Suggestion for Bike Carrier 3 Bikes - Tow Ball

SoTightEcoLPI on 04/01/2025 - 22:52
Last edited 05/01/2025 - 10:00 by 1 other user

In need of a bike carrier. I've got a towball with no hitch for 3 bikes.

I am loaning a friends Thule Euroway 923, it does the job with ease. I am very impressed. I initially was looking for the same on marketplace. But it is a little tight for my son's 26'' mountain bike in the middle. I was thinking to go a VeloCompact as my child will be going a bigger bike in a few years? Is Thule second hand worth the money for quality and ease of use? Marketplace seems to be $500+ for a used Euroway. Even a little more for VeloCompact.

Any suggestions on other brands or pricing? Can I use this for 4-5 years and not drop much resale wise and is the reliability okay? I am open to other brands. I am pulling $600-$7000 for a used VeloCompact which is worth more than the 3 bikes in total. For reference my son has two other smaller sibilings that are on 16" bikes that fit in the boot. So I Just want the 3 bikes ON/OFF fast!

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  uncompressed on 04/01/2025 - 23:13

  +1

  You could look at the Yakima FoldClick 3 as well. They all are quick similar but the grabber arm system is kinda annoying to use and you end up playing Tetris a lot if the bikes that go off and on are different.

  Or maybe the BUZZRACK ones. They have a central pole with straps for each bike that could be easier to use.

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  apple2016 on 04/01/2025 - 23:46

  +1

  You can get a new Thule VeloCompact 3 Bike Tow Ball Mounted Carrier for $870.
  I got the same couple of months ago price match with roof rack galore.

  • 

    SoTightEcoLPI on 05/01/2025 - 00:06

    That is great, same price as the marketplace. How is the Velo holding up for you?

    • 

      apple2016 on 05/01/2025 - 14:13

      Quite good so far. But i used it only couple of times!
      Also Velvo is the newer model replacing the euroi think.

  • 

    SnoozeAndLose on 05/01/2025 - 03:08

    Do you need to get the Thule specific tow ball as well?

    • 

      apple2016 on 05/01/2025 - 14:14

      Any 50mm tow ball will do i guess. Mine is oem merc

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  bargaino on 05/01/2025 - 02:05

  A basic towbar rack is under $100.

  Base plate goes under the towball if not removable.

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  DoctorArd on 05/01/2025 - 06:48

  Have you considered a more basic rack? I picked one of these up from Marketplace for $75 and it does the job: https://www.pushys.com.au/pacific-a-frame-4-bike-boomerang-b…

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  geekcohen on 05/01/2025 - 10:18

  Best Deal I got was the Rola Tilting 4-Bike Carrier.

  It might not be easy and have that plate, but its a great unit. Maybe look at Supercheap ? Start off with something cheap, and then work your way up in the future.

  I guess it all depends on how often you are going to be using it and getting the bikes on + off. If it is weekly, maybe need to look at getting a quick easy solution. If it is once every now and then for holidays, maybe that Supercheap one.

  Also, what sort of car is this going on? A ute or a SUV?

  • 

    SoTightEcoLPI on 05/01/2025 - 12:38

    An suv, as yes time is essential offloading/loading when the kids are in a hurry!

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  Euphemistic on 05/01/2025 - 10:39

  +2

  Im not a fan of the hang bike racks as suggested by doctorard and geekcohen above. They can be tricky to load with small bikes and often mountainbikes dont fit eell either, especially if youve got a bottle cage on.

  IMO its worth shelling out for a platform rack. You can get cheaper vesions that thule etc. I bought one similar to below for $100 second hand but unused. Its only 2 bike, but works well. Quick to load once set up for the bikes you use. Buzzrack also seems decent

  https://m.crazysales.com.au/online-2-ebike-rack-vehicle-elec…

  Don't forget your bike rack number plate so you don't get a fine for obscuring your rego plate.