Bike rack while spare still on?

fearofweapons said:

+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.

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that is a good point, hadn't thought about security aspects - mainly because I have never had a situation where the vehicle was unattended when the bikes were on it - definitely a plus.

the other thing I liked about them was that I could phone them and talk about specifics for my rack, notably having it made to fit the us hitch. Many years have passed since I bought mine so they may be a bigger outfit with more stock. back then you phoned them ordered your rack and they built it.

btw I am sure there are plenty of people on here that could build a rack like a maxxraxx

I'm in email contact with MaxxRaxx now. I have the LR sliding plate multi height tow-bar. They say that the movement (looseness) of the sliding plate can cause extra stress to the rack so they offer a grub-screw kit to stop this movement. Does anyone have the same tow-bar and do they get those problems or have you used their fix?

rafikiphoto said:

I'm in email contact with MaxxRaxx now. I have the LR sliding plate multi height tow-bar. They say that the movement (looseness) of the sliding plate can cause extra stress to the rack so they offer a grub-screw kit to stop this movement. Does anyone have the same tow-bar and do they get those problems or have you used their fix?

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dixon bate style?

the grub screw kit sounds like 'drill a hole, tap it and use a bolt'

you can get plates with 2 pins btw, should be a bit better

Yes, that's the type. I'll check out the 2 pin plates too. Thanks.

I have the single pin sliding plate multi height two-bar and not had any significant issues to date - having said that I bet the whole thing falls off next time! .

I have noticed that the top pin for the rack has taken a beating but seems to be within acceptable limits. The pin for the plate is not showing any marks attributable to the rack.

Thanks for that. I think I'll make my order tomorrow.

rafikiphoto said:

Will the hinge allow the rear door to open?

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i can open the rear door about a foot without tilting the rack, tilt the rack and you get about 2 foot, but with 4 bikes on the back, full size adult, i want something that is gonna be steady also full sus bikes, some will not hang on certain racks well, the one i have has channels for the wheels a rigid stay that straps to the bike, no bounce, so travels well, just has a brace strap when loaded to go around the spare to take the bounce out, when you have nearly 14k's worth of bikes on the back you want them sercure,

Sorry for not posting back earlier folks! Just to let use know i went for the Thule 3 bike carrier. Cant use the 3rd carrier due to spare wheel. The two bikes are snug together and the first bike on has to have the pedal under the spare wheel. Then i have to put the odd bit of foam in to stop the bike rubbing. It has an electrical connection and all that good stuff so it works well for what i need it to do.
Cant open the door with the bikes on obviously but take them off its fine.
If i was buying again i would maybe think about getting a 4bike carrier just for that extra space.
No security with it really so i just chain the bikes together then chain it onto a tow hook!

Currently having a nightmare with bike racks. I bought a Fabbri Gringo which was quick and easy to fit to the Defender spare wheel but fitting the bikes was far too fiddly, the wheel straps were lousy.

I sent it back and bought a Thule Velo Compact 927 plus an angled Extension bar to take account of the spare wheel.

With the back door open, I can fit the rack and close the door but I can't fit the extension bar so there's nothing for the bikes to clamp up to.

If I fit the extension bar first, I can't close the door.

Trying to fit the rack with or without the extension bar when the door is closed isn't possible as the locking handle fouls on the spare wheel.

I've been Googling for a fix and a couple of people have fitted a 20cm tow ball extender but this looks a big dodgy, has anyone else had the same issue and found a decent work around?

Thanks