I normally travel with bikes on the roof and a big feck of house on wheels on the back so this wouldn't normally be a concern :).

 

Planning a summer road trip without the Caravan and wondering whether it's more economical to have the bikes on the back or the roof. I know it's pence but I'm from Yorkshire, I also like to know these things

Not an answer to your question,

but bikes on the rear on a towball mounted rack are less restricting as far as getting into places with height barriers like you might come across on road trips with bikes at car parks, forest parks, shopping centres etc.

12 minutes ago, jazzmag2k said:

I normally travel with bikes on the roof and a big feck of house on wheels on the back so this wouldn't normally be a concern :).

 

Planning a summer road trip without the Caravan and wondering whether it's more economical to have the bikes on the back or the roof. I know it's pence but I'm from Yorkshire, I also like to know these things

 

Aerodynamically far better on the back.

I would imagine you will save less on fuel than you will spend on an alternative bike carrier, lights and rear reg plate

 

EDIT:

 

As it's not a guide, I've moved the thread to what I think is the right place, so you should get more answers 

Edited 23 February, 20215 yr by cheezemonkhai

2 or 3 good quality roof mount bike carriers to fit on roof bars can cost more than a good quality 3 bike rear row ball carrier & reg plate.

 

But if you have the bars and the bike carriers for the roof and you want the bikes with you and the caravan any time you are sorted.

Edited 23 February, 20215 yr by e-Roottoot

9 minutes ago, e-Roottoot said:

2 or 3 good quality roof mount bike carriers to fit on roof bars can cost more than a good quality 3 bike rear row ball carrier & reg plate.

 

But if you have the bars and the bike carriers for the roof and you want the bikes with you and the caravan any time you are sorted.

 

I assumed he already had the roof ones from when the takes the mobile target on the tow bar and the bikes.

Obviously if not then yes a tow bar fitting would be my choice, but a good one isn't cheap these days.

7 minutes ago, e-Roottoot said:

2 or 3 good quality roof mount bike carriers to fit on roof bars can cost more than a good quality 3 bike rear row ball carrier & reg plate.

I've got both types, thule on front and rear although the rear only holds 2 bikes. Never used a number plate on and defo not lights. Didn't realise I needed them for just 2... hmmm I'm probably well in the wrong. Crap! 

You just need the reg plate if the one on the car is obscured, and then the same with lights.

My Thule 2 rack bike for Fat Bikes or Electric bikes is damn heavy but has built in lights.  In other threads on the subject others say not so heavy.

 

I now have a good roof carrier for a not too heavy e-bike but really it was overpriced.

Just the roof bar and carrier empty is really noticeable for how poor it is for range because it is on an EV.  

With the bike on it really affects my cars range.

 

Edited 23 February, 20215 yr by e-Roottoot

If you're going abroad with bikes on the back be aware that in some countries you can be stopped and fined if the bike wheels protrude outside the car bodywork.

2 minutes ago, PetrolDave said:

If you're going abroad with bikes on the back be aware that in some countries you can be stopped and fined if the bike wheels protrude outside the car bodywork.

That's a really good point. I think you may need some additional marking. Not sure if they are compulsory, but you do see a lot of European vehicles with a red and white board.