We had a a rear one but it came off once luckily when driving off the drive. Got Thule roof racks for roof bars & no problems, no scratches nothing.
------------- Lyn xxx
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Quote: Originally posted by OliverDay on 23/3/2012How does the MaxxRaxx work when towing?
My max weight on the tow bar is 80kg so 4 bikes at 15kg each plus the trailer nose weight would put me over the 80kg limit.
The maxxraxx fits to a plate that is bolted on behind your towball. I think it's limit is about 60kg. Obviously you are still limited but the max nose weight your car/towhitch will take.
I like the idea of being able to tow and take bikes at the same time.
But the other thing you have to consider is the space you have between the rack and the front of your trailer to fit four bikes. Their website give these dimensions.
I am sure that the rear number plate is ilegal as it cannot be read clearly through the rear cycle. Both for the car and trailer. Best buy a trailer board!
A number plate was strapped to the bike's rear pannier frame.
Some 3,000 miles in this mode ... no problems from authorities in five countries/jurisdictions.
Great pic Kelper. So if we wanted to take just the kids bikes they weigh about 25kg. The Maxraxx weighs 12kg so we are still left with 37kg for the trailer.
We only have a small Erde trailer so is this reasonable?
Sorry for highjacking the thread a bit with noseweight discussions OP, I am new to trailers and there is a lot of confusing info out there.
Cheers, need to make sure there is enough clearance for the bikes on the Maxxrax but the kids bikes are smaller anyway and if we get them close to the car as you have done then I think we should be OK.
Would love a hard top for the trailer but they are just silly money. If we were going to spend that much then we would be looking for a second hand trailer tent, which is where we will probably go when funds allow.
MaxxRaxx website has clearance diagrams ... they also do an 'extension' to lift the bikes higher than their standard carrier ... that gives even more clearance ... if that's an issue.
Quote: Originally posted by Kelper on 24/3/2012
A number plate was strapped to the bike's rear pannier frame. Some 3,000 miles in this mode ... no problems from authorities in five countries/jurisdictions.
When you say number plate, do you mean number plate plus lighting board?
If its just a number plate, a word of warning for everyone, even if your lights are obscured by so much as a spoke then this is illegal. A lot of people get away with it but the authorities can (and do) prosecute. Apparently the French in particular are clamping down recently.
We used a strap on rear mounted rack for years with 4 bikes. used it on 3 different cars - Ford Galaxy, Volvo V70 and Ford Mondeo Estate - drove thousands of miles with it - never had any isses. It wasn't an expensisve one, just one from Halfords. It was always rock solid, never had any concerns with it. The only reason we changed to roof mounts was because the rear rack made it very difficult with the dogs as we couldn't open the boot, so always had to drop the back seats to get them out. Getting them back in the same way was always eventful as they didn't like it.
I like the roof mount due to it solving the boot access issue, but i have to say it is more of a faff trying to squeeze all 4 bikes together on the roof and (bit like a jigsaw puzzle making sure all the pedals are positioned right so the next bike fits.
, but i have to say it is more of a faff trying to squeeze all 4 bikes together on the roof and (bit like a jigsaw puzzle making sure all the pedals are positioned right so the next bike fits.
There is always the option to remove the pedals. I always do this when taking my bike or the kids bikes away in the car for a holiday. Saves lots of scratched paint, ripped bags and allows them to pack together better. Just make sure you have a spanner to put them back on the other end !!