E-Bike rack and tow bar on Cali 6.1

[Beryl]

Hi

Does anyone have experience of the Original Zubehor bike rack? We've got 2 e-bikes that we want to take to France with us but our VW 4-bike rack won't hold the weight of the bikes and we've heard some real horror stories of damage caused to the tailgate by trying to carry them! I called VW in Poole and they've recommended either a removable tow bar or fixed tow bar with the Zubehor bike rack - hellish expensive to fit as all the electric cabling has to be installed through the floor of our Cali. However, as both bikes (even with the batteries removed) would be over 40kg, it seems we have no choice. Any thoughts or experiences from others in the forum??

 

[Oester]

We had a fixed towbar fitted to our T6.1 Cali last year and it was a very simple install as all the cabling is routed under the van, no need to go through the van or lift any flooring.
Our fitter treated it as a Transporter van which they've done many of.

We use an Uebler two bike rack that has a 60Kg load capacity. Works fine but do have to loosen and turn the bars on the bike loaded closest to tailgate.

HTH.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Hi

Does anyone have experience of the Original Zubehor bike rack? We've got 2 e-bikes that we want to take to France with us but our VW 4-bike rack won't hold the weight of the bikes and we've heard some real horror stories of damage caused to the tailgate by trying to carry them! I called VW in Poole and they've recommended either a removable tow bar or fixed tow bar with the Zubehor bike rack - hellish expensive to fit as all the electric cabling has to be installed through the floor of our Cali. However, as both bikes (even with the batteries removed) would be over 40kg, it seems we have no choice. Any thoughts or experiences from others in the forum??

Lots of posts on the forum, so worth a thorough search. Personally I use a Thule XT2 (never tried any of the probably admirable alternatives), with the modification I refer to in a link in this link:

Tow ball bike racks

Hi, I’m new here. First time t6 Ocean owner. Before getting it we always used a Thule tow ball fitted bike carrier on our car. I never really see them on camper vans though and wondered if there was any reason as would like to get one again? Ours used to fold down to get in the boot without...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Apart from being a lump to handle, in all other respects with e-bikes the tow bar carriers are surely preferable. For the tow bar install, again search and shop around as it sounds as if your advice could be incorrectly exclusive of more economic solutions.

 

[vmaxkiddy]

Hi

Does anyone have experience of the Original Zubehor bike rack? We've got 2 e-bikes that we want to take to France with us but our VW 4-bike rack won't hold the weight of the bikes and we've heard some real horror stories of damage caused to the tailgate by trying to carry them! I called VW in Poole and they've recommended either a removable tow bar or fixed tow bar with the Zubehor bike rack - hellish expensive to fit as all the electric cabling has to be installed through the floor of our Cali. However, as both bikes (even with the batteries removed) would be over 40kg, it seems we have no choice. Any thoughts or experiences from others in the forum??

Try P.F Jones for the tow bar install.

PF Jones Witter Tow bars, Westfalia Towbars, Price Promise all Tow bars. Eberspacher Main Dealer

1000s of Tow bars in stock Witter towbars Westfalia towbars Brink towbars PCT Towbars cycle carriers eberspacher heaters Planar heaters vehicle lighting, emergency beacons .towbars UK

www.pfjones.co.uk

 

[GreyPeanut]

I know a guy that will come to your house and fit tow bar & electrics, he didn't do the Cali but has fitted to 2 of my cars and also colleagues at work. I'm in SW London and covers most of Surrey too. Can DM contact detail of of any use to at least get another quote?

 

[pluc99]

Make sure the rack can not only carry the weight but also the length of the bike as well as the tire width. I had to replace my Atera rack when I got an e-bike that wouldn't fit the tire channels.

 

[Beryl]

Lots of posts on the forum, so worth a thorough search. Personally I use a Thule XT2 (never tried any of the probably admirable alternatives), with the modification I refer to in a link in this link:

Tow ball bike racks

Hi, I’m new here. First time t6 Ocean owner. Before getting it we always used a Thule tow ball fitted bike carrier on our car. I never really see them on camper vans though and wondered if there was any reason as would like to get one again? Ours used to fold down to get in the boot without...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Apart from being a lump to handle, in all other respects with e-bikes the tow bar carriers are surely preferable. For the tow bar install, again search and shop around as it sounds as if your advice could be incorrectly exclusive of more economic solutions.

Really helpful advice, thanks. The issue re. the tow bar installation is that Beryl is still under warranty and apparently, the wiring has to go through the interior of the van to satisfy VW protocol; something to do with the kitchen installation as compared to the straightforward van set up. Still researching though.

 

[WelshGas]

Really helpful advice, thanks. The issue re. the tow bar installation is that Beryl is still under warranty and apparently, the wiring has to go through the interior of the van to satisfy VW protocol; something to do with the kitchen installation as compared to the straightforward van set up. Still researching though.

PFJones can fit and use a wiring loom that goes under the vehicle , accepted and used by VW. Your Dealership don't want to do it.

 

[Beryl]

...just spoke to PF; they don't want to touch it!

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Really helpful advice, thanks. The issue re. the tow bar installation is that Beryl is still under warranty and apparently, the wiring has to go through the interior of the van to satisfy VW protocol; something to do with the kitchen installation as compared to the straightforward van set up. Still researching though.

How long is the remaining warranty? Your avatar/panel says T6 Ocean 150. I am not sure I would be all that bothered using a good installer (though your feedback on PF Jones is noted and surprising).

 

[vmaxkiddy]

The chances of a VW dealer fitting the tow bar are quite remote. They’ll contract the job out. Did you say to PF Jones that you wanted the wiring through the van rather than under ? If so, I suspect that’s why they declined.

 

[Beryl]

How long is the remaining warranty? Your avatar/panel says T6 Ocean 150. I am not sure I would be all that bothered using a good installer (though your feedback on PF Jones is noted and surprising).

3 years, she's a 74 reg T6.1

 

[Beryl]

The chances of a VW dealer fitting the tow bar are quite remote. They’ll contract the job out. Did you say to PF Jones that you wanted the wiring through the van rather than under ? If so, I suspect that’s why they declined.

Hi,

No, quite the opposite as I don't want the interior mucked about with but I now understand that it has to be routed under the van but it comes up through the passenger side internally. I was/am getting different stories from two different VW dealers about fitting so, I'm talking to their tech teams to try to understand why before committing.

 

[Oester]

Hi,

No, quite the opposite as I don't want the interior mucked about with but I now understand that it has to be routed under the van but it comes up through the passenger side internally. I was/am getting different stories from two different VW dealers about fitting so, I'm talking to their tech teams to try to understand why before committing.

Mine was routed under the van, into the engine bay and through the bulkhead to behind the dash on the driver's side. Nothing comes up through the van, passenger side or otherwise, no need to.

Our Cali is under VW warranty and the aftermarket tow bar does not affect the warranty in any way.

I'd echo the suggestions to find a good fitter local to you. VW Dealer will probably confuse the issue more than clarify.

 

[Beryl]

Mine was routed under the van, into the engine bay and through the bulkhead to behind the dash on the driver's side. Nothing comes up through the van, passenger side or otherwise, no need to.

Our Cali is under VW warranty and the aftermarket tow bar does not affect the warranty in any way.

I'd echo the suggestions to find a good fitter local to you. VW Dealer will probably confuse the issue more than clarify.

Thanks, who did yours?

 

[Beryl]

I know a guy that will come to your house and fit tow bar & electrics, he didn't do the Cali but has fitted to 2 of my cars and also colleagues at work. I'm in SW London and covers most of Surrey too. Can DM contact detail of of any use to at least get another quote?

Thanks. Would you be able to give me his details?

 

[GreyPeanut]

No problem - He's a guy called Jason his number is 07931 848116. just message him with what you want and vehicle details and he'll get back to you. He's fitted 2 bars & electrics for me in Raynes Park SW20. Great service both times.
good luck
Geoff

 

[Black Forest]

For the OP, another vote for the Thule XT2 here. It will tilt and allow the rear door to open and when travelling, the handlebar end clears the rear window. The rack is rated at almost 60kg which is fine for two bikes including batteries. Better if the batteries are de-mounted for security.

It's a solid bit of kit, folds flat and hangs from a couple of B&Q hooks on the garage wall. Often found on eBay and FB marketplace.

 

[Beryl]

Hi

Does anyone have experience of the Original Zubehor bike rack? We've got 2 e-bikes that we want to take to France with us but our VW 4-bike rack won't hold the weight of the bikes and we've heard some real horror stories of damage caused to the tailgate by trying to carry them! I called VW in Poole and they've recommended either a removable tow bar or fixed tow bar with the Zubehor bike rack - hellish expensive to fit as all the electric cabling has to be installed through the floor of our Cali. However, as both bikes (even with the batteries removed) would be over 40kg, it seems we have no choice. Any thoughts or experiences from others in the forum??

Hi

Does anyone have experience of the Original Zubehor bike rack? We've got 2 e-bikes that we want to take to France with us but our VW 4-bike rack won't hold the weight of the bikes and we've heard some real horror stories of damage caused to the tailgate by trying to carry them! I called VW in Poole and they've recommended either a removable tow bar or fixed tow bar with the Zubehor bike rack - hellish expensive to fit as all the electric cabling has to be installed through the floor of our Cali. However, as both bikes (even with the batteries removed) would be over 40kg, it seems we have no choice. Any thoughts or experiences from others in the forum??

PS - does anyone currently have a VW fitted detachable tow ball and if so, please can you let me know the length of it, ie the bit that sticks out?? Can you have a choice? Clearly the longer it is the more chance of opening the tailgate but the weight limit will reduce in proportion. Thanks

 

[DGB99]

Do you mean how far it sticks out from the bumper? If so have just checked mine and it is 7.8cm from the edge of the bumper to the centre of the towbar ball. I use a Thule XT2 bike rack which has been modified to allow door opening when tilted.

 

[Daffus]

Just to add in my experience with a Thule 2 bar bike rack that hasn’t had any issues resulting in either damage to the rear tailgate or operational issues.
I have used 2 e-bikes weighing around 24kg each but would generally remove both batteries so that it is easier to lift and fit them on the rack.
The only issue I had was that the bikes could not be covered due to the exposed height above the roof, as recommended by Thule not to. But would like to have be able to use a cover purely from a security point of view.
However now moved on so have the 2 Thule bar rack for sale so will advertise separetely

 

[3wolves]

Hi, I have a similar experience as Raggerty but with the VW bike rack on our T6.1. We have 2 e-bikes total weight 46kg without the batteries and have had no issues with damage or operation of the tailgate over 5 years. Opening the tailgate with the 2 bikes loaded is a bit tricky solo but no problem with 2 people. My understanding is the weight limit is 60kg

 

[Beryl]

Do you mean how far it sticks out from the bumper? If so have just checked mine and it is 7.8cm from the edge of the bumper to the centre of the towbar ball. I use a Thule XT2 bike rack which has been modified to allow door opening when tilted.

Yes, many thanks