Member Since: 05 Jan 2018
Location: Southampton
Posts: 101
Carrying Bicycles
Hi all,
what are my options for carrying bicycles on the D4? I don't have a towbar fitted so I guess I'm looking at strap or roof-based systems.
I'd be grateful if anyone can give details of their setups.
Thanks,
Dean
24th Mar 2018 5:01 pm
LaserTam
Member Since: 31 Aug 2015
Location: Essex
Posts: 828
Its not easy getting bikes on the roof. I'm over 6ft and its a struggle without some sort of step up - kids bikes are ok. I've not seen any strap/racks that attach to the boot, but then I didn't really look.
Personally I have a rack that attaches to a removable tow bar - simple to load up and mine tilts so access to the tailgate it still possible.MY2012 D4 HSE Nara Bronze with some extra stuff
This has been discussed here before with mention made of a contraption to hoist bikes up onto the roof. Something like the davits for a lifeboat on a ship.A vaccine does not stop you catching a virus, or passing it on, or getting ill from it, really ill. It does reduce the likelyhood of you dying when really, really ill. Stay Alive - KEEP AWAY FROM PEOPLE.
Could use a strap based one for the tailgate/boot lid (what ever you want to call it) - but I always find that there not stable and as the bikes settle on the rack some straps will come loose. I wouldnt even contemplate a roof mounted oneas they scare the crap out of me, again, they look unstable (too me) and they also affect MPG (yes, I know you're already driving a brick) - for me, a tow ball mounted rack is the safest way of transporting bikes externaly. The racks dont cost that much (I got a second hand thule rack that can carry 3 bikes for £90 off egay) - yes you need to get a tow bar fitted, but its worth it.
I use mine alot to move my bike around, never had issues in the two years i've been using it.
Si
2016 Disco 4 SE Tech
2019 Fiesta ST3
2021 GBS Zero
24th Mar 2018 6:05 pm
Mr Kington
Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 1549
Carried 4 adult bikes on the roof and it isn’t too bad getting them up there. Use tailgate as step and then fit to a Thule bike rack. Thule come up all the time on eBay.
If we are not towing anything then I have a flat bed bike rack that sits on the tow bar. It’s great and we have had 6 bikes on it before. Admittedly two were kids ones.James favourite hobby is writing in the third person.
24th Mar 2018 6:52 pm
Scott #55
Member Since: 15 Apr 2015
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 1664
Get a removable tow bar and a Max Raxx carrier.2014 - D4 2010 HSE Nara Bronze
2012 - FL2 2009 GS Stornoway Grey
2001 - VW Passat Estate Inky Blue
1999 - Ford Mondeo Light Blue
1998 - Rover 25 Red
24th Mar 2018 10:56 pm
Erea
Member Since: 19 Mar 2012
Location: Munster
Posts: 1509
As above.... get a removable tow bar and your options are endless and you don’t have to lift the bikes up on the roof.
25th Mar 2018 3:01 am
JackNorris
Member Since: 06 Jul 2012
Location: Beds/Bucks Border
Posts: 1877
I’ve tried roof and tow ball and caravan rear mounting.
Roof was too much effort putting bars on, then the cycle carriers then getting bikes up, so now use a tow ball mounted carrier and rear of caravan. Works a treat!MY2023 Discovery 5 R-Dynamic 3.0
MY2020 Discovery 5 Landmark 3.0 - SOLD
MY2005 Discovery 3 V8 4.4 HSE - SOLD
MY2019 Discovery 5 SE 3.0 - LR Replaced !
MY2005 Discovery 3 S 2.7 - SOLD
MY2016 Discovery 4 Graphite - SOLD
MY2015 Discovery 4 SE Tech - SOLD
25th Mar 2018 5:04 pm
Villager
Member Since: 05 Jan 2018
Location: Southampton
Posts: 101
Thanks everyone.
Having them on the roof is neater in that it avoids adding to the already substantial length of the car, but I stood next to the car today and concluded that it's just too high for that.
So some form of towbar mounted system it is.
Am I right in thinking this sort of system would obscure the lights or at least the number plate?
So would I be able to just get a removable tow bar and carrier as below or would I need any other parts?
26th Mar 2018 4:59 pm
carroll493d
Member Since: 27 Jun 2017
Location: Alderton
Posts: 235
If you went for a fixed tow hitch, I have a Maxx Raxx bike carrier for sale. You basically bolt the mount behind the hitch and it stays there out the way. Then you just add the rest and secure with a locking pin. The whole lot pivots from the base to allow access to the boot.
I've not had it fitted to my d4 so can't guarantee the bottom part would open but the top would
in your pics, the top one will obstruct the lights and plate, so you would need a lighting board. The bottom pic (to me) is the best option as everyting is combined - like the pic of my Disco and bikes.Si
2016 Disco 4 SE Tech
2019 Fiesta ST3
2021 GBS Zero
26th Mar 2018 6:24 pm
JackNorris
Member Since: 06 Jul 2012
Location: Beds/Bucks Border
Posts: 1877
I have the bottom one but for two bikes and its ideal MY2023 Discovery 5 R-Dynamic 3.0
MY2020 Discovery 5 Landmark 3.0 - SOLD
MY2005 Discovery 3 V8 4.4 HSE - SOLD
MY2019 Discovery 5 SE 3.0 - LR Replaced !
MY2005 Discovery 3 S 2.7 - SOLD
MY2016 Discovery 4 Graphite - SOLD
MY2015 Discovery 4 SE Tech - SOLD
26th Mar 2018 9:11 pm
Inigo
Member Since: 28 Feb 2012
Location: Kent
Posts: 270
Not sure it looks robust enough to be loaded up with 4 bikes? Someone over on Def2 uses one for Kayaks and sang its praises.
26th Mar 2018 10:58 pm
Danshort86
Member Since: 22 Aug 2016
Location: Manchester
Posts: 44
I have both the roof bars and tow bar set up, the Tow bar is by far and a way the easiest to load and unload. The Thule tilt function and tailgate are a match made in heaven. I cant recommend them highly enough.
10th Apr 2018 11:18 am
Andym01207
Member Since: 01 Mar 2012
Location: County Durham
Posts: 412
+1 I have the same setup
Thule tilting tow-bar rack for the majority of the time, perfect setup
I also have a roof bar setup for when towing the caravan
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You basically bolt the mount behind the hitch and it stays there out the way. Then you just add the rest and secure with a locking pin. The whole lot pivots from the base to allow access to the boot.
