Towing with bikes on the back? Yes or No

[HomerMarge]

I have a pendal 4 bike carrier, is it safe to tow (other than the nose weight check) with say just 2 bikes? I am unsure how to test this as the caravan is not local and I need to take it somewhere I guess to test it (like a carpark) but just wanted to know if anyone else has tried? I have a Rover 75 and an Abbey Expression 500L.

Thanks

 

[Neil_5041165]

Paul & Ruth, i too have a 75 CDTi and have towed with the carrier on. The limit on the tow bar is 100kg. Do not exceed that. Subtract the down ward maximum of your hitch of your caravan (nose weight) from the 100kg and that is what you could carry on your bike rack. We only carry the childrens bikes.

 

[HomerMarge]

Hi Neil

I will check out the weights, It was only the 2 kids bikes that we were going to tow with as well. How do you find the 75? I did not buy mine for towing already had it when we decided to get the caravan. I have a 2 litre V6, i found it was not a powerful as I expected (but saturday was the first time i towed) so I am not sure what I expected really. The other concern was that the van was empty when we bought it home...the car did not seem to struggle, but I was just surprised how much less power i had, also made you feel a little sick (I have the conniseur so very soft suspension) !

 

[Neil_5041165]

Hi Neil

I will check out the weights, It was only the 2 kids bikes that we were going to tow with as well. How do you find the 75? I did not buy mine for towing already had it when we decided to get the caravan. I have a 2 litre V6, i found it was not a powerful as I expected (but saturday was the first time i towed) so I am not sure what I expected really. The other concern was that the van was empty when we bought it home...the car did not seem to struggle, but I was just surprised how much less power i had, also made you feel a little sick (I have the conniseur so very soft suspension) !

V6 will be thirsty, the diesel is a better "tug" but don't complain its a lovely motor, we bought ours by choice against a Mondeo 130 TDCi. If you get your weights right (nose weight about 80kg with my Avondale Dart)then you'll find that the wallowing effect decreases plus you get used to it. I doubt there is any need to beef up the suspension. There is a big difference in performance when towing and it will also depend on the weight of your loaded caravan. Which ever way you must be careful until you become confident in your own ability. Then just be mindful of how you are driving all the time. I used to have a Rover 600 diesel, this 75 is so much better. Rear view mirror extensions designed to fit are a stock Rover parts item about