recommend a tow bar bike carrier

levitronix

I ll be soon in the market for tow bar bike carrier

i want it to be able to carry 3 bikes, any suggestions ?

Jawgap

Thule 3 bike carrier



Had one for ages and couldn't fault it - only sold it when the car I got had no tow bar.

Ulick

I have one of those Thule racks and could not fault it. Very easy to put on and off and will hold three bikes no problem. We've even used it hold the odd buggy as well as bikes to free up boot space.

fat bloke

I've had the Atera Strada for about 4 years now.

Fantastic bit of kit. Holds three bikes completely independently of each other. No rubbing/scratching. And it tilts and slides so you can open your boot:

cdaly_

I have a foldable rack like this. Mine takes 3 bikes but you might have to turn handlebars or the like to squeeze them on. Advantage of it is that it can live in the boot taking minimal space when not in use.

Ryath

Anybody using a thule or strada model with an extender to take 4 bikes? Considering my options for holidays and family days out. Have a Mondeo estate so have been able to squeeze in my road bike and one kids bike for holidays. Kids and bikes getting bigger and youngest been ready to cycle means I need to carry more. Went camping in Ireland last summer and planning to go to France this year. The car was loaded to the gills with no bikes. I can use my clip on rear rack here but going to France means I really need a tow bar one with a number plate and lights.

It's going to be good bit of money to spend though between fitting a towbar buying a bikerack, roofbox and dog guard for the boot. Also need to fix the aircon! Have been looking at the option of just getting a crew cab van or large van based MPV. VW transporter camper would be nice put a bit over budget! It's a mine field though. Seems to be getting hard to get private insurance on commercial vans even if taxed privately. I know plenty run then on commercial insurance don't want to go down that route. Could possibly afford a self conversion on a panel van to get motorhome tax and insurance but again its hard work regulation wise when it's under 1.8m height inside. Van based mpvs that are classed as M1 cars on the log book are rare and expensive for one that's big enough. A VW transporter kombi /shuttle or carvelle would be perfect but finding one I can afford in good enough nick is hard work.

Probably still have to get a towbar mounted rack in the long run for holidays but being able to just throw four bikes in the back for days out would be very handy. Few guys in the club run vans and it's very handy going to races.

cdaly_

You don't neet a tow bar rack for France. Just buy a cheap trailer bar and hang that behind the bikes. You will have to wire a trailer plug to the car but that's not hard or pricey.

Ryath

cdaly_ wrote: »

You don't neet a tow bar rack for France. Just buy a cheap trailer bar and hang that behind the bikes. You will have to wire a trailer plug to the car but that's not hard or pricey.

Yea knew that is an option but I don't really like the strap on rack I have and it can only hold three bikes. Can't open the boot easily either with bikes on it, one bike sort sort of, you need to hold it open. That's the big advantage of the dearer tow bar ones that you can still open the boot. Lot more secure too. Would prefer to put the cost of a lightboard to a new rack but I may have to make do with one. If I only bring my own bike I may be able to squeeze it it in the boot if I get a roofbox and dog guard. It's all money I'm thinking I'd sooner be saving to put towards a van or camper though. Probably should go post in the motor forum about it.

cdaly_

If you get a narrow roofbox, get a roof mount bike rack and fit it beside the roofbox. I routinely carry two bikes and roofbox that way. Doesn't cost any more on a ferry either as they charge by length.

stackerman

Ulick wrote: »

I have one of those Thule racks and could not fault it. Very easy to put on and off and will hold three bikes no problem. We've even used it hold the odd buggy as well as bikes to free up boot space.

Add your reply here.

Another for the Thule
Great product, well built, and fits into the boot for security once landed at arrival

Ryath

cdaly_ wrote: »

If you get a narrow roofbox, get a roof mount bike rack and fit it beside the roofbox. I routinely carry two bikes and roofbox that way. Doesn't cost any more on a ferry either as they charge by length.

Considered it too but in the long term I want to be able to carry 4 bikes and if I keep the car will probably a need roof box for camping. Also afraid I'd forget the bikes were up there going through a low barrier :eek: Thought height made a difference to ferry prices? Though trying out some prices now it doesn't?

fat bloke

You're not charged extra for a bike carrier out the back either, it's only when you get to trailers or caravans really that they charge. I think though if you want to carry four bikes then you're really talking about putting at least one on the roof. Unless one of those bikes is only a little kiddies one.

Ryath

I got the impression once you were under 6m length racks were fine. I'd be fairly close but even with a lwb transporter and rack being slightly over 6m been pulled on it seems onlikely.

You can get add ons for some tow bar racks to take an extra bike



Seems to cope with 4 adult bikes!


The rack vw do for the tranporter looks really good if I had the money

levitronix

thx for all the responses , was thinking of the thule

One more question i was just going use a bolt on kit for the tow, wasnt going to run 12v supply , you dont need the lights working legally do you ?

cdaly_

Yes, you do need the lights working. You'll get away with it in Ireland but will get stopped, fined and prevented from continuing your journey (until it's sorted) on the continent.