereas all the 
just a 3 in this model. But they have slightly different 3-bike model which with adaptor fitted makes it capable of carrying a 4th. 
