Cycle carrier for A frame

IanTG
IanTG Forum Participant Posts: 419
100 Comments
edited February 2020 in Parts & Accessories #1

soon to take delivery of our new Adria caravan, a feature of which is the longer A frame. This gives the opportunity to carry 2 cycles there, rather than on vehicle roof rack, which causes higher ferry fares due to 3m height (bikes normally taken abroad on our 6 week spring/summer jaunt), and the need for extra vigilance for low bridges or car park barriers etc. To say nothing of the extra challenge of getting on or off roof.

So, now considering the A frame racks. I realise I will need to factor in weight on towbar, but tow car/bar has 100kg limit, as well as overall weight distribution on caravan (upgraded weight plated).

a few questions...

1. Anyone able to say how they got on using an A frame rack? Easy to use, load, unload etc?

2. Any recommendations for make or model of rack?

3. Do all models of rack fit any caravan?

thanks for any insights.

Comments

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2020 #2

    When we had full size cycles,we carried them in the caravan when travelling, and "locked them" to caravan when on sitesurprised

    It is not just the car limit ,but if it is an alko hitch head that also has a 100kg limitfrown

  • ocsid
    ocsid Forum Participant Posts: 1,395
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2020 #3

    You also need to hoist into your deliberations the limitation it places on usable "steering lock".

    Placing as far back against the van's front of course helps.

    Reversing, fouling up is unavoidable but I suggest you explore this, I did, but I would also try forwards on full lock whilst somebody reliable looks on from outside. Forward that could be unaffected, but best to understand the limitations.

    Fixing is very easy, "U" bolts with clamps underneath hooking onto the chassis "A" frame rails.

    Only drilling was through the Al-Ko plastic fairing we had.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited February 2020 #4
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • ocsid
    ocsid Forum Participant Posts: 1,395
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2020 #5

    "Only drilling was through the Al-Ko plastic fairing we had."

    I would initially remove the cover and fit the rack on the bare rails to explore its best location, before going for the final mounting.

  • IanTG
    IanTG Forum Participant Posts: 419
    100 Comments
    edited February 2020 #6

    Thanks all. I believe (but proof in pudding on collection) that there is no plastic cover over A frame on Adria, so that’s one complication less.

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