Rear rack or towbar mounted rack?

[Jax n Brian]

We have a 2019 swift select 164 campervan/motorhome. I also have a westfalia towbar mounted bike rack previously used with my car. Should I fit a towbar to accommodate the rack I already have or fit a thule bike rack on the rear doors. My bikes are non electric weighing in at 14 kgs each. Would it be worth considering rear air suspension to cope with the extra weight of towbar and bike rack, or even rear mounted rack. Thanks folks you advice is very welcome

 

[cmcardle75]

I'd go for the door mount. Way cheaper, unless you also have another need for the towbar. Towbar mount tends obscure the lights, so you'll need the towbar, towbar electrics, rack and lighting board. The door mount can usually be positioned not to obscure any lighting. If you've got a 3500kg limit, you definitely DO need to consider weight. Typically, the rear axle load will go first, as every 1kg you add behind the rear doors will leverage an extra 1.5kg or so on the rear axle.

 

[the1andonly]

One other concideration:
Can you easily lift the bikes to the height required on the back door above the lights?