Tow bar carriers

[Old seahorse]

Just wondering if anyone has experience of a removable tow bar mounted carrier. I’ve looked at some of the options, but real life experience can be somewhat different to retailers claims.
Looking at one to carry two sib bags( 1 boat+ 1 for transom, wheels etc). Ability to lower, and carry bike would be a bonus.( not necessarily at same time!)
Welcome any feedback on any products being used.
Max weight carried probably 40/45 kilos.
Many thanks

[SimonCh]

Originally Posted by Old seahorse

Just wondering if anyone has experience of a removable tow bar mounted carrier. I’ve looked at some of the options, but real life experience can be somewhat different to retailers claims.
Looking at one to carry two sib bags( 1 boat+ 1 for transom, wheels etc). Ability to lower, and carry bike would be a bonus.( not necessarily at same time!)
Welcome any feedback on any products being used.
Max weight carried probably 40/45 kilos.
Many thanks

I've got a towbar mounted bike rack if that experience is any help? I think it's fantastic. Easy to put on and off, it is secure as hell once it's on, has the lighting board built in. It tilts down to allow opening of the boot... I can't fault it at all.

[Old seahorse]

Thanks SimonCh
Yes, the bike ones are good. I’ve got a fairly basic one.
I’m now looking at the ones with a tubular platform, to save on boot space( and lifting!) with the boat. If I can find the right product, it could make life a bit easier, as I now do much of my boating solo.
I see some of them have optional bike rack fittings, in which case I could dispose of my other one.
Thanks for reply
.

[Jhoughton]

I've been wondering about getting one of these for a while - you've inspired me to go for it! https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasic...c=1&th=1&psc=1

[Oldman2]

That Amazon one is a good price, 220 odd kilo capacity, wow thats a lot hanging off a 50mm ball. "ideal for tailgating" must be an American thing Great for carrying the boat though.
So do you remove the ball and fit a 50mm receiver instead with this one?

[Old seahorse]

I noticed the Amazon one when I was looking. I’m a bit puzzled by the fitting , though. I assume it slides into a square tube on the car rather than on a tow ball, or am I missing something?

[SimonCh]

Originally Posted by Old seahorse

I noticed the Amazon one when I was looking. I’m a bit puzzled by the fitting , though. I assume it slides into a square tube on the car rather than on a tow ball, or am I missing something?

I thought that as well - says it fits "vehicles with 5cm receivers".

So basically a towbar which can be fitted removed like this one;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AHK-Adapter.../dp/B074VC3FMG

[Oldman2]

Originally Posted by Old seahorse

I noticed the Amazon one when I was looking. I’m a bit puzzled by the fitting , though. I assume it slides into a square tube on the car rather than on a tow ball, or am I missing something?

Had me confused too, It looks like it fits into a 50mm square tube which goes in place of the ball hitch.


Like this? https://www.wish.com/product/5e872d0a2dce67395aa465a1

[Pipster100]

I'm sure these fit American tow bars where the rack slides into a box section on you car, not designed to fit into where you'd slot in your removable tow bar. If you look at the Thule system the max load is 45kg.

[Old seahorse]

Certainly looks like a different system. It’s good that it fits into chassis of vehicle, which probably explains its high load capacity.
My tow bar bolts to a frame up behind bumper, so not looking suitable for me, so will look at others. The load for the Thule model would be enough for my needs , but will look at others too.
Still open to ideas from anyone who’s got a system already.

[beamishken]

Originally Posted by Pipster100

I'm sure these fit American tow bars where the rack slides into a box section on you car, not designed to fit into where you'd slot in your removable tow bar. If you look at the Thule system the max load is 45kg.

Those amazon ones are designed for American style tow hitches & 200kg plus hanging out the back of your car is asking for trouble. It'll affect handling & steering and potentially damage the tow bar mounting points. I dont think any uk vehicles have a 200kg plus trailer nose weight limit & even if it did those racks exert the load in a different plane to the intended use.
A 45 kg bike rack fair enough but I wouldn't consider anything much heavier

[Brinormeg]

Hi is this what you are looking for although I have no idea if could be altered later to take a bike.

https://www.excel-inflatables.co.uk/...oat-Rack-c.jpg

[Oldman2]

https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rb...7B~cC4urewQXIs


Thats a towball mount one Buzz-rack £160

[Brinormeg]

Could be quite handy for anyone who doesn't want to (or younger ones who no longer can haul a trailer without a test)
Guess save the hassle of making a mess of the boot as well. And I figure would be easier to lift a weight off rather than stretching into a boot

Not that bad a price either.

[jeffstevens763@g]

Arnt most tow balls only rated to 100 kg?

[Oldman2]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

Arnt most tow balls only rated to 100 kg?

The buzz-rack one is Maximum load: 75kg (dependent on the maximum noseweight of your tow ball).

[Old seahorse]

Thanks all for responses. I’ll have a further look at buzzbox, and Thule. The bike aspect was only a bonus if it would take one. The main purpose is the boat. Having to lose boot space to the bags, and lug them in and out of the boat is a chore, especially single handed. A repeat of back surgery doesn’t appeal, so trying to make things easier. Might also be useful for holidays, giving extra space for luggage( Does anyone remember holidays?)
Thanks for responses

[Nasher]

We've had this for many years, the images are over 10yrs old now.

The cycle support bars come off easily to use it as a flat carrier.

They are a really good solution to carry manky stuff you don't want in the car, or to extent boot space without using a trailer or putting it on the roof.

Nasher.

[mm289]

Just to add to the above we bought the Buzz-rak one about a year ago specifically to take the SIB - or in our case a F-Rib 330.

We have it mounted on the back of a Range Rover which has a 100kg towball limit and the rack itself is limited to 75kg so well within the load allowance of the RR.

The F-Rib is about 44kg so goes on nicely and I have also had a few light bits like camp chairs etc strapped on as well.

It has been great for us, have used it before we got a trailer for carrying the FRib down to the beach which meant we could put the engine in the boot and not need to fold down rear seats.

Have also used it for longer holiday trips e.g. Kent to Oban when we had the boot full of camping gear.

I would definitely recommend, it has never even looked like coming loose (which was one of my concerns) and is pretty well made and adjustable to match the layout of the load.

It won't allow you to open a hatchback etc you would have to drop of the SIB first, but you can then remove the vertical bar easily and then access to boot etc is easy.

Have added a few pics if that helps

Cheers,

MM

[Old seahorse]

Thanks Nasher and MM289.
Both look good, and reassures me that it’s the way to go. I have a trailer, but the carrier looks a better option, especially for long journeys and where storage is an issue at destination.