Member Since: 25 Sep 2021
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 59
Replace rear grab handle - Bike carrying
So, I was trying to find ways to carry my new bike, hoping not to damage or get it stolen.
Current tower rack isn't wide enough. Roof rack leaves it vulnerable to damage, and I'd need to buy roof bars and something like the Thule UpRide, as my existing Thule 591s don't play nice with Carbon frames.
So I tested fitting it inside, and it stands up nicely to the side, either as pictured below, or turning the bars and it being flush to the side of the car.
That was a long winded introduction to my actual question. The best way to hold it in place is to use bungee cords from the 2 tie down points up to the grab handle. Works well, holds it secure, easy to attach etc. but... this doesn't feel that safe and I'm not sure how much force the grab handle would withstand.
I was wondering if anyone had any clever ideas on either replacing the grab handle with some kind of solid handle, or if you could swap it for 2 tie down points or something. Some way to secure between the tie down on the floor, and the roof that would be solid and secure.
Thanks in advance
Disco 4 2012 HSE, Nara Bronze
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13th Oct 2022 8:51 pm
nigethecat
Member Since: 11 Sep 2016
Location: Marnoch
Posts: 4252
If it were me I’d be getting some mats and seat covers in there as it won’t look so pretty coming back from the trails
The grab handles just have two self tappers holding them in so I wouldn’t want to put too much stress on them, you could always try some picture hook or ring type fixtures that would screw into the same hole as the grab handle screw ? Search “screws eyes” on Screwfix…I want to see the sweets before I get into your windowless van... I'm not stupid!
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Bike fork mount bolted onto a sheet of ply might do the trick?
13th Oct 2022 9:10 pm
pwheeldon
Member Since: 14 Jan 2020
Location: West Yorks
Posts: 1509
The grab handles are actually pretty strong, they're uses to support the boot shelf and or the LRP tactical panels. If you think they're supposed to be able to take some weight as people pull themselves in or around the car.Discovery 4 GS 2009 Auto Stornoway Grey
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They will be rated for a very chunky individual using it as their main support in/out of the car. Otherwise, there would have been loads of court cases in the USA I'd suggest.
No idea what your insurer will make of removing grab handles as it can be seen as a modification to the original crash test specification, but I'd expect them to be upset.A vaccine does not stop you catching a virus, or passing it on, or getting ill from it, really ill. It does reduce the likelyhood of you dying when really, really ill. Stay Alive - KEEP AWAY FROM PEOPLE.
14th Oct 2022 9:18 am
Moleshome
Member Since: 15 Oct 2020
Location: Wokingham
Posts: 412
Bike fork mount bolted onto a sheet of ply might do the trick?
That would be my approach, one of those attached to the tie down point.
14th Oct 2022 12:41 pm
Rbillington
Member Since: 25 Sep 2021
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 59
Thanks for you thoughts. I did plan to go down the fork mount route, as a side note my neighbour set up loadedbikes.co.uk but it makes the bike about 2 cm too tall to fit the handle bars into the window void. And if you can’t then it comes over rear most seat annoyingly. (I forgot to mention in the first post, part of the plan is to be able to seat 5 people and carry my bike inside).
I think I’m back to the idea of inside for now, with a bungee to the handle, and look for a suitable tow bar rack. As ultimately I need 5 people and 5 bikes to fit.Disco 4 2012 HSE, Nara Bronze
Gone but not forgotten
2007 FreeL2 XS, Stornoway Grey
Think you bought thw wrong vehicle if you want all those INSIDE ! When you ticked the DISCOVERY box, you meant TARDIS.
14th Oct 2022 4:01 pm
ronp
Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 15269
I adapted a rack to hang off the top of the tailgate, with four suckers on the rear screen, a strap secured either side and one to the base of the upper tailgate….. so nine points of contact to spread the load.
Also had a security strap going over the top and secured in the tailgate.
Had used this for many years on my D3, D4, FL2 and current D4.
The whole set up is as solid as a rock …..but I would only put one light mb on it.
I could also access the tailgate for my kit once the bike was off.
The only issue is the rear wiper can’t be used when fitted.
However not in use now as I have an emb so use a specific tow bar mounted rack (& also got a rear ladder fitted).
Willing to part with it if of interest to anyone (with a first dibs to the OP, should he be interested …… but then I just read you need to carry 5 bikes).
Click image to enlarge
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14th Oct 2022 4:50 pm
Rbillington
Member Since: 25 Sep 2021
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 59
Hardware wrote:
Quote:
ultimately I need 5 people and 5 bikes to fit
Think you bought thw wrong vehicle if you want all those INSIDE ! When you ticked the DISCOVERY box, you meant TARDIS.
Don't tell the rest of the family, but I'm only worried about my bike and want to carry this safe. Theirs can go on the back, the roof, anywhere But yeah, a VW van was an idea, but the Disco had always been my dream car.Disco 4 2012 HSE, Nara Bronze
Gone but not forgotten
2007 FreeL2 XS, Stornoway Grey
14th Oct 2022 4:59 pm
Rbillington
Member Since: 25 Sep 2021
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 59
ronp wrote:
with a first dibs to the OP, should he be interested
Thank you for this. I do have a 4 bike tow bar rack, it's just a bit rubbish, heavy and won't fit my bike anyway as it's too long. But thanks for the offerDisco 4 2012 HSE, Nara Bronze
Gone but not forgotten
2007 FreeL2 XS, Stornoway Grey
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