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Quote: Originally posted by dodge20 on 11/3/2013

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Hi MadMum, the Mk2 zafira has a maximum roof loading of 75 kg. see full spec sheet.

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Loading wise,I would've thought that the tent should go over the axle of the trailer,as low as possible..and not in the boot!?(..especially as MadMum says it's a big un and takes up a third of their (8'x4')trailer..?

If they're going to be lugging a trailer that big,they want be be keeping the loading of the rear end of the car as light as possible...

When it comes to lugging camping stuff and loading trailers etc,just because something can be squeezed in or can be lashed onto something,it doesn't necessarily mean it's safe to do so...

I'm sure we've all seen cars & trailers hammering down the motorways of a Bank Holiday,which have been grossly overloaded,with the back seats crammed and with bikes and windbreaks bungeed to them..with the tail ends all but scraping the ground....

MadMum,as you've already got a big trailer,why don't you just look at fixing a "car roof" type bike rack across the top of that?(it'd be a lot lower than on the car)...or even just laying the bikes flat on the top of the trailer and securing them with "proper" ratchet straps?(not something from Poundland!)..but I certainly wouldn't be looking to fit your existing rack to the rear of the trailer,as someone suggested because it would/could cause all sorts of instabilty problems...

Edit: Ooops! Just realised that you haven't actually bought the trailer yet..

(But I'd still be looking at mounting the bikes over the trailer).

Had a Zafira, and putting kids bike on is not really a problem. Had 2 heavy mountain bikes, which was a lot more troublesome. I always put light stuff in the roofbox anyway, so all the bedding etc.

I tried everything I could to avoid a trailer for a couple of reasons, so ended up with a Grade Espace for 2+2. Seems extreme, but it was either that, a VW van or a pick-up.

Quote: Originally posted by brickiemum on 12/3/2013

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I think it would depend on the trailer they decide on pepe, loading the bikes above the trailer is perfect on a wide but low trailer but not in a narrower trailer with highsides. (whole COG issue)

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Oh yes,I fully agree..I'd misunderstood......I thought that MadMum had already bought a trailer with an 8'x4'bed(and at that size,would probably've been of a low,sturdy "builders" type)..

To be honest,I don't like this idea of bolting 3ft+ plywood sides onto relatively small camping trailers...and then fasten bikes or roofboxes on top as well...as you say,the centre of gravity is way out...

Quote: Originally posted by dodge20 on 11/3/2013

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Hi MadMum, the Mk2 zafira has a maximum roof loading of 75 kg. see full spec sheet.

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Quote: Originally posted by football lady on 11/3/2013

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Dont know the answer but just wanted to say wow i envy how much kit you have,think i could be heading that way too

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Quote: Originally posted by Greendemon315 on 12/3/2013

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I would just like to support Pepe on this. I see thy are now all having side extension. These used to be called greedy boards. On a narrow trailer especially, they are a bad idea

If you then expect to stack bikes on top, that's a step too far.

I think the wide trailer in this case may be a trailer tent with the insides taken out. The sides will not be very strong anyway.

I also think people are too keen on putting bikes on a tow bar mounted rack when a trailer is being towed. Unless you have a really high towbar load, you are going to end up with problems.

Jim

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Quote: Originally posted by Greendemon315 on 12/3/2013

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I would just like to support Pepe on this. I see thy are now all having side extension. These used to be called greedy boards. On a narrow trailer especially, they are a bad idea

If you then expect to stack bikes on top, that's a step too far.

I think the wide trailer in this case may be a trailer tent with the insides taken out. The sides will not be very strong anyway.

I also think people are too keen on putting bikes on a tow bar mounted rack when a trailer is being towed. Unless you have a really high towbar load, you are going to end up with problems.

Jim

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