Transporting bikes on a VW Phaeton

[ScouseIan]

I'm off to Cornwall next week (friday 13th) and I need to transport 4 bicycles along with the caravan, full boot, awning, barbie, etc, etc.

My own bike is a lightweight one so I can take front wheel off and seat off and transport inside the caravan, but the others are standard £100 bikes that are therefore NOT lightweight. I'm weighing up my options. A roof bar system from VW will cost £225 then I've got to buy the actual carriers that attach to the bars although I've got one somewhere in the loft. They will probably cost another £100.

Or, I could buy a rear 2 or 3 cycle carrier to go on the boot and squeeze the lightest bike into the van also. I do transport the awning in the boot though. I'm worried if these can damage the car though or get in the way of the caravan when turning. If the cycles came into contact with the caravan then they would move and would probably damage the car.

Anybody got any thoughts or recommendations?

Regards

Ian

 

[ScouseIan]

bump

 

[jmg12]

take 2 bikes in the van and hire 2 when you get there, would be much cheaper than £325

 

[ScouseIan]

Too tight for that.

Think I'm going to buy an Edinburgh Revoultion Shuttle as reviewed in Practical Caravan November 2009. But will it damage the paintwork of the car?

 

[jmg12]

I'd be worried having the rear mouted bike rack with the caravan, I think If I had to choose one I'd opt for the roof mounted one

 

[Mikey1]

Go for the roof mounted option,seen people on site having to unload the bikes first on a boot mounted carrier before they can do anything else,not much fun when raining etc.

 

[andyp1]

Hi,

I also tow with a phaeton - Will be interested in what solution you find.

My phaeton has no obvious roof rack mounting points !

Regards

Andy

 

[ScouseIan]

GAH. Andy, I've just ordered a rear mount one.

Have a closer look Andy there are four tiny sliders on the roof for placing the feet. I decided not to go down that route. Its bloody hard work loading and unloading from the roof.

Going on 'holiday' starts to become a real chore when you want to take everything.

Ian

 

[andyp1]

Scouse Ian ,
My Phaeton does not have any roof fixing points at all - I will need to check with dealer !
Regards
Andy

 

[SeanOBroin]

Get a non VW set of roof bars and 3 bike carriers for it.I had the same problem 8 weeks ago.I wanted to bring bikes to France on top of a Skoda Superp.VAG wanted too much for the genuine bars and bike racks and I got MONT BLANC ones for a third of the price.There are no obvious mounta on the Skoda either but the instructions were very clear from Mont Blanc and the VW and Skoda are very similar in size.
Hope this Helps
John

 

[andyp1]

Hi,

What do they fix or strap onto then ?

Cheers

Andy

 

[SeanOBroin]

They fix to the roof panel inside the door when the door is opened.
John
If you give me an email address I can send you the pics that Mont Blanc sent me to help me fit the bars
John

 

[andyp1]

can i put my email address straight into here ?

Rgards
Andy

 

[SeanOBroin]

I assume you can,I dont hiink its against the rules.There is a pic of the Bikes on my prifile.
John

 

[andyp1]

Hi,

My email address is andypeat@btinternet.com

Cheers

Andy

 

[SeanOBroin]

Hi Andy,I sent you an email with the pics attached,Hope the went through ok,let me know,hope they help
John