towball bike rack

wavecrosschris · 30 June 2007, 01:31

anybody had any experience of these? (or know of a better/cheaper alternative) they seem a brilliant idea... just like to hear if anyones had one snap off on the M1 or something before I buy?!

http://www.maxxraxx.co.uk/Benefits/c...bike_rack.html

Cheers

Chris

Simon B · 30 June 2007, 06:51

I've used a pendle bike rack for years, heavy but reasonably engineered. Just have to keep remembering that you cant fully open the rear door on my Land Rover once it's on.

RJH · 30 June 2007, 10:19

I had a Witter equivalent for a while. Worked fine with no issues I can remember. Also used a "bent" one on a Freelander that curved up around the spare - again no problems.

Rgds

Nick Hearne · 30 June 2007, 13:58

I have the 5 bike MAXXRAXX fitted to my D3 with the swan neck hitch fitting!
Works well but you need to have a cross bar or fit a bar from seat post to handle bars! Good bit of kit & you can tilt it away from the car which allows me to open the top back door!

David G · 30 June 2007, 15:29

If you plan to tow at the same time do you need to carefully consider the tow-hitch weight?

For example does the weight of this and the bikes become part of the recommended towhitch load?

Cheers,

Orve.

wavecrosschris · 30 June 2007, 15:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orville

If you plan to tow at the same time do you need to carefully consider the tow-hitch weight?

For example does the weight of this and the bikes become part of the recommended towhitch load?

Cheers,

Orve.

I'd assume it must as it adds to the weight going through the bar into the car.

wavecrosschris · 30 June 2007, 16:23

Thanks for those - I wasn't aware there were so many companies doing towball mounted carriers.

decided to go with a Thule as it is pretty compact and supports the bikes by the wheels and the frames in the middle via padded post - it also tilts to allow access to the boot.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Thule-Rideon-9...QQcmdZViewItem

now, just have to wait for my new frame to turn up and I'll have something to hang on it!

fred bolton · 30 June 2007, 18:01

Yep mine's great, door opening is a pain as already stated. Don't forget to use a number plate on the last bike or lighting board otherwise the boys in blue will have you, happy biking.

Tim M · 30 June 2007, 18:03

These devices are a pain IMHO. My father has (a witter towbar mounted) one; its a pain because you can't get into the boot. I've taken to just putting the bikes in the rib well strapped down; much easier!

Nick Hearne · 02 July 2007, 10:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

These devices are a pain IMHO. My father has (a witter towbar mounted) one; its a pain because you can't get into the boot. I've taken to just putting the bikes in the rib well strapped down; much easier!

Its a bit much towing a boat around just to carry your bikes!!

wavecrosschris · 02 July 2007, 12:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

Its a bit much towing a boat around just to carry your bikes!!

although probably not a bad idea in some parts of the country at the moment

Richard B · 03 July 2007, 22:45

Like Simon B I have a Pendle rack http://www.pendle-bike.co.uk/nulldet...Support%20Rack which is very well designed, well made, and easy to load the bikes on to. Yes it's a pain that you can't open the boot, but at least it's 100% safe. Have transported bikes hundreds of miles on it, and you can get away with no surcharge on cross channel ferries with most cars (depends on the length).

Stoo · 04 July 2007, 13:34

I have used one of these for years with no problems. Mine doesn't actually sit on the ball though. It slides into the hitch receiver and is very stable. I used to usea roof rack, but the height of my truck makes it a pain to load.

Of course I can't pull the boat when I'm using the hitch, but that doesn't tend to be a problem... The odd time when I wanted both, I just put the bikes in the boat... (making certain that they aren't rubbing on anything!)

wavecrosschris · 04 July 2007, 13:43

got the Thule last night - built it in about 30mins - result was very good. Very well finished, sturdy and once fitted on the towball, considering it literally only attaches to the towball I was amazed how rigid it was. Felt like I could have lifted the car up by it (sometimes i don't know my own strength!!)

Also comes with a nice light board and Ive ordered a couple of plates to use on it. The release mech for dropping the bikes forward and getting into the boot is great - two knobs which undo fully in about 30secs. It also takes about a minute to hang on the towball too.

Haven't actually tried a bike on the back yet because mines somewhere in america! - but will borrow one from someone at the weekend.

Very good VFM for 70quid delivered off ebay.