Towbar mounted bike carrier

[Karussell]

Afternoon all,

Just a bit of advice from the masses, if possible.

I am heading off to Paris for the end of the TdF, followed by a couple of weeks in tyhe Bordeaux region, and will need a roof box, and a facility for carrying 3 bikes.

I have come to the conclusion that a tow bar mounted one is the best option, but have a couple of questions

1) Best place to get a tow bar fitted - 52 Mondeo estate. Is it a DIY job, or best left to those who know what they are doing

2) Best option for the bike carrier to fit on above item?

Any input welcomed

K

[Agoogy]

1. DIY. Mine car came with a towbar, but a good friend of mine took on the challenge and after completing it vowed never again to pay a bloke to do it for him.... nuts and bolts. I suppose there may be issues with wiring and electrics, but as far as lights go you only have to tap into the exisitng stuff..not too hard. The restricting thing overall will be space and tools. I have neither.

2. Thule. The end. I got a fixed 2 bike version off eBay for £45...absolutley brilliant bit of kit. Another friend of mine went for the full on tilting, 4 bike holder with lights and stuff...£££££!!!! very impressive but not worth the xtra IMO.

Edited by Agoogy on Monday 15th February 20:00

[936ADL]

Karussell said:

Afternoon all,

Just a bit of advice from the masses, if possible.

I am heading off to Paris for the end of the TdF, followed by a couple of weeks in tyhe Bordeaux region, and will need a roof box, and a facility for carrying 3 bikes.

I have come to the conclusion that a tow bar mounted one is the best option, but have a couple of questions

1) Best place to get a tow bar fitted - 52 Mondeo estate. Is it a DIY job, or best left to those who know what they are doing

2) Best option for the bike carrier to fit on above item?

Any input welcomed

K

Sounds like you've got quite a trip planned!

Not really sure about the tow bar, but as far as carriers go, the Thule RideOn 9402/3 is a good option. They seem quite highly regarded.

[RRS_Staffs]

Probably the more money than sense option, however I have one of these:



Its rock solid and will take 4 bikes with the adapter
You can also still get into the boot/tailgate as it tilts

Ive had mine a while and have had no hesitation taking our 4 bikes across France several times

Its big and takes up room in the garage which is fine by me
Its not quite as spontaneous as a roof mount however doesnt generate wind noise or knock mpg and I can have it fitted in a jiffy

[andituk]

^^ Agreed!

[sclayto2]

I'm jealous of the trip

Have a look on ebay, I got a 3 bike Thule off fleabay and saved 50 quid.

[sparkythecat]

Apart from the fact that it folds flat, what are the advantages of the Thule 944 over the Thule 9502, that justify £100+ price difference

[andituk]

Way you lock it onto the towbar is different (944 has a lever, not a spanner) and the way the bikes are held is different.

[sparkythecat]

andituk said:

Way you lock it onto the towbar is different (944 has a lever, not a spanner) and the way the bikes are held is different.

I can't tell from the picture which one you've got Andy.

[Karussell]

Thanks for the feedback

I am looking on eBay for the Thule 9502, at around £100 delivered, so not too financially damaging

Just need to get the tow bar sorted then.

Do you need to have the electrics hooked up to the carrier, or will the tail lights be visible thru the mass of whels and spokes? The light cluster is pretty high up on a Mondeo estate, thinking that no need for the "electric bits"

Cheers

K

[Agoogy]

You'll only really know when its on....wheels and spokes slightly cover my Signum's rear lights, but I've yet to get any unwanted attention...
Thats not to say I won't, but I've checked the visibility of the lights at night and I'm satisfied I can see what's needed...
The number plate is a different issue....again, happy to risk and take advice from the first bib who doesn't like it...

[blackburn]

These days I'd recommend making sure you have a trailer board / rack with lights and no. plate beyond the bikes. It's just not worth having an angry bobby booking you for obscured no. plate, obscured lights etc - especially on a trip of any length.

Personally I use a Witter bike rack, and have done for many years. The diadvantage is that I need to attach a separate trailer board, but mine hangs off the bike using twisted wire. A bit Heath Robinson but it works.

Fitting a tow bar shouldn't be a major headache, but modern electrics can be a little fussy. Most towns seem to have a tow-bar specialist so it may be worth checking the yellow pages or your local dealers to see who they use.

HTH

[andituk]

sparkythecat said:

andituk said:

Way you lock it onto the towbar is different (944 has a lever, not a spanner) and the way the bikes are held is different.

I can't tell from the picture which one you've got Andy.

Mines a 908.