Hi. I have a Ford Galaxy with a tow bar fitted. I also have a Halfords Tow Bar Bike Rack (4 bikes). I was curious if anyone has used this as a cargo rack, instead of bikes? I sometimes could do with the extra storage when camping. Thanks
We have the Thule tow ball mounted bike rack, that will take upto 3 Bikes, or 50kg.
Nose weight for the car is 75kg VW Golf Mk5 Hatch, long gone now.
Anyway we got the Thule BackUp Box which is specifically designed to go onto the Thule bike rack.
We loaded the car and box up and set of to the South of France for 3 weeks, summer of 2009.
I think by the time that we had got as far as Keele services on the M6 I had realised that the BackUp box was probably not best suited to the Golf.
Stearing had become ungainly vague and the arse of the car was almost on the deck, and I don't think the rear suspension ever recovered from the event.
Anyway we carried on, and had a superb holiday, but I sold the darn BackUp box the week we got back.
My daughter has a Ford Galaxy (2013) and frequently carries four bikes on a Thule tow ball mounted bike rack.
The nose weight limit of the Galaxy is 90 kg. and the load limit on the bike rack is 60 kg. I think the Halfords' bike rack has the same limit, but check on their website.
Provided you do not exceed the 60 kg. load limit I don't think you should have any problems.
Humberwolf thanks for the info.
Francais I have considered a trailer.....it's just I already have the bike rack and you can buy reasonably cheap waterproof bags
Yep apuds, that was my theory as I first got the bike rack back in 2004, it was another 5 years untill I got the Thule BackUp Box.
I can't just blame the Thule BackUp and the problems that I had, as the car was packed to the gunnels with all the camping kit, so much so I had first removed the rear passenger bench seat!
There ain't much room in a VW Golf Hatch Mk7 for a bunch of camping gear, but these days we seem have got it sorted.
I am much happier towing the Trailer, which puts around 50kg onto the towbar, even though I am towing 550kg or so.
I still remove the rear bench seat out of the car, for when we go to France, not only does this free up a little space, but allows the rear seat uprights, to fold down completely flat.
Getting a Trailer was probably the best thing we ever did, I have made small additions by adding a 520lt RoofBox to the Trailer, and a Tongue Box which is great for holding two 907 CampinGaz cylinders and a bunch of tools.
The icing on the cake was the car RoofBox, a modest 380lt job, that's perfect for holding all the soft stuff like bedding and mattress's etc.
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: Tow Bar Bike Rack - Used As A Cargo Rack?
