Cycle Carrier

[lolly_5087162]

This is probably going to be a stupid question - so bear with me!

We have a Disco and would like to use a cycle carrier to carry 3 bicycles, now, is it possible to use one of these and tow the van at the same time?

I ask because I am a bit concerned when turning that the bicycles will catch on the van - will this be the case?

If it is possible I am presuming I shall need a cycle carrier especially designed for a 4x4, (the one that sits above the spare wheel) - does anyone know if this is the case?

Your replies appreciated

Many thanks

Lolly x

 

[lolly_5087162]

Can anyone help please?

 

[BrianStAlbans]

I put mine up on the roof. I think the extra weight at the back of the car if you use the wheel mounted carrier can't be a good thing and also as you say there is a chance of damaging the 'van.

 

[Glenn_5132962]

I would imagine the bikes would catch the front of the van when you turn. The only way to be sure is to try although by then you would have already bought the carrier & it could be an expensive mistake. Can you not just put the bikes in the van?

 

[lolly_5087162]

Are you allowed to travel with them in the van? I thought they had to be in specific carriers?

My only concern with them in the van is if they damage anything

Lolly x

 

[Cockovan]

I would never travel with our bikes in the van because of the potential damage to the van and the fact that on long journeys with an overnight stop you would have to get them out and back in etc. I have only ever carried them on the roof (of our 4x4) where they are safe, hinder no access to the rear door, or risk damage to the van and give full access to the inside of the van.

 

[lolly_5087162]

Ok

Looks like the roof is the option - I presume I need to buy rails and roofbars and a fitting thing? Can you still open the sunroofs if they are on the roof?

Lolly x

 

[BrianStAlbans]

Yes,yes,yes and errr yes , I think

 

[lolly_5087162]

Cheers !!!

I'll be the one with the bikes flapping about in the wind then!!!

Lolly x

 

[BrianStAlbans]

No that's me ;O)

Helpful hint... fix one of those mirrors for keeping an eye on the kids at the bottom of your screen and if you angle it right you can watch the bikes flapping about ;O)

 

[Cockovan]

I can open my sun roof bu ttend not to as I get a whistling noise when the wind hits at aparticular angle.

 

[lolly_5087162]

I am trying to convince Stu that's the way to go but he thinks the bikes will be "dangerous" on the roof.

Mirror idea is a good one, failing that could always sit the child up there to keep an eye out

Lolly x

 

[Cockovan]

I have travelled thousands of miles each year over the last 6 years with 4 bikes (laterly 3) on roof of 4x4, at steady cruising speeds of up to 70mph on French autoroutes and the only problem I have incurred was on one ferry from Portsmouth when the brake level on my bike clipped the roof of the ferry ar deck, but did no more damage than bring some loose paint off the ceiling. Mine have been 100% save.

 

[artfulbodger]

Several people make racks that are tow ball mounted and allow you to tow at the same time. Maxxraxx have a chart on their website showing the clearance from towhitch to the front of the caravan that is needed (dependant on quantity of bikes carried). And before you ask I am in the same situation as you and will be measuring up my van on saturday to see if my Disco will (hopefully)accept one of these racks. I also think that the mag carried an article on bike racks a month or three ago, I think Pendle were another manufacturer named. Hope my blathering helps!!

Regards AB

 

[Rioja]

I think they are going to make it illegal to have bikes on the rear of a car in some parts of Europe very soon.You will then have to put them on the roof.Worth considering if you plan to go abroad and /or keep the vehicle.

 

[artfulbodger]

Worthy of consideration, I know in Italy you have to have a board for loads projecting beyond the vehicles extremities. Do you have any links to the proposed ban befroe I spare hard earnt money on a towball rack??

 

[Rioja]

I may have read it in a Caravan Club magazine or possibly in the pre holiday information they sent out.

 

[artfulbodger]

Cheers for the info Rioja, I will have a search on the CC blurb

 

[RichardS1]

Safest place is on the roof of the car, we have towed thousands of miles with up to four bikes on the roof with no issues at all.

 

[Fubar]

Lolly

may be a bit late with this but have a look at www.roofbox.co.uk

there are advice pages and you can look up whether what you want to order fits your car.

I have ordered a roof box, roof bars and a cycle carrier from them and found their prices match anyone else on the internet.

Mark (",)

 

[BigAl1]

Ok

Looks like the roof is the option - I presume I need to buy rails and roofbars and a fitting thing? Can you still open the sunroofs if they are on the roof?

Lolly x

I wouldn't open the sunroofs with or without bikes aloft 'cause with our current weather you will get very wet.

 

[JTQ]

Lolly,

We for years carried two full size, as opposed to mountain bikes, on a Thule Raider rack that clamped to the spare wheel of our Defender 110's. This rack is discontinued so would be an Ebay jobbie, but it was a good bit of kit and was suitable for the old Disco.

With the turning circle of the Defender 110 and the front end design of our caravan it would not touch in any forward moving situation but could easily do so when reversing as that develops much tighter angles.

You could open the door with the bikes on but it was, shall we say not a nice experience. But otherwise it was a practical way to carry the bikes both towing and solo; just remember to unhitch and use the mover when you need to do any tight reversing.

 

[lolly_5087162]

Several people make racks that are tow ball mounted and allow you to tow at the same time. Maxxraxx have a chart on their website showing the clearance from towhitch to the front of the caravan that is needed (dependant on quantity of bikes carried). And before you ask I am in the same situation as you and will be measuring up my van on saturday to see if my Disco will (hopefully)accept one of these racks. I also think that the mag carried an article on bike racks a month or three ago, I think Pendle were another manufacturer named. Hope my blathering helps!!

Regards AB

Hiya

Let me know how you get on please!

Lolly x

 

[lolly_5087162]

Lolly

may be a bit late with this but have a look at www.roofbox.co.uk

there are advice pages and you can look up whether what you want to order fits your car.

I have ordered a roof box, roof bars and a cycle carrier from them and found their prices match anyone else on the internet.

Mark (",)

Thanks for this info, I will have a look

Lolly x

 

[lolly_5087162]

Lolly,

We for years carried two full size, as opposed to mountain bikes, on a Thule Raider rack that clamped to the spare wheel of our Defender 110's. This rack is discontinued so would be an Ebay jobbie, but it was a good bit of kit and was suitable for the old Disco.

With the turning circle of the Defender 110 and the front end design of our caravan it would not touch in any forward moving situation but could easily do so when reversing as that develops much tighter angles.

You could open the door with the bikes on but it was, shall we say not a nice experience. But otherwise it was a practical way to carry the bikes both towing and solo; just remember to unhitch and use the mover when you need to do any tight reversing.

Hiya

Which van do you have? we have a 2002 senator wyoming - any idea if it would fit?

Lolly x