Looking at ways to carry our mountain bikes whilst having the caravan in tow , has any one had any experience with the THULE 9705 BOLT-ON BIKE CARRIER while towing using a AL-KO hitch stabiliser.
The other option is roof mounted but our RAV4 came without factory fit rails so rails +roof bars+ bike mounts is going to cost approaching £400 as opposed to £75 for the tow ball option.
We found that a tow bar mounted carrier fouled, and broke the knob of, the hand brake lever on the caravan so we ended up with our bikes on the roof. It was also very difficult to hitch up and the weight of the bikes made the carrier very wobbly.
------------- Caravanning is a way of getting a cheap holiday out of an expensive hobby
Hi we have had four mtb's on the front bed in our van when we went away.
All we did was take the front wheel's off the bikes so that they loaded more evenly and with everything else in the van the nose weight was only 75 KG But the All bikes total weight is only 60KG as they are all light weight .
Yes it was a pain to get them all in but it save a few ££ untill we find a more suitable way of transporting them.
The in caravan thing is out as i need an option to carry bikes on a day to day basis , mainly one lightweight high end mountain bike bike but occasionally two.
All things considered i think ill go the on the roof route
don't do it! too much weight on the back (unless you have a disco or amazon). I carry 4 bikes on the roof. It is expensive to buy but search online and you get better deals than halfords offer. Once bought the bikes are locked up out the way and you can still get in the boot when you want. Spreads weight but will cost you about 3mpg while towing.
I get on brilliantly with it. the bracket stays on behind your tow bar permanently and it is a very simple quick job to pop the rack on and off. The whole thing can tip forward when loaded incase you need access to the boot. There are extra tension straps tp use when you have more than two bikes loaded.
------------- If you see 2010 Hobby Prestige 720 UKFE twin axel 30ft caravan it may be mine.... it was stolen.
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: Bike carriers
