Carrying eBikes on ...
 

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[Closed] Carrying eBikes on a tow bar?

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I have been using a Thule bike carrier on my tow bar, to carry a full sus and hard tail Levo. This summer when restrictions lift I’ll have to add my daughters Hardrock on there when we venture further afield. Previously it went on the roof; the new car is sans roof rails.

We were within the guidance on weight for the rack when we carried two bikes, but what could I buy to carry all three without the worry?

The length of the wheelbase on my LEVO is also right to the limit of the current rack.

I have seen the Thules eBike racks. I know it’s odd to quibble over a few hundred quid having spent thousands on bikes but I’d like to balance strength against the cost of something that will get used a dozen times a year.

Storage isn’t an issue, although the ones that fold and fit in the boot look neat.

TIA


 
Posted : 21/03/2021 5:33 pm
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I think it's going to be more about the rated weight for you towbar, so it might be worth checking that first.


 
Posted : 21/03/2021 5:53 pm
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You can probably check the max nose weight rating for both your car and the tow hitch. That's the max downward pressure you can exert on the towball. I remember many years ago my dad had an estate car and brought a new fireplace home. He said he had to brake every time he wanted to steer as the front wheels were hardly making contact with the ground.


 
Posted : 21/03/2021 6:11 pm
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I use the Yakima just click rack, it’s easily wide enough for a large Specialized Levo SL, and then other bike outside that, plus adaptor for 3rd bike. Keep the heavy one nearest the car...


 
Posted : 21/03/2021 7:23 pm
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Did quite a lot of research to carry eBikes on a tow bar as you know will depend on the car, tow bar and rack specification. I’ve a Mercedes E Class estate with a max nose weight of 84kg and a max nose weight for carrier systems ie bike racks of 75Kg. The max tow bar weight is 100Kg. Carrying two Orbea Wild FS without batteries is just over 40Kg on a Yakima Just Click which is 20Kg so it’s just over 60Kg in total. The Yakima has a maximum of 30Kg per bike and maximum total bikes weight of 60Kg so well within both. I put both eBikes on closest carrier slots to the car and would not add anything else. No problem with large 29ers with this carrier. Best rack I’ve had by a country mile including Thule; lightning quick to fit and folds up and goes in the boot easily. Very well made but it’s expensive so may not be the rack of choice if you will use it infrequently.


 
Posted : 21/03/2021 10:35 pm
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Thanks for the responses, I’ll do some research and update. Weight on the car should be ok, it’s a big (old!) RRS.

It will probably make it throw a hissy fit and another warning light...🥴😂


 
Posted : 22/03/2021 11:24 pm

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