Member Since: 07 Jul 2015
Location: Oxford
Posts: 16
Bike racks Roof Mount or Rear Mount?
Hi Guys
Trying to figure out the best route to go with mounting the bikes to the car. We tow a big buccaneer caravan and ideally would like the rear mount option with say the Sariss Bones type Rack however I'm a bit concerned that the bikes may hit the front of the van on tight turns etc?
Thanks
19th Apr 2017 10:46 am
Soldierboy
Member Since: 27 Jan 2016
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 728
Depending on the caravan you can get mounts that go on the back panel of the van if there isn't a window? Or you could put them in the van for transit and use the rack when not towing!?God created heavy armour on 06 sept 1916, on the 7th the devil stood to attention!
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19th Apr 2017 11:03 am
44ark
Member Since: 07 Jul 2015
Location: Oxford
Posts: 16
its a galera so has a rear window I don't really want to put them in the van due to weight and possible damage caused when towing
19th Apr 2017 11:04 am
nearlee
Member Since: 15 Dec 2012
Location: where the sheep are scared
Posts: 1777
Our bikes travel in the van, done circa 2.5k like that with no damage, dust sheet on front seat lean bikes against that, cold dust sheet over then use waste and water barrels to wedge them.
I personally don't like bikes on roof as I can't see themJust remember:-
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19th Apr 2017 1:18 pm
al cope
Member Since: 08 Nov 2005
Location: Oldbury, WM
Posts: 10296
A lot of 'vans these days dont have a very high user payload, so your bikes in the'van will eat into that.
And, with bikes on the rear, if its a towbar mounted bike rack will reduce the noseweight allowance (typically 30kg per bike), so if you go this route, just be aware to take that into account.
Then, bikes on the roof, that can be a pain to get them up there without managing to catch your motor with a pedal/handlebars, without the thought of the extra hieght (which might be OK as you ought to still be lower than the overall 'van height)
So there isnt one clear answer - I have a witter 4 bike rack on my fixed towbar, and even with 4 bikes on have never had them hit the front of the 'van during normal road travelleing, but you do have to be carefull when manouvering on a site. If ever I've thought the 'van as coming round tight I've stopped and dropped the bikes off.
Al
PS - with the bikes in between the car and 'van theres never any issues on the ferry with overall length or height.Volvo XC90 B5 Plus Dark
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19th Apr 2017 2:11 pm
JackNorris
Member Since: 06 Jul 2012
Location: Beds/Bucks Border
Posts: 1877
I had this debate and opted for roof, didn't want rear if caravan as can only use the carrier with caravan, didn't want inberween car and caravan as I would loose the bikes within a mile of home so on the roof for meMY2023 Discovery 5 R-Dynamic 3.0
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19th Apr 2017 9:46 pm
robpenrose
Member Since: 12 Jan 2016
Location: Surrey / SW London
Posts: 2136
Im trying to work this out as well, although I don't have a caravan to worry about.
Ive done some searching, ands some people on here seem to rate the Maxxraxx tow bar carrier.
Is this still considered a decent option?
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20th Apr 2017 12:35 pm
Pollski
Member Since: 22 Jan 2011
Location: Kent
Posts: 149
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24th Apr 2017 8:37 pm
Mr Kington
Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 1549
No caravan then invest in a flat bed carrier. With caravan chuck them on the roof, thule 591's. Strongly suggest once you have them on the roof and sorted take a photo. Saves messing about the next time !! You know where each bike goesJames favourite hobby is writing in the third person.
24th Apr 2017 9:21 pm
JackNorris
Member Since: 06 Jul 2012
Location: Beds/Bucks Border
Posts: 1877
You can't beat the thule 591 carrier! Just watch out for bridges if you put them on roof. a number round here take the caravan but not the bikes so its a detour!MY2023 Discovery 5 R-Dynamic 3.0
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25th Apr 2017 1:51 pm
Jarvis
Member Since: 16 Dec 2009
Location: West Berkshire
Posts: 278
On the roof using Thule rack, get a "hop-up" step to reach. Saves weight in caravan, you can see them in the reflection of the front caravan window too...
Declare the Disco as 3.3m high + caravan on the back for the ferry for lowest cost (height on caravan seems to boost the fares).
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25th Apr 2017 1:59 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
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MaxxRaxx for me when towing as it gives good access to the boot and can be used when out and about but NB nose weight. When possible the bikes go in the boot though to remove some of the theft concern.
One of the joys of the D3/4 is that you can store 3 bikes inside the vehicle whilst having 4 seats and 2/3rds of the boot available for luggage. We are spoiled for options really!
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