After looking at numerous caravans over the last month or so, have put a deposit on a Sprite Quattro FB 2012 model
One of the problems I have is there are 5 of us and I have an Atera Strada which takes 4 bikes and a roof box and Thule 591 on the roof
I understand you can fit a Maxxraxx bike carrier with a caravan in tow - is this right ? If yes how many bikes can you fit and can you open the tailgate with these fitted ? (I have a removable tow bar but do I need a fixed one for this)
Have been looking at wheel clamps - Alko seem be the best and most expensive (however fitting two of them seems to be a pain with possible jacking required ?
Have looked at getting one these and a Excalibur clamp which can use the fitted receiver but also has its own - any other recommendations ?
Any other advice for kitting the caravan out ?
thanks
SimonD4 2010 HSE Santorini Black
D3 2005 SE Java Black - p/x to D4
D2 2001 GS - p/x to D3
D1 1998 - p/x to D2
9th Aug 2014 8:50 pm
Pelyma
Member Since: 06 Jan 2005
Location: Patching, Sussex
Posts: 15496
I jack my TA to fit the second Alko lock a bit of a pain but a sprinter bottle jack works just fine.
You can tow with a Maxxraxx if you have the height extension but bear in mind your nose weight limit of 150kg, you'll also need the adjustable towbar not the swan neck. You can open the tailgate with the rack on but it is a bit of a faff tbh.DS3 TDV6 HSE - Silver with Alpaca (old one) Gone
DS3 TDV6 HSE- Silver with Alpaca (new one) Gone
D4 HSE Lux - Montalcino Red Gone
Porsche Cayenne V8 Diesel S
9th Aug 2014 9:12 pm
Landie71
Member Since: 23 Oct 2012
Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Posts: 1019
I've had five bikes on our MaxxRaxx carrier with the van on, but three of them are kids bikes & are quite small - not sure I'd want to put five adult sized bikes on & leave enough nose weight available for the van.
Agree with Pelyma re opening the boot with the MaxxRaxx on - basically you remove a bolt & the bracket (with the bikes on) hinges downwards. Even with a couple of bikes on it gets quite heavy & you really need a hand third hand to undo/redo the bolt so you can take the weight of the bracket & bikes - luckily I've got 'three spare pairs of hands' that are usually 'helping' in some way or other.
Also with the MaxxRaxx bracket on the towing bracket it needs a 1" spacer in between the bracket & the tow ball otherwise the stabiliser on the van fouls with it.
10th Aug 2014 5:42 am
peterburnett
Member Since: 05 Jun 2012
Location: Swadlincote
Posts: 387
We've just bought a Quattro EW and I believe from from the dealer that there are mountings made into the read panel to put a fixed bike rack, they are great caravans IMO
Pete
10th Aug 2014 6:47 am
peterburnett
Member Since: 05 Jun 2012
Location: Swadlincote
Posts: 387
For security we use the AlKo wheel lock And Hitchlock and a nemesis ultra wheel lock
I have two Thule 591 to put bikes on the roof and will be seeing whether I can get 4 on the roof as my brother has two of them as well so I can check the size (I am pretty sure 3 will fit on the roof do that only leaves a max of 2 for the maxxraxx
I need to get the tailgate completely open as we have a German Shepherd who will be in her crate in there
I believe I am getting a Milenco hitch lock as part of my starter pack (gas bottles, aquaroll, waste, mirrors)
Can't pick it up until first week of September as busy until then
Thanks
SimonD4 2010 HSE Santorini Black
D3 2005 SE Java Black - p/x to D4
D2 2001 GS - p/x to D3
D1 1998 - p/x to D2
10th Aug 2014 7:16 am
jimbojay
Member Since: 01 Dec 2008
Location: Wet & Windy West Coast (Ayrshire)
Posts: 157
Hi Simon,
Congratulations on your new van, if you havent tin tented before it's great we are just back from our 5th trip out since March!!
If you are getting cylinders from the dealer try and get the calor lite ones as they will help your noseweight a bit!!
A small hoover is a bonus to take with you and then the next biggy will probably be an awning!!
I am in the same boat with regards a rack and am looking at similar options to you, so no help from me but I will be following how you get on!!!
This our first caravan and looking forward to picking it up
The dealer is giving us two canisters as part of the starter pack along with Hitchcock, water and waste things (haven't learnt all the terms yet)
Luckily it has a full awning with it which was about £900
Have managed to spend over £1000 on security devices, fixed tow bar, second hand maxraxx, cadac carri etc
Will keep you informed how we get on
This weekends job is to see how many bikes I can get on the roof ?D4 2010 HSE Santorini Black
D3 2005 SE Java Black - p/x to D4
D2 2001 GS - p/x to D3
D1 1998 - p/x to D2
15th Aug 2014 1:47 pm
Carl R
Member Since: 05 Sep 2014
Location: Chelmsford
Posts: 49
Re the twin alko wheel locks, I'm planning on using
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