Cycle carriers

[ClichéGuevara]

Anyone any experience?

I've a Zafira, and I want to carry two bikes and I'm also wanting to tow a caravan.

The racks I've seen look as though they'll either foul the area around the ball hitch so I couldn't hook up, or they'd poke out so far they'd reduce the possible turning circle. Some also look as though the bike handle bars and pedals would bash the car.

I'm considering getting a hitch mounted rack for when I'm just moving the bikes, then either fitting a ball hitch or other bracket to the caravan a frame to mount them there. I think I've got some old roof carriers, and I've pondered about fitting them to the A frame.

Anyone in a similar position got a resolution?

 

[raleighnut]

Why not use a hitch mounted rack, then when towing the caravan put the bikes inside the van suitably restrained of course (bungies possibly)

 

[ClichéGuevara]

Why not use a hitch mounted rack, then when towing the caravan put the bikes inside the van suitably restrained of course (bungies possibly)

Hitch mounted would work, IF I can find one that doesn't leave the handlebars bashing the back of the car. I don't want them in the van. I've done that before and it's a pain,not just the damage of moving about, but muck and oil, plus they're in the way if you stop.

 

[KneesUp]

This looks to hold the bikes well clear of the window and allow you to tow.

http://www.maxxraxx.co.uk/Help/tow_and_carry.html

 

[midliferider]

How about taking bikes on the roof of the car?

 

[DRHysted]

A mount behind the tow ball will effect the nose weight of the caravan, meaning you'll need to deduct the weight of the bikes from the nose weight of the caravan, which may result in poor stability. Personally I use a thule roof mount without issues.

 

[ClichéGuevara]

Cheers for the replies. I don't want roof mounts for a variety of reasons, including the speed and fuel limitations and the risk of slipping and car/bike damage when loading up mountain bikes caked in mud..

You can fit one to the rear of the caravan, but it means adding extra metal to the chassis, as the rear 'wall' is unlikely to have fixing mounts built in.

Putting bars on the A frame is less weight than putting the bikes on the ball hitch. The stowage of the awing can have a greater effect I'd guess?

The maxx ones look as if they'll do a job, albeit for a price and some fiddling.

Maybe I'm just too picky. It's surprised me when I've phoned manufacturers how difficult they found the question. I thought it was a common issue on a common car, but they've offered to make an individual one to get over the problem.

 

[KneesUp]

Options ruled out:

Roof bars (aerodynamics, possible damage loading)
Bikes in the car (not enough room I presume?)
Bikes in the caravan (damage to caravan plus inconvenience)
Bike rack mounted to tow ball (reduction in caravan nose weight, cost)
Bikes attached to caravan (rear wall not sturdy enough)

The only place left for them, apart from in your house, is on the A frame.

http://www.fiammadepot.co.uk/fiamma-12770.html?gclid=CJ_42JDRjb8CFYUIwwod6H8Aow

 

[DRHysted]

[QUOTE 3143106, member: 259"]Can you not put a bike mount on the back of the caravan?[/QUOTE]
This then puts the weight on the rear of the caravan which is inadvisable, as it reduces the stability when towing.

 

[DRHysted]

Cheers for the replies. I don't want roof mounts for a variety of reasons, including the speed and fuel limitations and the risk of slipping and car/bike damage when loading up mountain bikes caked in mud..

I can understand the mud aspect but speedwise the Thule is good for 120kph, which is higher than the UK towing limit. Fuel wise, my car drops from 40 mpg to 35 mpg which is mostly due to the 1 ton of extra weight at the back.

Given your situation I'd advise an A frame mount. http://www.fiammadepot.co.uk/fiamma-12770.html?gclid=CJ_42JDRjb8CFYUIwwod6H8Aow does look quite good, you'd just have to remember not to do any sharp maneuvering.