So we've sorted a new tow car (Kia Sorento) but now need a way to transport our 2 bikes. We currently carry them in the back of our Galaxy but this will not be an option with the Sorento. We're happy to carry the bikes inside the caravan but the caravan is stored in France so we need to get the bikes there first! We're thinking a towball fitted bike carrier might be best, but there seem to be so many out there! Any and all advice gratefully received.
How much do you want to spend? Best type of towball mount carrier is that with own lights & holds bikes by wheels & at top, prices from £150 upwards depending on how good. Generally, more you pay, the easier it is to take bikes on & off. Google 'Thule cycle carrier'.
We have a Thule towball mounted rack its the best thing we ever bought. Also have a carabike stand inside van which we put between 2 front seats for carrying 2 bikes whilst towing. J x
I use a Thule "hang-on" to carry two road bikes on the towbar when not towing. It is very good and solid. It folds down if access is needed to the tailgate, but of course the easy of this depends on the bulk and weight of the bikes carried. It still can be folded when unloaded which often seems the case we need to go into the tailgate after fitting it.
A friend has the lighter cheaper X-press and is happy with it and when travelling together it has done the job; It does not fold down, I felt I wanted something a bit more solid, a me thing.
If you are strong and agile then on the roof is arguably safest and cheapest and then you can also tow no problem in France as well
Unless you have a really high noseweight limit for your car its unlikely many will be able to carry on tow ball and tow caravan at same time whilst keeping a safe noseweight on caravan
Check out roofbox.co.uk for a variety. good company to deal with and discount i believe if you mention "UKCS" on orders
Quote:
Originally posted by sunshinetours on 18/2/2016If you are strong and agile then on the roof is arguably safest and cheapest and then you can also tow no problem in France as well
The OP's requirement was however not to tow with the bikes on the towcar. So roof mounting will be very much more expensive than even the Thule X-press at £65, and there are cheaper copies. Plus the extra fuel burnt getting to France with the drag roof mounting delivers. Not even starting to consider the ferry premium for bikes on the roof. [No idea if tunnel also charge on height.]
What is best depends on what you individually start with and what your needs really are. But having an empty tow bar and not seeking to tow at the same time offers some solutions much cheaper than full house roof rack systems. £65 will not go far buying the roof rack and two bike carries at anything than a boot sale type source.
Quote: Originally posted by sunshinetours on 18/2/2016
We don't know that - they store their caravan in France, doesn't mean they won;t then tow to a site of course.
As you say if not towing then tow ball mounted can be better
Just that is what they said
"We're happy to carry the bikes inside the caravan but the caravan is stored in France so we need to get the bikes there first!"
I got that, implying they will then be towing. So rather than loading up their caravan with another 30+kg of weight and risking damage inside and removing the tow ball carrier once arrived at storage in France, they could of course put them on roof in UK and simply hitch up in France and carry on!
Either way Op now has plenty of suggestions to go by!
Loads of suggestions indeed, many thanks all!
Would probably prefer not to go for a roof mounted system as we're getting less strong and agile by the day (or so it seems!) and we'd hope to use whatever system we go for, for a few years yet! Probably tow-bar mounted then, simpler to fix and remove the better, and with access to the tailgate. Willing to spend round the £200 mark for something good quality and easy to use. Would we notice much difference with one of these fitted from driving solo?
Will also have a look at the carabike stand for inside the van for towing in France.
OP says that he is comfortable carrying the bikes in the Van, once they are in France - though there are other options (car roof / draw bar etc)
So, to get the bikes over to France there are a few options:
1) Standard towbar mounted - easy to mount the bikes, little impact on fuel economy and keeps vehicle at normal height - more standard height spaces on the Eurotunnel train. Different styles and prices; Atera / Thule at the premium end - various opinions on which is best style, I prefer the type which grips the wheel and the crossbar, others prefer the 'hang on' variety - when I've used the hang on type in the past I found it too easy to chip the paint on the bike.
2) Roof mounted - might be challenging to mount if the bikes are not light. Reduces flexibility when booking a channel crossing - i.e. fewer spaces without height restrictions on train. Greater impact on fuel economy - not sure how you quantify this though. Can be used whilst towing caravan.
3) Maxxrax style enables bikes to be carried whilst towing. Works with traditional British tow bars, but less well with swan neck (I have a swan neck which swings out from the bumper and it can't be used with Maxraxx). It also demands a very high tow bar limit to take the nose weight of the van plus the weight of rack/bikes so possibly only viable with Land Rover tow bar limits.
I put the bikes inside the caravan at the front between the two seats.
I lay them on a blanket and wrap them, this stops the bikes rubbing on anything in transit.
Another option when towing to consider.
If opting to carry the bikes in the caravan, and the bikes are fitted with a quick release front wheel I have very successfully used a pair of front fork clamps bolted onto a piece of 19mm plywood.
If you cut a plank of say about 8" wide ply to a length that "fits" across the caravan floor and bolt two staggered clamps to it a little skewed the cycle bars can nest. Glue carpet under the ply and design that the bikes enter rear end first; that way you can set the clamps and get out of the van! Front wheels drop between bikes.
I for extra security lightly strapped the bikes at their saddles so they can't go far. It works very well indeed, they remain clean and pretty well out of temptation if of any real value. I initially took off the pedals but don't bother now.
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: Best way to carry bikes?
