T6 Bike Rack

[portofinopoll]

Had a new Bike Rack fitted to our Cali last week (Liverpool VW). Just returned from Bala after a couple of wet days with our 2 bikes which (as per the recommendation) I installed in positions 1 & 2. I removed the arms for positions 3 & 4.
However here is my problem, I actually had to heave them onto the rack using a step ladder, duly clamped them up and locked, all fine. When I got to the other end had to borrow a ladder to remove bikes. Now I am not a "Short Arse" (having played Rugby in the Second Row until the age of 42) I had no chance of unlocking position 1 in particular, without being on a ladder, do I need to take a ladder, or maybe a couple of Prop forwards mates to give me a boost every time I go away? Don't think Polly would be too pleased, having to feed us all!
Sleeping arrangements could prove interesting!
All answers appreciated rude or otherwise.

 

[Amarillo]

Had a new Bike Rack fitted to our Cali last week (Liverpool VW). Just returned from Bala after a couple of wet days with our 2 bikes which (as per the recommendation) I installed in positions 1 & 2. I removed the arms for positions 3 & 4.
However here is my problem, I actually had to heave them onto the rack using a step ladder, duly clamped them up and locked, all fine. When I got to the other end had to borrow a ladder to remove bikes. Now I am not a "Short Arse" (having played Rugby in the Second Row until the age of 42) I had no chance of unlocking position 1 in particular, without being on a ladder, do I need to take a ladder, or maybe a couple of Prop forwards mates to give me a boost every time I go away? Don't think Polly would be too pleased, having to feed us all!
Sleeping arrangements could prove interesting!
All answers appreciated rude or otherwise.

I have arm 1 at the far left and arm 2 at the far right. Arm 3 goes in the middle. I can lock and unlock from the side of the rack.

I’m 6’.

 

[portofinopoll]

I have arm 1 at the far left and arm 2 at the far right. Arm 3 goes in the middle. I can lock and unlock from the side of the rack.

I’m 6’.

I have arm 1 at the far left and arm 2 at the far right. Arm 3 goes in the middle. I can lock and unlock from the side of the rack.

I’m 6’.

Thanks Tom, will give it a try in the morning , but the crossbar dictates positioning to a certain extent?

 

[Amarillo]

Thanks Tom, will give it a try in the morning , but the crossbar dictates positioning to a certain extent?

Yes #1 bike goes front wheel to right.

#2 bike goes the other way around.

#3 bike is a child’s bike and the long arm needs to go through the frames of #1 and #2.

It’s different when we take the Bromptons.

 

[Bill R]

Had a new Bike Rack fitted to our Cali last week (Liverpool VW). Just returned from Bala after a couple of wet days with our 2 bikes which (as per the recommendation) I installed in positions 1 & 2. I removed the arms for positions 3 & 4.
However here is my problem, I actually had to heave them onto the rack using a step ladder, duly clamped them up and locked, all fine. When I got to the other end had to borrow a ladder to remove bikes. Now I am not a "Short Arse" (having played Rugby in the Second Row until the age of 42) I had no chance of unlocking position 1 in particular, without being on a ladder, do I need to take a ladder, or maybe a couple of Prop forwards mates to give me a boost every time I go away? Don't think Polly would be too pleased, having to feed us all!
Sleeping arrangements could prove interesting!
All answers appreciated rude or otherwise.

When taking bikes on the rack I do take a folding double step in the van or I’d never reach. It doesn’t take much room as it folds relatively flat

 

[GeoS4]

Hi, I was not gifted with height, unfortunately! We bring 4 bikes with us (T6) & I can manage them myself - I invested in a folding step. I got a taller one than those I usually see - it’s about 40-50cm tall (picked it up for €14 in our local hardware shop). It’s one of the most useful things I’ve bought for the Cali: doubles up as a step when I need to reach the roof or cleaning the windscreen and makes a great spare seat when eating outside. I usually keep it to one side in the boot, but when the bikes are loaded on, I store it under a sleeping bag on the bed (rear shelf).

 

[portofinopoll]

Yes #1 bike goes front wheel to right.

#2 bike goes the other way around.

#3 bike is a child’s bike and the long arm needs to go through the frames of #1 and #2.

It’s different when we take the Bromptons.

 

[portofinopoll]

Well thanks one and all for your input to my problem ...... SOLVED
Tom you were spot on. With the sun shining on me this afternoon, & adopting a more measured approach, I saw my error immediately. I had fitted the arms the wrong way round so that the Star Head/Lock were pointing to the sky instead of to the ground. Once I turned them over, no problem, feet remained on terra firma & Bikes fitted a treat. In mitigation when I fitted them last time it was chucking it down. I am such a Duck Egg, at least that's what I think Polly called me!

 

[kaf2546]

I'm 5 ft 7 and need to put a foot on bumper to lock and unlock first bike at back, I've not marked the bumper that I notice

Sent from my moto g(6) play using Tapatalk

 

[portofinopoll]

I'm 5 ft 7 and need to put a foot on bumper to lock and unlock first bike at back, I've not marked the bumper that I notice

Sent from my moto g(6) play using Tapatalk

Thanks for reply, but turns out I had fitted the jaws upside down, I currently weigh in at 161/2 stones, so not risking climbing on the bumper

 

[kaf2546]

Thanks for reply, but turns out I had fitted the jaws upside down, I currently weigh in at 161/2 stones, so not risking climbing on the bumper