Hi guys and gals,

 

After a little spell away from Skoda's I decided to weigh in my 63 plate A6 3.0 BiTdi for a VRs Tdi (Slower yes, and more fun yes).  For past cars I've had Thule roof bars, and up to 4 locking bike racks up there for MTB.  Whilst this system is ok, it's far from perfect and has many issues just waiting to go wrong.  Plus I fancy using a better system.

 

I've had the strapped on racks on the boot lid before and they are ok'ish, but they can rub the paint and also bikes knock together very easily.  

 

Overall, I fancy getting a towball fitted and one of the racks which sits on/attaches to the tow ball.

 

Has anyone got any advice to offer regarding either the tow ball, bike rack or both?

 

Do's and don'ts, and how much to expect to pay?

 

I'd also like to use a trailer when needed once or twice a year too.  So the two ball needs to have moderate capabilities.

 

Cheers for any advice or info!! 

Edited 21 July, 20169 yr by AndyGrob73

Lots of posts with recommendations on here already. Have a search.

 

Roof bars v towbars aside, the commonest tow bar option is also the best and dearest. Removeable ball, between £400 and £500 fully fitted and electrics sorted. Obviously cheaper if DIY. Westfalia brand was my preference.

 

Bike carriers? Take your pick. I've got a Thule Euroway G2 - current equivalent is Euroclassic G6. Not cheap, but easy to mount, and hinged so folds down - hatch can be opened with bikes on.

Lots of posts with recommendations on here already. Have a search.

 

Roof bars v towbars aside, the commonest tow bar option is also the best and dearest. Removeable ball, between £400 and £500 fully fitted and electrics sorted. Obviously cheaper if DIY. Westfalia brand was my preference.

 

Bike carriers? Take your pick. I've got a Thule Euroway G2 - current equivalent is Euroclassic G6. Not cheap, but easy to mount, and hinged so folds down - hatch can be opened with bikes on.

Much appreciated thanks.  I'm going to re-cycle some money from the A6 roof bars / 4 bike racks and then see what additional money needs chipping in.

I'm getting a westflalia removable fitted and dedicated wiring kit (no cutting into loom) total of £499 inclusive of coding. I live Leicestershire and is approved Westfalia installer. They have also having price matched Thule 929g6 - so looking £900.

All for transporting my bikes round

I've had saris bones rear mount on fiesta, then got Thule aero bars and Thule roof mount cycle carrier and progressed to this on the new car.

Roof mount carrier kills your fuel economy, noise levels bad and the fact you have to tell yourself all the time whilst driving don't Go into a height barriered car park - which some cycle places can be

I'm getting a westflalia removable fitted and dedicated wiring kit (no cutting into loom) total of £499 inclusive of coding. I live Leicestershire and is approved Westfalia installer. They have also having price matched Thule 929g6 - so looking £900.

All for transporting my bikes round

 

I was curious about the wiring because some were stating 'vehicle specific etc' and a cheaper option that may invalidate a manufacturers warranty....I guess that Skoda wouldn't like the wiring loom being cut!!

No I didn't want it cutting either! Some may be happy with that. Also it links it correctly with the cars systems recognising and adjusting cars setting - see other posts re-coding and Vcds towbars

Here is some info on the electrics http://www.philtaylortowbars.co.uk/#/towbar-electrics/4559476642 

Vehicle specific by far the better solution but, as you would expect, is the most expensive.

Ian