Bike Rack Calculator
Hi. We got our first MH last May, a Kontiki 640 and adding a bike was my first project. It has definitely been the best addition, we love it! However I did a lot of research and you clearly have to watch the payload.
There is a really good payload calculator here
http://www.practicalmotorhome.com/fe...ding-back.html
We found our additional bike and rack came in at 150kg. After using the calculator above this actually added around 200kg of "real" weight. As this was within our available payload we went for it.
It’s all about the payload calculations. We managed to fit our rack and scooter within the limits but the Kontiki is quite a long van and it all makes a difference. We got ours fitted at Armitage Trailers at Ferrybridge near the A1 M62 junction.
http://www.armitagetrailers.com/
They were really good and I would highly recommend talking to them. Basically they fit a full width towbar which they bolt onto the Alko chassis (other standard Chassis as well I believe). The rack then slides and bolts into the frame of the towbar bolting securely into place. There is a ramp which you slot onto the rack. You basically rev the scooter up the rack in 2 seconds flat. There is a pole up the back of the rack and you slot a curved bar over that which has a rubber mold which shapes over the seat to hold it in place. You then ratchet strap this down and ratchet the front wheel to the front of the rack. It’s then as solid as a rock. The whole process takes around 2 min tops and even less to get it off. I think the limit is 200KG but you would have to check with Armitage.
The towbar and rack is around 50kg and our bike I think is 96kg but it’s important that you do the calculation I mentioned in the link as the overhang and wheelbase all come into consideration. We went for a 2 stroke Peugeot Speedfight which is quite a light sporty little 100cc bike. It goes really well and we have been up mountain passes and all sorts on it with no issues. It will hit 60mph eventually on a good day but is more than comfortable at 45-50mph all day long.
I hadn’t had a proper bike for years and wondered if a little 100cc scooter would have enough speed and pulling power for me and Michelle. Michelle is only 8st but I am 18st. I need not have worried it pulls no problem and to be honest as you have used the MH to do the main mileage to wherever you are going, all you are doing on the bike is site seeing, shopping etc so you don’t want to be hammering along at 100mph.
One or two people said we would have handling issues as there would be too much weight on the back but on the Kontiki I don’t even notice the difference if its there or not.
I think we paid around £750 all in for the towbar and rack but I would have to check. The bike was 4 years old but with only 1200 miles on and cost £1000.
