Fiamma Cycle carriers

[Mike_374308276]

I own a Swift Lynmere (Charisma 220) and am looking to fit either a Caravan XL A. or the XL A Pro 200 to the A frame or even the Simple Plus 200 which mounts into the rail above the rear window and the lower bracket is fixed to the lower wall ? Has anybody done any of these or have any comments on this ? Before I purchase one ?

Regards Mike !

 

[Rodone]

I would not recommend hanging bikes (or anything else) on the rear end of a caravan.

 

[Guest]

I think the 2 main issues are:

1. Is the back wall strong enough to take the weight and the flexing

2. Will the extra weight of the cycles and rack inhibit your loading capacity too much.

I would guess you are looking at a rack for 2 cycles at least and if these are mountain bikes, or even normal adult bikes, then the total weight will be 20-30 kg or more. These are going to hang on the back wall and will exert quite a force as the van bumps along. They will also have a pendulum effect on the noseweight so you may have to add more weight up front to give the required nose weight. Again the increase may be more than the van should have for safety.

I have seen bike racks on the back of caravans in Europe and also mounted on the A Frame as these are longer in EU vans. I assume the chosen van is capable of accepting either but have no detailed knowledge.

I suggest you take care and if possible put the bikes inside the van s that minimises the flexing effect.

 

[Rod_5041370]

I've used the Fiamma 3 bike rack on the rear of my caravan for the past 3 years without any problems although I only carry 2 bikes.

The "A" frame mounted carries are really designed for Continental caravans with longer "A" frames.

When fitted to most UK caravans they can obstruct the front locker and care must be taken when reversing.

Also remember that the carrier and bikes add to the noseweight.

 

[SBS]

The best thing is to ask Swift if your 'van can take a rack. If it can, our Sterliing Eccles can but Swift will only release the mounting points to a dealer.

Hope this helps. - Mike

 

[anotherDavid]

I have the rear mounted version on my van. I have towed about 15K miles with it and whilst I dont think it realy does stability a lot of favours it has not been a problem to me. Having the bikes on the back out of the way is just wonderful, having tried bikes "in the van", "in the car", "on the car" I can assure you it beats all that. On my Hymer and now Fendt there is an awning type chanel above the rear window and the Fiama Universal can hook onto that and the base is screwed up into the van floor so there is no puncturing of the vans skin and the top weight is fairly well distributed across the rear.

Dave