Towbar Bike Rack

T rev
T rev Forum Participant Posts: 27
edited August 2022 in Motorhomes #1

Any advice on tow bar bike rack for 2 e-bikes?

To fit on back of Elddis 285 so tilting would be good as toilet emptying door is at back.

Thanks

T

Comments

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,586 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2022 #2

    We use a Thule Easy Fold XT 2. Not cheap but does tilt, even with ebikes on and does cope with 2 ebikes no problem.

    Check out Thule other products as they make a good bike carrier and you may find something a bit cheaper. Make sure it can cope with weight of bikes.

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,425 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2022 #3

    +1 says it all.

    Just to add for some reason Thule racks seems to come with the old 7 pin plug.

  • Ne10
    Ne10 Club Member Posts: 38 ✭✭
    edited August 2022 #4

    Google ‘Volvo Bike Rack.’   Great discounts on Volvo branded Thule towball bike carriers.  Just acquired one for our two ebikes and saved a considerable amount.

  • eribaMotters
    eribaMotters Club Member Posts: 1,193 ✭✭✭✭
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    edited August 2022 #5

    Another vote for Thule. We use one of the Express for two "normal" bikes on the car.

    Roofbox used to offer good prices and a wide range of alternative products at a good price and service was excellent. https://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/bike-carriers-racks-range-towbar-mounting.php

     

    Colin

  • Lukeledge
    Lukeledge Forum Participant Posts: 84
    edited August 2022 #6

    Thule are good as are the other well known makes. I bought a 3 bike rack for 2 bikes as it gives a bit more space between the bikes and lessens the need to drop saddles or turn the handlebars to stop the bikes clashing.

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2022 #7

    Another vote for the Thule, we have the Thule Velocompact for our two full size alloy 'leccy' bikes', both weighing in at 43kg without the batteries installed. Both have no crossbar and Thules design allow the anchor clamps to be placed accommodating this. We mount the two bikes in opposition to each other so handlebars don't clash, and it tips to allow boot access.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited August 2022 #8

    My folders weigh less than that 'with' the batteries. surprised

  • T rev
    T rev Forum Participant Posts: 27
    edited August 2022 #9

    The Volvo/Thule rack is a good price but lots of warnings about not fitting certain types of towbar.

    Can anyone explain please?

    T

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,032 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2022 #10

    Thule bike carriers are excellent quality, and lots of different designs. This might help in terms of why they might not be used with certain tow hitches, basically, because the tow hitch quality, doesn’t match the Thule quality….

    https://support.thule.com/s/article/What-are-the-requirements-for-my-tow-bar-en-gb?language=en_GB

    I would avoid getting one from places like Halfords. Go to a Thule specialist and they will sort you out properly with a good match for what you need. We have a tilting one that easily carries our two ebikes on the back of our Wrangler. We have a simple plug in extra that converts the pin links. We also have a Thule tow bar mounted load carrier, again a quality product. Not used on our MH, as this came with a Fiamma rack, and that will take our two ebikes as well, but they do need lifting up. Given the choice, Fiamma or Thule, go for the latter.

  • Ne10
    Ne10 Club Member Posts: 38 ✭✭
    edited August 2022 #11

    T Rev.   Some Volvo specific tow bars have lugs beneath the ball to prevent lateral movement of compatible bike racks.  I believe that it is this to which the cautionary advice refers.  Standard 50mm Volvo/Thule racks are available and carry discounts.  I bought one of these at a significant saving. Both of our ebikes are well within its total carrying capacity.  Hope this helps. 

  • T rev
    T rev Forum Participant Posts: 27
    edited August 2022 #12

    Thanks for the input. We went for the Thule at good price from a local tow bar fitter.

    Will get it set up tomorrow .

    T