Message Forums

Possibly an obvious question but I want to get some advise on how best to transport bikes when towing.

I'm concerned that putting 2 adult bikes on the rear of the car (high mount rack) will add too much to the weight on rear of car so was thinking of putting them on the roof (I have racks for either option). If I put them on the roof though will I be interfering overly with the aerodynamics of pulling the caravan or will I just benefit from better weight distribution if they're on top?

Thanks

Steve

Roof everytime for me.  The aerodynamics are shot by the van anyway!!!

To me the rear axle has enough to do without anything extra.  I don't like them in the van as van payloads are small enough anyway!!

I think bikes on top when towing a caravan may not make a huge difference to airflow ... with an FC they certainly do.

Re bikes on a tow ball carrier .... yes ... in theory they add to the nose weight ... but a lot depends on the design of your car ... the nearer the rear axle is to the tow bar, the less the effect will be ... you could argue that anything you put in your boot or very near the back of the car should also be added to the noseweight.

Noseweight will also be affected by how you balance what you are towing and how you distribute any extra loading within it ... you can affect the noseweight it delivers quite a bit.  The most important thing to achieve is a level looking rig with no noticeable 'dip' where the tow ball link is.

I put the bikes on the top of the trailer - really good solution.

Quote: Originally posted by Di+Glyn_W on 08/7/2011

---

If you put the bikes on a tow ball carrier, whilst towing, you are almost certainly overloading the maximum load of the ball (unless you've got a Landrover of most descriptions!).

If you put them on a rear mounted carrier, you are almost certainly overloading the rear axle, which is just plain dangerous.

Putting them in the van is okay but massively reduces your user payload.

Put them on the roof - it spreads the load across the outfit with minimal impact on rear axle, no impact on towball, and tbh caravans are hardly that aerodynamic that it makes a difference!

Plus, if you have the roof bars, you can take the bikes out for a day if you want to travel to cycle somewhere.

Works for us   

---

I agree with your sentiments exactly - only thing I would add is that I have a clamp on the towball bike carrier to use when I am not away with the caravan.

The biggest issue I have with roof mounting bikes is that quite a few car parks at cycle friendly places have height barriers - you can't win them all!!!

Hi, we had the same dilema.  We bought the halfords cheapy roof rack bike holders.  They had good reviews saying great value for money. I agree, they are great and do exactly as they say on the tin, well worth investing.  It also means you can get into your boot without taking the bikes off.