Hi Guys,

I'm a recent defector from FFRR, having just cut my old & tired 53 plate Td6 RR in for a nice shiney new(er) 09 TDV8 HSE. loving the change, TDV8 is such an improvement.

I am looking to get a tow bar mounted bike rack, somehow, it doesn't feel right to sling the muddy bikes in the back like I did with the old FFRR. Preferrably, I'd like a rack that can still allow the to ball to be used with an Alko hitch attached.

I've looked at all the usual sites and am struggling to find one that fits the bill.

Any advice greatly recieved.

thanks

Alex Alex 111s
-----------------
Lotus Elise 111s - Mag Blue
RRS HSE TDV8 Santorini Black

Alex,

I had the same question

http://rrsport.co.uk/forum/post314299.html#314299

to get one that uses the removable towbar, but leaves it clear to still use an Alko at the same time... not easy to find.

I gave up and got a Thule 3 bike rack like Nick RRS gone
Audi SQ5...Gone Audi Q7 S-Line 240 3.0TDI Gone
Audi A6 Allroad Sport 270 3.0TDI

Thanks Guys - For your info, I contacted MaxxRaxx
http://www.maxxraxx.co.uk
as their's looked a neat solution. Here is the response. Looks a good option for people who want to retain the use of the tow bar with the bike rack in place but but doesn't work with ALKO type hitches

The search continues.

Quote:

Hi,
I am interested in your 4 bike rack for my Range Rover Sport. On looking at your website, I've noticed that you only recommend professional fitting for swan neck type tow ball hitches.

Can you give me some more details on this;
- why is the attachment to the swan-neck a specilist job?
- once fitted, can the rack be removed from the swan neck?
- do i need the 'Discovery' model with the increased offset as suggested by the website as the Range Rover Sport does not have a rear mounted spare wheel?
- advise who local to me does the professional installation? my post code is AB56 1LX.
- do these work with Alco hitches?

Thanks & Regards

Alex Wood

Quote:

Hi Alex,

1. The bracket needs to be fitted by one of our authorised dealers for insurance purposes.
2. The rack can be moved from the tow-bar but the bracket will remain in position
3. The Discovery model is needed to clear the bumper on the rear of the Range Rover
4. Because Land Rover’s casting of the tow-bar sometimes varies we need to make an adjustment to our bracket to make sure it fits properly on that specific towbar. This is only possible at our premises, so if you are not local to us then you can send us the tow-bar for us to fit the Maxxraxx to it (postage costs around £15.00 through the post office). There is a 1 week turn-around for this fitting service.
5. No, it will not allow you to attach an ALKO stabiliser with the Maxxraxx bracket in place.

Kind Regards

Neil Boxall

MAXXRAXX Trading Ltd
Registered in England: 05141618

Registered office:
Unit 10 Hays Bridge Farm
Brickhouse Lane
South Godstone
Surrey
RH9 8JW

Tel: 0845 2303 744
+44(0)1342 841989
Fax: +44(0)1342 844150
http://www.maxxraxx.co.uk

Hmmm, no mention of cost?

Do we not have an engineer on here that is wanting to re-design a bike rack for us all..... Think they could be quids in.

Foxy 

I am an engineer. (but not looking for a pet project - I have enough of these already.)

I've sent MaxxRaxx some more questions to find out why use excludes ALKO hitches. there may be a simple solution to this.

costs are on their website - approx 220 quid fitted IIRC for the one to suit a RRS. (a bit more than the Thule products)
cheers Alex 111s
-----------------
Lotus Elise 111s - Mag Blue
RRS HSE TDV8 Santorini Black

OK - Quick update.

I had a reply back from MaxxRaxx confirming that the neck of the detachable tow bar is too short to allow fitting a bike rack braket and retaining use of the hitch with either an ALKO or standard trailer hitch. So it looks like that option is dead and I will have to compromise on being able to use a rack while towing but at least this opens up the choice of rack.

regards,

Alex Alex 111s
-----------------
Lotus Elise 111s - Mag Blue
RRS HSE TDV8 Santorini Black