I'm thinking of getting a maxx raxx bike carrier so we can tow and carry bikes at the same time. I'm wondering how many bikes I will be able to carry without affecting the turning circle etc. ideally I would want to carry at least 4 kids/preteen bikes. We've got a VW T5. Would a height extender help?
You are more likely to be limited by the combined weight of the bikes and trailer on your towbar. If you have a normal car the maximum weight on the tow bar would be about 70/80kgs, so one or two bikes with the trailer.
What's the maximum tow bar weight on your camper?
------------- Ollie
2016
Monplaisir - Provence
Camping Les Gorges du Loup
Ring MaxxRaxx and give them all your details ... they'll calculate an accurate response for your set up.
They offer an excellent service.
I've carried three without an extension, all adult bikes ... so, I'd have thought that four kids bikes, with possibly, an extension, should be fine.
Queenbeeshive you must of been reading my mind! I am picking up my new TT tomorrow and also have a T5. I was looking at maxxraxx yesterday witha similar scenario to yourself. I have seen lots of pictures of T5 + 4 bikes + caravans so i think it should be ok but will kepp an eye on this thread.
Thanks for all the advice. Well, I've taken the plunge and bought a 5 bike maxxraxx second hand on ebay. We needed a bigger bike rack anyway for when we want to go cycling in Sherwood Forest. We have a 3 bike Thule tow ball mounted one at the moment. Which is great, but we have 6 kids (although the two tinies will be in a bike trailer).
I'm hoping that we will be able to carry at least 3 bikes for our older boys when we are towing the trailer tent. Anything else would be a bonus.
I will report back when we try it out on our next camping trip.
Quote: Originally posted by Kelper on 09/5/2014
Did you try the height extension version, smartcosse?
Nope, we have a luggage rack on the trailer so I put the two kids bikes on that as we had a couple of roof top bike racks any way and didnt bother taking ours with us.
however, we are getting a globetrotter at the weekend and I have my doubts that the the luggae rack with extent enough to fit the extra length so I may need to look at the extension for the maxxraxx as i dont really want to remove the storage box as we have limited boot space being a small car...
Quote: Originally posted by smartecosse on 09/5/2014
We have a MaxxRaxx but found that with the storage box on the front of the raclet there wasn't enough clearance....
Hmmm sounds like I might need a height extension when towing the tt.