Thule tow ball mounted bike rack

I’m looking at getting one of these bike racks as our existing bikes are too heavy for the fiamma door mounted rack. I’m concerned that there may not be enough clearance between the bikes handle bars and the rear door/windows, as the bikes are mountain bikes. I know I can slack the bars off and move them, but I’d rather not if I can help it. I also wondered if a swan neck v flange mount tow ball increased the possible clearance. 
So if any one has one I’d love to hear of your experiences using the rack.

Cheers

I think you would have to be specific about exactly which Thule rack, because there are variations between models. I use a Thule 928 on my T5, and had to lengthen the cables a short amount to allow it to drop further to clear the tailgate, but other people have reported using other Thule models on exactly the same type of van with no problems and no need for mods.

[Edit - my misunderstanding - I thought this was a reference to being able to open the rear doors/tailgate, but it's not! I think clearance to the back window will also depend on the model - the 928 is Ok on mine but the closest in slot takes the handlebars very close to the rear window.]

Not the thule rack but I saw this today which swings out so you can open your rear doors....
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Thanks so far, but not concerned about opening the doors on the van, more specifically the handle bars of the bike interacting with the windows or body work whilst driving. I wonder if I could put a spacer between the tow ball and tow bar bracket to give more clearance?

I twist my handlebars slightly just to aid stacking them together.   Keep the appropriate Allen key handy and it only takes seconds 
   If only slightly slackened, you don't loose the height.

You can alter the distance of the handlebars to the window, by adjusting the leg that attaches between the rack and crossbar, it does make the bike lean outwards a little, I have also had a couple of inches taken off the handlebars, to make getting through the local stiles easier but my guess is that would help increase the distance of handlebar to window.

I had a westfalia  bc60 Towbar rack fitted to my Fairford. The vertical support for the frame arms is on a notched hand-screw setup. This allows a bit of adjustment and can be used to angle the bikes away from the back of the van. I used this with a large Dutch style bike and an e-mtb and had no issues with clearance to the back doors.
One thing to note however is the clearance between each set of wheel guides. Modern mtbs with wider fork legs and chainstays can be difficult to fit side by side on some racks without some serious frame rubbing going on.

My bikes did fit OK with a few inches gap. I did slit a tennis ball and put on end of handle bar nearest the doors just in case. My new bikes have wider bars so will defiantly have to turn bars.

I don't have a towball on the motorhome but do on the car and rather than just a bike rack I went for a Cruz load carrier, which takes up to three cycle holder add-ons.  This offered more flexibility for use in e.g. carrying my inflatable SIB & gear, taking stuff to the tip (sorry, Recycling Centre!), etc.  It is quite heavy but very robust and does tilt forward enough to raise the boot, not sure about opening your doors though?

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Just a thought.

I use the Thule rack but the with the handlebars simply swivelled 90degrees. 30 secs with an Allen key, kept in the dash…
Neat and compact.

I have used Thule folding bike rack with my van for 10 years, through UK and Europe. Always turned the bars on the mountain bikes with absolutely no problem. Takes a few seconds and avoids worry of bars hitting doors. Just second nature now.

Hi, I have a Thule 907 Express 2 bike tow bar carrier, I have never used it, if you are interested please let me know.