YOUR GUIDE TO USING BIKE RACKS ON TOWBARS

Top 10 Questions (and Answers) for Kiwi Riders

Are you thinking about carrying bikes on the back of your vehicle? Towbar-mounted bike racks are one of the safest and easiest ways to transport your bikes. This article answers the top 10 questions we hear about using standard and e-bike racks with towbars.

1. What Type of Towbar Do I Need?

The type of towbar you need depends on the kind of bike rack you're using. Some racks are designed for a tow ball mount, while others are designed for removable (hitch) receivers.

A tow ball mount bike rack will work on either a fixed or removable towbar.

👉 Want to know more about towbar types? Check out our blog on What sort of towbar do I need, fixed or removable?

2. Do I Need a Special Towbar Just for a Bike Rack?

Not necessarily, but your rack must be compatible with:

• Your towbar style (fixed towbar or hitch receiver)

• Your tow ball size (typically 1 7/8" or 50mm in NZ)

Also, make sure your towbar's vertical load rating can safely support the bike rack and bikes combined.

3. Can I Use a Bike Rack on a Removable Towbar?

Yes! Hitch-mounted bike racks (that slide into a receiver) are often more stable and easier to use than tow ball-mounted options. They're especially ideal for:

• Heavier bikes (like e-bikes)

• Tilt access to your boot

• Long-distance travel

This bike rack sits on the top of your towball

This bike rack slides into the towbar receiver on a removable type

4. How Much Weight Can My Towbar or Rack Carry?

You need to check both:

• The towbar's vertical load rating (often found on a rating sticker of your towbar)

• The bike rack's max weight rating, including per-bike limits

🔋 Tip: Remove e-bike batteries if possible to reduce weight.

5. What's the Difference Between Towing Capacity and Vertical Load?

• Towing Capacity = how much weight your vehicle can pull (e.g. a trailer)

• Vertical Load / Tongue Weight = how much downward force is applied on the towbar (static load)

Overloading your towbar with too much vertical weight isn’t just bad for your vehicle, it can be dangerous and it might:

• Put stress on the vehicle’s chassis

• Overload your rear tyres

• Make your vehicle harder to control, especially during braking or cornering which isn't good!

• Could void your vehicle and/or towbar warranty

It’s important to check the vertical load rating on your towbar and make sure your total bike rack and bike weight doesn’t exceed it.

6. How Many Bikes Can I Carry on a Towbar Rack?

Most towbar-mounted bike racks are designed to carry between two and four bikes. But the actual number you can load safely depends on a few key things:

• How much each bike weighs (especially e-bikes)

• Your towbar’s downward load rating

• How far the rack extends from the rear of your vehicle (longer racks create more leverage and reduce safe capacity)

Always check both your towbar rating sticker and the bike rack’s user guide before loading.

The vertical load is located on your loading sticker

How Many Bikes Can I Carry on a Towbar Rack? Not this many !

7. What Bike Racks Do You Recommend?

We recommend two trusted brands:

🚲 Thule

• Premium quality

• Easy loading and secure fit

• Models available for e-bikes and various bike types

• Many include built-in lights and plate holders which connect to your wiring socket.

🚲 RockyMounts

• Excellent value and rugged design

• Hitch pin locks and tilt-away features

• Lightboard and number plate accessories available

• One of the best manufacturers, especially for e-bikes.

We can help you choose the right rack for your vehicle and lifestyle.

8. What do I need to know about Standard and E-Bike Racks?

Standard Bikes

• Bike weight still counts toward your vertical load limit

• The further back your rack extends, the less weight you can carry (leveraging)

• Always follow the load rating shown on your towbar

E- Bikes

E-bikes are heavy! Here's what to check:

• Some weigh up to 27 kg each

• Always check bike weight vs. rack capacity

• Check the towbar's vertical load label

• Use a support strap to stabilise the rack

• Choose racks designed for e-bikes they need to be strong and well engineered.

E-bikes are a significant investment, so don't skimp on the bike rack and quality towbar to support it.

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IMPORTANT - Hanger-style racks should be used with caution and always use stabilising straps. There are a number of manufactures buiding up to eight bike hanger brackets. They often extend half a meter from the rear of the reciever, and are up to 2 meters high. This places significant loads (dynamic load) on your towbar and vehicle. The movement of the bike rack and bikes this in situation is highly likely to cause damage.

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9. What Tips do you have for securing my Bikes?

Here are some of our recommendations:

Stabilising straps really help

If you have a hanger-style rack, attaching stabilising straps can make a big difference. They help keep your bikes secure, prevent side-to-side movement, and reduce sway while driving. (dynamic load)

Take a moment to check the frame mounts

Make sure the mounts are snug around the bike frames. Most racks have adjustable arms or clamps to fit different bike shapes—tightening these properly helps protect both your bikes and your vehicle.

Check the Weight Distribution

Place heavier bikes on the rack closer to the vehicle for better stability, helping to maintain balance and reduces the risk of tipping.

Secure all your Accessories

Make sure that all bike accessories, such as water bottles or bags, are either removed or securely fastened to stop them from falling when the vehicle heads off.

Double-Check Connections

Before you head off, do a final check to make sure that all connections and straps are tightly secured. Give the bikes a shake to make sure they’re stable.

10. Do I Need Wiring for a Bike Rack?

Yes, if your rack or bikes block your number plate or tail lights. In NZ, it's illegal to obscure your plate or lights. If you do, you'll need:

• A supplementary number plate

• A lightboard with indicators and brake lights

Many Thule racks include these features and RockyMounts offers compatible lightboards and plate holders as add-ons.

⚠️ You could face demerit points and fines if lights or plates are obscured.

NEED HELP CHOOSING A BIKE RACK?

We're here to help and can give you guidance on what is right for you.

👉 Pop into our showroom at 3 Racecourse Road, Sockburn, Christchurch or, give us a call 03 34 15623, or send us a message through our Contact Us page. We'd love to help you get on the road safely and securely.