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      01-06-2013, 04:02 AM   #1
rhosneigr
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Retractable towbar

Wanting to get a towbar for bike carrier and thinking of specing the electric retractable on new F31.

Know some bike carriers need flange type towbar. Anyone got experience of using it with bike carriers?
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      01-08-2013, 02:57 AM   #2
kitster
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No experience of towbars with bike racks but I did have the retractable one on my previous E91. Personally didn't use it and instead went for the Thule aero bars with ProRide 591
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      01-08-2013, 03:08 AM   #3
dan yeates
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BMW list this as an option for the electric tow bar

https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/topics/owne...ryId=7991.html

But as mentioned above, I also have the Thule roof bars and cycle carriers. Although the boot rack would be useful for when the kayak is on the roof when we go camping.
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      01-08-2013, 03:38 AM   #4
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How does the bike carrier stay level if there is only a ball to clamp on? Wouldn't it just swivel round until it hit the ground. Sorry for the silly question but I have been wondering how it is achieved.
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      01-08-2013, 03:42 AM   #5
dan yeates
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Not entirely sure to be honest! I assume it clamps the ball hitch and the neck to give it the required support.
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      01-08-2013, 11:41 AM   #6
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First post for me ....

I have a Thule 3-bike carrier with a 4th bike extension and it just clamps onto the tow bar ball without any additional support.

As long as you turn the adjustment screw on the carrier to a pretty tight setting the whole thing just clamps so firmly that there's no lateral movement at all - even big speed bumps or tight corners don't upset things.

I must say that I was quite nervous during the first few journeys, with my eyes in the rear view mirror at least as much as straight ahead but if clamped firmly there's nothing to worry about.
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      01-10-2013, 09:53 AM   #7
rhosneigr
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Thanks Floriank.

Seems then that the ball only towbar should be ok. I know after market ones have a "flange plate" that racks can bolt to but the clamp option seems Ok I guess?

Do you find it slips at all or is it really solid?
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      01-10-2013, 09:55 AM   #8
rhosneigr
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dan yeates View Post
BMW list this as an option for the electric tow bar

https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/topics/owne...ryId=7991.html

But as mentioned above, I also have the Thule roof bars and cycle carriers. Although the boot rack would be useful for when the kayak is on the roof when we go camping.
Thanks for that link. That's the kind of thing I'm looking for so looks like it should be ok.
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