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Quote: Originally posted by Cave Troll on 02/7/2007

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Single electrics are needed if towing a standard trailer and double electrics for towing a caravan.

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Hi

I have found this company very helpfull with advice and the have a good selection of carriers and tow products, http://www.roofbox.co.uk/ They delivered the bike carrier we wanted very quickly and at a brill price.

Have a look at:

Thule Bike Racks and Pendle Bike Racks

Between those two, you have just about every option.

Hope this helps.

John Jory

Christine,

         I note that you have fitted a Thurle 9705 bike carrier....can I ask if it interfers with the tow bar electric sockets please? In the photos it looks as if I would need a longer mounting plate to put my two electric sockets on. Also do you know if it is compatible with an Alko stabililer hitch please??  Thanks - Chris

HI,

I bought the Thule Euroclassic for my Previa from Ebay (paid £199).  My main reason for buying it was to avoid bikes slapping around behind the car (4 expensive bikes).  Also, its a pain in the unmentionables hauling 4 bikes onto the roof of a Previa everytime you go out on a ride.  A bit indulgent but set-up time is a couple of mins and the bikes are safe and solid.  You'll need to spend £45 to get the 4th bike adaptor.

I'm sure somebody will say that a few bits of foam could have shielded the bikes from knocks but I can't be bothered with the grief and all teh tying up. Keep it simple I say.

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/tu903r.html

Can anyone recommend a bike carrier for 4x4 with spare rear wheel that can still be used when towing a trailer?

Please also remeber that if you are fitting a towbar mountedbike rack that you should subtract the weight of the rack and bikes from the towball weight allowance before adding the weight of a trailer or caravan, the average saloon car will not be able to use both a rack and trailer/caravan as they will take you well over the average recommended 75kg towball weight limit.
Saw far too many folks doing this and wondering why they are having problems with pitching. You can also be charged for not loading properly and it is finable and points added to your licence.

If you are going to tow a caravan or trailer then it is better to use a roof mounted bike rack or adapt your trailer  to carry the bikes on a roof rack on that. For caravans there are racks available that can be used inside the caravan, if in doubt ask your car/caravan dealership for the correct specs for your vehicles.