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I've been looking at getting one for a SWB Transit converted camper with a tailgate (it seems to be the only option for a bike rack without a towbar for this van).
Any got any real world experience with a Fiamma or have one on their vans?
Are they any good, or are they made from cheese?
cheers
see lots of them about.
was considering one for my T5, but they look very busy compared to an original VW rack. although they are about 2/3 the price when new compared t the VW rack.
alpin - the Atera Linea is a nice bit of kit but only fits T5 and Sharan. No use to me but worth looking at for your van
I’ve had one on the T5 for about 7 years and I loathe it.
It’s just cheap and nasty. Although not that cheap.
Apart from the stops falling off it, and the general nightmare fitting 3 bikes on (which you’d get with most racks to be honest) my main issue is that all the ratchet straps have corroded away and so I need to tie everything on with kayak straps.
Whenever I want to use it I need to lock the garden gate so the van doesn’t bolt as I bring the rack out of the garage.
thanks, did see that, too, when looking. still kinda busy:
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vs.
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(not my van)
I had one on my barn door vw t5, never really fitted that well and was a pain when closing the doors. i wouldn't buy another one
I don't have one but know a couple of people who do, or have. Main issue that I saw with them was the wheel support channels were far too close together which made loading bike a right pain in the arse.
personally bought a thule euroclassic, which tips to allow you to open the tailgate with the bikes on it - superb bit of kit - hold 4 bike (with the optional thingy) - just done a trip to the continent and it is now back in the garage allowing me to save some fuel by not having it on all the time .
Dealer who i bought the van off said you would need to upgrade the gas struts to open the tailgate with bike on the rack you are looking at
Got one on my T4 - been on it since I bought it 7 years ago.
Have also had the problem with the ratchet straps corroding but a regular spray with GT85 means they still work just about. I use extra straps and bungees just to be on the safe side but should really get round to ordering some replacements - they're about £4 apiece I think
The rack itself is ugly but solid. It took a clip from a 7.5 tonne Army truck a little while back and just shrugged it off!
I always forget the correct order / strap arrangement to fit our 3 bikes onto it so have taken a photo on my phone to refer to to avoid future faff!
andyfla - which van do you have?
my experience of the fiamma has been OKish, but I bent mine in the end.
http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/t5-owners-bike-racks#post-3548542
in the end I fitted a towbar and bought an altera strada. much, much better. very impressed with it.
http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/thule-euroway-g2#post-6076823
Same problem here with the rachet straps corroding. Newer ones use entirely plastic rachets that don't have that problem, it's just the older chrome plated ones that go funny.
Other than that mine has been fine, I've had no problems with it.
I have used the Fiamma racks on a Type 2 VW and a T4 VW. Never had any problems. easier to use than the standard VW option for the T5 in my opinion.
We've got a 3 bike version on our Bongo. Seems pretty sturdy so far, the channels do seem quite close together, I think I'd have difficulty putting 3 bikes on it TBH.
ElShalimo - T5 transporter
I've got a T5 California and use the Atera Strada DL3, you can open the tailgate with bikes on no problems, quite safe as well as all locks together. The VW racks are bonkers expensive and really easy to get off the van when its parked.
thanks everyone
anyone got an Atera Strada DL3 near Halifax that I could have a look at?
Got one on my motorhome. Never had any issues and seem well made. Channels are too narrow for big DH tyres unless you let air out the tyres, and all the fittings in mine move about enough to adapt any bike.
Use a Fiamma one on a motorhome, it's ok but not great. Really fancied getting one of these - if I had a towball
[url= http://www.buscamper.nl/nieuws/2_busbiker-assortiment-uitgebreid ]Swing out Bike Rack[/url]
anyone got an Atera Strada DL3 near Halifax that I could have a look at?
Back to the Fiamma rack - how long do they take to fit?