T6 Bike rack crosswind

[John K]

Anybody else had an issue with the bike rack dropping on it’s own in crosswinds?
Returning to Calais today and happened twice, 120-130kph with a 20mph crosswind.

 

[bloomers100]

Yes me at the weekend. I've put a bungy around mine.

 

[Brian’s Dad]

Anybody else had an issue with the bike rack dropping on it’s own in crosswinds?
Returning to Calais today and happened twice, 120-130kph with a 20mph crosswind.

use the short clamp to lock it in position

 

[bloomers100]

use the short clamp to lock it in position

then it doesn't sit correctly in the two vertical clips

 

[Sandyvan]

Well you will drive round with scaffolding clamped to the rear of your vans where's me coat.

 

[Brian’s Dad]

then it doesn't sit correctly in the two vertical clips

I don't think the matters - it stops it falling down. Lots of posts about this. Otherwise people tie it up

 

[John K]

If you try and use the short tie on the top bar the clips don’t sit properly, but while waiting in the ferry queue i’ve attached the short tie to one of the top edges of the bike rail, which hopefully stops this happening.
Having said that it’s never happened before at similar speeds, so must be the combination of crosswind that did it!

 

[EddieEagle]

I’m wondering if a length of Velcro as I use on T5 would help?

 

[DrJuanKerr]

Would, dare I say, having bikes on it stabilize it. I see more bike racks empty than full tbh. Do people just have them to look "active"? [I too will get my coat]

 

[bloomers100]

I’m wondering if a length of Velcro as I use on T5 would help? View attachment 48775View attachment 48776View attachment 48777

that was my plan.

 

[flying banana]

It's probably the partial vacuum behind the van at high speeds that pulls it down. Not cross wind. Mine used to do it at high speeds. I haven't got one now. No scaffolding on my van. Looks better without it. Coat at the ready

 

[Nick Stubbs]

Am i missing something, I have to tie mine up anyway, it came with one of the wheel ties holding it up in place. Only fit mine when carrrying the bikes...easy to take off/remove 1 person two bolts, simples..

 

[John K]

I’ll let you know if this works!
I use bikes often enough that I want to leave the rack on, it also a useful drying rack!

 

[westfalia]

2 of these wrapped around mine, job done.

 

[Odie99]

Happened to us too and we got some rubber trees support straps. Not these actual ones as we bought them from a local garden centre but similar to this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00J2VN4WY/?tag=eliteelect-21

(Different lengths are available).

 

[Odie99]

P.S. we don't attach them as a figure of eight just straight round the top.

 

[westfalia]

No scaffolding on my van. Looks better without it.

You need scaffolding around your awning legs.

 

[tuono001]

I use the two straps on the end rack, when folded up fasten with them to the top bar. Never come loose yet in nearly 6 years of doing it!
It is on a T5 so might be different for the t6 rack.

 

[flying banana]

disagree. it's my real legs that need that

 

[clarinetbcn]

I believe your problem it that you have the supporting clips in the wrong place. It happened to me. Be sure that the clips grab the fattest part of the bike rack, not the smaller diameter part. Since learning this, I've not had an accidental fall of the rack.

 

[Caminante]

Also the adjustable bikewheel holders need to be in a correct position! Once the rack opened you adapt them to the bicycle wheels when mounted to fix but they need to be moved for closing. First three positions, holders to the center and to the outside for the fourth, I believe. Then the clamp has good grip and never falls down!

 

[Amarillo]

Also the adjustable bikewheel holders need to be in a correct position! Once the rack opened you adapt them to the bicycle wheels when mounted to fix but they need to be moved for closing. First three positions, holders to the center and to the outside for the fourth, I believe. Then the clamp has good grip and never falls down!

I always move the wheel holders to the ends.

I have a child's bike on the forth rail, it won't fit with the wheel holders facing out so I have swapped then round. It works fine.

 

[clarinetbcn]

I always move the wheel holders to the ends.

I have a child's bike on the forth rail, it won't fit with the wheel holders facing out so I have swapped then round. It works fine.
View attachment 48982

I see the difference. Mine is a Fiamma T5 Pro. The clips are on the vertical bars and moveable up and down, which can lead to snapping them to the wrong part of the folded rack. I've had 5 people and nine bikes in my van, 5 bikes inside with the 3 seater bench moved forward, and 4 more on the rack. Made getting to La Rioja for a 9 day bike tour with 9 people and only two vehicles possible, at a great savings in fuel and tolls. Incredible flexibility is the strong point of the Beach.

 

[Jon A]

So my 2019, with presumably the latest rack, is also doing this on the motorways during windy conditions . Was in the dealer this week and ask them to cast an eye over it whilst working on the van.
Interestingly they told me the racks used to come with a strap to stop this?! Also said they tightened up the pivot bolts for me, but they recommend using a strap! What amused me is that they formally added this (somewhat crappy) workaround to the invoice!