Tow bar to carry bicycle

[Sad555]

I was wondering if a tow bar can be retro fitted for a Cycle carrier on the back without any cutting of the bumper and would if fitted need any wiring etc?

[RickT]

Tow bar can be fitted. the bumper has to be cut. and the wiring can be done.

 

[eribaMotters]

I believe from an earlier post that you can get a tow-bar requiring a minimal bumper cut. As regards electrics, if the number plate or lights are obscured you need a plug in lighting board to meet legal requiremnets.

 

Colin

Edited 24 June, 2016 by eribaMotters

[RickT]

That photo of mine above, the hole in the bumper is 60mm square, its just enough for the bar and the elec cable to fit through.

[Sad555]

Thank for that info but I was hope to find one I've seen fitted on Superb that unfolds out from under the boot ,that might not need any cutting.

[TR7Driver]

Think the bumper will need to be cut, due to the fixing location, don't think you will find a tow bar that wraps around the bumper.

[oriki]

Bumper cut is minimal,cannot be seen unless one crouches and looks for it.

[Frenchtone]

thought I had seen one with a u shaped mounting arrangement about 4 yrs ago, the outfit / producer was chester(?) based - cannot for the life of me recall the name, just that my old man had one fitted years ago, '80'sish!

 

try witter!

Edited 26 June, 2016 by Frenchtone

[Llanigraham]

I think even the Witter needs a small cut out of the edge of the bumper.

[RickT]

When I was sounding out the options, The Witter uses the same towbar for all options of ball whether  fixed or detachable.  Each one requires the bumper to be cut.

The shop told me there are none that can be fitted without.

[Sad555]

Thanks for the replys but looks an easier (cheaper) option than having a tow bar fitted with retractable toe and cycle carrier would be to go for the roof bars and carriers...........thank rich t I did look on the witter site on you tube and the detachable one looked like no cutting req but after considering the cost just for a couple of bikes was not really feasible .

Edited 26 June, 2016 by Sad555

[RickT]

I just uploaded a pic, what have you been quoted? this one was £325 supplied, fitted and recoded for the electrics.

The silver part of the bumper is only cosmetic and cutting it will not weaken the car.

 

 

I wouldn't like to lift bikes onto the roof

[Sad555]

Didn't have a quote as such,just looked on the witter site,think it was £585 plus £90 for the upright cycle carrier.

[eribaMotters]

If/when you get the towbar fitted you do not need to spend £90 on the carrier. I bought a Thule 970 as here:- http://www.decathlon.co.uk/xpress-970-towbar-cycle-carrier-2-bikes-id_8176983.html

I was sceptical at first, but this is a great bit of kit and easy to use.

 

Colin

[Sad555]

What got all this started is that I remembered seeing a friends Superb ,where you pulled a lever in the boot and the tow bar dropped down from behind the bumper,a great bit of kit but after further checking on you tube and Skoda i find its a £780 option for the Superb so back to the roof carrier,thanks all.

Edited 26 June, 2016 by Sad555

[Totally Square]

If/when you get the towbar fitted you do not need to spend £90 on the carrier. I bought a Thule 970 as here:- http://www.decathlon.co.uk/xpress-970-towbar-cycle-carrier-2-bikes-id_8176983.html

I was sceptical at first, but this is a great bit of kit and easy to use.

Don't forget the number plate / light board if you are getting a hanging-bike carrier that covers the car's numberplate though!

I wouldn't like to lift bikes onto the roof

Don't forget a small step ladder to assist with fiddling with bikes on a high Yeti's roof. And note that putting up a pro lightweight bike is going to be much easier than a 20Kg standard bike!

I have to admit I took the expense and did the tow-hitch (from new) + park-on carrier with integral light board. Another alternative is to use a folding-bike like a Brompton - but they are an acquired taste! 

Good luck with the decision.

[verysideways]

Bikes on the roof make a huge difference to fuel consumption on the motorway - bikes behind the Yeti on a towbar mounted carrier make absolutely no difference to the fuel consumption (from experience).
Worth bearing in mind.

[RickT]

I carry a Trials motorcycle on the back of mine and the fuel is much more economic compared to when I used to tow it on a trailer by about 5mpg difference and includes traveling faster on motorways because I'm not restricted to doing 60mph.

[weasley]

I put my Kona Caldera on the roof - it is a bit of a heave but goes up fine (I am 5'10", no steps required).  I don't take it far enough for fuel economy to be an issue though, and I like that I can also use the towbar for a trailer (although I am looking into how to mount the bike rack on the trailer without going to the expense of buying the trailer manufacturer's rack system).  With it on the roof I also have no need for a trailer board and can access the boot as easily as if it weren't there.  Yes, I have to avoid low access areas but so far, so good...

[Llanigraham]

You'll only forget they are there once, Weasley!   

[weasley]

I've done it with a roofbox, so hopefully that will act as my "only do it once" moment.

[muddyboots]

I use a roof-mounted carrier on mine (Thule Proride 598).

I'm 6ft tall and can just about lift my MTB up there without using a step, only dropped it on my head once...

 

Two bikes should be OK as you can keep the carriers near the edge of the roof.

If you had to carry three or four, I think you'd need a step to reach the inner carriers.