After many years we have sold our Camplet and are now buying a pennine fiesta or similar. Due to the FCs having storage boxes on the A frame we will not be able to use to our over towbar bike carrier. As I know you are an ingenious lot, I wondered if there was any cheaper way of buying/fitting a luggage/rack to the trailer rather than buying one made specifically for the Pennine.
I don't think there was one for a Fiesta because the door opens at the back whereas the others all open at the side. I've tried various options such as using ratchet straps to secure them to the top but it's never been good for me, though I know some here have tried it with success. I use a MaxxRaxx bike rack which can be fixed to your towbar so you can tow and carry bikes. Now, I'll press 'Post Reply' and wait for the warnings that this only applies to flange tow bars as for a swan neck you have to pay MaxxRaxx an extra £150 for specialist fitting and that you have to pay attention to nose weights!
I use a MaxxRaxx, too ... you may be able to get clearance of your storage box since there is an extension to the MaxxRaxx available, which lifts the bikes higher.
Your best bet would be to phone MaxxRaxx and discuss with them, they are very helpful and will let you know whether there is a way round the problem using their kit.
I've used both types of towbars (different cars) and had both fitted by specialist fitters ... don't regret that at all link to MaxxRaxx site
we have the bike a carrier that fits "behind" the tow bar and allows us to tow, but don't think we will have enough clearance between the bikes and the storage box, our camplet didn't have a storage box and that was sometimes a tight fit for 4 bikes. thanks for the advice anyway.
Hi Sykes65. I think that was Kelper's point that the MaxxRaxx can be fitted with an extension that will lift it higher to clear your storage box. My Fiesta is a 2007 and the storage box is part of the unit rather than an added box on the A frame. I would strongly recommend having a look at MaxxRaxx. Yes, you'll deep pockets at first, but you won't buy another rack ever again.