Bike rack installation

[deccauk]

Collecting my pre-owned California in two days - my first Cali so very excited!

My VW bike rack arrived today from Banwy which I will be fitting myself. Is this a two-person job or will I manage on my own?

Also, how many people take it on and off as needed? I was thinking of just putting it on when I went biking but now I'm not so sure about that idea!

 

[Martin]

Very easy for one person to take on/off, we remove ours quite often now (as and when people want them for a hire) , just make sure you fit your paintwork protectors.

It is also much easier to reverse the van without the bike rack on, especially if you are not used to reversing using side mirrors

 

[splitmike]

I used to leave mine fitted all the time. I've only taken this one off so I can give the van a proper clean and polish then it will go back in again.
I find the van looks odd without it now.

 

[Barryjm]

Only fit mine only when I need it, I like the clean lines of the van without it fitted. And it is easier to clean


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[blakeley]

We only put ours on when needed, benefits of leaving it off for us are

Easier to clean van
Easier to reverese
Nice big window at back when camping
Better MPG

10 minute job to put it on

 

[deccauk]

Thanks everyone. Not fitted it yet, but reassuring to know that it's an easy job to put it on and take it off as needed.

 

[deccauk]

OK - got the bike rack and fitted it OK. It is indeed easy to remove and re-install, but for those pesky bolts.....

Lining the bolts up with the infuriating cylindrical nut is incredibly frustrating.

Even using a torch so that I could see the nut and poking it with a small screwdriver to align it with the bolt, it would typically rotate out of the way as soon as the bolt touched it.

Am I missing a trick here....?????

 

[Martin]

You don't need to remove the bolts, they extend long enough to keep attached to the bike rack when putting it on.

 

[deccauk]

Thank you!

Why didn't I think of that :-(

 

[rcsb]

Thanks for this useful thread. I hope you don't mind if I add a question. Does anyone know where to get replacement paintwork protectors? I am talking about the fear plastic that goes between the rack and the tailgate at the 4 mounting points.

Thanks again

Rick

 

[CaliforniaDAN]

Thanks for this useful thread. I hope you don't mind if I add a question. Does anyone know where to get replacement paintwork protectors? I am talking about the fear plastic that goes between the rack and the tailgate at the 4 mounting points.

Thanks again

Rick

You can go to VW and buy or go to the shop section above and look under bike parts you can get replacements for £10. Spend a bit more on membership and that opens a whole new world of discounts and offers!

 

[simplybikes]

Tried to purchase replacement body protectors from the shop and told that there were no shipping methods available to Ireland!!!

 

[Martin]

Can you try now please?

 

[CaliforniaDAN]

Tried to purchase replacement body protectors from the shop and told that there were no shipping methods available to Ireland!!!

Hi try the "contact us" section and leave a message for admin I'm sure something can be arranged.

 

[simplybikes]

Thanks Martin, done and dusted.

 

[rcsb]

You can go to VW and buy or go to the shop section above and look under bike parts you can get replacements for £10. Spend a bit more on membership and that opens a whole new world of discounts and offers!

Thanks again. I have found them in the shop, decided to become a VIP to get the discount. When does the discount get applied?

Cheers

Rick

 

[Martin]

You need to add the code via the checkout

 

[oldmtber]

I used to leave mine on most of the time, only taking it off for long journeys without the bike.
However I now remove if not in use as I have been advised that it advertises the fact there is probably a bike worth stealing in the house.
Worth considering I think.

 

[rookeryview]

To be honest, seeing a California outside someone's house, and it then disappearing for a couple of days or more, also tells certain people that there's probably plenty inside your house worth taking, and time to do it, let alone a bike or two...