[The Saint of Killers]

Hello again one and all!

I have searched the forum and picked up some info already but looking for further advice.

**1995 Leafy Soft Top**

I do own a Carlex Easy Trailer (as a flatbed), however looking for any suggestions for a mountain bike carrier (2 bikes), not using the trailer.

I've seen posts advising not to use a spare tyre carrier as it bows and flexes the door. Are there any products on the market that are suitable?
Possibly a product that connects to towball AND spare without requiring fabrication?
Bike retailers always come back "she'll be right", yet, I remain skeptical.

[alien]

I run a soft top that goes down behind the seats then across the tray like a tonneau (ute) cover.. That allows me to throw my road bike straight up against the back window behind the seats and occy strap to the seatbelt stays. Literally hoik the bike on top, run the strap around and drive off. My BMX fits between the rear arches inside the tray, upside down on the seat and bars.

I've seen others put the bike in the back with the forks hanging out over the rear door, which could be an option for you if running a regular soft top?

[The Saint of Killers]

I planned on keeping the standard Soft Top.
Would you upload or link me to some pictures by any chance?

[alien]

Bulldog Trimming do them. Check the business section on here =)

[The Saint of Killers]

Mint! thanks for the recommendation!
How do you have so much axle articulation? What setup is that?

[Brenno]

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=22354&hilit=If+I+alien

[The Saint of Killers]

Woah! Tis a thing of beauty!
I wouldn't even know where to begin with something like that.
Well done mate!

[The Saint of Killers]

alien wrote:

I've seen others put the bike in the back with the forks hanging out over the rear door, which could be an option for you if running a regular soft top?

I'm assuming this is with the rear seats removed?
Looking to avoid that if possible. Basically hoping for ease of transport, ease of fitment without the need for my trailer.

I gather my original opening statement about spare tyre carriers being unsuitable is correct?

[alien]

Thanks =) Yes, rear seats removed. If the seat backs were folded down you'd still be able to run that top, but to have the seats up you'd need to remove the cover which would be super annoying.

Yeah I wouldn't hang stuff off the rear door. I reckon you're best to hang the front end of the bike out over the door. At least then you can strap the back of the bike/s down inside, throw a towel over the door to stop scratches and call it good.

[The Saint of Killers]

Where would I find something like this?

It looks OEM but my search has come up short.

[bron5on]

Low range off road may have something available? I'm sure they used to but freight would be a killer I would imagine.

[The Saint of Killers]

I searched through their site but could only find a Safari Kit.
I like the above because the rear bars "look to me" to be removable.

[shakes]

The Saint of Killers wrote:

Bike retailers always come back "she'll be right", yet, I remain skeptical.

former bike retailer here. It will be allright.

The tailgate on a sierra isnt the strongest thing. But a cheap carrier will be ok if your just using it onroad. and don't have a 31"+ tire swinging off it.

You said you have a towbar? that will also work fine with a traditional bike carrier. As long as you arent carrying 3x 30kg downhill bikes from 2002.

[The Saint of Killers]

shakes wrote:

The Saint of Killers wrote:

Bike retailers always come back "she'll be right", yet, I remain skeptical.

former bike retailer here. It will be allright. .

I'll need to carry two bikes maximum.
Either two mountain bikes (mine is something like a 05/06) Avanti Comp - the other is my mates ebay special.
Alternatively, carrying my bike and a vintage cruiser style for my gf.

We would be going to Kuitpo Forest with the mountain bikes - some bumps but nothing major
My gf and I would just be going to the beach or a nice park etc.

Tow bar is the fixed setup, no removable hitch.
Tyre is a 28''

Am I about to do a deal with the devil when I ask this?
What product would you recommend?

[alien]

If you take the spare off, and make sure your tailgate latch is really snug fitting (no wiggle when shut) the rear door is probably totally fine. That rear tyre&rim would probably weigh the same as 2 bikes.

Then mount as close to the hinges as possible so you're not applying leverage, and strap the bikes down tight so they're not wobbling as well.

Something you'll also note - the bikes are probably longer than the width of the car. The tyres will stick out either side. You'll have to be careful offroad snagging branches on the rims =)

[The Saint of Killers]

I've just spoken with Phil who is doing my paint and panel and asked him to look if there is some way he can think to reinforce the door.
He will inspect it when it's not 46 degrees Celsius

alien wrote:

Something you'll also note - the bikes are probably longer than the width of the car.

Hahaha, I've seen images of Sierra's with bikes on the back, it looks hilarious! All part of the charm I guess!

[Gwagensteve]

Reinforce the door and then the hinges will break out of the body, which is a pain as that area is a closed box. It’s a bad idea to run anything heavier than the stock spare on the back door.

[The Saint of Killers]

Gwagensteve wrote:

Reinforce the door and then the hinges will break out of the body, which is a pain as that area is a closed box. It’s a bad idea to run anything heavier than the stock spare on the back door.

Hmm as I suspected. Thanking you.

Tow ball mounts would be ruled out as-well, I'm assuming 50Kg downward is the most it could do safely. I'm not sure how much carriers weigh but with two bikes, there's 30kg right there and that's not factoring in the extra leverage from a carrier that needs to clear the spare.

[The Saint of Killers]

With the exception of stowing them in the back and hanging the forks over the tailgate as suggested, I think it's best use the trailer and add wheel chocks after all.

Here's my trailer, lightweight and foldable.
Have made some modifications since this pic but I'll check what wheel chocks Carlex offer.

[shakes]

I'd look at a roof rack mounted system for the trailer. but $$$.

option two is cheap bike racks outta timber or something. easy and cheap.

[atari4x4]

What about rola track mount bars & tracks from u-pull it & a bike mount kit for the rola bars?

[The Saint of Killers]

Thanks guys, I like those ideas! The bars need to be easily removable as the trailer folds. Also the higher the better so I could sit my go-kart on the bars with the trolley underneath

[bob_oz]

towbar and run a jetblack carrier

[The Saint of Killers]

Already have a towbar.
That's a hitch carrier and Sierra tomball's don't have a hitch.

[bob_oz]

The Saint of Killers wrote:

Already have a towbar.
That's a hitch carrier and Sierra tomball's don't have a hitch.

Nope - the jetblack locks onto the ball, it isn't a hitch style - two allen keys grip the neck and the tube is supported by the top and bottom of the 50mm ball, very neat and very quick to remove.
I put 4 bikes on mine no worries at all

https://www.jetblackproducts.com/products/JBRK-1141

[The Saint of Killers]

I stand corrected.
Does it clear the spare?

[bob_oz]

The Saint of Killers wrote:

I stand corrected.
Does it clear the spare?

yes -

I have a SWB and run wide (245-75-16) tyres,

the rack sits about 1" off the rear tyre and lets you run a bike-lock through the spare if you want.

very happy with it!

[The Saint of Killers]

Perfect! Thanks mate!