I am keen to buy a sit on tow bar back rack - made up my mind on this type, so this question is about weights: Most suggest a max weight of 60kg, with max weight for each bike being 15kg each. 3 of the bikes are lighter (2 kids bikes at 10kg each, one 14kg adult hybrid). My bike is likely to be heavier - its an old Claud Butler MTB, I need to weigh it but haven't got scales. Is the 15kg/bike a guide, or an absolute...ie if the combined wt of the 4 bikes comes in under 60kg (heaviest near the car of course), is that likely to be a problem? Most of the time it would be for short trips, but there are likely to be one or 2 trips to the alps. Thank you in advance....(not willing to buy a new bike, but also don't want to buy a rack i can't use. Car is a Ford SMax. Roof rack not an option)
Tow bar bike rack advice please
- Thread starter hamishd
- Start date
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welsh dragon
Thanks but no thanks. I think I'll pass.
You are better off asking whoever you are buying it from. If the max weight it can carry is 60 kilo, and all your bikes weigh less than that, then there isn't a problem that I can see.
The only problem I would have would be carrying that many bikes. I wouldn't want to do it.
The only problem I would have would be carrying that many bikes. I wouldn't want to do it.
T.M.H.N.E.T
Rainbows aren't just for world champions
- Location
- Northern Ireland
It'll be fine. The important part is the total weight is below the noseweight of the SMax, which it should be
Any particular reason why not? I thought these things were fairly sturdy? Driving slow, carefully etc
Broadside
Guru
- Location
- Fleet, Hants
Typical towball nose weight is 75kg, allowing 15kg for the rack plus 60kg for the bikes. You could go a bit over but risk damaging the towbar unit mounting to the car. Mount the heaviest bikes closest to the towball to reduce leverage on the entire rack.
welsh dragon
Thanks but no thanks. I think I'll pass.
Levo-Lon
Guru
The car will cope, just make sure you tighten the securing bolt properly.
lock bikes to the rack so if a strap or clamp fails you wont have a bike falling off.
you will be watching them in the mirror for a bit but the racks are great..
my mate drove under a height restriction barrier with a 8.5 k SWorks bike on the roof rack.so a rear rack will prevent seeing your bike in 5 pieces lying in the car park entrance lol
lock bikes to the rack so if a strap or clamp fails you wont have a bike falling off.
you will be watching them in the mirror for a bit but the racks are great..
my mate drove under a height restriction barrier with a 8.5 k SWorks bike on the roof rack.so a rear rack will prevent seeing your bike in 5 pieces lying in the car park entrance lol
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