Member Since: 06 Aug 2009
Location: Guildford
Posts: 50
Towbar, electrics an bike rack
Hi guys
I've been lurking in the background since joining the site last year and have read some really helpful advice in the other threads.
I have already done a search of previous threads but don't seem to completely answer my questions.
I have got to acquire a towbar, the electrics and a bike rack for 4 bikes (2 adult & 2 kids) for my '07 Disco.
Am thinking of getting the ATERA or THULE bike rack.
I think I want a removable towbar. Does this go in the bit that used to have a red piece of plastic (lost already!) or does it go in the bit where the removable rear bumper goes?
What type of towbar head do I need as there seems to be so many different types of towbars???
Should I get the electrics supplied and fitted or am I able to fit them myself? any suggestions as to the best place to get them?
And if fitting myself, anybody know how??
Appreciate any guidance and please go easy on the newbie!!!
If anyone has any of the above for sale then please let me know.
cheers
JabberNo darling I do not want a VW Sharan!!!!
20th May 2010 9:32 am
disco3kenny
Member Since: 19 Jan 2008
Location: Here
Posts: 1007
You have mail....
But if anyone else wants the PDF for the electrics here it is....
Member Since: 20 Sep 2005
Location: Home and Happy
Posts: 6917
Hi
Removable Tow Bar fits where the lost red thing fits
Electrics can be fitted by self, but I got mine done by dealer as I am thick, brother in law fitted his - claimed it took him 1/2 hour - sure somebody has posted instructions
I believe the racks you are looking at will easily fit - try Roofbox.co.uk - I got my Tradekar Saffier 4 Bike rack for £175 – works just fine on Removable bar
20th May 2010 10:38 am
CHRISS
Member Since: 30 Jan 2010
Location: STOKE ON TRENT
Posts: 103
I have the Atera Strada 3 bike version with a removable towbar and electrics. The towbar goes in the hole where red plug is/was. The panel on the rear bumper needs to be removed to plug in the electrics. It is possible to leave the towbar in place with the panel fitted.
Click image to enlarge
Click image to enlarge
Fitting the rack is very simple and takes about 2 minutes including plugging in the electrics!
21st May 2010 8:36 am
jabber2252
Member Since: 06 Aug 2009
Location: Guildford
Posts: 50
Thanks for all the guidance and advice
I have ordered my Atera Strada DL3 today from roof box with the 10% discount code (many thanks) and hopefully will have it by tomorrow.
Now just got to acquire the electrics and tow bar and I'm ready for taking the kids out with all the bikes.
cheers once again.No darling I do not want a VW Sharan!!!!
26th May 2010 5:21 pm
jimsmac
Member Since: 05 Apr 2010
Location: Sussex
Posts: 44
That's funny.
I ordered exactly the same today as well. Also hoping for delivery tomorrow. In addition I have on the way a number plate for it, and from TLO, 13 pin tow bar electrics and the tow bar stowage accessory. With any luck I'll have the whole lot up and running over the weekend
PS SWMBO thinks I'm mad doing all this!
26th May 2010 5:28 pm
jabber2252
Member Since: 06 Aug 2009
Location: Guildford
Posts: 50
jimsmac wrote:
That's funny.
I ordered exactly the same today as well. Also hoping for delivery tomorrow. In addition I have on the way a number plate for it, and from TLO, 13 pin tow bar electrics and the tow bar stowage accessory. With any luck I'll have the whole lot up and running over the weekend
PS SWMBO thinks I'm mad doing all this!
mines just grateful I'm not spending it on more fishing stuff No darling I do not want a VW Sharan!!!!
26th May 2010 6:31 pm
TallPaul
Member Since: 03 Jan 2008
Location: Near Reading
Posts: 1214
jimsmac - let me know how you get on fitting the storage, seems you have to take out the trim on that side, was little put off (or it may have been Nick's shipping price for such a large lump of polystyrene, I forget )
27th May 2010 3:35 pm
jimsmac
Member Since: 05 Apr 2010
Location: Sussex
Posts: 44
I was somewhat put off, but then spotted a post on here the other day saying there was a workaround that avoided this.
Member Since: 03 Jan 2008
Location: Near Reading
Posts: 1214
Hi James, yeah I just came across that post as well! 2 years ago they were £60 part (looked it up) and that's what put me off, but for £24 plus P&P I will have one - just got off the phone with TLO/Nick, still think I will need to have all the side panel out though as we have rear air-con in ours, space is tight.
Nice to have tow bar in car not garage though for when its randomly needed
27th May 2010 4:14 pm
jimsmac
Member Since: 05 Apr 2010
Location: Sussex
Posts: 44
Well my Atera Strada DL3 turned up yesterday. What a great piece of kit.
Quickly fitted it onto the tow ball, and got two bikes on it. Looking forward to the challenge of getting 3 bikes onto it, and will buy the 4th bike adaptor in the future. Just waiting for my 13 pin electrics to turn up from TLO (due today), so I can take the kids out with the bikes.
In fact one question I had was, if i only put the kids bikes on it I am not blocking the lights on the back of the car at all. Do I still need to have working lights on the bike rack itself to be legal??
Thanks all,
James
28th May 2010 9:12 am
TallPaul
Member Since: 03 Jan 2008
Location: Near Reading
Posts: 1214
Lights tend to shine through wheels, its the plate that Mr Plod does not like to be hidden... if the lights/plate are visible, technically you are inside the law (that's how those high mount carriers on saloons work).
28th May 2010 12:49 pm
J@mes
Member Since: 10 Nov 2008
Location: Bomber County
Posts: 4547
3ft light boards can be had off ebay for £15 delivered, I would get one just to be on the safe side as the last thing you want is to be stopped miles from home and told you're not allowed to carry on until its sorted!
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