Bike rack - or not.

[ChrisB]

We take delivery of our new ocean in a few weeks and the vehicle will be used for extended touring through Europe.

We already have a really good Thule top box that we can transfer to the new Ocean and we intend to use this in conjunction with the modified cali-topper set up.

I am also looking at buying a tailgate mounted cycle rack. However, the rack wont really be used for bikes, I want it to carry a Khyam awning and/or other bags outside the vehicle, to allow greater freedom of use of the inside spaces.

Before I shell out a fortune on accessories, I have a few questions that people might be able to help me with.

For those who own the modified cali-topper (roof rails) how do you find it for weatherproofing and ease of fitment?

I am also very interested in any opinions on alternatives to the cali topper system.

I have been looking at the VW rack which although expensive seems to be a decent prospect, but can anyone tell me whether all the fancy bike holding bits & bobs have to be fitted, or can I just assemble the main body of the rack and fit that, using the drop down fails as a load platform.

Does anyone have experience of using a rack mounted hard box or flexi bag such as the Fiamma/Thule or Brandrup types? What do you think of them?

Any opinions on alternative racks such as the Fiamma or Thule models?

Any ideas or advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
ChrisB

 

[Sad]

This is another alternative to the Cali topper:

http://darenpucerscreens.co.uk

Don't own one, but saw on the champagne trip. Apparently very easy to use...

 

[inthemidnighthour]

We have the new T6 bike rack and all the top clamps and all of the wheel blocks slide off very easily.We used the rack recently just to carry more comfy chairs and an oztent to the south of france with no problems. It is also excellent as a towel rail !
Dave and Lisa

 

[Razor Crest]

We have the new T6 bike rack and all the top clamps and all of the wheel blocks slide off very easily.We used the rack recently just to carry more comfy chairs and an oztent to the south of france with no problems. It is also excellent as a towel rail !
Dave and Lisa

Hey Dave,
What size Oztent do you carry on the back? I have an RV5 on the roof, but would prefer it went elsewhere.
Cheers
Steve

 

[inthemidnighthour]

its an rv2 2 m wide slightly wider than the van but hey !