Bike carriers for rear Elgrand...

[manikm303]

does anyone know what the -18 means on the THULE racks - ive seent THULE 973-7; 973-15; 973-18
what do the end numbers mean? and is it only the -18 that fits the Elgrand?

 

[manikm303]

like this ?

thank you !

this picture really helped me set up my rack today which i got second hand and had been dismantled....

 

[Welchemuffin]

anyone know of an alternative bike rack for the Elgrand e51 , the thule 973 is now obsolete?

I’ve been wondering the same!

 

[Catengine]

ahh. that explains why i cant find any!

 

[Londonglide]

I still have a VW one for sale if you fancy a project....
[EMBED content="thread-41473"]https://forum.elgrandoc.uk/threads/fiamma-3-bike-rack-for-vw-t3-t25-series-convert-to-Elgrand-project.41473/[/EMBED]

 

[manikm303]

I still have a VW one for sale if you fancy a project....

https://forum.elgrandoc.uk/threads/...-t25-series-convert-to-Elgrand-project.41473/

The top bars would need bending downwards 80 degrees or so 8 inches in to follow the boot angle, maybe using a pipe bender perhaps.

You would then need a way of securing it to either the sides of the boot or at the bottom inside the boot to allow safe opening and shutting off the boot.

Anyone fitting one should upgrade their struts too as the extra weight will result in the boot trying to close all the time and won't stay propped open

 

[AlanM]

A possible alternative to the Thule?

On a campsite earlier this year I pitched up alongside a really nice couple with an Alphard and his bike rack was from one of the Fiamma Carry-Bike range although he didn't know what model as it was part of his (very nice) conversion by Andy's Imports of Norwich. (Worth a phone call for the Fiamma model?).

In the pics below I'd think there's a very good chance that that model would work on an Elgrand with the standard rear spoiler. Looking through the various Fiamma models those for the Vito and Vianno look contenders.

Bikes sit much higher than with the Thule so think 'car park height restrictions' but there's a very clear view of the numberplate. I now tow a caravan and hitching up with the Thule loaded with bikes is a little awkward due to the low height of the rack - less of an issue with the Fiamma I'd guess.