Carrying bikes in a caravan

davidguyh
davidguyh Forum Participant Posts: 6
edited August 2016 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

Would anyone care to suggest a good method of securing push bikes within our Bailey Unicorn Valencia 2011?

Thanks in anticipation.

David

Comments

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,607 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2016 #2

    We don't secure our two when carrying them in the van. We just use a large washable piece of material that Mrs.WN sewed together to cover the 2 bench seats and floor and rest them carefully together at the front against the locker making sure there is a
    mat at the front to stop marks. I also use one of those mats that you can buy at garden centres to kneel on and use this to stop the bikes from rubbing against each other. Sounds a faff but practice etc.etc.

    I used to put chocks behind them but they never move. 

    Must admit it's sometimes a pain carying them in the van but after trying every other way it's our "preferred" way now.

  • JillwithaJay
    JillwithaJay Club Member Posts: 2,485 ✭✭
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    edited August 2016 #3

    Hello David,

    I've moved your post as per the instructions given in the sticky thread which states that the Ask The Expert LIVE Section not be used for general enquiries.

    photo 78301b06-7bdd-45fe-8ae2-d4d2cae14135_zpssi5htrez.jpg

  • wye
    wye Forum Participant Posts: 241
    edited August 2016 #4

    A few years back we Purchased a two bike stand through the CC mag it fits between the front seats , we lay a ground sheet on the floor and secure them was a bungy rubber works ok for us .

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #5

    I stow mine in the middle (to avoid more noseweight) leaning on the cupboard/heater with a thick blanket for padding - I suppose two bikes would need more padding. 

  • ocsid
    ocsid Forum Participant Posts: 1,395
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #6

    If you are carrying bikes with quick release front wheels, then use two of these clamps bolted to a bit of 19 mm plywood than fits on the floor between the bed bases.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Delta-Bike-Hitch-Car-Rack/dp/B001F1535K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471263148&sr=8-1&keywords=bicycle+fork+mount

    Hints: Copydex a bit of old carpet underneath.

    Use pan headed roof bolts head down.

    Stagger them so handbars "nest".

    Wheel bikes in rear wheel first so clamping and getting yourself out of the van is easier.

    If concerned that the rear wheels will "drift", then place a second board in for them with stood up pairs of 2 x 1" bits of wood to form individual channels for them.

    Tuck the front wheels between bikes when stowed.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #7

    You've done this before, haven't you? Wink

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited August 2016 #8
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • IamtheGaitor
    IamtheGaitor Forum Participant Posts: 529
    edited August 2016 #9

    Can you get them in without taking wheels off etc?

    We were thinking about carrying them inside instead of on the towbar bike rack just because we could then get the dogs in and out easily (you cant open the back with the bike rack on) 

  • volvoman9
    volvoman9 Forum Participant Posts: 1,053
    500 Comments
    edited August 2016 #10

    Lean them well over.Protect the upholstery and dont let any of the bikes rub against he woodwork and it should be ok.

    v9

  • davidguyh
    davidguyh Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited August 2016 #11

    Apologies for the delay in replying but ... we have been away in the Dales. Thank you to everyone for your suggestions. We'll weigh up (pun intended) the options and see what works. Noseweight is a bit of an issue with the S1 Unicorns so I will be looking
    at midships stowing to begin with.

    Thanks again

    David

     

  • jennyc
    jennyc Forum Participant Posts: 957
    500 Comments
    edited August 2016 #12

    Can you get them in without taking wheels off etc?

    We were thinking about carrying them inside instead of on the towbar bike rack just because we could then get the dogs in and out easily (you cant open the back with the bike rack on) 

    Write your comments here...

    Towbar bike racks are only practical when not towing unless you have a car/ tow bar with a high legal max loading. Two bikes on most tow bars when used with a caravan legally, will force the vans nose weight to a dangerously low value.

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