Towbar advice for Bike Carrier

[ianmpos]

Morning,

I am looking at getting a towbar fitted to our 2022 T6.1 VW Van. The plan being to get a towbar bike rack that will be big enough to take a couple of adult bikes and two childrens bikes.

Doing some research on the forum I can see that the best option would be a Altera Strada. The website states "It fits to 'bolt on' or 'swan neck' tow balls (including detachable tow bars) without any adjustment"

My question is, seeing as there are some many types and brands of towbars, does it really matter which one to get? I'm happy to pay slightly more if its worth it. I'm a complete noob in this area so would appreciate some advice before i start looking for fitters.

Thanks in advance.

Ian

 

[dubber36]

The bike carriers clamp on to a standard 50mm ball, which all towbars will have.

You will need to think about electrics too. Most things nowadays connect to a 13pin socket. When they are fully wired they will power caravan electrics or trailer winch/tipping gear etc. You can have 13pin with just the lighting pins populated and a 13-7 pin adapter if the bike carrier has the old 7 pin plug.

 

[RichieW]

I have a Thule 3 bike carrier, which is only compatible with swan neck tow bar (mine is detachable) but not a fixed flange tow bar. I also have a trailer with 7 pin electrics (same as bike carrier), so went for 7 pin tow bar electrics. I have towed a mates caravan to Silverstone this year and used a 13 pin adapter, which worked fine. I guess the electrics you go for depend on what other uses you need your tow bar for. Personally I would go for a removable swan neck if you still want it to look neat when not being used.