Towing and bikes on roof

[Michelle_374554355]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone can help me. We tow a 2007 Swift Challenger 490L with a 54 Kia Sorento 2.2CRDI, normally with 4 bikes on the roof. Just been told that because the car contains the extra weight of the bikes that we might need to consider if it will impact on the towing capability of the car? Any thoughts on this? Many thanks in advance.

 

[Martin24]

Often towed with three on the roof with no impact at all

 

[Michelle_374554355]

Thanks everyone for your replies - much appreciated. We've never had any problems so far but I hadn't considered the roof load so this is something we will check out.

 

[Lutz]

Except for the extra weight which must, of course, be taken into account in the allowable weight limit for the car itself, they do not affect the towload limit in any way.
What you do need to watch, however, is that many car manufacturers also place a weight limit on roof loads. Any such details should normally be found in the owner's handbook.

 

[Gybe]

4 adult cycles probably account for around 52kg - 55kg.
If you are close to your weigt limit without them obviously the extra weight could pose a problem. 4 cycles plus roof bars and racks is likely to cause more drag issues than weight issues, not ideal when towing.
We carry quite a lot of sports gear that ups our load. When we carry bikes we break them down and spread the load within the car and caravan.