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towbar bike carrier
Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 4:41 pm
by drmotorsport
Hi all, just wondering if anyone can recommend a bike carrier that uses my detachable towbar? Also am curious as to what stops the carrier from pivoting on that ball - just friction?
Re: towbar bike carrier
Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 6:42 pm
by sid10
Hi I had a Thule 929 4 bike carrier on my BMW X1 ( wife's car ) it has a swan neck , also have a BMW 2 bike carrier both fit no problem , best to try first before buying ! Held on by lever that pulls over forcing two cups to clamp onto the ball , then a screw tightens up underneath . They are well fixed !
One problem with the Thule was the weight of it very heavy , BMW one is a two piece bike carrier with a base that fastens on first then top clips in and locks brilliant over engineered bike carrier better than the Thule one .
I have hydraulic bike lifts on the x5 which assist the bikes onto the roof they fit into the T track on genuine BMW roof bars can send you a picture ?
Re: towbar bike carrier
Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 7:32 pm
by jagr
This is my BMW 2 bike carrier.
It fits on my detachable witter towbar perfectly using clamps.
Re: towbar bike carrier
Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 8:30 pm
by andym3
I've got this one, it does the job! - eBay item number:271580978118
Re: towbar bike carrier
Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2015 5:56 pm
by Dan1502
I use an Atura which is very good. Bought from Roofbox co using a discount code which is probably still around if you search.
Re: towbar bike carrier
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 2:09 pm
by drmotorsport
thanks all, my concern is that using a single attachment point that is also designed to be pivoted around (ie. the greasy tow ball) means there is nothing to stop the whole rig from yawing side to side bashing into the car, or worse still falling backwards!
Given i use the tow hitch for normal trailer duties it is very greasy - so not sure how the manufacturers design around this?
Re: towbar bike carrier
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 2:27 pm
by andym3
They do lock on to the tow ball very tightly! Mine has not moved with the bikes on it, yet! lol
)
Re: towbar bike carrier
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 6:04 pm
by jagr
[quote="drmotorsport"]
thanks all, my concern is that using a single attachment point that is also designed to be pivoted around (ie. the greasy tow ball) means there is nothing to stop the whole rig from yawing side to side bashing into the car, or worse still falling backwards!
Given i use the tow hitch for normal trailer duties it is very greasy - so not sure how the manufacturers design around this?
[/quote]
I was also dubious about them staying still which is why I bought the BMW one.
When I first fitted it I tested it by standing on it and there was no movement with 14 stone on it.
Re: towbar bike carrier
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 11:01 am
by drmotorsport
many thanks guys, that inspires a bit of confidence!