[Fultonius]

Anyone got any experience with towball mounted bike racks?  Preferably tilting, removable and can carry 3 bikes.

Decathlog seem to have a well regarded one:  http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rack-n-ride-520-towbar-cycle-carrier-3-bikes-id_8241097.html?gclid=CIqws8jD4MkCFc8aGwodJnUHQg  Seems to tick the boxes?

Thule usually makes solid stuff: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/thule-rideon-9503-3-bike-towball-carrier/

But what makes this one so much more expensive?  http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-racks/towbar-mounted-bike-racks/zx503-towball-mounted-tilting-3-bike-cycle-carrier  (too expensive!)

Any personal experience?  It's actually for my mum, so I don't time/inclination to go round the shops myself.

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

I haven't got one (yet) but have read up on them a fair bit. Avoid ones that are too big to fit in the back of your car, an issue with some Thule models is they are very wide, and if your on holiday/camping etc and don't want to leave it lying around when your not using it, it needs to fit in the boot.

Thule ones are normally expensive, although that one on Wiggle looks reasonable. Be aware most obscure the number plate and/or lights so you'll need a light board be stay legal for ones that don't include one.

These guys do a big range, their Buzz range looks like good value, lots of knowledge on their site as well
http://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/bike-carriers-racks-range-towbar-mounting.php

[andyd]

I have the thule one. It's most certainly 'the shit' but I've never looked or tried the lesser models. It fits three DH bikes comfortably and you can purchase an extender to fit an extra bike too.

[Percy B]

I'm also looking for a towbar mounted bike rack that carries three bikes, and the tip from my tow bar man is to check out pfjones.co.uk for a good deal on the Thule ones with integrated light boards and stuff.
My tip is that if you need any other towbar related shizzle, go and see Junior at JM Towbars - the one right next door to where the Edge that used to be CCC towbars. He's a good lad and knows his stuff.

[Bubba]

I've got a Westfalia BC60 rack - highly recommended.

Used PF Jones (and their towbar fitter) and the service was top notch.

[SamT]

Look no further if you want a hang on one, rather than one where the bikes sit on a rail....

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.php/car-specific-accessories/buzz_rack_buffalo_4_bike_tilting_tow_ball_carrier_no_brh404/Qx%40w%2C6M42VAwp3%40Rb%7B~cC4ure5LA2V

Been very happy with mine, only down side is that its pretty heavy.  Folds up nice and neat for storage in the garage, or in the boot when out and about.

Opps - just seen that Obi beat me too it.  What he said!

[Dolly]

This might be a daft question but is a towball the same as a towbar ?
If so I've got one from Halfords for £150 which is great. Easy to use, takes 4 bikes

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

This might be a daft question but is a towball the same as a towbar ?
If so I've got one from Halfords for £150 which is great. Easy to use, takes 4 bikes

I believe so, most universal ones seem to clamp firmly onto the towing hitch/ball/bar whatever. I've seen some which slot into a square socket on the car, instead of the towball (which can also slot in, but not at the same time). However I think these systems are specific to the car fitting and wouldn't transfer between cars easily.

[gingerninja]

i used to have a thule one with the light board and it worked well. the only thing to look at it max carry weight. i used to add a strap through my roof bars on the the rack to take a bit of weight when i have 3 dh bikes on.

[Fultonius]

I have the thule one. It's most certainly 'the shit' but I've never looked or tried the lesser models. It fits three DH bikes comfortably and you can purchase an extender to fit an extra bike too.

I take it you've got the halfords Thule one (3rd link) not the wiggle one (2nd link)?