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We're looking to hire a campervan, and want to take 2 full size (26") bikes and 2 kids (20") bikes along with us.
I've found a van that's available and seems perfect, but for the fact that the only rack the hirer has available is a 2 bike rack. However he tells me that I can get a kid's bike on there as well as the 2 adult bikes, and then one in the back behind the seats.
I'm dubious that you can get 3 bikes on this:
Has anyone seen it done?
Put 2 adult bikes on the rack and 2 kids bikes in the van?
Must be room in a van for 2 little bikes?
Get them to show you how and then decide?
Whether you can or not is an irrelevance, that's not what it was designed to do. You may as well argue that you don't need a rack at all because you can just duct tape them to the roof.
Your man hiring it, ask him if he's willing to put in writing that he'll replace the bike like-for-like if it comes loose after you've followed his advice. That'll give you your answer.
Must be room in a van for 2 little bikes?
This.
Must be room in a van for 2 little bikes?
4 passengers and a camper kit .... Not likely in most VW layouts without it being a projectile in a crash.
I''m sure you could strap a very small bike to the underside of the rails once it's hinged out. or just strap the kids bike between the two adult bikes. I see that sort of thing most days in the summer - mostly with very cheap bikes where the owners really aren't that fussed about scratches and scrapes.
I used to strap the kids bikes (12-20” wheel size) on top of our 2 adult bikes on a tow bar mounted carrier designed for 2. Plenty of straps and padding and it’ll be fine.
Put 2 adult bikes on the rack and 2 kids bikes in the van?
Again, surely this?
you can just
ductduck tape them to the roof
Your man hiring it, ask him if he’s willing to put in writing that he’ll replace the bike like-for-like if it comes loose after you’ve followed his advice. That’ll give you your answer.
Sure, you'd be upset about bike damage if the worst happened, but personally I'd be wanting him to accept the liability for the damage done to any following cars if one was lost. And any penalties if there was an RTA*
*He wouldn't, it would be down to you.
I have a T5 with barn doors and the same rack as the photo. I do carry 2 (lightweight) bikes on the rack, but wouldn't put more than that on. The rack wobbles when the door is opened and shut, and it is all held on with 2 x M6 bolts at the top. More than (say) 30kg on the rack is going to be stressing the mounting points a lot.
you can just
ductduck tape them to the roof
See those three little words under the big "TAPE" on the label?
It was originally called duck tape after the type of cloth it was made from. That name fell out of use in favour of duct tape (presumably because it was used on ducts), then someone registered "Duck Tape" as a brand of duct tape. Either name is valid really.
HAving had a rack partially fail at motorway speeds (and that wasnt over weight or badly loaded, just a bit old and a very bumpy French motorway), I wouldn't recommend it. Inside or not at all.
Thanks everyone for your responses. Suspicions confirmed and disaster duly averted.