Rear set up

[emma harvey]

We are after some advice please!

We have a 4 bike towbar bike rack. We are also considering setting up a tailgate bike rack with a storage box attached. The idea being this will allow us to take bikes away and also give us more storage. This would also keep us under the 2m height!

So
1) does anyone have a similar set up that works?
2) would this mean we would exceed the rear axle max load or overall weight of the vehicle?
3) would this impact our insurance?
4) apart from obvious wear and tear, any other considerations?

As always thank you in advance for all your ideas and help!

On our way back to Calais, planning the next trip!!

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

Max nose weight on towbar Inc carrier 100kg

 

[sidepod]

Do you mean use the tailgate rack in the DOWN position to carry a box, as well as bikes on the tow bar rack?

If so, not sure that would work?

 

[sidepod]

Here’s a set up I use. Not much room for boxes and bikes. Yeti box

 

[emma harvey]

Do you mean use the tailgate rack in the DOWN position to carry a box, as well as bikes on the tow bar rack?

If so, not sure that would work?

Yes, that’s the plan. Why would it not work? Is it a clearance issue?

 

[sidepod]

Exactly. I think the tailgate rack would clash with the bikes on the tow bar.

 

[emma harvey]

We could switch bikes on tailgate and box on towbar if it does fit. We are more concerned about weight! Thank you!

 

[ash]

We travel with a thule towbar easybase platform with their soft sided cargo bag attached to it and with 4 bikes on the standard rear mounted rack. We only put light but bulky stuff in the cargo bag. Note the bikes take you to over 2m in this setup.

 

[emma harvey]

We travel with a thule towbar easybase platform with their soft sided cargo bag attached to it and with 4 bikes on the standard rear mounted rack. We only put light but bulky stuff in the cargo bag. Note the bikes take you to over 2m in this setup.

Great!! Thank you! If you have a photo I’d love to see it but don’t worry if not! Thanks again!

 

[WelshGas]

We could switch bikes on tailgate and box on towbar if it does fit. We are more concerned about weight! Thank you!

With regards to weight, load up as you would + passengers and head to your local Public Weighbridge. This will give you the definitive answer.

 

[B J G]

Re Insurance angle. You must use the vehicle in a roadworthy and legal condition. Overloaded axle would be considered unsafe and dangerous in the eyes of the law invalidating Insurance.

check as @WelshGas says with full tank(s) and passengers etc.

towbar is considered an accessory and needs to be declared on Insurance (you then have cover for anything on the towbar including trailers up to 750kgs gross weight).

 

[Betsycalifornia]

Re Insurance angle. You must use the vehicle in a roadworthy and legal condition. Overloaded axle would be considered unsafe and dangerous in the eyes of the law invalidating Insurance.

check as @WelshGas says with full tank(s) and passengers etc.

towbar is considered an accessory and needs to be declared on Insurance (you then have cover for anything on the towbar including trailers up to 750kgs gross weight).

And if the tow bar is fitted as new as an option like upgrade upholstery would you list that as an accessory? Would the insurance company know or care?