 You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I'm about to press the Buy button for a Fiamma bike rack that has the tyre clamps pictured below. Does anyone use these and have an idea of what tyre sizes are OK? I'm not expecting them to work with 4-5" tyres, but 3" would be good 🙂
[img] 
[/img]
That's the T5D, for a T5 VW isn't it? I have one! 🙂
From experience of using it with only 2.4 tyres, I'd say that you'll be ok if you treat the wheel holders as supports rather than as cradles. I suspect the straps will just fit 3' tyres, as my 2.4s have a good amount of strap left once tightened.
That photo is a T5D I think, it's one for a Trafic/Vivaro I'm considering but it has those holders.
I guess having to supply some longer straps isn't the worst case 🙂
Any other issues now I have your attention? I've noticed that the maximum weight limit is 30Kg (concern over strength of the door hinges I think). I shouldn't worry that.
Same bike rack, but fitted to a MH - had to let air out of DH tyres (2.5minions) to squeeze into groove and then lock in with the straps provided. Biggest problem by not securing the front wheel well is bar wobble and possible rubbing.
We had a T5 barndoor rack like that and stopped using it as it clearly wasn't adequately fastening to the door. It would move significantly when used and the fixings couldn't be tightened as they'd just pop off. We bought a complete new fixings kit but that made no difference so it's in the shed now and we use a row bar rack - which suits us better as we don't have a bike rack constantly fixed to the back of the van to demonstrate to passers by that we probably have bikes.
Good feedback thanks. I've been wondering about the practicality of it. Towbar fitting is cheap- the more so as I'd likely need electrics anyway.