Bike rack while spare still on?

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Craigwcd

Member
Posts
12
Hello,

I have searched through some of the old threads on the forum with regards to bike racks but there doesn't seem a clear winner to go for.
What I have seen is not to go for spare wheel bike racks due to added extra weight can make the door sag. I have seen some THULE one especially the 9403 from Halfords. I was looking at it thinking if I was to not count the third bike carrier and only use front two this should compensate for the spare wheel? It has a 7pin electrics too, ive a 64 plate defender and will check first thing tomorrow should this fit.
Any info from you chaps would be great!!
The Halfords ask a question thing has someone ask a similar question 6 years ago and the person replied yes it should fit.........

Ta!

Craig.
 
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Rear racks that clamp on the tow bar are very good, but you cannot open the rear door with the rack in place unless you get a hinge down rack. I got a very cheap one from Amazon which was good and about £15. As I now have a swing away wheel carrier fitted to the back of my 90 I modified the carrier to mount on to the wheel mount. It swings away with the spare wheel and allows the back door to open very easily.
 
I've used a Halfords standard three bike carrier for some time with no problems. The frame of the carrier fits over the spare wheel then the straps secure it. I then carry two bikes on it. For the time it is actually in use it makes no difference to the door sagging.
 
I used the type where you remove the spare wheel, fit the boss, refit the wheel and then just fit the carrier as and when, in seconds. Never made any difference to the disco rear door, and it had a LOT of use. Will be fitting it on the 110 when it's done. Also depends on the bike, a GT Zaskar race for instance, minus it's wheels weighs less than the rack. A Full suspension steel framed Apollo or an old Raleigh max will weigh considerably more.
 
I use a maxxraxx which is great, it attaches to behind the rear tow ball so you can still tow when using it and they do one which is specifically designed to go round a spare wheel carrier.
 
I've found a solution with mine of taking the spare wheel off and stowing it in the back of the landy. The bike carrier then fits over the top stud on the wheel carrier and the straps hold it securely.
 
Hello,

I have searched through some of the old threads on the forum with regards to bike racks but there doesn't seem a clear winner to go for.
What I have seen is not to go for spare wheel bike racks due to added extra weight can make the door sag. I have seen some THULE one especially the 9403 from Halfords. I was looking at it thinking if I was to not count the third bike carrier and only use front two this should compensate for the spare wheel? It has a 7pin electrics too, ive a 64 plate defender and will check first thing tomorrow should this fit.
Any info from you chaps would be great!!
The Halfords ask a question thing has someone ask a similar question 6 years ago and the person replied yes it should fit.........

Ta!

Craig.

Not so sure the door sagging is the main issue..... The internal frame if the door flexing and cracking would be the main problem ;)

Swing away carrier that is not attached to the door is the best option IMHO
 
Has anyone any experience of using a Thule Off-Road Adapter 9042 with a Thule Euroclassic towball bike carrier on a Defender?
 
I bought one years ago that straps to the spare tyre on the back door - worked really well, when I get home ill look up what make it was...
 
Good point, I've always had a swing away wheel carrier so never had an issue - I've never trusted having the spare wheel on the rear door!!
 
I use a maxxraxx which is great, it attaches to behind the rear tow ball so you can still tow when using it and they do one which is specifically designed to go round a spare wheel carrier.

+1 maxxraxx are superb, I have a 5 bike one

MAXXRAXX bike rack, cycle carriers, home. The UK 4 bike, cycle carrier, car bicycle rack

and they made it so it would just slot into the us towing hitch on my chevy.

superb construction, as trknapp says they usually mount on the tow bar, no chance of the bikes flying off either.

bought mine around 2008
 
+1 for a MxxRaxx. I have the four bike version and use it quite a bit on my 110. It will lower enough to allow the back door to be opened while the bikes are still on the rack.

I also like that it padlocks to the car and there is a steel wire for securing the bikes to the rack. While these measures would not stop a determined thief they will deter the opportunist.
 
Thanks. I am looking at Maxxraxx right now. They look well designed and I like the possibility of being able to open the rear door at least part way.
 
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