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We were also concerned about the turning circle issue, but with careful loading didnt have a problem at all.  But the MaxxRaxx option also has an extension piece that lifts the bikes further out of the way of the hitch if needed.  Downside is of course, that this extra weight will have to be taken into consideration when working out the load on the towbar mount.

As for access, have a look again at the MaxxRaxx site video's.  The whole rack tilts out of the way so as to allow access to the boot (with the van detached of course)

All in all we have found that it works for us, and is of excellent quality.

Thanks Midge. I did actually have a closer look at it yesterday online and saw that you can open the boot, and it does look like it might just do the trick for us.

So a couple more questions if you don't mind.

Does the rack stay attached to the tow bar?  Ours is a detachable swan neck and I note that maxxraxx say this has to be fitted by them, so I assume we can't take it on and off ourselves - so this would mean we had to detach the tow bar when we get to our destination if we don't want to drive around with a great big empty rack hanging off the back?  (Although it is detachable we usually leave the tow bar on while we are away and take if off again once we are home, particularly if it is only a short break or weekend).  And we would have to leave it on even if we weren't taking the bikes on that trip?

My second question is about the strap I can see in the photos, it says you only need this if you are carrying a lot of bikes or if you have the extension part fitted.  Do you use a strap and if so how & where does it attach to the car?

And thanks everyone for your comments.

may help

www.agentfiamma.co.uk

http://www.agentfiamma.co.uk/erol.html#359X0

Just to update this, maxxraxx have advised that there is not enough clearance with our car/tow bar and their rack, so we wouldn't be able to tow with it on. 

How about putting the bikes in the 'van in padded bags like the ones below?

http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/109179.html

Quote: Originally posted by gemma1675 on 09/2/2010

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We are looking at options for how we can carry our bikes while towing and are considering one of these a-frame racks.  Does anyone have any experience of these?  We have only seen one in use once, in France a couple of years ago.

http://www.fiammastore.com/Fiamma-Carry-Bikes-For-Caravans/Fiamma-Carry-Bike-XL-A

Our car is too high to put them on the roof, you can't fit a rear rack to it because of the material used for the tailgate, and I don't want them in the caravan as they will be dirty and cause damage.  Weight isn't an issue as we have a big car and a little teensy van, and the bikes are light aluminium ones. 

Thanks in advance for any comments.

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I have a Fiamma A Frame mounted 2 bike carrier and .

Used it to carry 2 lightest bikes all way round Ireland (some of the worst roads in Europe). Also use a rear Fiamma bike carrier to carry two more bikes on back of Van (I know about effect of mass vs distance from CG, I'm an engineer). Have used this arrangement on holidays and Caravan was still very stable.

For: On a continental caravan (with longer A frame) it's easy to fit if you remove A frame cover. It holds 2 (or 3 bike version) bikes securely where they can be easily seen. Frame tips forwards to allow access to Gas Locker. Allows us to carry bikes for all. Better than on roof of car, we had exact same questions but this seemed only solution unless folding bikes placed inside Van.

Against: Makes it dificult to open front locker even though they can be tilted forwards. Adds 30-40Kg to noseweight which requires carefull rearanging of load to keep within noseweight limit (in my case 90Kg). Can make caravan less stable with load away from axles polar centre of gravity and all that. Make sure sufficient space between car & bikes to allow turning without damaging bikes or Car.