Bike Rack Questions

[Flatout Phil]

On my 850 I have a Thule bar system on the roof rails with three Thule bike carriers. Is it possible to put 4 bikes on there if I get a fourth Thule carrier?

Alternatively, on my estate, I could use one of those tailgate carriers - but they look a real fiddle to get on, and I guess you cant open the tailgate? Any thoughts welcomed.

FInally, do I just install a towbar and borrow my brother's rack that mounts on the towball?

What would you do?

[Andy G]

depends on how the bikes are orientated but 4 will be a squeeze, alternate front to rear and you may be able to squeeze them together. Are they full size bikes?

[JUDGENINJA]

Tail gate carriers still allow you to open the boot. But Oy do have to be careful how you tie the bike on.

Roof carriers. If there is space I am sure that the weight of an extra bike shouldn't be an issue..

[MoleT-5R]

you can get four on the roof easily as I have done it many time before, as mentioned earlier alternate the way round the bikes go on which will allow you to put them closer together, and leave the carrier fixing loose until your happy with the position of the middle 2 bikes then tighten them and do the outer 2.

handy tip if reversing the carrier take the lock of the carrier and refit it so you can reach it from the outside of the car it makes things so much easier when loading

[Boxzoo]

I've got a Thule 3 bike tailgate carrier on my R. All three bikes are full size and no matter how I put them on I can't open the tailgate. The carrier does drop down but not far enough. On the plus side it's dead easy to put on. Just make sure the bikes are strapped on tight or they scratch the roof spoiler as I found out when they move up and down. I'd definitely recommend it. I use when camping as there's already a roof box on. Car looks great fully loaded :-).

[MIKESC70T5]

If you have the t track aluminium Thule bars you can attach the carriers on top of the bars instead of around the bars and use the full length of the bars.

[Flanimal]

I use a three bike Thule off the (removable) tow hook on my T5R. Perfect as the rack can be tilted (with bikes off is easy to open boot) and the 'U' shaped uprights can also be folded down. Be careful as there is a 45KG weight limit (mine are all DH rigs and weigh in at 20KGs individually).