Which tow ball system bike rack does everyone recommend?


I've always used a roof rack system (with 2 Mont Blanc Barracuda's) but the height of the RRS would make using these a little awkward!

Cheers

PS... would ideally take 3-4 bikes (2 full sized and 2 kiddie) RRS gone
Audi SQ5...Gone Audi Q7 S-Line 240 3.0TDI Gone
Audi A6 Allroad Sport 270 3.0TDI

I looked into this last summer but didn't end up buying one in the end.
However, after hours of reading reviews and pricing on line I came to the
conclusion that the Thule system was best. The unit I will be buying this
summer is this one:- http://www.thule.com/en-GB/GB/Products/Bik...09503.aspx
Prices vary considerably, so definately worth spending a bit of time comparing online suppliers.

Hope this helps  2013 Discovery HSE Luxury - 3.0 SDV6 - Santorini Black
2013 Evoque 5 Door Pure Tech SD4 - Orkney Grey with Panoramic Roof (Mrs E's new baby)

GONE - RRS - 3.0 TDV6 HSE - Santorini (2010)
GONE - RRS - 2.7 TDV6 HSE - Java Black (2007)
GONE - Porsche Boxster S - 3.2 - Black

thats the one i have (3 bike), i paid £105, but had to build it myself (half an hour!), it flexes a bit in the mirror, but is very secure. there is one up from it at about 300, which is stronger made, but the cheaper one does just fine
cheers
dave MY10 TDV6 SE (debadged ), Santorini Black, Flappy paddles, Privacy Glass, 20" Stormers, Mudflaps!

Gone: a comprehensive list of imprezas and a Merc ML AMG

meant to say, i put the 4th kids bike in the boot, might only be an issue when she is older, but all our bikes have quick release hubs anyway MY10 TDV6 SE (debadged ), Santorini Black, Flappy paddles, Privacy Glass, 20" Stormers, Mudflaps!

Gone: a comprehensive list of imprezas and a Merc ML AMG

cheers both of you.

I was thinking Thule would be the rack of choice

 RRS gone
Audi SQ5...Gone Audi Q7 S-Line 240 3.0TDI Gone
Audi A6 Allroad Sport 270 3.0TDI

An alternative

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4...zD3flkgIG8

Tidy! RRS gone
Audi SQ5...Gone Audi Q7 S-Line 240 3.0TDI Gone
Audi A6 Allroad Sport 270 3.0TDI

Actually I'd forgotten about this one as I only need the 3 bike version. This model has an adapter available as an option which uprates it to carry 4 bikes

http://www.thule.com/en-GB/GB/Products/Bik...20909.aspx 2013 Discovery HSE Luxury - 3.0 SDV6 - Santorini Black
2013 Evoque 5 Door Pure Tech SD4 - Orkney Grey with Panoramic Roof (Mrs E's new baby)

GONE - RRS - 3.0 TDV6 HSE - Santorini (2010)
GONE - RRS - 2.7 TDV6 HSE - Java Black (2007)
GONE - Porsche Boxster S - 3.2 - Black

I'm in the market for a 4 bike rack, the link below seems like good value.

http://www.thule.com/en-GB/GB/Products/Bik...09708.aspx

I need one fairly soon so i need to make my mind up. I quite like this one but it costs a lot more (£350 plus the additional bike adaptor) but could be worth it for stability and ease of getting bikes mounted.

http://www.thule.com/en-GB/GB/Products/Bik...20909.aspx

As these type of racks cantilever off the towball, will this type of unsupported loading create issues with the rear suspension?

Nik. 2015 Golf R DSG
Gone 2013 Mercedes C220 CDi AMG Sport Plus
Gone 2008 2.7 RRS HSE

nik,
with a total wight of less than 100kg with 4 bikes they should be ok,, i always stick a few more pounds in the rear tyres, landrover sell a bike rack as an accessory, so you would think they would be ok. i originally thought of getting your first choice, but it is a hassle getting bikes on and off with pedals and handlebars getting in the way. your second choice is good, but very expensive, which is why i opted for the 3 bike thule one and stick one in the boot - went up to aviemore last year and took a weeks worth of gear for the family with ease! MY10 TDV6 SE (debadged ), Santorini Black, Flappy paddles, Privacy Glass, 20" Stormers, Mudflaps!

Gone: a comprehensive list of imprezas and a Merc ML AMG

The 9503 has a max capacity of 45kgs so I'm assuming this is enough for 3 bikes? RRS gone
Audi SQ5...Gone Audi Q7 S-Line 240 3.0TDI Gone
Audi A6 Allroad Sport 270 3.0TDI

should be, my bikes range in weight between 8.5 and 12kg , it is a great value rack and there is no danger of the bikes falling off! MY10 TDV6 SE (debadged ), Santorini Black, Flappy paddles, Privacy Glass, 20" Stormers, Mudflaps!

Gone: a comprehensive list of imprezas and a Merc ML AMG

Great!

I'll keep my eye out for a bargain then...

Out of interest...do you know what the difference is between the 9403 and it's replacement, the 9503? Is it just the slightly larger light board? RRS gone
Audi SQ5...Gone Audi Q7 S-Line 240 3.0TDI Gone
Audi A6 Allroad Sport 270 3.0TDI

Quick update...I have just bought a Thule 9403 3 bike rack from halfords for £120.
Once put together it fits to the car in minutes and all three bikes feel very secure (bonus).
I priced up a Thule 3 bike + 1 bike adapter and it was near £500!!!! so opted for a 3 and daughters bike can go in the boot.
Link to the one i've bought.....
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/...p;istBid=t
Nik. 2015 Golf R DSG
Gone 2013 Mercedes C220 CDi AMG Sport Plus
Gone 2008 2.7 RRS HSE

Nik,

Does that Halfords rack fix onto the detachable tow bar or do you need the permanently fixed tow bar?

Looking for one myself and at that price it seems very good value.

Thanks. Allan