Hi - I have a 1.4 diesel 58 MKII estate that I would like (if possible) to fit a tow-bar to and mount a cycle rack on the tow bar. I was hoping someone could advise on whether it will cope with the weight. My estimate is that total weight of the rack and four bikes will be about 55 - 60kg - from the manual this looks OK I think for rear axle weight, but is there something about downwards weight I need to think about? Assuming that the answer is that theoretically this is fine is this going to affect the handling or risk grounding the car at the back on uneven ground?

 

Is there anything I need to think about in terms of the type of tow-bar I need to get to avoid problems like this?

 

Thanks in advance.

On the Face Lift Estates so from 2010 the Nose Weight is given as 50kg, i expect the same is the same for your estate.

You really do need to check what the weight is going to add up to because you can easily go over 60 kg and steering and traction can be light at the front.

 

Is fitting the tow bar & electrics then buying a trailer to carry the bikes an option.?

Edited 13 March, 20179 yr by Awayoffski

Thanks - this is what I feared. Trailer in theory an option but I think it would rely on better spatial awareness and driving skills than I have! My other option is to stick them all on the roof - it's two adult and two kids' bikes, think it would require a bit of careful placing to get them all on but perhaps that is an option?

I had skoda top box fitted and managed to squeeze to adult bikes on also, had to slightly adjust handlebars to fit 

Thanks - sounds like four bikes ought to fit then.

The problem with exceeding nose weights isn't the weight on the rear axle but the fact it acts like a fulcrum and removes load from the front which effects braking, steering and control. I use a Thule Euroclassis tow bar bike rack that with three mountain bikes on is just below my nose weight limit of 75KG. Unless you just have road bikes on your rack you may easily exceed the nose weight limit on your car. 

What bike rack and bikes are you planning on carrying?

Max roof load 75kg.

So maybe 3 on the roof and 1 at the rear on a hanging Rear Hatch Cycle Rack..

I use a £40-£60 type rack on my Fabia Hatch & Alhambra to carry a light bike, set high so no Light Board / electrics needed.

On your estate with bikes on the top the rear bike being high is not an issue, and one bike to take off to open the hatch is quickest.

Edited 13 March, 20179 yr by Awayoffski

Thanks both - really helpful. Sounds like four on a tow bar won't work because of the impact on handling so I'll skip that.

 

The idea of one on the back seems good, I think though I may be able to get all four on the roof - combined weight would be around 45kg and the racks should be less than 25kg at a guess so should be OK. Two of the bikes are kids' (8 and 6) and light ones, one adult is a light road bike. Just the question about finding a combination of directions to fit them all on at once. I lean towards four on the roof because of the ease of getting into the boot still, and of locking them all to each other.

Edited 13 March, 20179 yr by Cycleskoda

Best weigh each bike then.

I just sit them on their back wheel on bathroom scales.