Carrier for 4 bikes any suggestions

jrmam

Hi there, hoping someone can give me some advice, I'm looking for the best way to carry 4 bikes on the back of our car. I have done a little bit of a search on line and can see that there are some carriers which attach to a tow bar/hitch. Now we don't have a tow/hitch but will invest in one if we can find a good carrier. Can anybody recommend one?

cdaly_

There are three ways to carry bikes on a car:

1. On the roof
2. On a strap-onto-tailgate carrier
3. On a tow-hitch mounted carrier
4. Inside the car

1. On the roof is the least intrusive.
   • It doesn't obstruct your rear vision.
   • It doesn't compress the rear suspension like a rear hanging rack does.
   • It doesn't extend the car beyond its usual dimensions (handy in carparks etc).
   • However, it does increase the height of the car so you have to avoid underground car parks and overhead barriers.
   • It's also a bit more awkward for (un)loading.
2. Strap onto tailgate is probably the cheapest:
   • Can usually carry only up to 3 bikes.
   • Has straps and pads rubbing against paintwork which may chafe.
   • Depends on you fitting the straps correctly each time.
   • Boot not accessible (from outside) when the rack is loaded.
   • Tail lights / numberplate / rear view obstructed.
   • You need a trailer light board to properly use this (particularly abroad).
   • Adds all the extra weight behind the car so can affect handling.
   • Makes the car longer (and maybe wider) so affecting parking / manoeuvering. Can hit ground on car ferry ramps.
   • (Un)loading is pretty easy.
3. Tow-hitch mounted is the dearest option:
   • Can usually carry only up to 4 bikes.
   • Needs a tow hitch fitted.
   • Easy to mount, 2-mins will do it.
   • Is more securely attached to the car.
   • Many models tilt for boot access.
   • Tail lights / numberplate / rear view obstructed.
   • You need a trailer light board to properly use this (particularly abroad) though some models come with lights.
   • Adds all the extra weight behind the car so can affect handling.
   • Makes the car longer (and maybe wider) so affecting parking / manoeuvering. Can hit ground on car ferry ramps.
   • (Un)loading is pretty easy.

I personally use 1 and 2. One or two bikes on the roof alongside the roofbox, Three more on the tailgate rack.

If I had a tow hitch I would use that option but I wouldn't spend money on a tow hitch solely for carrying bikes.

If I'm taking one bike to an event it'll go inside the car or on the tailgate rack...

Choochtown

Be careful with the tow-hitch option. I investigated that and was told that the towbar needs to be a certain rating. I have a small car complete with towbar but was told it would not be strong enough for 4 bikes.


I have since bought a trailer off a neighbour and have adapted it to carry 4 bikes. Awkward but effective!

jrmam

Thanks cdaly, think we are going to go with the 3 on the back and one on the roof option, (the cheaper option), as you say its not really worth the money just to use the tow bar for a few trips with bikes. We already have the strap on to tail gate bar and will use it to carry 2 adult and 1 child bike with the small adult bike on top with the roof box.

Thanks again for all the info.

Conways1977

Not sure you've made your purchase already but Malcolms towbars in Rathmines have a full selection of towbar mounted cycle carriers varying in price depending on your requirements. They specialise in towbar fitment and have all carriers are on display in the shop and will demonstrated. Happy cycling!!!

jrmam

Hi there, thanks for that, yep, we went for the one bike on top and three on the back, we even managed to fit a decent sized roof box as well.