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the shizzle => shootin' the shit => two wheel spiel => Topic started by: richieb on September 24, 2011, 04:25:23 pm

Title: Bike rack/carrier for a Van
Post by: richieb on September 24, 2011, 04:25:23 pm: I normally carry bikes inside the van, but on a trip it can be a real pain in the arse unloading the bikes everytime we want to get stuff out of the back or make a brew. Plus it means we have to stash the bikes in a nearby bush when dossing in a layby.
Basically the van isn't big enough to keep the bikes inside when the bed is up.
Also if the bikes are muddy it can be abit grim.

Anyone got any experience of roof mounted carriers on a van? (I've already got roof bars). Assuming I can lift the bikes up onto the roof is there anything else I should take into account?
Cant seem to find a rear mounted carrier that will fit my van (Peugeot Expert 2008 - barn doors) and Im thinking as Ive got the roof bars already roof mounted is the way to go.

Thanks
Title: Re: Bike rack/carrier for a Van
Post by: lagerstarfish on September 25, 2011, 09:20:42 am: If you've got a tow bar, there's a few more options
Title: Re: Bike rack/carrier for a Van
Post by: SA Chris on September 25, 2011, 01:27:18 pm: What lagers said. If you haven't got a towbar it moghtbe worth looking at getting one and using a towbar mounted rack. If not toof mouting can be fine,but mightbe a bit tricky as your van is pretty high already. A step might be needed to do it safely.
Title: Re: Bike rack/carrier for a Van
Post by: lagerstarfish on September 25, 2011, 03:35:44 pm: Quote from: SA Chris on September 25, 2011, 01:27:18 pm
moghtbe

is this the Scottish Gaelic word that is pronounced "vroom" and means motorbike?
Title: Re: Bike rack/carrier for a Van
Post by: richieb on September 25, 2011, 03:39:16 pm: Cheers. Oh yeah forgot to mention I ain't got no towbar. I'd rather avoid getting one fitted cos I understand its not cheap.

Any thoughts on fork mounted (take front wheel off) versus leave the front wheel on carriers? Im thinking its gonna be easier lifting bikes up onto the roof without the front wheel on.
Title: Re: Bike rack/carrier for a Van
Post by: SA Chris on September 25, 2011, 05:30:30 pm: Quote from: lagerstarfish on September 25, 2011, 03:35:44 pm
Quote from: SA Chris on September 25, 2011, 01:27:18 pm
moghtbe

is this the Scottish Gaelic word that is pronounced "vroom" and means motorbike?

Shite keyboard and fast typing. "Might be"

No idea about options for roof mounting though, sorry mate.

Bikes on the roof are apparently really bad for fuel economy too.
Title: Re: Bike rack/carrier for a Van
Post by: grumpycrumpy on September 25, 2011, 06:08:31 pm: Quote from: richieb on September 25, 2011, 03:39:16 pm
Cheers. Oh yeah forgot to mention I ain't got no towbar. I'd rather avoid getting one fitted cos I understand its not cheap.

Any thoughts on fork mounted (take front wheel off) versus leave the front wheel on carriers? Im thinking its gonna be easier lifting bikes up onto the roof without the front wheel on.

It's quite easy to fit your own tow bar ....... Took me about an hour and I had to cut slots to fit it round the LPG system on my van ...... I used a professional to fit the electrics , but that only cost about sixty quid inc. parts ........ Well worth giving it a go , and most makes of towbar can be found on ebay at very reasonable prices .......