I have just bought a Thule Xpress 970. Its a really nice bit of kit and amazing quick to fit. Cost £49 and will carry 2 bikes with a bit of adjusting. Also folds down and doesn't take up[ very much rook when not in use.

I have a witter detachable towbar ( the straight arm type ) and have a thule 9503 rack.

Very pleased with it so far. Clamps to the towball very well and doesn't move about.

Just don't know if I can justify £510 on a tow bar and carrier for the twice monthly jolly down to Cannock chase!!

Hmmmm decisions decisions. Was hoping it would cheaper, but this seems the best option unfortunately.

James 2013 FL2 - Black Edition Auto
2013 FL2 - Black Edition Manual GONE!
Founder of the 'Microscopic LR Spoiler Badge Club'
Destroyer of chrome rears.....

I have a witter detachable FLANGED towbar. It works the same as the more common detachable swan-necks but has the advantage of a (cheaply) replaceable ball -standard or ALKO and so you can put a carrier mounting bracket behind the bolt-on ball. They're quite new but I had mine fitted last November and it's great. FL2 2007 57 GS
D2 2005 Td5 - gone and not missed
FL1 2005 Td4 - gone and missed

I shall see what my research digs up over the next few days!! 2013 FL2 - Black Edition Auto
2013 FL2 - Black Edition Manual GONE!
Founder of the 'Microscopic LR Spoiler Badge Club'
Destroyer of chrome rears.....

Hi there, i have a fixed flange tow bar, and now have a maxxraxx discovery range carrier, it carries 4 bikes, i picked it up off the bay.

it took a bit of faffing on the tow bar mounting bolts, ended up with 125mm bolts and 40mm spacers to clear bumper, but it tilts to allow access to boot and i can tow my van as well.


there doesnt seem to be a cheap way of doing this, i looked all over at various options. and the maxxraxx was the only towbar system that allows towing at the same time. roof mounts good but no access to many carparks height issues.

good luck in your search. My11 freelander 2, xs, Manual, 18" hse sparkles, sidesteps, privacy, zermatt silver metallic, almond nutmeg alacantra, twin electric towbar

Gone my09 xs D3

pab wrote:

If you're tall (or prepared to stand on something, or ruin the look of your car with those awful side steps) I wouldn't rule out a roof carrier. They have their advantages (don't block the lights and number plate, or prevent access to the tailgate), and modern bikes are light enough to lift easily. A tow bar carrier is going to get expensive if you need the tow bar first, then the carrier itself and a lighting board.

pab wrote:

If you're tall (or prepared to stand on something, or ruin the look of your car with those awful side steps) I wouldn't rule out a roof carrier. They have their advantages (don't block the lights and number plate, or prevent access to the tailgate), and modern bikes are light enough to lift easily. A tow bar carrier is going to get expensive if you need the tow bar first, then the carrier itself and a lighting board.

So good he posted twice  My11 freelander 2, xs, Manual, 18" hse sparkles, sidesteps, privacy, zermatt silver metallic, almond nutmeg alacantra, twin electric towbar

Gone my09 xs D3

Just bought this today from Halfords - £60 off at the moment so just £100. Fits my FL2 with a spoiler fitted.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/...yId_165477 Had to buy a 'false crossbar' to fit my wife's Pashley but you'd need one of then for any bike without a crossbar. Once assembled it is a doddle to fit - just hang it on the top lip of the tailgate, then clip it on the bottom (metal straps, not fabric) then just snap two levers and its on solid. With some adjustment to the mounting bar I could probably get the bikes a bit higher but the basket will have to come off the Pashley.




I can see my numberplate. Just!




That Pashley is bloody heavy!!!! Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

Last edited by Steve D on 10th Aug 2013 7:34 pm. Edited 1 time in total

You're obscuring (even if only partly) both lights and number plate, so to be legal you'll need a lighting board with number plate.

Loaded like that it's a bit wider than I'd like too...

Defo needs a trailerboard 3 points and £60 fine if you get stopped. Freelander2 GS TD4 Manual in Lago Grey .Roof Mount DVD 9.2''Screen~Window Tints~Parrot CK3100 Bluetooth~Retro Fit Sony Satnav~iPhone Dashmount~Side Steps~Woodco Armrest~Mudflaps~Land Rover Sunglass Holder~LED Interior Lights~Private Plate.Evoque Collected 17th Sept 2012.


Also Audi TT Roadster.

Hmmm. I see what you mean. The whole point of a high mount carrier is to do away with lighting boards. Might have to give it another trial loading tomorrow and if I can't get it any better, back it goes. If I've got to have a lighting board I won't need a high mount carrier! And if I need a lighting board I might as well fit a towbar. And if I've got a towbar I can........ Oh, ! Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

Its not so much the number plates its your lights need to be visable,i used to have a trailerboard lead inside the boot and hang it out the back when i carrying bikes. Freelander2 GS TD4 Manual in Lago Grey .Roof Mount DVD 9.2''Screen~Window Tints~Parrot CK3100 Bluetooth~Retro Fit Sony Satnav~iPhone Dashmount~Side Steps~Woodco Armrest~Mudflaps~Land Rover Sunglass Holder~LED Interior Lights~Private Plate.Evoque Collected 17th Sept 2012.


Also Audi TT Roadster.

Not much of a view out the back or mirrors by the looks of it.

I know they are expensive but my maxxraxx has moved from my disco, FL1 and now to my FL2. I had to order a new strap this weekend as the other has broken - well, it was 10 years old.

I fitted the tow bar myself to the FL1 which saved a couple of bob, not sure how easy it is on the FL2.