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Has anybody fixed a bike rack on the back of a challenger 480 and towed with a Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 cdti 150? Just wondered how you found it.We have always carried our two bikes in the van but we have just changed to this 480 and they don't go through the door and turn the corner as easy.Before we invest in a rack to fix at the back of the caravan we just wanted to make sure it wouldn't affect the stability of the outfit.OH has always wanted one but I am a bit apprehensive.

Thank you.

Don't think it will affect the stability significantly but it might affect the resaleability. I have met people who have unused bike racks but cannot take them off cos they leave unsightly holes in the van.

I would try a towbar or A frame mounting

It would need substantial reinforcing to stop it ripping holes in the back, to say nothing of the possible effects on stability!

A lot of continental vans have them, but they have strong points built in as far as I  am aware.

I was always told this was a no-no on GB vans as they are not strong enough to the rear, unlike camper vans where it is okay. Also there is the issue of having that much weight at the rear of the van from a stable towing point of view, finally it would take signicantly form the weight allowed in your van too.

After checking this out we ended up with a roof mounted rack, we use a towball rack when not towing, but when towing there appears little alternative once stability, nose weight and van loading are taken into account.

My understanding is that Swift vans already have the reinforcement in place to attach a bike rack to the rear of the van. Currently I have a towcar that has the allowance to take a towbar mounted rack but the way things are going with lower and lower nose weight allowance (the new Sorento being an example) a rear mounted rack might need to be considered. It should not lead to instability provided loading of the caravan is done correctly. As regards selling the van on then you could always leave the rack on the van but I am sure there must be blanking plates to cover the fixing points.

David

It's not something I would ever do.  Weight at either end of a caravan is a bad thing.  As much weight as possible should be concentrated near the axle, otherwise you get pendulum effect.

Jim

Agree absolutely with this.  I'm not sure what the overhang limits are on caravans.  I know it used to be 60% of the wheelbase on cars and commercial vehicles, but not sure how it applies to caravans.

There's already enough length behind the axle, without adding more.

Jim

Quote: Originally posted by Greendemon315 on 24/2/2010

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It's not something I would ever do.  Weight at either end of a caravan is a bad thing.  As much weight as possible should be concentrated near the axle, otherwise you get pendulum effect.

Jim

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Quote: Originally posted by Rune Caster on 24/2/2010

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Surely the pendulum effect can only occur if the caravan is in balance - that is 0kg nose weight?

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