Towing Nose weights and cycle carriers

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Mon 30 Jul 2007 22:34
Towing Nose weights and cycle carriers - Ian71
I just want to make sure that I understand something correctly.

We are thinking of down sizing from a large estate car to a small car as we only really need the size to transport bikes nowadays. And, our daughter is getting bigger so having three bikes in the back of the car looks like it might be a bit unstable.

We have been considering a car with a maximum nose weight of 55kg. So, does this mean that I can use a bike rack for 3 bikes as long as the total weight does not exceed the weight of 3 bikes and the carrier? I was thinking of the type that support the bike by the cross bar rather than the version that you slot the bikes into and secure by an upright post.

Also, is there anything else I should consider if using this method of carrying bikes? I do appreciate that boot access would be difficult. Any help would be greatly apprecaited!

Thank you.
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Mon 30 Jul 2007 23:37
Towing Nose weights and cycle carriers - Spospe
I read it as meaning that 55 Kg is the max weight on the rear of the car, so this is the maximum of the cycles and carrier when hung on the car.

Also consider the visibility of the rear number plate and the rear lights of the car and especially ensure that the cycles do not stick out beyond the width of the car..
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Tue 31 Jul 2007 11:29
Towing Nose weights and cycle carriers - normd2
This is the recommended downward force permissible on the towball so if your rack is mounted on the towbar then 55kg is your lot. I've used the type that has six webbing straps to secure it to the tailgate for years and never had a problem - in one 'emergency' situation' even had five adult bikes (and the five adults) on/in a Fiat Uno ( only for a couple of miles - sunny day suddenly turned to a torrential hail storm). If I was buying again I give serious consideration to the roof mounted type.
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