Member Since: 15 Aug 2011
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 742
Are maxxraxx swan neck adaptors vehicle specific?
I'm thinking of purchasing a used maaxraxx which was fitted to the swan neck tow bar of an Audi Q7.
Esteemed members who know things like this I would appreciate your advice as to whether it would work on my D3 detachable tow bar or I'd be making a costly mistake and have to pay maxxraxx to fit a new adaptor.
I'm finding the process of picking a bike rack almost soul-destroying enough to abandon my dreams of turning my family into the cycling Von Trapps and whilst I admire the flexibility maxxraxx potentially offers for future towing scenarios I am irked at having to find and visit a fitter. Cost wise I suppose it's no worse than similar platform style carriers.VR6 > 330D Touring > D3 HSE > !?XC90?!
16th Jul 2014 4:19 pm
Mr Kington
Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 1549
I had the same predicament when it came to choosing a bike rack and opted for a Saffier IV 4 bike rack. Bought used of flea bay.
If you have a swan neck (i.e it doesn't have the 2 bolt flange) THEN IT WONT WORK. you can only get the maxxracks version that fits on the tow ball with that tow bar. Obviously means you cant tow with it.
Also the maxxracks are good but not great for kids bikes as it is just one arm. The flat bed ones are better and are a lot more sturdy. They also are adaptable depending on bike size etc.
also I think with the maxxracks where you still have the tow ball free (using the 2 bolt flange plate version) I have read that the clearance from the bikes to what ever you are towing isn't enough anyway and you end up clipping the bikes. Mainly when reversing or turning in tight spaces.James favourite hobby is writing in the third person.
16th Jul 2014 4:53 pm
euangibson
Member Since: 24 Dec 2010
Location: Borders
Posts: 11027
Yup same here....couldn't decide what it was I needed over and above the rack (I have the detachable towbar also)....if it was the extra bit I thought,it seemed a very expensive addition.....after becoming thoroughly lost I bought an Altera Strada....."Better to remain silent and be thought a fool,than to speak out and remove all doubt" ?.....what rubbish...
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16th Jul 2014 5:03 pm
paulmeryan
Member Since: 15 Aug 2011
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 742
It does seem expensive for a rack that doesn't allow us to tow and is thus rendered inferior to platform style carriers for similar money. Unless I'm missing some hidden benefits of a rack that doesn't support the wheels thereby possibly allowing hanging bikes to swing and will incurr additional time and expense if you want to carry kids bikes or mixte style frames. Or am I not getting it.
I've talked myself back round to the platform types again.VR6 > 330D Touring > D3 HSE > !?XC90?!
16th Jul 2014 5:18 pm
Mr Kington
Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 1549
before you do, look at the Thule 9708
Better than the Maxxrack and lots on fleabayJames favourite hobby is writing in the third person.
16th Jul 2014 5:29 pm
paulmeryan
Member Since: 15 Aug 2011
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 742
James (?) the Thule 9708 looks better economically as a first foray into bike racks but doesn't work well with the mixte or step-through style frame on my wife's bike.
I thing I can find a platform style rack considerably cheaper than a Maxxraxx.
Actually I saw a Peruzzo Siena 4 bike carrier on the bay of ease for not much. Anyone have experience of this make?VR6 > 330D Touring > D3 HSE > !?XC90?!
16th Jul 2014 5:46 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Mr Kington wrote:
If you have a swan neck (i.e it doesn't have the 2 bolt flange) THEN IT WONT WORK. you can only get the maxxracks version that fits on the tow ball with that tow bar. Obviously means you cant tow with it.
I'm a bit confused. I have had a Maxxraxx on my D3 and D4 for many years which which fits on the swan-neck detachable tow bar and I can happily tow with it with bikes fitted too.
Are we sure that we are all talking about the same product?
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Member Since: 15 Aug 2011
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 742
Quote:
I'm a bit confused. I have had a Maxxraxx on my D3 and D4 for many years which which fits on the swan-neck detachable tow bar and I can happily tow with it with bikes fitted too.
Maxxraxx confirms the swan neck adaptor is modified specifically to work on the D3.
Apparently Maxx himself is the only one who can currently do it. That's what I was told.
Also towing will be limited with the adaptor. No caravans with Alko stabilisers and left lock is compromised with everything else Elisabeth said.
Still I do like the options the maxxraxx leaves open like towing camping trailers and the fact you can mount it on the garage wall as a rack.
I like the minimalist look of them too.VR6 > 330D Touring > D3 HSE > !?XC90?!
17th Jul 2014 1:17 pm
Pelyma
Member Since: 06 Jan 2005
Location: Patching, Sussex
Posts: 15496
I have a Maxxraxx on a fixed tow bar and never had a problem reversing with the caravan, we have a height extension piece. I guess if you put enough lock on you would foul the caravan though. When we had little bikes we just used a bar to hand the bikes on rather than a crossbar. I have found the rack to be well built and money well spent.DS3 TDV6 HSE - Silver with Alpaca (old one) Gone
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I've talked myself back round to the platform types again.
