Tow bar or bike rack? (1 Viewer)

[Linda and Steph]

I know it's four months before we get the new toy but now is the time to think about accessories.

We usually try to take a couple of bikes with us so we've asked for a quote for the supply and fitting of a wind-up bike rack but I was thinking .... Bike racks require the drilling of holes and so introduce potential water ingress points. So ..

What about a tow bar - do they create similar problems? We could get a tow bar mounted bike rack or even a trailer with bike bars. Does anybody know or the prices compare?

 

[Peter JohnsCross MH]

The wind up bike racks are not that brilliant according to my staff !

Peter

 

[Linda and Steph]

The wind up bike racks are not that brilliant according to my staff !

Peter

Thanks Peter, do tow bars introduce a water ingress risk?

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[Mikeco]

You would need to get a price for a tow bar for your van before you can compare and also how much of your payload it will take up. The Thule towball ones look pretty good but decent ones are around £150. I have the cheaper Xpress one in my garage doing nothing but they are only £50 to buy.

Mike

 

[DeuceBG]

I was looking at one of these:

eBay item number:
170855801920

Anyone had any experience of them??

 

[TheBig1]

towbars are fitted to the chassis not the bodywork so no water ingress worries. if your van is a new one, it will need to have a dedicated type approved bar unlike pre 2012 as they could have a towbar made up to fit

from experience a wall mounted bike rack can introduce damp because of the holes and vibration. they also tend to be mounted higher up so further to lift the bikes. towbar mounted racks can be removed when not in use and the towbar opens up loads of other possibilities

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[jools66]

I was looking at one of these:

eBay item number:
170855801920

Anyone had any experience of them??

Yes we bought this model from that place for this years winter trip, so far very pleased, went together no problems and is sat on our tow bar as we speak half way down France heading to Portugal via Spain :thumb:


steelysteph

I would go for the tow bar it gives many more options in the long run

 

[oldmanriver]

just sold one of those bike racks, bought it because its nice and low, the bikes don't need lifting too high, good rack

 

[froghopper]

Bike rack

We have a nice towbar bike rack, aldi were selling a plastic garden tool box. About 5ft x 3 x 3 ft we made a bracket and it fits very nice, great for so much if not taking bikes, we were very naughty and laid bikes on top on one short 100 mile trip. No probs, not sure what weight was. Ooooooooops:Angry:

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[busby]

towbars are fitted to the chassis not the bodywork so no water ingress worries. if your van is a new one, it will need to have a dedicated type approved bar unlike pre 2012 as they could have a towbar made up to fit

from experience a wall mounted bike rack can introduce damp because of the holes and vibration. they also tend to be mounted higher up so further to lift the bikes. towbar mounted racks can be removed when not in use and the towbar opens up loads of other possibilities

Problem is a tow bar will set you back £500 plus. Bike rack been on my van 17 years, no sign of water ingress yet. BUSBY

 

[schojac]

Expensive way to fit a bike rack unless you intend to tow something as well. I have a toad with fitted A frame hence the tow bar. We don't always take the toad and I have a ball fitting rack referred to. Good rack, solid design and the security gate that drops over the ball can be fitted with a hefty padlock to improve security. Used several times and can recommend.

Better option is to have a bike rack fitted unless you have an autotrail that is