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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Why do I need a towbar?
- 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?
Why do I need a tow bar?
A tow bar provides a strong and secure place to carry your bikes. 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. The MAXXRAXX is robust, carrying up to 5 bikes and 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.
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. All MAXXRAXX cycle carriers are compatible with this type of stabiliser. 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. If you tow anything which uses an AL-KO stabiliser please advise us and we will supply a wider, AL-KO compatible foot with your bike rack to ensure there is sufficient clearance between the coupling head and the MAXXRAXX bike rack when turning.
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°.
