Tow Bar Bike Rack Needed

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Tow Bar Bike Rack Needed

jimbob79

673 posts

Ultimate Geek

#208975 7-Mar-2017 13:29

So it's gotten to the point where my kids are getting bigger and larger bikes are need. No I have the new problem on them not fitting in the car.. However if I get a tow bar bike rack I won't be able to open the boot lid.

No I have seen (in the UK 10+ years ago) where there is a gas strut which allow the rack to fold/bend out of the way of the boot lid. But I have not seen any thing quite like it here. Is there any alternative recommendations.

jimbob79

673 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1732501 7-Mar-2017 13:44

This is what I was sort of talking about

SheriffNZ

671 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1732504 7-Mar-2017 13:50

I can't help with your question but do you have anything against roof racks?

jimbob79

673 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1732509 7-Mar-2017 13:51

I've found this. It does not seam to have the gas strut but it might work.

https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/T7CATNNT4/title/torpedo7-tilting-towball-mount-4-bike-rack---v2

jimbob79

673 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1732510 7-Mar-2017 13:52

SheriffNZ: I can't help with your question but do you have anything against roof racks?

Roofbox and car parks. I learnt my lesson the hard way.

SheriffNZ

671 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1732515 7-Mar-2017 13:56

jimbob79:
SheriffNZ: I can't help with your question but do you have anything against roof racks?

Roofbox and car parks. I learnt my lesson the hard way.

Fair enough.

jonathan18

7413 posts

Uber Geek

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#1732523 7-Mar-2017 14:06

jimbob79:

I've found this. It does not seam to have the gas strut but it might work.

https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/T7CATNNT4/title/torpedo7-tilting-towball-mount-4-bike-rack---v2

That's exactly the unit I bought to take our bikes, and selected for the same reason (ability to open the boot); I've owned it for over a year and we're yet to use it!

Something to be mindful of with this unit is that it requires the towing ball to be unscrewed and re-screwed to enable a bracket/plate to be installed - this stops twisting and I guess provides a wider base for the rack. The problem is you can't use the towbar for other purposes like towing a trailer while this is in place, which is a bit of a hassle.

I complained to Torpedo7 after buying it, saying this should be identified in the listing given it significantly affects how the product must be used, but they basically said FO.

jimbob79

673 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1732535 7-Mar-2017 14:28

jonathan18:

jimbob79:

I've found this. It does not seam to have the gas strut but it might work.

https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/T7CATNNT4/title/torpedo7-tilting-towball-mount-4-bike-rack---v2

That's exactly the unit I bought to take our bikes, and selected for the same reason (ability to open the boot); I've owned it for over a year and we're yet to use it!

Something to be mindful of with this unit is that it requires the towing ball to be unscrewed and re-screwed to enable a bracket/plate to be installed - this stops twisting and I guess provides a wider base for the rack. The problem is you can't use the towbar for other purposes like towing a trailer while this is in place, which is a bit of a hassle.

I complained to Torpedo7 after buying it, saying this should be identified in the listing given it significantly affects how the product must be used, but they basically said FO.

Very good to know, that would be a pain in the ass.

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edge

423 posts

Ultimate Geek

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Lifetime subscriber

#1732612 7-Mar-2017 15:59

There seem to be quite a few options nowadays - I can't help with personal experience as we have a fixed one only (not tilt or swing). But you could have a look at, for instance:

http://www.inflightbikesystems.co.nz/

http://www.yakima.co.nz/2/Products/category/7/Tow-Bar-Bike-Racks

http://hamco.co.nz/Products.aspx?category=18

http://www.theroofrackshop.co.nz/category/1801-towbar-mounted

"It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of what he was never reasoned into."
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kiwi_64

262 posts

Ultimate Geek

Subscriber

#1732613 7-Mar-2017 16:00

I bought one *very* similar to this a couple of years back:

http://www.inflightbikesystems.co.nz/2-foldhatch.html

screwed onto towball ok, and was relatively stable holding 4 bikes. I liked the permanently fitted bungy cords for typing bikes on. Can check the actual brand of mine when I get home tonight if required

Camden

115 posts

Master Geek

#1732725 7-Mar-2017 20:16

I have been carrying mountain bikes round for years,sometimes on a roof rack setup and on towbar mounted racks.

I have just looked at a suggestion made on another reply and two units sold by Hamco look good, site unseen. The Arezzo 4 tilt at 299.00 and the Pure Instinct 4 Foldup at 999.00 would be my choice of those.

However, not all bikes fit all racks. I have a four bike rack shaped like an inverted L but it will not take my new mountain bike as the rear shock is horizontal and the bar will not fit through the frame. Might pay to check the clearance round the frames of the individual bikes so that you will know they will fit when choosing the rack.

Yes, I put it on a station wagon and it stops me opening the rear tailgate,so that is a bit of a pain. This posting has got me now quite interested in a new adjustable tilting rack !

Also there is a lot of weight hanging out the back and some racks can bounce up and down a bit. We actually bent a mates tow bar tongue quite badly with four big heavy bikes on the rack.In that case there was supposed to be a steadying strap fitted from the top of the rack and secured to the top of the tailgate.We did not know about that before bending the tongue and the seller did not include it when purchased.

Just looked at my tow bar spec. Towing 1500kg and tongue load 50kg. Four average bikes say 14kg each = 56kg plus weight of rack. Maybe get assurance from your intended retailer at time of purchase that the weight loading is going to be ok.

Ge0rge

2055 posts

Uber Geek

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#1732729 7-Mar-2017 20:24

Have a look at the Thule range:

http://www.thule.co.nz/products/bike-carriers/towbar-mounted/thule-euroway-g2-923/

I have a mate that I ride with who has one - even my awkward-framed down hill bike fits on with no drama. Tilts down so the boot opens, lights and number plate mount so the law don't get upset with you, solid and the bikes are secure.

Only downside is the eye-watering price.