Bike Rack question from Canada

[vwDavid]

Hi Folks,

I finally stumbled on this forum. I'm writing from Vancouver, Canada. Since I tow a 900 kg boat with my Passat TDI Variant I decided to import and install a Westfalia swan neck removable tow bar. It really is great piece.

I'd like to run a bike rack on the back and noticed in Europe you guys often run a bike rack on your swan neck tow ball.

I found that Thule makes a cost effective clamp on rack (photo below) and what I'm wondering is if anyone uses this and can recommend that it works well or not?

Thule:

[Ben]

try this http://www.bak-rak.com/index.htm

[vwDavid]

Is anyone using the bak-rak swan neck converter - is it stable and solid? Does it wear down the ball?

your URL didn't work but this one did: http://www.bak-rak.com/

Thanks for the tip

[Ben]

i have used it.

my dad has one.

i have a picture see below once on the neck it is locked solid by a bolt you tighten to 80nm then the frame slots over the top of it.









excuse the red squares, certain forum members decidet to jest at my expence

notice the canadian flag on the tail board. Mom's canadian (edmonton i think)

[vwDavid]

This looks like a great option. I have e-mailed them for more info. Do you know if it causes wear on the ball? I still gotta use the ball for towing safely and don't want it to wear out too fast as it will be hard to replace it here in Canada.

Anyone else use the Thule products pictured? Do they work well?

[Ben]

i believe the ball is safe.

they will be able to offer all the answers you seek.

let them know you were refered to them by one of their customers.

[hagis]

excuse the red squares, certain forum members decidet to jest at my expence

Do you have clown's feet or really bad taste in footwear then?

[vwDavid]

Hey! Nice mini Canadian Flag on your light bar!

[paul b]

Slightly off the point but 3 quality VW's on the drive! You see, I have an A6 and an Astra (er hem) on my drive, maybe the Astra should go and I should replace it with a Passat or A4? I have relatives who live in Gwelph, so maybe I'm contributing to this thread slightly... I have been to Canada twice myself, it's a very nice country. If I was 10 years younger I'd pack my bags and go but...
Paul

[Ben]

Slightly off the point but 3 quality VW's on the drive! You see, I have an A6 and an Astra (er hem) on my drive, maybe the Astra should go and I should replace it with a Passat or A4? I have relatives who live in Gwelph, so maybe I'm contributing to this thread slightly... I have been to Canada twice myself, it's a very nice country. If I was 10 years younger I'd pack my bags and go but...
Paul