Spare Wheel Bike Rack

Hi Scott

35kg is about weight of existing Patrol wheel on door and I wouldn't add extra 35kg to be used on rough roads.

On my patrol I use a lightweight homemade towbar fitting that replaces the U shaped bolt on tow point , carries 3 push bikes so well.

Think I'll try to carry one of my trail bikes with it next.

Robin Miller

A mate of mine bought one of those racks for his terrano. The rack fell apart on the first trip. I think they're only designed for bitumen roads.

R.

Scott,

We are just preparing for an off-road adventure up North with the kids in tow. Bikes are a must for them and our sanity.

We have an 04 Patrol and from what I have read on the Forum in the last 12 months, I would not be hanging anything else off the spare wheel. With regards to manufactured bike racks on towballs, I have heard about a few of them snapping on the rough roads, but I think a lot comes down to how much you want to spend.

One option is to get what looks to be a good carrier and/or to have extra supports welded on to strengthen it. We tow a camper trailer, so at the moment my carrier that used to be on a towball is at the welders being modified to hang off the spare wheel bracket on the back of the trailer and the trailer spare now lives on the roofrack of the Patrol.

Good luck in what you decide.

Chris

Scott, for a more robust rack go for a downhill style bike rack. Have a look here: Site Link

I've got one, and with the tow hitch pinch bolts done up it's quite solid. I used a long-drop towbar tongue mounted upside down to lift it up for more departure angle. I haven't used it anywhere rough yet - I might add some stays attached to the top of the rear bumper if necessary. Casper

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the advice, that was a good point Landy about the top tube breaking. I will look at the various options, as i have realised hanging another 35Kg off the spare wheel is not a good idea.

Scott