Do I need a lighting board?

[t84]

You can kind of see the brake lights, not sure whether I need one or not.

If so, this is a stupid question, where do I get the power from?!

Edited by t84 on Thursday 20th May 10:49

Edited by t84 on Saturday 22 May 11:07

[Plotloss]

I've no idea on the legalities but surely that's the most fuel inefficient way to carry a bicycle there possibly is?

[t84]

I think roofracks are worse, not sure though, I bought this one because Thule recommended it in their application guide.

[OnTheOverrun]

The number plate and tail lights need to be clearly visible at all times so I'd say you do need a triler board.

Oddly enough your bike carrier seems to have been designed to carry the bike high up to avoid blocking the view of the lights, except on a Focus, they are far higher up and so it doesn't work!

[sherman]

You would need to fit a towbar and use the power supply off of that.

[Skodaku]

Do you, by any chance, collect HGV mirrors ?

Could be a new hobby for you.

[perdu]

Skodaku said:

Do you, by any chance, collect HGV mirrors ?

Could be a new hobby for you.

[t84]

Well it's a good brand and it was on the application list, so it should be ok?

How much are lighting boards and the associated wiring?

[t84]

sherman said:

You would need to fit a towbar and use the power supply off of that.

God dammit? Really? I bought this because it was good quality and cheaper than a roof rack.

FFS.

[SVTRick]

Well if it falls off and by the look of it it will at some point be prepared to shell out some quick cash to the other driver behind.

What a daft way to carry a bike...

[t84]

Why is it? It's securely held and doesn't use fabric straps at all? The wheels are held in with ratchets on a gutter and the top tube of the frame is securely clamped...

What a ridiculous thing to say... Thule are pretty much the best in the business at what they do!

Edited by t84 on Wednesday 19th May 23:51

[Zad]

More drag than Danny LaRue on a night out with the girls! I'm surprised the law allows it to extend so far beyond the sides of the car.

[hornetrider]

Zad said:

More drag than Danny LaRue on a night out with the girls! I'm surprised the law allows it to extend so far beyond the sides of the car.

You gimp. The length of the bike (and hence width across the car) is a given. However - that is a ridiculous bike rack imo. You may as well have a parachute on the back of your car.

Surely you're better off getting a normal lower rack which supports the frame of the bike, removing the bike wheels and storing them in the car. Still, that horse has already bolted eh?

In my view you don't need a board - there's plenty enough of the rear lights visible for it not to be an issue.

[t84]

Zad said:

More drag than Danny LaRue on a night out with the girls! I'm surprised the law allows it to extend so far beyond the sides of the car.

You're surprised that the law hasnt decreed that bikes be shorter?

Edited by t84 on Thursday 20th May 00:02

[t84]

Thanks, I bought it because Thule recommended it, I think it has height adjustment at some point, I'm just going to sell it and get a roof rack tbh.

Thanks for the input,

t

[busta]

Personally i'd not bother with a light board. Your lights are still pretty visible, it'd be a very petty cop that pulled you over for it. It does seem like an awkward position for the bike though! I'm not sure the bike rack manufacturers really think these through.


If you do go down the light board route, theres no need for a complete towbar, just the 7 pin plug. Hidden somewhere near one of the rear clusters will be a spare plug to wire up to the 7 pin plug. If you do it yourself (easy with a multimeter and soldering iron) you may need a plug from ford, but most towbar fitters will be able to wire up a 7 pin plug for you for a lot less than a whole towbar.

[Nickyboy]

Good god that is the most stupid way to carry a bike i have ever seen. Think of the carnage when a low flying pigeon takes out of your wheels. At least with other racks the car shields the bike.

[tubbystu]

t84 said:

Thanks, I bought it because Thule recommended it, I think it has height adjustment at some point, I'm just going to sell it and get a roof rack tbh.

Thanks for the input,

t

Can you not return it to where you purchased it from, as once fitted it is plainly not designed for the Focus. Sale of goods act and all that.............

You are more likely to need a wide load board than a trailer board with that overhang ,

and it being out of sight of your mirrors you'll clip something pretty soon I'd guess - probably trashing the bike and the carrier and whatever you come into contact with. Who knows what your insurance would say too.

[t84]

I don't know if I can return it if I've already assembled it?

[SVTRick]

t84 said:

Why is it? It's securely held and doesn't use fabric straps at all? The wheels are held in with ratchets on a gutter and the top tube of the frame is securely clamped...

What a ridiculous thing to say... Thule are pretty much the best in the business at what they do!

Edited by t84 on Wednesday 19th May 23:51

Seems that I am not the only one who thinks is daft.
If you must carry bikes put them either on a much more suitable form of carrier
like the ones that go on the roof or buy a van.

Cant wait to see your bike once it's clouted a heavy HGV mirror arm.
And your presented with a demand for payment of £150 to replace said mirrors.