bike racks

[James_374294193]

Being new to caravanning, is it possible to carry bikes on a rear mounted high cycle rack whilst also towing a caravan? We have a Kia Sorento and hope to carry 2 adult bikes on the rack. Please help.

 

[colin(bridgend)]

The problem carrying bikes on a rack attached to the tow ball is that you will be considerably reducing the maximum permissable nose weight of the caravan. You will probably find that the items normally carried in your caravan front locker will have to be placed in the van to balance the weight distribution. Also you are reducing the turning lock as the bikes could hit the van on a tight bend. If possible carry the bikes either on a roof rack or as we have done in the past in the van. if you carry them in the van make sure they are so placed that they cannot fall and damage the furniture.

 

[Mel]

When you say tow ball, is this the same as a bike rack attached to the back hatch door of the towing vehicle? Like James we are new to towing caravan and taking a couple of bikes. Also if you have a roof mounted rack, how do you get the bikes on? Neither me or my other half are very tall.

 

[colin(bridgend)]

I would have thought it was the same with those racks attached to the rear hatch door as you are imposing an additional load right at the back of the car on the rear suspension. Could be though that the tow ball limit is governed by the manufacturer's strengthening of the bodywork where the tow bracket is attached. Better check that one out.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello James,

This thread has touched on three types of bike racks.

The tow ball type - Your tow ball has a limit for the imposed load. The combined weight of the caravan's nose load and the bike carrier +bikes must remain within the manufacture stated limit. That may mean that you have to limit the nose load of the caravan, which will affect towing stability.

The other type of carrier which fits ONLY to the boot lid, has no effect on the tow ball limit, BUT - you must watch out that the total load on the cars rear axle does not exceed the designed limit.

Roof mounted racks distibute the weight of the bikes between front and rear axles, but as you point out they can be difficult to load. I do recal readings somewhere (Sorry cant remember where) about a roof mounted rack, that hinged and allowed the bikes to fitted at a more convenient height, and swung back onto the roof.

 

[Cockovan]

I use a roof mounted rack on my off-roader so i can open the back door (even with the van attached). To overcome the height problem I carry a small very light set of kitchen steps. It's surprising how often they come in useful, especially with the awning.

 

[Olly]

Hello James.

I have a Witter towball-mounted rack on a Sorento which works very well with two bikes but as Colin has already mentioned, they can catch on the van when negotiating hairpin bends or reversing through 90 degrees etc.

See .

http://www.witter-towbars.co.uk/accessories/cycle_carriers_details.aspx?PartNo=ZX88
Also, for all things Sorento, ( if you have not already joined ), take a look at .

http://kiasorento.proboards46.com/index.cgi
There you will find the answer to practically every problem you encounter with your car.

Olly.

 

[MrsMothy]

Hello James,

This thread has touched on three types of bike racks.

The tow ball type - Your tow ball has a limit for the imposed load. The combined weight of the caravan's nose load and the bike carrier +bikes must remain within the manufacture stated limit. That may mean that you have to limit the nose load of the caravan, which will affect towing stability.

The other type of carrier which fits ONLY to the boot lid, has no effect on the tow ball limit, BUT - you must watch out that the total load on the cars rear axle does not exceed the designed limit.

Roof mounted racks distibute the weight of the bikes between front and rear axles, but as you point out they can be difficult to load. I do recal readings somewhere (Sorry cant remember where) about a roof mounted rack, that hinged and allowed the bikes to fitted at a more convenient height, and swung back onto the roof.

JD cycles in Ilkley, Yorks sell a roof mounted bike rack with gas strutts which means you load the bike/s low down and then swing them up int place with the aid of the gas strutts. The have them for tandems too.

 

[Pelyma1]

JD cycles in Ilkley, Yorks sell a roof mounted bike rack with gas strutts which means you load the bike/s low down and then swing them up int place with the aid of the gas strutts. The have them for tandems too.

Can you let me know what the make is, as there are only Pendle racks on their site.