Bike Racks

Submitted: Saturday, Jan 14, 2012 at 20:25
ThreadID: 91213 Views:1634 Replies:3 FollowUps:4
This Thread has been Archived
We brought a bike rack for our car several years ago with the intention of securing it under the car tow ball. The idea was to be able to take our bikes when we go away with our caravan. When we got the bike rack home we discovered a warning stick on the rack that advised against towing while the rack was attached under the tow ball. I have since been told by a caravan repairer that it is ok to tow while the bike rack is attached. Has anyone had an experiece with these bike racks and towing while the bike rack attached.
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Member - Tony H (touring oz) - Saturday, Jan 14, 2012 at 22:55

Saturday, Jan 14, 2012 at 22:55
Two possible reasons why rack manufacturer warns against towing....
1. The threaded spigot of the tow ball may not be long enough when the bike rack is fitted..... Meaning the securing nut will not be hanging onto enough thread??
2. The bike rack or bikes may foul with the draw bar on tight turns??
AnswerID: 474931

Follow Up By: kaid - Sunday, Jan 15, 2012 at 08:31

Sunday, Jan 15, 2012 at 08:31
tow balls with longer threads are available from supercheaP
0
FollowupID: 749922

Follow Up By: Russan - Tuesday, Jan 17, 2012 at 06:26

Tuesday, Jan 17, 2012 at 06:26
Thanks Tony H, some good suggestion there I will try to find a ball with a longer spigot and give it a try
0
FollowupID: 750093

Reply By: alarna - Sunday, Jan 15, 2012 at 01:01

Sunday, Jan 15, 2012 at 01:01
it might be someting like if the bike rack isnt attached totally secure, the toball may move? we had this when we fist put ourson and did not do it up tight enough. i would look at maybe getting a tow ball put on your caravan or trailer??
AnswerID: 474932

Follow Up By: Russan - Tuesday, Jan 17, 2012 at 06:30

Tuesday, Jan 17, 2012 at 06:30
Thanks Alarna
I had set up a bracket on the A frame of our caravan but it was difficult to get the bikes on and off as they were to close to the caravan. I will try to get a ball with a longer spigot and make sure it is very tight as you suggested.
0
FollowupID: 750094

Reply By: Member - Royce- Sunday, Jan 15, 2012 at 06:26

Sunday, Jan 15, 2012 at 06:26
Have you tried it yet?

If you can find a quiet spot to set things up and do a few slow ks you might be able decide if the nut loosens off or the bikes travel all right.

You would need a nice long drawbar to not crunch your bikes on a tight turn or backing.
AnswerID: 474934

Follow Up By: Russan - Tuesday, Jan 17, 2012 at 06:33

Tuesday, Jan 17, 2012 at 06:33
Thanks Royce
I will try to get a ball with a longer spigot and then as you suggested set it up and take for a short test drive to see how it goes.
0
FollowupID: 750095

Sponsored Links