After many variations we have now used +MaxxRaxx, for the last three years and find them to be the best by a street.
They are extremely helpful and will answer all queries and make specufic recommendations for your outfit.
There are loads of different preferences for carrying bikes, and pro's and con's for all methods.
Some opt for mounting a rack on the caravan, but this idea can be van specific (is the van built to carry a bike rack, as many aren't), plus there's a question of excess weight too.
Mounting on the 'A' frame is also van specific; for example the Adria range have a longer than normal 'A' frame to take a bike rack, however this introduces the question of nose-weight.
Nose-weight is also an issue for mounting a rack on the back of the tow car (not to mention restricted maneuverability depending how many bikes you carry).
Some actually put their bikes in the caravan (I have carried x1 light-weight in the van), but weight again is the issue due to restricted payload in the caravan.
Finally, opt to stick them on a proper rack on the roof of the car. Personally I find this last option to be the best, however understandably there are some for whom this isn't practical due to difficulty with access. Weight usually isn't a big issue if on the roof, but the weight doesn't impact on either your nose-weight limit or laden van weight.
Folding bikes work for us in the boot of the car. When we get there nobody even thinks that we have bikes with us and yes to me anyway they are as good as the mountain bikes that I don't bother taking with us anymore . It does however depend on what type of unit you have
Quote: Originally posted by camcroft on 30/6/2014
Folding bikes work for us in the boot of the car. When we get there nobody even thinks that we have bikes with us and yes to me anyway they are as good as the mountain bikes that I don't bother taking with us anymore . It does however depend on what type of unit you have
What f/bikes have you got Camcroft?
Started looking at some of these and seen some reasonably priced ones but of course often a case of you get what you pay for BUT as non regular cyclists not worried about top notch quality as would only be used a few times a year I would guess
http://dahon.com/mainnav/folding-bikes/single-view/bike/mu_p8-1.html
Not cheap but an excellent buy. Bromptons are the commuters favourite but they have smaller wheels and are more compact but like the mini car its has a host of extras which all add to the cost. As you say you won't use it a lot you might be surprised how much more you will because you can just put them in the boot and forget about them whilst driving. I think that we paid between four and five hundred for them but as you say you get what you pay for
We are so lucky, we go in my husbands van - and it means we have soooo much room to take extra camping gear!
(the downside is that some sites don't allow vans onsite, but it's their loss!)
------------- Sheriff Hutton C&CC July 2015
Hamilton Fields July 2015
Hayfield September 2014
Laneside August 2014
Beech Croft Farm June 2014
Moorlands Caravan Park April 2014
Chateau De Martragny Normandy July 2013
Camping Haliotis Normandy July 2013
Beech Croft Farm Sept 2012
Barn Farm Aug 2012
Nose weight not effected by mounting on back of car
------------- 2022
North and West wales grand tour (in T5)
Matlock (in T5)
New forest and IOW (in T5)
New Forest
La tranche sur mer
jevea (Valencia)
2023
Cotswolds
Tenby
(added a Compass Rallye to crew)
Royan
La tranche Sur Mer
2024
royan
La tranche
One thing to consider with the MaxxRaxx is whether you are transporting boys' or girls' bikes. We have 3 girls and this means their bikes are a nightmare to balance (boys' ones much easier as they hang off the horizontal crossbar).
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Carrying Bikes
