Technical Towbal bike carrier

[Jerseywurzel]

Hi all,
I'm thinking of getting a towbar bike carrier, for 2 electric bikes.
First I need the tow ball fitted, will that interfere with the reversing sensors?
2nd, any suggestions for the actual carrier.
3rd, I'm assuming the carrier will interfere with the sensors?
Any advice gratefully received

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

1 - A fixed towball will, a quick-click detachable one won't (when removed)
3 - A good towball-mounted carrier will have additional lights and numberplate holder - and, when plugged into the towing electrics (if installed correctly) will disable the reversing sensors (so you'll need to look out of the window )

Based on my own 'musings' about fitting a towbar (see here https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/towbar-and-temporary-towing-eye-question.495553/ ) it seems that Westfalia's is the best option. (see recent thread on this...).. I have been very impressed by my Thule roof mounted bike carrier, and they do a range of towball-mount ones too.

Look below this thread for the 'similar threads' section - there's an answer in there too.

 

[Jerseywurzel]

1 - A fixed towball will, a quick-click detachable one won't (when removed)
3 - A good towball-mounted carrier will have additional lights and numberplate holder - and, when plugged into the towing electrics (if installed correctly) will disable the reversing sensors (so you'll need to look out of the window )

Based on my own 'musings' about fitting a towbar (see here https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/towbar-and-temporary-towing-eye-question.495553/ ) it seems that Westfalia's is the best option. (see recent thread on this...).. I have been very impressed by my Thule roof mounted bike carrier, and they do a range of towball-mount ones too.

Look below this thread for the 'similar threads' section - there's an answer in there too.

Thanks for the helpful reply!

 

[The Panda Nut]

With a rear mounted carrier you must have a lighting board, and therefore a socket. If you have the electrics done right plugging the lighting in will disable the sensors so combined with the removable bar your assured of no issues when the carrier is in use. I would recommend a bar with a locking removable ball to reduce the theft risk of the carrier. Not all towballs are key locked to the car.

 

[Panda IIs]

Hi all,
I'm thinking of getting a towbar bike carrier, for 2 electric bikes.
First I need the tow ball fitted, will that interfere with the reversing sensors?
2nd, any suggestions for the actual carrier.
3rd, I'm assuming the carrier will interfere with the sensors?
Any advice gratefully received

Some thoughts from a cyclist, Panda and roof and tow ball carrier owner .

1. Yes, as stated, parking sensors will be messed with - but with bikes on the back they will be no use
2. Agree that the OEM (actually Westfallia) or Westfallia brand seem best offering and fit with least fuss
3. E-bikes are (relatively) heavy unless you are going very high end, loading up the tow bar with two will take some headlight adjustment!
4. E- bikes on a roof carrier are a pain (weight)
5. Tow ball carrier will definitely require light board and number plate (to be legal that is...)
6. I don't use the roof carrier on the Panda since its so tall (4x4) compared to the aged Volvo 940 (lowered springs) which is soooo much easier
7. Enjoy your cycling

 

[Mark Hurst]

Hi all,
I'm thinking of getting a towbar bike carrier, for 2 electric bikes.
First I need the tow ball fitted, will that interfere with the reversing sensors?
2nd, any suggestions for the actual carrier.
3rd, I'm assuming the carrier will interfere with the sensors?
Any advice gratefully received

I can only speak for my own setup, which you can see in this thread. I bought a 'Westfalia detachable towbar (vertical loading)'. This doesn't interfere with the reversing sensors when fitted, so I can leave it on all the time. I got 13-pin electrics, and the carrier I bought is a 'Thule EasyFold XT 2-Bike' rack. This has all the lights (including fog and reverse), but if I was doing it again I would have gone for 7-pin electrics on the towbar because apparently that means it's not checked on the MOT. (You can see how I learned this here ) The rack, of course, does interfere with the sensors when fitted. If you go into reverse for more than about five seconds it errors and disables the sensors. I thought this was a problem at first, but apparently the sensors constantly self-check, so when you remove the rack it resets when you go into reverse again. Phew!