Bike rack for van conversion

[terryr]

Last Year we changed from a Autotrail coachbuilt to a Autosleeper Warwick XL and I bought on ebay a tow bar mounted Thule TH9502 bike rack. When I put the mountain bikes on the rack the handle bars hit the back window. The only solution was to turn the handle bars though 90 degrees every time I put bikes on the van. I am contemplating buying a three bike rack and not using the slot nearest the van. Has anyone else had this problem or is there another rack which doesn’t have this problem?

 

[royandsharont]

I turn my bars normally from when I had to but on my later PVC I have an Altera Strada DL3 rack and use the 2 outer racks and am pretty sure I would be able to leave the bars on. I bought it as it slides away from the tow ball allowing access through the rear doors.

Sharon has decided she will no longer ride, and I won’t on my own, so am selling the bikes, and the rack in due course, so won’t be using it again to confirm or not. Shame really, we’ve only done 2 tours with the bikes in this new van but at least it will be safer for her. My bike goes on Sunday

I’ll find a link to my van review and add it here terryr there is a photo of the rack on there

It’s HERE at #22

 

[Hagstrom]

A (German-made) quick release handlebar lock makes turning them through 90° a doddle and coukd obviate the need for a change of bike rack.

 

[Blisteringblue]

How about a spacer for the tow ball flange? I put an inch one on ours, we also have the DL3 rack and it helps the barn doors to open fully. A bit cheaper than a new rack.