GrumpyGel
Well-Known Member
I've recently been through the process of getting something to carry a bike.
I considered 1 that bolts to the spare wheel carrier but decided against it. The main reason being that it is on there permanently - or at least its a reasonable task to take it off and put it on, so would be left on and leave it poking out all the time, I worried that I (or my wife!) might hit something with it when reversing and put the back door out of alignment. Also I'm not sure if the spare carrier and its brackets on the door are designed to take the weight of bike(s) on top of the wheel. What with the window winding down into the door and how that needs to happen to open the door - I didn't want to do anything to upset that. I also was not to sure about hanging the bike so far off center, I was worried it might protrude from the side of the car to much. Plus, although they appear not more complex or bigger than than tow bar racks, they appear to be more expensive. Plus plus, you can't put a cover on the spare wheel.
Some of the above reasons also relate to carriers that fit over the spare wheel. The main problem with those though is that they usually rely on straps with clips that hook over the sides of the door. On Freelander the top of the door as no frame, its all glass, so they can't be used. I have had one before on my Discovery and it was a right faff clipping it all on and I never felt to sure it was going to stay there!
So I decided on a tow bar rack. You need one that bends out from the bar before going vertical to bring the bike(s) away from the spare - and of course you need a tow bar! Its been fine for me and worked well.
I considered 1 that bolts to the spare wheel carrier but decided against it. The main reason being that it is on there permanently - or at least its a reasonable task to take it off and put it on, so would be left on and leave it poking out all the time, I worried that I (or my wife!) might hit something with it when reversing and put the back door out of alignment. Also I'm not sure if the spare carrier and its brackets on the door are designed to take the weight of bike(s) on top of the wheel. What with the window winding down into the door and how that needs to happen to open the door - I didn't want to do anything to upset that. I also was not to sure about hanging the bike so far off center, I was worried it might protrude from the side of the car to much. Plus, although they appear not more complex or bigger than than tow bar racks, they appear to be more expensive. Plus plus, you can't put a cover on the spare wheel.
Some of the above reasons also relate to carriers that fit over the spare wheel. The main problem with those though is that they usually rely on straps with clips that hook over the sides of the door. On Freelander the top of the door as no frame, its all glass, so they can't be used. I have had one before on my Discovery and it was a right faff clipping it all on and I never felt to sure it was going to stay there!
So I decided on a tow bar rack. You need one that bends out from the bar before going vertical to bring the bike(s) away from the spare - and of course you need a tow bar! Its been fine for me and worked well.
Nodge68
Well-Known Member
Only the receiver remains on the vehicle. That actual bike carrier section removes by pulling one large fitter pin.
I'm currently looking at getting one myself, as I'm picking up a new bike soon, and will need to transport it safely.
andyfreelandy
Well-Known Member
Pin bolts onto wheel studs under wheel. This leaves a hex pin that the rack slides onto and can be locked on. 2 mins to fit. Had one for several years and it is fab. Pin goes rusty though so having mine powder coated.
I use the MaxxRaxx one, works well. Bolts onto towbar bolts, so you can still tow with it.
https://maxxraxx.co.uk/products/whi...ander-1-with-alloy-wheels/flange-ball-tow-bar
https://maxxraxx.co.uk/products/whi...ander-1-with-alloy-wheels/flange-ball-tow-bar
ETHANS2
Member
The maxxraxx ones do look nice.
I have an 'anorak' question regarding this brand. according to an email i received from them, they have two different versions for the freelander 1. one for alloys wheels and one for pressed steel wheels. according to them there is a difference in width between the two types of wheels. Does anyone have knowledge on the thickness of these wheels. ?
I have an 'anorak' question regarding this brand. according to an email i received from them, they have two different versions for the freelander 1. one for alloys wheels and one for pressed steel wheels. according to them there is a difference in width between the two types of wheels. Does anyone have knowledge on the thickness of these wheels. ?
Hmmm TBH I use an over the spare wheel cheapy from Halfrauds...
this one in fact
https://www.halfords.com/wcsstore/libraries/document/CC015-706770.pdf
Bikes only fit one way round or else they do poke out a little.
But then the only time I carry bikes is when we go camping for the August Bank Holiday weekend.
I think if I used it more often I'd be looking at the tow bar option.
Grumpy is that a Crystal Palace sticker I see in your rear window by any chance....surely not???
this one in fact
https://www.halfords.com/wcsstore/libraries/document/CC015-706770.pdf
Bikes only fit one way round or else they do poke out a little.
But then the only time I carry bikes is when we go camping for the August Bank Holiday weekend.
I think if I used it more often I'd be looking at the tow bar option.
Grumpy is that a Crystal Palace sticker I see in your rear window by any chance....surely not???
GrumpyGel
Well-Known Member
lol, well spotted
You could almost say, eagle eyed
Not mine though - its Mrs Grumpy's. She grew up close to the ground and is a Palace fan. Her sister and BIL are season ticket holders.
I have to say, as a West Ham fan, I enjoy watching the Palace play these days - its getting like a Hammers B team
I take it you're a Palace fan?
GrumpyGel
Well-Known Member
That rack looks just like 1 I got from Halfrauds many years ago. Used it on our Disco in the UK and bought it over here with us and used it on the one we got here. As I said above, I was always worried it was going to fall off, but it never did and always stayed on firm. Not suitable for the Freelander though with the glass top to the door, so got the tow bar one.
The rack is still going strong, I've lent/given it to a mate to use on his Vitara - but I'm sure all the plastic protector bits on the clips are long lost now so he's probably scratching the door to pieces.
Nodge68
Well-Known Member
The steel wheels are narrower than the alloy wheels. However there are a few sizes of alloy wheel, so the widths of those vary too.
I'd go for the proper bike carrier, which bolts onto the wheel carrier, behind the wheel. This is cheaper than other types, quickly removed and fitted and about as secure as is possible, unless the spare wheel comes off.
ETHANS2
Member
The steel wheels are narrower than the alloy wheels. However there are a few sizes of alloy wheel, so the widths of those vary too.
I'd go for the proper bike carrier, which bolts onto the wheel carrier, behind the wheel. This is cheaper than other types, quickly removed and fitted and about as secure as is possible, unless the spare wheel comes off.
kernowsvenski
Well-Known Member
That's exactly what I'd be worried about. I'm after a four bike rack but wouldn't consider the spare wheel type at all.
Nodge68
Well-Known Member
I've had 3 bikes on my spare wheel just fine. Ideally the rear door shouldn't be opened, while it's got bikes on the back. It's completely solid in the closed position, as the door is well supported on its guide once the lock is engaged. The door also has very robust internal bracing, for carrying the spare wheel.
However the wheel carrier is only made of pot metal, so has a finite strength itself.
I'd put 50 Kgs on the wheel carrier, providing it doesn't stick out more than 18" or so. Anything more than that, and a tow bar mounted cycle carrier is the way to go.
kernowsvenski
Well-Known Member
I'm doing the driving for a Lands End to John o'Groats cycle trip with some friends later this year. We'll be taking four bikes so I'd rather be safe than sorry I think. Just wondering what FL spares to take for the circa 1750 mile round trip
Goes without saying
