Bike rack issue or not?

[Speedytriple]

Hi Guys,

I've recently purchased a camper from a well known member of MHF and have started to make it my own.

Ive added a bike rack (A single door Thule G2 Sport Universal, as they dont seem to make one for the Renault Master) I have mounted it high up enough to clear the rear lights so that isnt an issue, however as the rack is only mounted on the drivers side door (with the rails slid as far Left as possible) The bikes still stick out a few Inches. Probably no more than the mirrors in reality.

What are your thoughts, There is plently of room on the left side, so if i get another rail i could probably cut it in half and somehow extend the existing rails to the left which would put extra strain on the existing rails, however i could strap the extended rails up to the bars that attach to the door for added support.

I just wondered if this is a common issue and what you guys have done?

Pics below.



Thanks all

 

[Speedytriple]

Can you support the left side with a strip from the extension to the top of the left door a bit like they do with some commercial bike racks for hatchbacks.

Thats a good shout actually. I could possibly 3D print something that just hooks around the top of the door then uses a strap down to the trays.

Cheers

 

[Phill D]

Thats a good shout actually. I could possibly 3D print something that just hooks around the top of the door then uses a strap down to the trays.

Cheers

I meant strap not strip

 

[Guigsy]

On my previous PVC, I found my 29" full suspension bike was hanging off of either end of the standard Fiamma rack rail. Fiamma sell an extended length rail (that's also wider, so fits the chonky 2.5" tyres better). It also meant I could reduce the amount the wheel hung beyond the edge of the van.

I've since moved to a coachbuild with a Thule rack and the mountain bike fits ok (ish).

If anyone wants a Fiamma longer rail, I took it off the van before I sold it. It's in the shed... PM me.

 

[swemmy666]

Found this on the RAC website:
'The Highway Code states loads must be secure and 'must not stick out dangerously' or create a dangerous situation for other road users.'

Not very useful. Back in the day it was not to be outside the width of the vehicle mirrors, but lengthwise you could carry a K4 kayak on a mini roof with a coloured flag on the back.

Fit wider mirrors?

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[offagen]

^^^ Possibly most of us have, at some time, clashed mirrors with courier/delivery vans on narrow roads. Wider mirrors increases the chance of that. Speedytriple's solution looks good to me.

 

[tonyidle]

The racks need a complete redesign - a bike would be better held vertically. Think of a J shaped channel. It would be easier to load / unload too.

 

[Speedytriple]

Thanks guys,

I did look at the vertical racks, which would have been my choice, however they were a bl00dy fortune and i'm tight/skint

Cheers

 

[Guigsy]

The racks need a complete redesign - a bike would be better held vertically. Think of a J shaped channel. It would be easier to load / unload too.

I guess the issue is that you're almost guaranteed to need repeater lights and plate, which significantly increases complexity and cost.

 

[tonyidle]

I guess the issue is that you're almost guaranteed to need repeater lights and plate, which significantly increases complexity and cost.

Vertical mounting would obviate that problem too.

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[tonyidle]

Thanks guys,

I did look at the vertical racks, which would have been my choice, however they were a bl00dy fortune and i'm tight/skint

Cheers

I don't mean anything like the traditional ones. Imagine a J mounted flat to the van with its longer leg vertical. A simple slide would allow it to be near the ground for loading. Place rear wheel in the bottom curl, secure bike, slide up to chosen height.