Bike Rack / Carrier on your XJ?

[braith7]

Hi Guys,

Does anyone have any experience with carrying bikes on the outside of their XJ? Im just looking to carry 1, maybe 2 max; and without breaking the bank but still taking good care of my other pride and joy.

Any roof based bike holders that work with the stardard XJ roof bars? (pre-update). Short of that, Im thinking I could drill through the bars and sort out some brackets to make it work if I can get hold of a fairly generic mounting one, something along these lines - http://www.thule.com.au/thule-outride-570002 (but cheaper)

Or any good experience with any specific tailgate mounted or towbar mounted carriers?

Thanks guys

[shakes]

The thule products are excellent - you do need proper roof bars, not the factory jeep rails. Some of the cheaper ones that are similar i'd be wary of. I'd go the 951 myself, all their products can be keyed alike to, make sure if you do order more down the track you request that.

Cheap option is one of these...



Bolted to one rail and a short section of channel to sit the rear wheel in another plus some tie downs... worth the effort?

Saris racks are pretty good.

Pacific towbar ones with the velcro strap rather than the top plate if your on a budget.

[Roler]

Got a tailgate type carrier. Works fine and not overly expensive. Easy mounting and taking off.

[eksjay]

I have a mac rack carrier which slots into the tow bar behind the tail gate. It can carry 3 large bikes. You can lock the carrier to the car and the bikes to the rack.

The pluses of this type of solution is that the bikes do not produce drag. Also, you don't need to lift the bike onto the roof. The only down side is that the bike rests from the underside if the top tube. Not sure what the fatigue factor is on the bike frame over time. I have had an aluminium t6061 mountain bike from Gary Fisher and it is not showing signs of fatigue at 13 years.

[shakes]

Originally Posted by eksjay

The only down side is that the bike rests from the underside if the top tube. Not sure what the fatigue factor is on the bike frame over time. I have had an aluminium t6061 mountain bike from Gary Fisher and it is not showing signs of fatigue at 13 years.

In 10years in/around the industry and sport. the only time i've seen issues is from people using the old style clamp down top plate and doing it too tight, or from driving under/into/over stuff. Not from fatigue.

[WHHEMI]

Originally Posted by eksjay

I have a mac rack carrier which slots into the tow bar behind the tail gate. It can carry 3 large bikes. You can lock the carrier to the car and the bikes to the rack.

The pluses of this type of solution is that the bikes do not produce drag. Also, you don't need to lift the bike onto the roof. The only down side is that the bike rests from the underside if the top tube. Not sure what the fatigue factor is on the bike frame over time. I have had an aluminium t6061 mountain bike from Gary Fisher and it is not showing signs of fatigue at 13 years.

I have one of these for sale, pm me if your interested.

[bruggz351]

Originally Posted by braith7

Hi Guys,

Does anyone have any experience with carrying bikes on the outside of their XJ? Im just looking to carry 1, maybe 2 max; and without breaking the bank but still taking good care of my other pride and joy.

Any roof based bike holders that work with the stardard XJ roof bars? (pre-update). Short of that, Im thinking I could drill through the bars and sort out some brackets to make it work if I can get hold of a fairly generic mounting one, something along these lines - http://www.thule.com.au/thule-outride-570002 (but cheaper)

Or any good experience with any specific tailgate mounted or towbar mounted carriers?

Thanks guys

Where are you braith7??