Message Forums

Has anyone fitted cycle carriers, the type designed to fit roofbars, to the A frame of their TT?

I'm wondering if the wind force, side on, would be too great. What do you think??

Quote: Originally posted by nanashirley on 07/07/2005

---

I would be more concerned about the bikes being damaged when cornering etc.

---

Had the MaxxRaxx towball type carrier and constantly worried about cornering when towing(damaging bikes and/or caravan). Was also worried about noseweight. So, although still use it solo (great carrier) we now carry the bikes on the roof when towing.

If you could get your carriers fitted far enough back on the A-frame  it may well be feasible. Why not load up and fit the bikes temporarily and check the noseweight.

If it's smallish kid's bikes then size and weight are in your favour for both cornering and noseweight. Fixing may well be problematic if the chassis maker does not allow drilling (like Alko eg), so you may have to devise a clamping method.

I wouldn't worry about crosswinds as the force will be very much less than the force exerted if they were on the roof! On the A-frame the bikes present a low surface area to crosswinds.

Hope you solve it, as the kids need their bikes on holiday.

Jim

We have custom built bike rack (designed and built by my husband) on the A frame of our trailer tent and have taken 2 adult sized moutain bikes with us all over the country. We have had no problems with cornering or reversing and can even leave them on the rack when pitched so they are secure when we go out in the car. The trailer tent cover doubles as a cover for the bikes after pitching.

Sarah

Thanks everyone, especially Sarah P.

I'll give it a go and let you know how we got on.

I said I'd let you know how I went on with the bike carriers on the A frame plan.

Well I bought two Halfords roof top carriers and a set of Thule roof bars, total cost £65.

I then cut and welded the roofbars to form a rectangle 800 x 400mm. I clamped this to the A frame and mounted the carriers on top.

All worked a treat. I can reverse so that the TT is at right angles to the car without the bikes contacting. We've just come back from holiday and did about 500 miles with no problems. I would recommend the idea to all TT owners wanting to carry bikes.

There are a couple of photos on my profile pages if you want to take a look.