For those with a Busbiker or other swingout bike rack

[Grianan]

We had planned to get a Busbiker for my PVC but now we’re having second thoughts.

About 50% of our time is spent on weekends away when we’re unlikely to take bikes.

When we’re away for a week or more though bikes would be really handy.

We thought the Busbiker was a no brainier but we’re now wondering about it because it’s not removable. So for at least 50% of the time we’re going to have to swing it out every time we want to open the doors to access the under bed garage ... and the dog!

Does the bike rack compromise where you can park so you can swing it out and how much hassle is it in reality?

Wondering if folding bikes may be a better idea.

Either solution is costly so I want to get it right ....

 

[Stroppy Bird]

While we liked the idea of the busbiker we've settled on going for a tow bar and the atera strada dl3 bike rack which tilts far enough back to give access to the rear doors.

 

[Grianan]

While we liked the idea of the busbiker we've settled on going for a tow bar and the atera strada dl3 bike rack which tilts far enough back to give access to the rear doors.

Thanks ... how much access does it give? Do you have to step over it? Our dog is big and has a shoulder problem so needs a straight run up?

 

[Allanm]

Sounds like you’ve almost made your mind up not to get the bus biker, maybe a couple of foldup bikes would be the better choice.
I think the smallest folders are Bromptons. Probably not much difference in price between the other options, as long as you have space in the garage area to store them.

 

[jezport]

We had planned to get a Busbiker for my PVC but now we’re having second thoughts.

About 50% of our time is spent on weekends away when we’re unlikely to take bikes.

When we’re away for a week or more though bikes would be really handy.

We thought the Busbiker was a no brainier but we’re now wondering about it because it’s not removable. So for at least 50% of the time we’re going to have to swing it out every time we want to open the doors to access the under bed garage ... and the dog!

Does the bike rack compromise where you can park so you can swing it out and how much hassle is it in reality?

Wondering if folding bikes may be a better idea.

Either solution is costly so I want to get it right ....

We went down the folding bike route and are happy.

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[Stroppy Bird]

Thanks ... how much access does it give? Do you have to step over it? Our dog is big and has a shoulder problem so needs a straight run up?

Ah, probably not enough clearance then, as even with the doors fully open back on themselves there won't be enough for a run up straight.

 

[Mikeco]

Unless your bikes are really heavy why not just get the Fiamma one made for the rear doors. With the bikes on you can open and close the doors but it’s something I try not to do too often.
Bolted mine on through the back doors just to make it a bit safer and have been using it for 6 years without any door problems.

 

[Riverbankannie]

We are happy with our folding bikes. It’s nice not to have the worry of theft and it’s quicker to get them ready to ride as we used to put lots of heavy duty chains on when we had them on a fiamma rack on our VW.
It’s really nice not having to worry when backing up.
Now we have a rear lounge, I wouldn’t want them on a fiamma type one as would be intrusive in the rear windows.
It’s a compromise whatever you choose but as you say, both options expensive.
I am assuming that you don’t have a fixed high bed with garage under if you get the dog out of the rear doors. Also I assume not a U rear lounge? Our Bromptons only fit because under the U part of rear lounge across the back on their sides.

 

[Grianan]

@Riverbankannie ... thanks, you got me thinking about folding bikes on the Brompton thread.
We have a Globecar Campscout with 2 rear singles. Yogi lies underneath the bed and there’s headroom for him to sit/stand up. He gets in and out the rear doors because it’s a PVC. It is, fortunately, a very successful arrangement ... for him at least!
I love my hybrid bike but it’s 6 years since my last tour on it and I’ve had a fall with some lasting damage to my right leg since then. I’ve lost confidence because of this and I’m worried in case the folding bikes are twitchy. On the other hand they’re easier to get on and off.

 

[Riverbankannie]

Most bike shops will allow you to try out bikes. Certainly I know many do here in Bristol. We both had good rides on Bromptons before we bought and then bought secondhand.
You are always welcome for a try of ours. We also tried them for fit in the van.
I had a fall off my old bike and fractured wrist so I know how you feel and I recently tried my daughter’s full size bike and quickly realised I now prefer the Brompton.

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[TM59]

Considered a similar problem recently. I wanted to gain access to the rear of our PVC to show gas was turned off at ports. We carry two electric bikes on a westfalia rack attached to towbar. The bike rack tilts enough to gain access.

The information maybe of some help.

 

[Grianan]

Thanks @TM59 ... I’ve watched videos on the strata dl3 and the doors don’t open fully either ... I think a lot depends on exactly what towbar you have fitted.

I’m very undecided.

 

[1ten]

We have a Busbiker and think it is great but an awful lot of money. The main reason we bought it was that we needed to carry four bikes and also wanted to be able to open the back doors when ver we wanted. We don’t find it gets in the way at all. Swinging it out of the gives you complete access to the back of the van and is very easy to open and close the bike rack even with four mountain bikes on it.

It can also be removed in seconds if you wanted to. It iasnt something they tell you and I only realised a few weeks ago when cleansing our van.

 

[1ten]

If you do go with Busbiker I found the service from them excellent.
Just make sure you check what cards they accept before travelling to have it fitted so you don’t have to panic when you go to pay and find they don’t accept normal UK cards. I was more worried than they were at his point and it all got resolved with a smile.

 

[Candapack]

We also use the Atera Strada DL3. But we had to first remove the towball to add a spacer plate with 4 bolt holes, which allowed us to movee the towball a wee bit further out and lower it as well, and now we can fully open the rear doors. Works well for us.

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[Grianan]

We have a Busbiker and think it is great but an awful lot of money. The main reason we bought it was that we needed to carry four bikes and also wanted to be able to open the back doors when ver we wanted. We don’t find it gets in the way at all. Swinging it out of the gives you complete access to the back of the van and is very easy to open and close the bike rack even with four mountain bikes on it.

It can also be removed in seconds if you wanted to. It iasnt something they tell you and I only realised a few weeks ago when cleansing our van.

Ah, @1ten thank you!! This would make all the difference .... so we wouldn’t have to have it on the van if we weren’t carrying bikes? How do you remove? Didn’t see that at all on the site! Thanks.

Also, with it on, how many cm do I have to add to the length of van when booking ferries?

Thanks

Liz

 

[1ten]

Ah, @1ten thank you!! This would make all the difference .... so we wouldn’t have to have it on the van if we weren’t carrying bikes? How do you remove? Didn’t see that at all on the site! Thanks.

Also, with it on, how many cm do I have to add to the length of van when booking ferries?

Thanks

Liz

Liz

I will measure it tomorrow and take some pictures.

 

[1ten]

Liz

The rack adds an extra 20cm when folded up and 72cm when carrying bikes. We never bother taking ours off as it’s so easy to open with or without bikes on.

The hinge is positioned at the bottom left of the frame and has a pin securing it.

Remove the pin, push up the rod and the rack comes off. Don’t forget to unplug the lights from the van, it’s s normal tow bar connector.

You are left with this sticking out and the bracket the other side, which sticks out the same distance.

 

[1ten]

I forgot to mention if you do get a Busbiker fitted let them know it is for a UK van and the swap the lights so the fog light is in the correct place. There is a small campsite at the harbour on the river which is a short walk into the nice little town, they have your van most of the day to fit the rack.

 

[bobandjanie]

We have a Atera Strada DL3 , I think you need the three bike one, because the 2 bike wouldn't go back far enough. We have had 3 bikes on it, but use the front and rear enables us to leave our panniers on, and helmets in them.
On our last van we had a spacer on the ball, our latest van, we had to buy a longer ball, this let's me Open one door fully and the other far enough to get things.

This ball is about 2" or 3" longer than standard, illegal here in Spain but if the racks off I put the standard one on. Bob.

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[Grianan]

Thanks both! @1ten that’s hugely helpful, thank you. Just one final question ... is the campsite at the harbour just for MH or could I put a small tent up ... turns out we’re bringing my son’s German pal back with us for a couple of months ...
@bobandjanie it looks good with that arrangement. We don’t have a towbar yet and we’re looking for a removable one. Mi don’t think you can put the spacer on that. We’d have to carry 3 bikes too!

 

[bobandjanie]

This is our old van, when we purchased our electric bikes in Germany we had one up top, and the other underneath along with our old bikes. Bob.

 

[1ten]

@Grianan they take tents as well, it’s small site right in the small harbour, Camping De Helling Culemborg. The harbour master runs it and I think I booked by email as his English was on a par with my Dutch. I’ll see if I still have his email address if you want it.

We got the detachable tow bar for the bike rack as well. We will probably never use it but thought we may as well at the same time. It is really quick and easy to fit and remove.
I couldn’t find anyone who had the rack fitted before I booked to have ours fitted so took the chance and just went for it. It was definitely the right decision and is a great bit of kit.

 

[Grianan]

Brilliant, thanks @1ten yes email would be great help.

@bobandjanie thanks. I think we’ll get electric ones (my normal bike is a Rose imported from Germany and I love it BUT I need a step over electric bike following a leg injury).

Being nosy, , how did you attach the curtain pole in the lounge and bedroom? I took down the net curtains but would quite like a replacement.

 

[bobandjanie]

We just got some curtain track from a camping shop and screwed it up, the last van had wood in front to fix it to. Bob.

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[ianto999]

Anyone had a busbiker delivered and then fitted in Uk?

 

[jezport]

If you are not aiming at foing serious hills a good folding bike is ideal. No theft,no rust, no long removal routine. We have 2 electric folders.

 

[bubble63]

If you are not aiming at foing serious hills a good folding bike is ideal. No theft,no rust, no long removal routine. We have 2 electric folders.

I’m with you Jeremy
Ditched a witter tow ball rack, bought a Altera Strada DL3 which languishes in the shed and just have two MiRiders , folding bikes in the boot of a PVC
The Strada is a great rack and with some tweaking it will allow the barn doors to open,
BUT…. it’s a big old lump on the back and a magnet for thieves
So in the shed the Strada lives

 

[Soycd]

Late to this but the Van-star swing out racks are removable and do not require a tow bar.

 

[TrudeandDall]

Late to this but the Van-star swing out racks are removable and do not require a tow bar.

And if you have a tow bar already on the van - the van swing is a great option..

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