Flexibly expandable, suitable for all types of bike and well thought-out down to the smallest detail.
Whether you regularly travel with your family, transport heavy e-bikes or are looking for a space-saving carrier for your garage – the differences between bike carriers for towbars are crucial for comfort and safety. In our online shop, you will find a wide selection of high-quality bike carriers.
Find the right bike carrier for your needs here. Discover now and start the cycling season perfectly prepared!
What are the differences between bike carriers for towbars?
If you want to buy a bike carrier for your towbar, you will quickly be faced with the question: Which model is right for me? Bike carriers differ in many ways – from the number of bikes they can carry and the type of bikes they are designed for to their storage dimensions and tilt angle. In our guide below, we show you the most important differences so that you can find exactly the right carrier for your needs.
1. Number of bikes – stay flexible
A key distinguishing feature is the capacity of the bike carrier. Our motto is: Stay flexible.
For 2 bikes, extendable to 3 bikes: Ideal for couples or small families. An extension kit allows you to easily add a third bike – perfect for growing needs.
Matching products: compact 2e+1, aluline
For 2 bikes, extendable to up to 4 bikes: Start small and expand as needed – from sporty weekend trips to family bike tours. The advantage: you can reduce the size of the carrier at any time when it is no longer needed.
Matching product: BackPower
2. Type of bike – it all depends on your requirements
Not all bikes are the same – and not every carrier is suitable for all types of bikes.
E-bikes & large mountain bikes: These bikes are heavier and have larger frames. Look for sturdy constructions, wider rail spacing and increased load capacities.
Suitable product: compact 2e+1
City bikes, road bikes, children’s bikes: Lighter and more compact bikes benefit from flexible mounting systems that can easily accommodate smaller axle distances.
Suitable products: BackPower, compact 2e+1, aluline
3. Storage space – where to put the rack when not in use?
An often underestimated factor: the space required by the bike carrier when not in use.
Foldable bike carriers: These models can be folded up compactly, stowed in a bag and stored in the garage or basement to save space – ideal for households with limited storage space.
Suitable product: compact 2e+1
Carrier with rigid base plate: Here, the retaining bracket can often be folded down so that the carrier can be hung flat against the wall. A space-saving solution with a robust design.
Suitable products: BackPower, aluline
4. Tilt angle – convenient access to the trunk
A good bike carrier must not only transport bikes safely, but also be practical for everyday use – especially when you need to access the trunk while on the road.
Tilt angle approx. 45°: The standard for many vehicles such as SUVs, estate cars (e.g. VW Touran) or saloon cars. Especially with heavy e-bikes, it is a great advantage that the carrier can be pushed back onto the vehicle from a comfortable angle with minimal effort and without straining your back.
Suitable products: compact 2e+1, BackPower, aluline
Folding angle approx. 90°: For vehicles with large, low tailgates such as VW California, Mercedes Marco Polo or Ford Transit Nugget. These carriers can be folded down particularly far so that you can easily access your luggage even in campers and vans.
Matching product: BackPower
5. Fix4Bike – which mounting system is right for your vehicle?
Bike carriers for towbars also differ in their locking systems.
mft tension lock: The bike carrier is secured to the ball head using a tension lever, for example. Proven standard, quick to install and easy to use – fits any towbar with a standard round ball head.
Suitable products: compact 2e+1, BackPower, aluline
Fix4Bike fastener: Specially designed for vehicles with a Fix4Bike towbar. Offers even easier and safer mounting. The carrier locks automatically and is aligned both horizontally and vertically.
Matching products: compact 2e+1 Fix4Bike, BackCarrier Fix4Bike
FAQs on bike carriers and rear boxes on the towbar
Depending on the age of the model, we can send you replacement keys. The lock number has 3 digits and can be read off the lock cylinder. If the required locking number is no longer available, it is still possible to replace all locks.
Yes, if you have a towbar fitted to your vehicle, the make and model does not matter.
Yes, if you have a towbar fitted to your vehicle, the make and model does not matter. There are only differences in the folding mechanism. If you have a vehicle with a very large tailgate, such as a VW bus or a Mercedes-Benz Viano, you can only open the tailgate with our “BackPower” model.
No, a TÜV inspection is not required as the carrier has an EU type approval.
The drawbar load depends on the trailer coupling and the car. You will find the permissible drawbar load on the type plate directly on your coupling or in the vehicle registration document.
Yes, all systems can be mounted on the towbar quickly and easily without tools.
This depends on the model purchased. You will find the payload on the gray sticker located in the area of the coupling. The payload is the weight that may be loaded onto the carrier itself.
Example
You have a drawbar load of 75 kg and your carrier weighs 15 kg. This means you can still load 60 kg onto the carrier.
75 kg – 15 kg = 60 kg.
There is a gray sticker on the carrier in the area of the clutch. The name behind the type designation is important.
All available cover glasses are available in our online store and are linked under this answer. If your cover glass is not listed, please contact customer service directly. We are sure to find a suitable solution for you.
Unfortunately, nothing is really safe from theft. Nevertheless, you can of course lock the bikes to the bike carrier and the bike carrier to the towbar.
A 13-pin DIN connection is required. If your vehicle has a 7-pin connection, a 7- 13-pin adapter plug can be connected. This is available in our online store and is linked under this answer.
No, but it is advisable to fit a 3rd brake light to the bike carrier. The connection option is available on every bike carrier purchased from 2009 onwards.
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