Lighting bar on bike hitch rack

[gaby]

Originally Posted by Philip Fisher

I have a very similar 929 and it is fantastic. Thule stuff is great.

I agree, Thule is first class. But a little too expensive if the rack is only used to pick up my partners bike
in the event of a flat tyre or other mishap. It will not be used to drive a long(er) distance, and only carry
one bike since I don't have one

[gaby]

Originally Posted by Philip Fisher

The rear hatch is simply not designed to hang bikes off.

It may not even be possible to place a rack on the rear hatch, the spoiler may prevent it.

[Roosterb]

If it’s just for emergency why not just put the bike in the back of the car?

[Murph7355]

Originally Posted by Philip Fisher

The rear hatch is simply not designed to hang bikes off. I have a real issue with these racks which hang off the boot and wouldn't touch one with a bargepole to be honest. I helped a colleague to fit one. My parting words were "dont come crying to me when it falls off.....". He never used it so I can't claim to have been proved right yet.....

So decent options are roof (which will cost you about 300 quid for bars and carriers for 2 bikes) or towbar which will cost you about 400 quid plus the tow bar. If you havent got a towbar then this becomes an expensive way of doing things.

I think in noting a "hitch rack" the OP was referring to a towbar mounted one . (Probably in the US).

I have an Atera Strada DL. Great bit of kit (takes 4 bikes). Slides out of the way to allow boot (trunk ) access without unloading. Light bar included and works very nicely with the XC90 (recognised by the Volvo as attached, runs light tests etc).

[gaby]

Originally Posted by Roosterb

If it’s just for emergency why not just put the bike in the back of the car?

I find a bike an awkward thing to put on a flat surface. The steering wheel has to be turned
and then there is still a pedal sticking out. Moreover, we have the steel barrier behind the
2nd seat row and contrary (and sadly) to the one in our XC70, this one doesn't fold up.

[gaby]

Originally Posted by Murph7355

I think in noting a "hitch rack" the OP was referring to a towbar mounted one . (Probably in the US).

I have an Atera Strada DL. Great bit of kit (takes 4 bikes). Slides out of the way to allow boot (trunk ) access without unloading. Light bar included and works very nicely with the XC90 (recognised by the Volvo as attached, runs light tests etc).

Yes, I mean a towbar mounted rack (not in the US though, in Belgium :).
Do you feel that you need to use the light board, or would the lighting of the car itself still be visible?
If it will do without a lighting board, BLIS stays active, it's disabled when the car senses extra lights.

[canis]

Light boards aren't expensive. £20-ish on ebay, maybe less.

[ksmi]

Morning Gaby, Just to recap,do you already have a tow hitch/bar fitted? if the answer is yes,how about a bike carrier that clamps onto the towing ball + a lighting board,they(the bike carrier) fold up and you could leave it in the car permanently.

The other solution is buy yourself a bike,join in the fun, and leave the car at home.( You might find you are another Eddy Merckx!)

Regards,Keith.

[4x4]

A hitch mounted bike carrier will obscure the lights and rear number plate so light board is required/essential. The more bikes on the carrier the more the lights will obscure the lights. Why would you want to put yourself at risk of being rear ended because the driver behind can't clearly see your lights

[Philip Fisher]

Originally Posted by gaby

Yes, I mean a towbar mounted rack (not in the US though, in Belgium :).
Do you feel that you need to use the light board, or would the lighting of the car itself still be visible?
If it will do without a lighting board, BLIS stays active, it's disabled when the car senses extra lights.

OK. So perhaps I understand more now.

You want a towball mounted carrier but just want to know if you can get away without a lightboard?

I guess the simple answer is it depends on how fussy you are and how fussy the police are in your area. My opinion is that bike carriers always block the lights to some extent and I wouldnt drive without one.

Your other issue - as you rightly identify - is that the car wont "know" about the carrier as there is no electrical connection. This will mean BLIS will malfunction (although you can turn it off manually) and also your rear parking sensors will go crazy each time you reverse. But if it is only occasional you can probably live with this.