Tow bar fitting Cycle carriers.

[JTQ]

I am looking at a method of carrying a couple of bikes after I have unhitched my caravan. [I can carry them on a "A" Fiamma rack whilst towing.]

Has anyone any direct experience of the types that clamp directly to the ball as opposed to those using the two mounting bolts?[I have only a removable "gooseneck" towbar.

Looking at the Thule 970-3 as its so light, compact and appears readily removable, however does the clamp damage the ball in any way and is it really secure?

I find it a little difficult to come to terms with the concept of fixing onto the ball, seems it might slip if not very tight and if tight it might scuff the ball surface.

Any account of direct experience with this and similar units would be appreciated.

 

[Lutz]

No direct experience, JTQ, but on the Continent virtually all towbars are of the "gooseneck" variety and many are used for cycle carriers when not towing. If towball damage by cycle carriers were an issue, it would therefore have surfaced long ago. Thule has a good reputation so there is no reason to suppose that you would have any problems.

 

[Jenks1]

Hi JTQ!

I have the Thuke 9402, which uses a clamp on the swan-neck type of towball. The clamp socket is pressed out of heavy gauge steel and the screw thread bears on the back of this, so there is no direct screw thread bearing on the ball. The clever bit is that the real stability comes from the clamp also locating with the neck of the ball as a lateral stabiliser. However, I've only seen a piccy of the 970-3, and it's hard to tell how it fastens - it doesn't seem to have exactly the same clamp as the one I describe. The cost of the two is pretty similar, if you have to add a number plate and lighting package to the 970-3. I got mine from www.skidrive.co.uk. Great prices!

 

[Jenks1]

Hi JTQ!

I have the Thuke 9402, which uses a clamp on the swan-neck type of towball. The clamp socket is pressed out of heavy gauge steel and the screw thread bears on the back of this, so there is no direct screw thread bearing on the ball. The clever bit is that the real stability comes from the clamp also locating with the neck of the ball as a lateral stabiliser. However, I've only seen a piccy of the 970-3, and it's hard to tell how it fastens - it doesn't seem to have exactly the same clamp as the one I describe. The cost of the two is pretty similar, if you have to add a number plate and lighting package to the 970-3. I got mine from www.skidrive.co.uk. Great prices!

Of course, that should read "Thule" not "Thuke"! Fingers moving faster than brain...

 

[JTQ]

Thanks Lutz and Jenks for the info,

Thanks for the insight on how ball clamp and the lateral control is achieved on the 940 series, I like that. However these are quite a lump compared to the 970, as I would need to find somewhere to carry it whilst towing. Got their lighting board already.

Cant find a dealer locally with a 970 in stock to check it out, they would need to order it and then not at web type prices.

All my other Thule kit is impressive so most probably they have the 970 well sorted, just I like to know what I am buying first.

Thanks again for your help.

JTQ

 

[Jean_5129530]

Like you we have just had a snake neck removeable tow bar fitted and I was worried it would not carry a bike rack but it locks on and has been perfectly save when we have used it, Hopr this helps you

 

[JTQ]

Jean,

Whos carrier are you using, please?