Bike rack fitting (1 Viewer)

[Andrew Borders]

Hi. I'm new to motor homes and keen not to do any damage while fitting bits & pieces! I've bought a Thule bike rack, which requires bolts to be placed right through the wall. I can position one bolt to be on plain inner wall above the sink, but I don't think I have any alternative to placing the other right trough into the shower lining. I worry that tightening the bolt, or tension caused by the weight of the bike, might crack it. Is this likely to cause problems, and can anybody please give me any tips? The van is an Autocruise Pioneer Tasman. Cheers, Andrew

 

[scotjimland]

I don't think I have any alternative to placing the other right trough into the shower lining. I worry that tightening the bolt, or tension caused by the weight of the bike, might crack it. Is this likely to cause problems,

Hi Andrew, in my opinion, it will give problems.. I wouldn't do it..

Rather contact Autocruise for guidance, they may have installed batons in the wall to support a bike rack.. ask if your rack is suitable or if they advise fitting a specific model..

 

[bellabee]

I know nothing about fitting bike racks, but I would check that by fitting it yourself, you're not potentially invalidating your habitation warranty. I'm only familiar with Hymer warranty conditions, which require items such as bike racks to be fitted by a Hymer authorised dealer.

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[jockaneezer]

I contacted Burstner when I fitted my bike rack, they sent me a diagram showing the locations of the strengthening batons in the back wall. I offset the rack slightly to one side to avoid putting bolts in the shower area and adjusted the wheel troughs to centralise the bikes, which is ok as long as they don't overhang too far from the wall brackets.

 

[Jim]

I had a 4 bike rack damage a wall, but it was carrying 5 bikes, albeit two of them were toddlers bikes. Since then though I swore I'd never have another and have always opted for a towbar and a towbar fitting bike rack. There are some nice options with these now and far safer than drilling holes through van walls.

 

[musson]

I had mine fitted by a dealer if you make a mistake is could cost you thousands

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[Andrew Borders]

Thanks to all of you for your helpful comments and advice. You have left me in no doubt that I shouldn't fit the bike rack myself!!

Thanks again

Andrew

 

[The Wino]

Fitted ours myself but we already hed the bars on the back wall so a piece of cake wouldn't fancy getting the drill out!!

 

[RowleyBirkinQC]

Another vote here for a towball mounted bike rack.

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[Cal54]

Another advocate of towball mounted racks. Not least because they are low down and a lot easier to load.

 

[barsteward]

Another vote for towball, I would rather keep the weight and stresses where they are meant to be. On the chassis and wheels

 

[SuperMike]

A vote for the American system of a chassis mounted 2" square socket, into which all sorts of stuff can be connected. Tow balls, bike racks, disabilty scooter carriers etc. Mine can carry a max weight of 500lbs, some are 1000lbs.

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