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I'm debating modifying the 'factory' bike rack on a T5. I think it is a 'genuine' VW item (Not sure if it is actually made by Thule or Fiamma or some other). Same as this:Â https://www.amazon.co.uk/Volkswagen-7H0071104-Rear-Rack/dp/B00E0HYR62
Anyway, the trays are not quite long enough, strap slots are in the wrong place for my long bikes, some straps are missing and the frame clamps have deteriorated over time and need replaced anyway so it needs some TLC and I am wondering if it could be improved....
The trays can be unscrewed leaving a base to work from so I'm wondering if something like a Thule 598 could be fitted on to the base of the rack to give a secure lockable holder that is a bit longer for bikes with a bigger wheelbase? Maybe by using the square bar adaptors that you get?
Anyone actually know what I am on about and care to offer an opinion as to whether this has any chance of working?
Some of the Thule racks have extending trays, for example the 9105.
See spares available here:Â https://roofracks.co.uk/Thule-Products/Spare-Parts/_/?productID=9105-9106
Assume you could get some of these trays and attach them to your rack after you remove the fixed trays?
Edit: may be cheaper to get a used 9105 or similar and pinch the trays
Don't thule sell a three bike device for their easybase towball luggage rack? it looks like the wheel carriers from the 598, but without the down tube attachment. Comme ca
I initially had the VW bike rack as in your link. It is the standard factory VW rack.
I found that it was too high to be practical, the bikes were higher than the roof of the van, massive and difficult remove or fit to van on my own and to big to store.
I sold it for a good price and bought a new Thule tow ball type for less money than I got for the VW item.
I prefer it because it is much better at all the issues mentioned above. My Thule does not have extendable tracks but as above, I believe some do.
I made a rack to go on the back of my defender using roof-rack bike holders mounted width ways on the frame as you envisage. However, I would say that it was NOT ideal as the forces on a roof rack mount are at 90 degrees to those on a rear mounted rack meaning there was a hell of a strain on the frame mounts. This is the reason that rear mounted racks tend to have solid bars from an upright holding the frame. Braking and acceleration generates far higher G force than cornering on most road vehicles. In the end I bought some of the Fiammi arms and made an extra mount for them in addition to the roof-rack frame mounts. Hopefully this makes some sense. As far as the trays go there is no problem swapping them out, just the fore-aft fixing may need to be sorted, though your rack should have those bars anyway.
Thanks for the input guys.
@mrjmt - yeah I have the extension option as a potential back up, cheers.
@hot_fiat - thanks for the easy base link. That is something similar to what I intent to make!
@jef - agree on your points, it is high up for sure! Unfortunately for a whole multitude of reasons a towbar is not going to work on my van!
@welshfarmer - sounds like we are on the same wavelength! I had thought about the side on vs front on forces. Was thinking of using a couple of the small Atera bike to bike holders - one connected to the frame of the bike rack secured to van on one end and to bike 1 at the other end? Then if carrying a second bike a second bike to bike between them? https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.php?29037
Side note - saw some really cool front bike carriers for Defenders on one of the NZ uplift service pages, looked good.