F11 - Universal Bike Carrier Fitment
Discussion
Has anyone any experience of fitting a universal bike carrier to their F11? The type with top, side and bottom ratchet straps which fix the carrier down onto the split tailgate window.
I managed to, after a bit of inventiveness, get the top and side straps to fix but there is no place for the bottom strap underneath the rear bumper unless I squeeze it in between a gap between the undertray and the bumper.
Looking on-line and most either use roof rack or tow bar mounted carriers.
I managed to, after a bit of inventiveness, get the top and side straps to fix but there is no place for the bottom strap underneath the rear bumper unless I squeeze it in between a gap between the undertray and the bumper.
Looking on-line and most either use roof rack or tow bar mounted carriers.
I'm afraid the only option I ever use these days is the towbar carrier. Too many experiences of the other universal racks damaging vehicles years ago. I have been using a towbar rack for the last 6-7yrs and have just had a detachable towbar & electrics fitted to my F11 for exactly this purpose.
The carrier doesn't look much like the sarens bone carrier but the principle is much the same.
Good shout re straps on the bottom of the boot lid.
With the bone carrier do a set of the rubber feet sit directly on the rear windscreen?
Do you also push the top srap hooks through the seal that runs around the top edge of the boot. I found I had to remove the rubber grips from the hooks to make them thin enough the fit in the gap. I added some tape, of course, to protect the paintwork.
Good shout re straps on the bottom of the boot lid.
With the bone carrier do a set of the rubber feet sit directly on the rear windscreen?
Do you also push the top srap hooks through the seal that runs around the top edge of the boot. I found I had to remove the rubber grips from the hooks to make them thin enough the fit in the gap. I added some tape, of course, to protect the paintwork.
There is perhaps a knack to loading bikes onto boot carriers, but it always evaded me - I scratched both the bikes and the car whenever I used them.
Having used roof and tow hitch carriers I would never go back the the type which hangs off the boot.
It may be my perception, but the durability of the paintwork of the F11 is not great and abrasions from the straps and clips of boot carriers may cause damage.
Having used roof and tow hitch carriers I would never go back the the type which hangs off the boot.
It may be my perception, but the durability of the paintwork of the F11 is not great and abrasions from the straps and clips of boot carriers may cause damage.
I knocked it on the head in the end and went for using the second car with the carrier.
The main issue was where the upper straps for between the boot and roof. The straps can only grip onto the plastic spoiler which bends with a bit of force on it. I don't trust it not bending or snapping on the motorway.
The main issue was where the upper straps for between the boot and roof. The straps can only grip onto the plastic spoiler which bends with a bit of force on it. I don't trust it not bending or snapping on the motorway.
guffhoover said:
The carrier doesn't look much like the sarens bone carrier but the principle is much the same.
Good shout re straps on the bottom of the boot lid.
With the bone carrier do a set of the rubber feet sit directly on the rear windscreen?
Do you also push the top srap hooks through the seal that runs around the top edge of the boot. I found I had to remove the rubber grips from the hooks to make them thin enough the fit in the gap. I added some tape, of course, to protect the paintwork.
Sorry for late reply, but yes you do push through seals.Good shout re straps on the bottom of the boot lid.
With the bone carrier do a set of the rubber feet sit directly on the rear windscreen?
Do you also push the top srap hooks through the seal that runs around the top edge of the boot. I found I had to remove the rubber grips from the hooks to make them thin enough the fit in the gap. I added some tape, of course, to protect the paintwork.
The feet have scratched my bumper but TBH I was thinking of getting one of those bumper protectors.
I also have a Thule roof system and 4 racks, so all I need now is a towbar to complete the set !
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