Member Since: 14 Feb 2010
Location: Kent
Posts: 33
Tow bar & bike carrier
Apologies if this has been covered comprehensively elsewhere on the site, but I have a D4 on order and am trying to work out the most cost effective solution for carrying 3 or 4 bikes.
I rang the dealer and he said they could fit a tow bar and carrier for £620, not including electrics. That seemed quite expensive as the factory-fitted tow pack is only £440 incl. electrics.
I am wondering if it might be a lot cheaper to buy a carrier elsewhere (e.g. MaxxRaxx) and just get a basic tow bar fitted.
In which case, how much should I pay for a tow bar and what type is best for my needs?
Guidance appreciated!2010 D4 HSE
2013 Range Rover Evoque Prestige
2014 Discovery HSE (on order)
1st Mar 2010 4:56 pm
Pelyma
Member Since: 06 Jan 2005
Location: Patching, Sussex
Posts: 15496
Depends if you want to be able to tow at the same time. Assuming you don't then buy a second hand removable tow bar and add a carrier from Pendle, Maxxraxx or the like. i have a removable tow bar looking for £100 plus postage for it.DS3 TDV6 HSE - Silver with Alpaca (old one) Gone
DS3 TDV6 HSE- Silver with Alpaca (new one) Gone
D4 HSE Lux - Montalcino Red Gone
Porsche Cayenne V8 Diesel S
1st Mar 2010 5:01 pm
mikewest
Member Since: 27 Jan 2010
Location: Malmesbury
Posts: 31
Hi Chidd,
I have the same need and go mountain biking every weekend so don't want to lift the bike onto roof...
I went for the factory fit towbar (about £400) which is removable but not height adjustable. I've bought the Atera Strada from www.roofbox.co.uk which attaches to the towbar and allows 3 bikes on the rack as standard, and 4 if you buy the optional extender. Thule have a similar system.
My local bike shop say both racks are great, and very easy to use for 1 or 2 bikes, 3 bikes will involve careful alignment to fit, and 'allow yourself 1/2 an hour to align 4'
Mike
4th Mar 2010 9:24 am
chidd
Member Since: 14 Feb 2010
Location: Kent
Posts: 33
Thanks Mike
Pelymar has sold me his towbar and I am also thinking of getting the Atera Strada carrier.
Not have spec'd a tow bar from manufacture, I'm wondering if I will be able to hook up the lights on the carrier, or does this require some additional electrical kit on the car?2010 D4 HSE
2013 Range Rover Evoque Prestige
2014 Discovery HSE (on order)
4th Mar 2010 10:19 am
ThatMartinChap
Member Since: 06 Nov 2007
Location: Deepest Darkest Berkshire
Posts: 696
I also have the Atera Strada - great piece of kit.
You will need the tow-bar electrics installed to be able to plug in the lights etc.Also Gone : MY14 D4 SDV6 HSE : Barolo Black + Almond
Sadly Gone : MY08 D3 TDV6 HSE : Stornoway + Alpaca + Privacy + BAS Remap
4th Mar 2010 11:28 am
chidd
Member Since: 14 Feb 2010
Location: Kent
Posts: 33
ThatMartinChap wrote:
You will need the tow-bar electrics installed to be able to plug in the lights etc.
Any idea what that costs?
Thanks2010 D4 HSE
2013 Range Rover Evoque Prestige
2014 Discovery HSE (on order)
I've bought the Atera Strada from www.roofbox.co.uk which attaches to the towbar and allows 3 bikes on the rack as standard, and 4 if you buy the optional extender. Thule have a similar system.
Hi Chidd,
Yes, i have the Thule 3 bike carrier and I've been very happy with it. There is an option to add a 4th bike but I've not tried that. Here's a pic of mine. I believe Thule have updated it since. (It still amazes me how it can hold the weight of the 3 bikes and be a solid as a rock - a great bit of kit). My electrics were added with the removable tow bar so I didn't get a separate price.
4th Mar 2010 1:02 pm
mik
Member Since: 08 Feb 2010
Location: Skoatland
Posts: 912
No affilliation, but if you are considering shopping at roofbox.co.uk (I have - several times now - prices are cheap and delivery is quick) then click on THIS LINK for a 10% discount once you've whapped your desired items into the basket. 8)
I use a relatively cheap Thule "hanger" type towbar system which is rated at 3 bikes, and can carry that amount, but seems much happier with only 2 on.
edit: to add an image of the one I have as opposed to one similar, but not quite like it.
Click image to enlarge
4th Mar 2010 1:47 pm
mwestcrew
Member Since: 24 May 2005
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 334
Has anyone got a solution to towing a caravan and carrying bikes?2011 D4 Landmark, Mini Cooper SD Clubman, Range Rover Vogue SE
5th Mar 2010 3:25 pm
mik
Member Since: 08 Feb 2010
Location: Skoatland
Posts: 912
You get the "hang on" type that fit to the back of the van (like on motorhomes) or A-Frame mounts like this one
5th Mar 2010 4:53 pm
paulJ1
Member Since: 17 Mar 2009
Location: Stewarton, Scotland
Posts: 268
if your towing caravan, you have to use the roof for the bikes.
The maxxrac doesnt give enough room for the alko hitch to work.
If you do put them on the roof, be warned its a long way up !Got our Disco... Love it.....
5th Mar 2010 4:54 pm
mik
Member Since: 08 Feb 2010
Location: Skoatland
Posts: 912
Forgot to say - despite posting the above image - we tend to put the bikes inside the van when towing. Not too hard to wedge them safely.
I purchased a removable towbar on ebay for about £120. I bought the Altera Strada. It is a very robust piece of kit. In the photos are two mountain bikes and the wheels from our sons trailer. The towbar elecrics were fitted by TFC.
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