I'm after a little guidance about a rear window cycle carrier. We have a 2015 Santa Fe which has a nose weight of 100kg. We usually load our van to get 90kg at the nose so not much spare.
Obviously putting three bikes on a rear window rack will have no bearing on the tow bar but what are people's thoughts about rear axle limits. I've no idea what the rear axle weight is on the car. Three bikes and rack will probably be about 50-60kg. We'll only have usual luggage and teenage son in the back seat.
Am I worrying about nothing? Or should I avoid such extra load right on the back of the car.
There should be axle loadings on the plate usually on the drivers side B pillar,this will show front and rear axle loadings +max train weight. It is not a good idea to regularly use a window mounted bike rack with 3 bikes on as the tailgate hinges are not actually designed to take the extra weight of the rack and bikes, long term use can cause the door to rattle as the hinges are actaully being overloaded
I would suggest consulting Thule fit guide and roofbox.co.UK to find out what fits your car. Many cars have lightweight tailgates that cannot take the weight of a bike rack and anything with a plastic spoiler is a no no isn't roof mounted carriers a better option?
The chassis plate will list the axle loadings. You get the cars gross weight and then the axle weights which will usually be slightly more than the vehicles gross weight.
ie if your vehicle is 2000kg gross laden you will find the axles weights are 1010kg and 1020kg or something like that.
Its not much over but just a little.
You must not exceed whichever limit is lower though.
Whats loaded on the back seat will have much less impact that anything thats directly over the rear axle and rear of it.
A few members have commented on how much of a difference it makes moving a gas bottle from the front locker to a position over the axle.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Rear Window Cycle Carrier
