Hi,

With the 150kg tow bar weight one of the attractions of the FL2 is being able to load bikes on the tow bar and still have capacity to tow the caravan. We currently have folding bikes that are agony much past 10miles and being able to load the bigger bikes would be great. Does anyone do this? I have concerns about clearance between bikes and caravan especially when cornering, any issues?

Say 50kg for bikes and carrier + 80kg for caravan = 130kg

Brian

PUT THE BIKES IN THE CARAVAN ...??  Wales
Were the mud is thicker, and the ruts are deeper.
(And we have the water to wash it off, and more on the way..! )
Sd4 and chrome Ar*e piece, Auto box for best fun
09 Xs Gone
12 xs Gone
HSE with Leather seats and 4 years warrenty.. staying for now !

That was my thought too. Maybe get some bike bags - you'd have to take the wheels off, but they'd give some protection to both bikes and caravan - keep the mud and oil off the upholstery, etc.

I have the same problem but I've not really solved it yet. I bought whispbar roof bars and thule carriers for the roof but find it quite difficult to get them up there. Thought about buying a small platform as caravan step is still not high enough. Also whispbars are suppose to be quiet but they are not! So i would have to remove them when not in use and thats a bite of a pain..Looked at towing with them on the towbar using a towbar mounted rack as well but I have a detachable. LR towbar and the only one I could find is maxraxx who do an adapter plate but its VERY expensive.. Though about putting them in the caravan but I would have to lose something else from the van otherwise it would be overweight. Seems likes the best bike carriers are the platform one which fit onto the towball but then of course you can't tow! I am thinking maybe about buying a platform rack for normal use and then securing them in the caravan when towing. There are various stands you can get to keep them stable in the van..

We've just picked up a maxxraxx of ebay, we need to get 4 bikes on it, and tow the van, we have a hymer with a reasonably long a frame, so I am hoping it shouldn't foul whilst turning.

We shall see. My11 freelander 2, xs, Manual, 18" hse sparkles, sidesteps, privacy, zermatt silver metallic, almond nutmeg alacantra, twin electric towbar

Gone my09 xs D3

The problem with putting them in the van, (I did it last year) is it sends the nose weight skyward, I ended up putting the awning and frame in the disco and the bikes in the garage in the caravan. Finally managed to get the nose weight to 100kgs by moving stuff around (100kg) is recommended nw on the hymer.

The fl2 boot not really big enough to stuff the awning and frame in hence getting bike rack,

Also if your bikes weigh c50kg then your really going to have to lose some gear out of the van to get your axle weight correct.

Keep us posted My11 freelander 2, xs, Manual, 18" hse sparkles, sidesteps, privacy, zermatt silver metallic, almond nutmeg alacantra, twin electric towbar

Gone my09 xs D3

If you put bikes in a van and they are over the axle how does that change the nose weight?

The most important factor in chosing a van is the numerical difference between laden and unladen weight. However, the van manufacturers want to sell their vans to the widest range of car owners, so they often deliberately understate the maximum weight because it limits the size of vehicle required to tow. To "re-rate" a van may only require obtaining a new chassis plate from the factory, or perhaps also a set of heftier tyres. Everyone can spread it - Anyone can catch it. Stay home - the life you save can be your own!

If you get them directly over the axle it won't, but I have a garage in the front of my van and it does. Also the op may not get them directly over the axles,

Just helping to point out the potential areas of risk.

Hymer swing 530kzg My11 freelander 2, xs, Manual, 18" hse sparkles, sidesteps, privacy, zermatt silver metallic, almond nutmeg alacantra, twin electric towbar

Gone my09 xs D3

With a fixed bed as in mine, there is no way I can get any weight directly an the axle, on the axle and towards the front on mine. A high mounted rack maybe the only way forward me thinks. p****d off with a Digital Keyboard Warrior

Saw D3 this weekend with twin axle and a towbar mounted rack did a quite tight turn and bikes got very close to the jockey wheel handle

I have my van reweighted cost £50 for a new sticker and a bit more air in the wheels

As for bikes, don't take them, just scooters  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

If its fouling on the Jockey Wheel, you could always remove the Jockey Wheel whilst your on the move. p****d off with a Digital Keyboard Warrior