Tow Bar mounted bike carriers

bladeone

I'm looking to buy either thule 9503 or witter zx300 they are both about the 140 quid mark,

I would prefer the type that bolts behind a flange type tow ball, but these attach to any tow ball which is good but would have preferred the security of the bolted type. Maybe old school but just think clamping onto the ball maybe a weakness or its just me.
Anyone any experiences with this type? they sell that many im sure that there wouldn't be a problem with FS bikes on, I would mainly be carrying two so its well within the weight limit.

The Rookie

I have a Halfords rack for 4 bikes, the rack is actually made by Thule, not had any problems at all with it mounted to either my old car or my new which uses a whitter removeable swan neck, the way it clamps on it is totally rigid once installed. I too had reservations but can assure you they are unfounded.

Maro

I have a witter one, not sure but might be the zx300, it's pretty sturdy. Ive had 3 bikes on mine, a 29er h/t, 26 h /t and my 26 f/s. I have driven the 160 miles to devon and then back home with my h/t on and it was safe as houses.

The only issue I have had is with the size of the mechanism that clamps onto the tow ball, but that's because I drive a van and the rear barn doors can't be opened fully even with it tilted.

Bishbosh10

I have one of these:
http://www.thule.com/en/gb/products/carriers-and-racks/bike-carriers/towbar-mounted-bike-carriers/thule-euroway-g2-923-_-923000

Clamps to the tow ball and is absolutely fine with 3 full sussers on. (51kg total bike weight limit)

Can be left locked to the tow ball or can be folded into the boot in under a minute.

Really pleased with mine and whilst a bit more than £140, worth every penny IMHO.

There is a two bike version also.

WindyG

I have a Buzzrack that clamps onto the towball and honestly it is very strong and it also has a lock bar that slides in for added security to prevent theft but also to stop the clamp coming undone with it in place.

bladeone

Had a look at all them and they all fit onto the tow ball and nobody has said they have concerns which puts me at ease, now I just have to decide which, the witter I think is my preferred choice and is the cheapest, comes with the new 13 pin eclectic plug.
Has anyone told insurance about towing?

Thanks for all replies. Andy

Mojo_666

Mine arrive yesterday, I am suprised how solid the thing feels, even with me stood on it

The Rookie

Your not towing, no need to tell the insurer at all (even if you are towing on most policies).

bladeone

But when you could have 5k worth of bike on back and you took a shunt, it may be worth checking out.

sniper68

I have a ZX300 and here's a bit of a heads-up.
1.After the first usage check all bolts......some were loose.
2.Take the tow-ball bolt spanner...mine came loose with 3 bikes on after about 80 miles.This only happened the first couple of times so maybe I'd been over cautious with the bolt?
3.The little baskets the wheels sit in were nowhere near far enough apart for the Full-suss,even when positioned on their most outward setting,so I had to modify.
4.The two bars supplied to hold the bikes in position/apart don't work on either of the 3 FS bikes(Nukeproof/Trek/Giant) so we had to use a bit of foam/rag to stop them rubbing together.I've since bought some pipe-lagging from B&Q.
All that aside with a bit of tweaking it's a great bit of kit for the money 8)

ToeKnee

The Rookie wrote:

Your not towing, no need to tell the insurer at all (even if you are towing on most policies).

Why not tell the insurers? It takes a few minutes and, in my case, made no difference to the premium and ensures you are covered. Better safe than sorry.

prawny

bladeone wrote:

But when you could have 5k worth of bike on back and you took a shunt, it may be worth checking out.

It would be the other guys problem. They should have told their insurers they were planning on rear ending you.
If it was your fault they wouldn't be covered anyway.

bladeone

Good point prawny bout the 3rd party problem.

Thanks ibbo for the heads up regarding the witter, as they would be FS bike the clamping arms maybe useless then, the thule system maybe the way to go then with having the separating bar between them.

So when I get one I'll build it up and take it for a shake down with no bikes on.

Thanks guys for all info.