Message Forums

what if any is the law on bike carriers on the rear of the car when towing a caravan? my towbar weight is 92 kgs max.the carrier is a rear strap on type not on the towbar.does anyone reduce there towbar weight when carrying bikes? the carrier can  carry up to 45kgs and our two bikes weigh 24kgs combined.

LIKE THIS ONE

Quote: Originally posted by Bandpg on 04/5/2009

---

If you vehicle tows well with its 92kg nose weight i would leave it alone and just make sure you include the cycle weights in the train weight of your outfit.

---

Quote: Originally posted by Bandpg on 04/5/2009

---

If you vehicle tows well with its 92kg nose weight i would leave it alone and just make sure you include the cycle weights in the train weight of your outfit.

---

michael you would be wise to also check your axle weights when loaded

find a weigh bridge that has the single axle weighing most hgv test centres have them, just drive your outfit over it slowly and it will weigh each axle in turn and it will give you your total weight.and the weight of each axle in turn.

The max axle weights for your car wll be stated in the engine bay on the drivers side..

Quote: Originally posted by Niall24 on 07/5/2009

---

Quote: Originally posted by Bandpg on 04/5/2009

---

If you vehicle tows well with its 92kg nose weight i would leave it alone and just make sure you include the cycle weights in the train weight of your outfit.

---

michael you would be wise to also check your axle weights when loaded

find a weigh bridge that has the single axle weighing most hgv test centres have them, just drive your outfit over it slowly and it will weigh each axle in turn and it will give you your total weight.and the weight of each axle in turn.

The max axle weights for your car wll be stated in the engine bay on the drivers side..

 

---

Unless you have a roof box, I would recommend putting the bikes on the roof of the car.  Granted the carrier may take 45kg of bikes, but it will put a great deal of force on your tailgate and makes getting in the boot a real nightmare.

BTW it will make no difference to your nose weight as it is not attached to your towbar, but weight is well back on the car (behind actually), so it will act more than the actual weight of the bikes on the rear axle so, as said by Bandpg, just watch your axle load.  Roof bar mounted bikes sit forward of the rear axle so have a lower effect.

Granted the carrier may take 45kg of bikes, but it will put a great deal of force on your tailgate and makes getting in the boot a real nightmare.

thanks there is no way i could get into the boot with the rack on because it strapped on the underside as well with two straps.it will have to be a last minute fitting after all checks and bags are in.the reason i got a rack for the rear is,my car is very high.normally i cannot clean the roof without a step ladder,add the fixed roof bars as fitted by factory,add the thule feet on top,add the roof bars.i would need a six foot ladder to get one bike on top never mind three.

Quote: Originally posted by suzzie on 08/5/2009

---

I was going to ask a similar question.....with regards to carrying bikes on the back of a towing vechile.... we have a land rover defender 110.... towing a Sterling Europa 5NLT???

---

you can buy a rack that fits a spare wheel if you have one on the rear door. ie

http://www.roof-rack-supplies.co.uk/rear-mounted-bike-carriers.htm