Bartonfolk Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 We have just changed our van to an Autosleeper Broadway which has a tow bar already fitted. We were thinking of buying a bike rack to fit on the tow bar perhaps the Thule 949. Has anyone any experience of this. Many thanks for any comments Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Had Enough Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 Can't recommend them enough. I have a Thule Europower 916, which holds two heavy electric bikes. It is brilliant, it's steady as a rock and because it's lower than a normal rear-mounted bike rack it's easy to lift the bikes on to it. It's also much easier to put a cover over the bikes as there are no arms attached to the rear, which necessitate slits in the cover, and being lower makes it simpler to get the cover over. You may have seen the video on this link but in case you haven't here it is, well worth watching. http://goo.gl/mz5wD9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartonfolk Posted February 26, 2015 Author Share Posted February 26, 2015 Thanks for this looks good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikejkay Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 Does the hand of the bike nearest the van ever hit the rear of the van? What sort of clearance is there when static? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Had Enough Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 mikejkay - 2015-02-27 1:02 AM Does the hand of the bike nearest the van ever hit the rear of the van? What sort of clearance is there when static? That depends on a couple of variables, the projection of the tow ball and the width of the handlebars. On mine, the very wide handlebars of our Dutch style 'sit up and beg' bikes are an inch or so from the rear wall. On our last rear-mounted rack they touched the wall and could have damaged it. However, I always twist the handlebars by ninety degrees so that they're parallel with the frames. This takes no time at all and reduces the total width of both bikes by several inches. It also makes it easier to slip the cover over the bikes. It's important if you do this to ensure that you tighten them up very firmly, as handlebars suddenly becoming loose whilst riding can be dangerous. With most bikes it's a simple job that involves inserting an Allan key. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilreeves Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 We also have the 916 and 2 electric bikes on the back. Each bike is 23kg and they are rock steady when mounted on the cycle rack. WE once did not see a speed ramp in the dark and hit it at 30mpg. (in my Nissan Navara) I got out to check the bikes and the had not moved. Wh had no problems with the mars touching the back of the Navara but I still used to put a large thick sponge on the handlebar incase it touched the Navara. But I think twisting the bars is a better idea. The rack is heavy at 19kg but it is solid. Highly recommended. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek pringle Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 Hi Bartonflk, We have a 916 Thule for 2 elec. bikes that we used on our Bessacarr motorhome and it worked brilliantly. Having just sold our motorhome p.m. me if you are interested as we no longer need it and are selling. cheers drerek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billggski Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 There are a number on eBay, and the Thule ones are very solid. I was tentative about how firm it would be when you are just tightening a nut onto a tow ball, but it's fine. And of course you can take it off and use it on another vehicle very quickly. The simple ones need a bike with a crossbar though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billggski Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 I don't mean a crossbar do I? It's the top tube of the frame on a man's bike that fits on the strut thingies that stick out. Am I clear? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek pringle Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 Billggski - 2015-02-27 11:19 AM I don't mean a crossbar do I? It's the top tube of the frame on a man's bike that fits on the strut thingies that stick out. Am I clear? Thule sell a proper bar that fits on a' ladies ' bike whilst attached to carrier. I have one of these with my carrier cheers derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartonfolk Posted February 28, 2015 Author Share Posted February 28, 2015 Many thanks to every-one for the info and also the links, looks like the Thule is the best. We plan to go and look at the 916 as well as the 949. Thanks again to all for taking the time to reply and give us suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muswell Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 We have the Thule also. It is excellent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sydney1 Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 We have an At era which might be worth comparing. Very pleased with overall quality and ease of use Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sydney1 Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 We have an At era which might be worth comparing. Very pleased with overall quality and ease of use Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartonfolk Posted March 3, 2015 Author Share Posted March 3, 2015 Many thanks to all have now purchased a Thule 916 from contributor to this forum! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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