Electric bike weight issue

[NoMadVan42]

I have an Adria Coral Supreme 2019 and have been advised by an authorised dealer that I should not carry 2 electric bikes on an external rear wall mounted bike rack. The bike rack I would buy claims it can carry up to 60kg, my 2 bikes would weigh about 55kg, so the rack is not the issue. The issue appears to be the construction of the vehicle. I would assume Adria construction is of a similar strength as most other brands. Has anyone else ever been told that electric bikes should only go in the garage and not on wall mounted bike racks?

 

[Highley Giley]

I have an Adria Coral Supreme 2019 and have been advised by an authorised dealer that I should not carry 2 electric bikes on an external rear wall mounted bike rack. The bike rack I would buy claims it can carry up to 60kg, my 2 bikes would weigh about 55kg, so the rack is not the issue. The issue appears to be the construction of the vehicle. I would assume Adria construction is of a similar strength as most other brands. Has anyone else ever been told that electric bikes should only go in the garage and not on wall mounted bike racks?

Hi we have an Adria Coral 670 Dc Plus. We were advised that electric bikes weren’t the best to hang e-bikes off the back wall. So we’ve had a Chassis carrier fitted. The carrier its self is 21kgs.
We’re also upgrading the Adria air suspension to a Dunlop system, which I understand that will be better than the original.

 

[wizzo]

I’ve always removed the batteries before putting the e-bikes on the carrier for two reasons: they are very valuable and very heavy. If you leave them you’re asking for trouble - a target for thieves and excess weight on the rear wall.

 

[Baggydave]

Just something to perhaps bear in mind.....if you remove the batteries to save 8-10kg...and the bikes on the rear rack are subject to moisture from rain or wet roads...you may introduce issues of internal corrosion to some of the electrical components/connections that cause/cost big issues down the line. (I'd rather the 5 minute hassle of garaging my wifes e-bike if the alternate was the risk of corrosion/problems)

I’ve been carrying my e-bike on our carrier, minus the battery for several years. Sometimes uncovered if we are not going far & weather is ok. No problems at all so far. This also allows me to recharge battery on the go.

 

[TonyEmm]

I have an Adria Coral Supreme 2019 and have been advised by an authorised dealer that I should not carry 2 electric bikes on an external rear wall mounted bike rack. The bike rack I would buy claims it can carry up to 60kg, my 2 bikes would weigh about 55kg, so the rack is not the issue. The issue appears to be the construction of the vehicle. I would assume Adria construction is of a similar strength as most other brands. Has anyone else ever been told that electric bikes should only go in the garage and not on wall mounted bike racks?

My first Motorhome (s/h Hymer) came with a Fiamma bike rack fitted to the rear wall.
We had 2 (non-electric) bikes on it and when pulling into a Caravan Club site up Harrogate way, had to go over a speed bump. Much to our horror, the whole lot just came away! I’m sure it was a bit scary for the vehicle following!

On inspection, it turns out to have been fitted with nothing more than heavy self-tapping screws….

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[rolosroller]

How much did the migrant weigh that hid on the bike rack

 

[Rickartonrog]

Well beware because I carried 2 e-bikes minus batteries ( so about 32kg) on my Fiamma rack attached to my Bailey 765 and the rear wall of the motorhome cracked all the way between the mounting points. Bailey said the mounting points were rated for 60 kg and the 4 bike rack was rated for 60kg. They said the dealer was responsible as they fitted the rack. The dealer ( well known in Perthshire) was quite rude (their managing director refused to talk to me at all) and uncooperative despite finding one mounting bolt was loose. They simply said I should not have carried e-bikes no matter the weight. It cost me £1000 for repair and I fitted a tow bar’

 

[Jeffr3y]

I have an Adria Coral Supreme 2019 and have been advised by an authorised dealer that I should not carry 2 electric bikes on an external rear wall mounted bike rack. The bike rack I would buy claims it can carry up to 60kg, my 2 bikes would weigh about 55kg, so the rack is not the issue. The issue appears to be the construction of the vehicle. I would assume Adria construction is of a similar strength as most other brands. Has anyone else ever been told that electric bikes should only go in the garage and not on wall mounted bike racks?

Hi just out of interest what bike rack is it you would buy as I've never seen any wall mounted ones of that capacity?

 

[Jon Stewart]

Why oh why would you want that super long lever affecting your vehicle handling...

Front axle near it's limit?

 

[bluebirds]

Well beware because I carried 2 e-bikes minus batteries ( so about 32kg) on my Fiamma rack attached to my Bailey 765 and the rear wall of the motorhome cracked all the way between the mounting points. Bailey said the mounting points were rated for 60 kg and the 4 bike rack was rated for 60kg. They said the dealer was responsible as they fitted the rack. The dealer ( well known in Perthshire) was quite rude (their managing director refused to talk to me at all) and uncooperative despite finding one mounting bolt was loose. They simply said I should not have carried e-bikes no matter the weight. It cost me £1000 for repair and I fitted a tow bar’

We had same problem on our autotrail cracks appeared and brackets started to pull through rear panel. Worse still high damp readings around brackets inside so I removed rack had repairs and respray and got a tow ball cycle rack

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[NoMadVan42]

How much did the migrant weigh that hid on the bike rack

Interesting point…. 2 bikes plus a body must have been over 60kg, but I’m not going to try that.

 

[NoMadVan42]

Hi just out of interest what bike rack is it you would buy as I've never seen any wall mounted ones of that capacity?

Fiamm do a rack with wind down mechanism and quote the max weight to be carries is 60kg. Thule do a similar one but their limit is 50kg.

 

[NoMadVan42]

We had same problem on our autotrail cracks appeared and brackets started to pull through rear panel. Worse still high damp readings around brackets inside so I removed rack had repairs and respray and got a tow ball cycle rack

I think I might just ditch the bbq and whatever else and put the bikes in the boot.

 

[NoMadVan42]

Fiamm do a rack with wind down mechanism and quote the max weight to be carries is 60kg. Thule do a similar one but their limit is 50kg.

Yes, Fiamm and Thule do convenient wind down racks capable of carrying 50 or. 60kg so you would think they have designed them to be suitable for modern motorhomes with pre fitted mounting bars. This is what I am considering. We now have 2 alloy electric bikes weighing a total of 40kg. They fit in the boot when we are not carrying much else in the UK but when we go on longer trips to Southern Europe, strangely enough we like to sit outside sometimes so we also carry a large floor mat, 2 chairs and a table and, because we have discovered the world isn’t flat, we also carry a couple of wheel ramps. And we like to leave a little room to bring some wine back. I think that’s quite reasonable really, just annoyed (again) at the non existent after sales support from Adria.

 

[Salty Seas]

Some makers offer lighter weight alloy bikes or if money is no object carbon fibre electric bikes are very light, just heavy on the wallet!!

We purchased two electric bikes just recently made by Whyte they weigh 16kg each they were mounted on a Thule tow bar bike rack. Travelled 2500 miles around Spain and Portugal. No issues at all, back end never bottomed out and didn't notice any weight change. Prior to mounting the rack and bikes I measured from the wheel arch to the ground on both sides, measured again after the bikes where mounted. No change.

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[Lenny HB]

Yes, Fiamm and Thule do convenient wind down racks capable of carrying 50 or. 60kg so you would think they have designed them to be suitable for modern motorhomes with pre fitted mounting bars. This is what I am considering. We now have 2 alloy electric bikes weighing a total of 40kg. They fit in the boot when we are not carrying much else in the UK but when we go on longer trips to Southern Europe, strangely enough we like to sit outside sometimes so we also carry a large floor mat, 2 chairs and a table and, because we have discovered the world isn’t flat, we also carry a couple of wheel ramps. And we like to leave a little room to bring some wine back. I think that’s quite reasonable really, just annoyed (again) at the non existent after sales support from Adria.

As you have a garage how come you can't get it all in? Our van is only 6.65m we can get both e bikes spare wheel, clothes airer, table, chairs, spare cassette, twin tub washing machine, tools and lots of other junk in the garage.

 

[Scottish Scrutineer]

Yes, Fiamm and Thule do convenient wind down racks capable of carrying 50 or. 60kg so you would think they have designed them to be suitable for modern motorhomes with pre fitted mounting bars. This is what I am considering. We now have 2 alloy electric bikes weighing a total of 40kg. They fit in the boot when we are not carrying much else in the UK but when we go on longer trips to Southern Europe, strangely enough we like to sit outside sometimes so we also carry a large floor mat, 2 chairs and a table and, because we have discovered the world isn’t flat, we also carry a couple of wheel ramps. And we like to leave a little room to bring some wine back. I think that’s quite reasonable really, just annoyed (again) at the non existent after sales support from Adria.

If you do not have the space in the garage on your longer trips, consider carrying the bikes (valuable and heavy) in the garage, and the occasional furniture (lighter, less attractive for theft) in a storage box on a rear rack? Wine cases can be transported in the main living area, forward of the rear axle.
Presuming you have checked the gross weight of the van when fully loaded and have capacity, or have you uprated the weight?

 

[Ingwe]

We are planning to remove the Fiamma rear wall bike rack and have a tow ball one fitted. How easy is it to remove the rear bike rack? Have looked for a video of this on the famous video site but was unable to find one. The rack will need to be removed once the tow ball one is fitted.
Oops, sorry for jumping in on this thread.

 

[Barchetta47]

If you do not have the space in the garage on your longer trips, consider carrying the bikes (valuable and heavy) in the garage, and the occasional furniture (lighter, less attractive for theft) in a storage box on a rear rack?

Why is it that everyone thinks having eBikes on a bike rack is high risk? Whenever I’ve asked for examples of theft on here there have been very few thefts, particularly on the Continent. I do understand this comes down to each individual’s risk appetite but let’s not hype something that only happens very, very rarely…..

 

[Scottish Scrutineer]

Why is it that everyone thinks having eBikes on a bike rack is high risk? Whenever I’ve asked for examples of theft on here there have been very few thefts, particularly on the Continent. I do understand this comes down to each individual’s risk appetite but let’s not hype something that only happens very, very rarely…..

Not only risk of theft, but risk of damage, wear & tear, due to being exposed to all the road dirt that coats the rear of most vehicles, securing them etc. We have friends who’ve had bike stolen whilst stopped at service station in France, spoiling a family holiday. Some people’s bikes cost several thousands of pounds (not ours BTW) and they have spent hours getting them set up for them. Yes it doesn’t happen that frequently, but it does happen and the risk can be mitigated by stowing them in the garage. We use a BikeStow, push the wheel into it, drop the anchor blade and that’s it, might consider a bungee cord. Takes a minute to do. Much less hassle than lifting a bike, especially a heavy e-bike onto a rack (positioned where it adds most weight to the rear axle, restricting the rear camera view etc), then securing it, covering it possibly, attaching the signs in France/Spain etc.

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[Ernesto]

Why is it that everyone thinks having eBikes on a bike rack is high risk? Whenever I’ve asked for examples of theft on here there have been very few thefts, particularly on the Continent. I do understand this comes down to each individual’s risk appetite but let’s not hype something that only happens very, very rarely…..

Because with the advent of battery powered angle grinders, bike theft has never been more easy. 70,000 bikes are reported stolen every year in UK - probably more if you add in the unreported. I would not leave a £2,000 bike outside a supermarket locked up and I wouldn't leave anything of that value on the back of my campervan. A lithium angel grinder can deal with most bike locks (not all) and would cut through a bike rack itself in seconds.
Each to their own - you might be right that is extremely rare - I'm not sure a straw poll on here is that accurate though

 

[jumar]

Why is it that everyone thinks having eBikes on a bike rack is high risk? Whenever I’ve asked for examples of theft on here there have been very few thefts, particularly on the Continent. I do understand this comes down to each individual’s risk appetite but let’s not hype something that only happens very, very rarely…..

Very common at Portsmouth and other channel ports..
Very common at Bike parks and cafes near bike parks.
Very common on campsites adjacent to some of the North Yorkshire forest parks
Expensive Mtbs being carried on backs of cars and vans taken from motorway service areas after being followed from MTB sporting events, the thieves know the competitors routes and know they are in need of refreshment stops.
.All the above are widely known in the biking community ...

 

[Barchetta47]

I would not leave a £2,000 bike outside a supermarket locked up and I wouldn't leave anything of that value on the back of my campervan

I get where you’re coming from but do you not leave your bikes unattended at some point. You can spend a lot of time worrying about something that most likely won’t happen. If you’re insured, which we are, what’s the issue? Our bikes, £6.5k, are on a rack as we haven’t got a garage. The only issue we have had is some one nicking the battery when parked up at a station, a higher risk park up which we accepted on the day.

Interestingly, our new Bosch powered bike has an engine which can be isolated, an alarm and a GPS tracker all in built. Additionally, from July they will roll out software to disable the battery and render it useless in any other bike. Pretty sure all these additional features can and will be overcome but I suppose they offer some more security which makes them think twice about nicking your bike.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

We take off the batteries and the seats and store them in the van plusxwecput the heavier bike closest to the van to reduce the cantilever effect.

 

[Brains]

We removed our rear wall mounted Fiammia double bike rack
(Surprisingly easily, only held on with two screws!!!)

We removed it due to the loading/unloading issue, where we needed two people and a step ladder to load/unload.
Putting the cover on was like trying to dress a toddler filled with double expresso's

We replaced it with a tow ball mounted bike rack, it far easier to un/load the bikes and cover.

For bike security both on and off the road, other than the 2 x normal bike locks, and 1 x 5m cable lock, we have an alarm loop fitted.
It's simply bell wire that fits through the bike frame on the back.
Or through the bikes, chairs, table, BBQ etc when on site and plugged into the vehicle (VanBitz) alarm
(From memory it was something like a £20 option, cheap, easy, and very effective!)

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[DerryW]

As you have a garage how come you can't get it all in? Our van is only 6.65m we can get both e bikes spare wheel, clothes airer, table, chairs, spare cassette, twin tub washing machine, tools and lots of other junk in the garage.

Snap, apart from twin tub. Personally would never be comfortable with bikes hanging off back wall especially Ebikes even minus batteries.

 

[jumar]

Fiamma Bike racks can be cut with a metal hand saw or a hacksaw.

 

[Orion]

I get where you’re coming from but do you not leave your bikes unattended at some point. You can spend a lot of time worrying about something that most likely won’t happen. If you’re insured, which we are, what’s the issue? Our bikes, £6.5k, are on a rack as we haven’t got a garage. The only issue we have had is some one nicking the battery when parked up at a station, a higher risk park up which we accepted on the day.

Interestingly, our new Bosch powered bike has an engine which can be isolated, an alarm and a GPS tracker all in built. Additionally, from July they will roll out software to disable the battery and render it useless in any other bike. Pretty sure all these additional features can and will be overcome but I suppose they offer some more security which makes them think twice about nicking your bike.

We have exactly the same security arrangements and onboard Bosch e-bike features, along with the Vanbitz accessory alarm loop and a decent cover for when the bikes are on the Thule tow bar rack. Yes, we are mindful of the risks when travelling and also when out and about on the bikes, but at the end of the day they’re well insured via M&S - thanks for the tip Lenny HB - so just get on with enjoying ourselves.

BTW, if anyone is interested I have an as new Thule EasyFold XT 2 bike folding and tipping, tow ball rack in the classifieds.

Thule EasyFold XT 2 tow bar bike rack

As new, used once.

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Ernesto]

I get where you’re coming from but do you not leave your bikes unattended at some point. You can spend a lot of time worrying about something that most likely won’t happen. If you’re insured, which we are, what’s the issue? Our bikes, £6.5k, are on a rack as we haven’t got a garage. The only issue we have had is some one nicking the battery when parked up at a station, a higher risk park up which we accepted on the day.

Interestingly, our new Bosch powered bike has an engine which can be isolated, an alarm and a GPS tracker all in built. Additionally, from July they will roll out software to disable the battery and render it useless in any other bike. Pretty sure all these additional features can and will be overcome but I suppose they offer some more security which makes them think twice about nicking your bike.

I’m not a fan of putting loads on the rear doors… as well as giving insurance companies more money …. but I understand it makes sense for some

Our solution is Bromptons in the boot …theyre not quite as versatile as full sized bikes, but for campervanning, theyre perfect. No racks, no locks, And they do electric versions as well if thats needed.

 

[DandJ]

You can spend a lot of time worrying about something that most likely won’t happen.

The thing is, that if you get into your own tried and tested routine...there is little worry. We put our bikes in the garage for initial travel (like tomorrow...travel back to the UK from our home in France) After the UK, we are going to Finland and Norway...where they'll sit on the rack day in day out as we have no worries about theft in that part of the world...
We have never insured a bike and have had fairly valuable bikes for 40 yrs.....and never had one stolen. If we were worried about theft...we'd insure them....or visit other places where we didn't worry about theft perhaps...

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[bornagain]

I’m not a fan of putting loads on the rear doors… as well as giving insurance companies more money …. but I understand it makes sense for some

Our solution is Bromptons in the boot …theyre not quite as versatile as full sized bikes, but for campervanning, theyre perfect. No racks, no locks, And they do electric versions as well if thats needed.

This is our strategy, a couple of Bromptons easily fit under the bed where they are safe, dry and the possibility of having bikes nicked from the back of the van disappears.