thule velocompact 2 bike towbar bike rack

[swemmy666]

Was looking to get a 2 or 3 bike tow bar rack and decided on: https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bi....ds&gbraid=0AAAAADrJx6wZeolrRxTX3IN9cfXjmA6tA

British cycling members get a discount at Halfords, but the meanies exclude bike racks. So can get a discount on a trolly jack but not a bike rack, where is the f*ing logic in that!

Anyway, came across a volvo badged thule that looks very similar for about £40 quid less than the best price I can find for the Thule, anyone any knowledge of why this might not work on a 50mm tow bar ball

Genuine Volvo Thule Bicycle Carrier, Towbar Mounted, 2 Bicycles

"Genuine Volvo Thule Bicycle Carrier, Towbar Mounted, 2 Bicycles from the car parts & accessories specialists. Get free delivery on all orders over £60 and spread the cost of purchases interest free."

www.arnoldclarkautoparts.com

the other Q is, my tow ball has a pointy bit on top, is this standard or specifically for something, do I need to remove it with an angle grinder?

 

[KASPAR]

I have a vague recollection the 'Volvo' branded model is specifically for the towball you have, so no need to remove the sticky up bit. Worth checking with a knowledgeable Volvo dealer.

Are you collecting from the seller? Try before you buy.

 

[swemmy666]

I have a vague recollection the 'Volvo' branded model is specifically for the towball you have, so no need to remove the sticky up bit. Worth checking with a knowledgeable Volvo dealer.

Are you collecting from the seller? Try before you buy.

Sorry my bad, I want it for my Ducato van's tow bar (which has the sticky up bit), so its not a volvo tow bar, but the context is right. I'm asking if anyone knows whether the volvo thule bike rack has unique characteristics that make it only usable on a volvo supplied and fitted tow ball

 

[scotjimland]

Sorry my bad, I want it for my Ducato van's tow bar (which has the sticky up bit), so its not a volvo tow bar, but the context is right. I'm asking if anyone knows whether the volvo thule bike rack has unique characteristics that make it only usable on a volvo supplied and fitted tow ball

I have the Volvo branded rack and there is no difference to the non branded rack ..it's just marketing ..

 

[scotjimland]

Mine is for sale if you want to collect from Woodbridge , Suffolk ..

make me an offer..

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[KASPAR]

Sorry my bad, I want it for my Ducato van's tow bar (which has the sticky up bit), so its not a volvo tow bar, but the context is right. I'm asking if anyone knows whether the volvo thule bike rack has unique characteristics that make it only usable on a volvo supplied and fitted tow ball

Having done some googling, my vague recollection was correct insofar as there is a limitation to what bike carriers can be fitted to what Volvo tow bar in certain cases. That differential is F4B or Fix4Bike, that doesn't apply in the case of the OP.

There is a later, more rugged (particularly if e-bikes are a consideration) Thule carrier for sale in the classifieds should you be interested. Might be a deal to be done. If you don't ask, you don't get:

Thule EasyFold XT 2 tow bar bike rack

As new, used once.

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Our bike carrying requirements changed and went from the VeloCompact to the easy fold to accommodate our fat tyre e-bikes.

 

[jdk62]

Phew!

 

[Brains]

I've done a lot of towing.
Box Trailers, Boat tailers, canoe trailers, horse boxes, flatbeds, etc.
I also have a tow ball mounted cycle rack

I've never seen a tow ball with the sticky up bit.
I've no idea what it is for.
And it would stop you towing the majority (all??) conventional trailers.

Which makes me think its maybe weight restricted or something similar,
and is only designed for a specific model of cycle rack or top box or similar,
Something with a max 50-100kg weight maybe ??

 

[bluesurf989]

The "Sticky bit up" is on a Memo swing bar. Its to stop anybody putting a trailer on as its only designed for bike racks not pulling!
I did have to cut it off on mine to fit my Thule rack..

 

[swemmy666]

The "Sticky bit up" is on a Memo swing bar. Its to stop anybody putting a trailer on as its only designed for bike racks not pulling!
I did have to cut it off on mine to fit my Thule rack..

Thanks

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[gus-lopez]

the other Q is, my tow ball has a pointy bit on top, is this standard or specifically for something, do I need to remove it with an angle grinder?

It is so you cannot tow with it. It is for a bike rack only.your vehicle obviously has no towing capacity.

 

[swemmy666]

It is so you cannot tow with it. It is for a bike rack only.your vehicle obviously has no towing capacity.

As the guy said earlier, its the ball on the removable swinging arm, the other ball is bald. Would need a memo bike rack for swinging arms or cut it off/replace

 

[swemmy666]

I have the Volvo branded rack and there is no difference to the non branded rack ..it's just marketing ..

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I can echo that, it fits a standard 50mm, bought the volvo rack, some £80 cheaper than the same bike rack at Halfords.