Help Centre
- How do I know which rack is suitable for my car?
- Why do I need a tow bar?
- Do I have to buy anything extra?
- Can I carry and tow at the same time?
- What is an AL-KO stabiliser?
- Can I carry any style of bike?
- Can I still open the boot with the racks loaded?
How do I know which rack is suitable for my car?
We supply racks suitable for almost everyone's needs. Use this Car Rack Selector tool to choose the best for you.
- Select your car make from the pull down menu
- Next select your car model
- Finally select the type of tow bar
You will then see which MAXXRAXX bike carriers can be fitted to your car. Our racks are extremely strong so ultimately it depends on how sturdy the tow bar fittings are on your specific vehicle when deciding how many bikes you can carry. You can then choose between a 2-bike, 4-bike or possibly even a 5-bike rack, if your car tow bar is capable of carrying the load.
Why do I need a tow bar?
- A tow bar provides a strong and secure place to carry your bikes, up to 5 bikes on certain vehicles.
- The cycle carrier is at the ideal height to make loading and unloading simple and easy.
- The bikes are held clear of the vehicle preventing damage to either your car or the bikes.
- Roof mounted bike carriers are difficult to use and significantly increase fuel consumption.
- The total cost of a tow bar and bike rack is similar to buying a roof mounted system.
- The latest tow bars can be detached, are simple to use and are virtually invisible when detached.
By designing the MAXXRAXX for use with a tow bar, we have been able to incorporate many benefits that are often missing from other racks and because it is made from powder-coated steel, the MAXXRAXX is also extremely strong and durable.
As a result you can carry up to 5 bikes (depending on the Nose Weight Rating of your vehicle) positioned well clear of your vehicle to ensure no damage can occur to the paintwork. It is at a suitable height to allow quick and easy loading/unloading and you can relax in the knowledge that your bikes are locked securely to your vehicle.
Finally, fitting a tow bar couldn't be easier. MAXXRAXX are not tow bar fitters but we work with a nationwide network of approved fitters who we are happy to recommend. Many of these tow bar fitters are mobile and they will come to you at a time to suit you. The fitter will also be able to demonstrate how to connect your MAXXRAXX bike carrier and answer any queries you may have. Please contact MAXXRAXX with your post code and type of vehicle for details of your nearest approved fitter. Alternatively you can of course, if you wish, arrange your own tow bar fitting.
Do I have to buy anything extra?
Normally no. Your MAXXRAXX is supplied with everything you need to fit to your tow bar and carry your bikes. However, extra components can be supplied to adapt your rack to carry more bikes, to allow you to use your rack with another vehicle and there are also some accessories like our light board hanger, wall mounting bracket and towing height extension. Please also see our answer to Question 6, Can I carry any style of bike?
Can I carry and tow at the same time?
Yes. The MAXXRAXX leaves your tow ball free to tow and carry simultaneously, depending on your tow vehicle/caravan/trailer configuration. In certain cases you may need a towing height extension to clear the jockey wheel handle on the A-frame of your caravan or trailer. If you have an AL-KO stabiliser fitted please let us know and we will supply your MAXXRAXX with an extra wide AL-KO compatible foot plate to ensure there is sufficient clearance when turning.
What is an AL-KO stabiliser?
Certain caravans or trailers have a stabiliser fitted to help reduce snaking. The 2 main types of ball acting stabilisers are Winterhoff and AL-KO. The Winterhoff uses discs to apply pressure to the front and back of the ball and so it also reduces vertical movement or pitching. The AL-KO types of stabiliser use discs to apply pressure to the sides of the ball and so have a much wider head on the coupling.
All MAXXRAXX 2-bolt flange plate cycle carriers are compatible with both Winterhoff and AL-KO stabilisers.
If your vehicle has a SwanNeck tow bar and you tow with a stabiliser, please advise us. We can usually supply a wider, AL-KO/Winterhoff compatible foot with your Swan Neck bike rack to ensure there is sufficient clearance between the coupling head and the MAXXRAXX bike rack when turning. In certain rare cases our racks with Swan Neck adaptors are incompatible with specific combinations of particular Swan Neck tow bars and stabilisers. We can identify this rare situation and advise you before you buy.
Can I carry any style of bike?
Yes. The crossbar on almost all bikes, including lady's and mountain bikes, is suitable for use with MAXXRAXX cycle carriers, no matter what thickness or cross-section. With a sloping crossbar the bike will be supported with the rear wheel higher than the front but this is perfectly safe. Only a few bikes such as a "full step-through" lady's bikes or some full suspension mountain bikes will require the use of an X-bar to act as a temporary crossbar.
Can I still open the boot with the racks loaded?
Yes. Even with your bikes loaded onto your MAXXRAXX, you can tilt the rack allowing you to open the boot or hatchback of your vehicle. In the case of a 4x4, the rear door can be opened up to 60°.
