Tow Bar Bike Carrier?

[SteveandSue]

Back after a year without a van.
We are buying a panel van for the first time and with rear opening doors that have a boot/storage area under the the back seating.
Getting a tow bar fitted and looking for the right bike carrier for an E bike - plus maybe lashing other things on there aswell?
Thinking 2 options - go for a one bike lightweight carrier, that we just lift off and leave under van? or a more expensive 3 bike carrier that could tilt or swing away and use that as an additional carrier?
What are peoples experiences of tow bar bike carriers whilst needing access to the van? all views appreciated. Except get a bigger van!

 

[Sapper520]

Don’t buy a detachable tow bar, like we did, as there is no way of adjusting them.

The standard towbar can be fitted with spacers and lowered to allow the barn doors to be open fully, if you have a tilting carrier.

 

[EuroTrotters]

Hi

we have Both a rear wall mounted rack, but use a tow ball mounted one for more than 2 bikes.

If I were you, look at a swing away bike rack

 

[EuroTrotters]

here

 

[tacr2man]

Watch your rear axle loading with heavy load stuck out the back due lever effect

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[royandsharont]

Have a look through THIS thread I started recently. I’ve mentioned my bike rack on there with photos and alterations needed

 

[drpeej]

We have a Memo Van Star which is very good. When on a pitch, its easy to swing the carrier out of the way so the back doors can be opened in the usual way.

I have a bit of an issue with the finish on the Van Star. In places, the powder coating is very thin and I have had to touch it up with paint due to rust starting. Its a bit disappointing on an item as expensive as this. I wrote to Memo and LNB (who fitted it) but neither had the courtesy to reply.

 

[Mixyblob]

We also have the Memo Van Swing on the back of our Globecar Campscout and we carry a couple of ebikes with no problems. No sign of thin powdercoat after a year or so and the ease of access to the rear doors makes up for the cost of the tow bar, bike rack and van swing.

 

[SteveandSue]

Thanks a lot for all the replies - academic now as the convertor has returned our deposit - apparently someone else had paid a deposit into his bank account with him being aware of it until after we had paid. So very disapointingly still no van as yet.
We are a bit better informed now - but doubt we will be able to get a similar quality van at that price - may have to wait till winter and see if prices adjust? Cheers