Autotrail V Line Sport How do yo get into the boot with a cycle rack - FIX

[Dave V Sport]

The V line is a great design for 2 with a great U shaped lounge and an external boot. Its a big boot door and I couldn't open it when transporting cycles without removing the cycles (very in convenient when you just want to pitch up for the night). I looked at a few solutions including a van swing, but I came across a solution on ebay for 20% of the cost.
The "universal tow bar" extender allows the rack to be mounted 250mm further away from the vehicle.
Benefits
I can open and have full access to my boot without removing the cycles
The device raises the cycles rack, this helps avoid bottoming when going across access pavements
You can store additional kit inbetween the cycles and the campervan (inflatable SUPs etc)
Disadvantage
It further extends the length of your vehicle when travelling (but better than a trailer)

 

[carolyn]

I may be completely wrong but I thought the maximum spacer size you could have was 25mm . I think that was from Witter. We have always had towball mounted bike racks on a PVC and the only bike rack that works is the Atera Strada DL3 which slides out and then you can only use it for 2 bikes and still open the doors.

 

[Landy Andy]

I may be completely wrong but I thought the maximum spacer size you could have was 25mm . I think that was from Witter. We have always had towball mounted bike racks on a PVC and the only bike rack that works is the Atera Strada DL3 which slides out and then you can only use it for 2 bikes and still open the doors.

I would think that warning is if you are using the tow bar to tow a caravan or trailer. Not just a couple of bikes.

 

[carolyn]

I would think that warning is if you are using the tow bar to tow a caravan or trailer. Not just a couple of bikes.

Thanks , it is interesting because this is the first time I’ve ever seen these long spacers mentioned. We originally had a very sturdy Thule bike rack which we much preferred to the Atera Strada that is nowhere near as solid and really bounces around. I reckon the original Thule for two plus the long spacer would be much more solid, or certainly as good as. We only changed because of the door opening palaver.

 

[Landy Andy]

You can get long reach towbars which I personally would prefer in these situations. But the manufacturers are stating their info based on you using it to its full capacity. A couple of bikes hanging on it are nothing compared to a loaded trailer.