Roof rack or fit a towbar?

[matthewproctor]

I had one of those execuhitch *invisihitch jobbies installed on my previous car to carry my bike(s) - MTB and road bike. Attached to that was a cheap Thule rack.

I sold that car and bought another 3 series (no towbar). Is it worth putting on another towbar (ugly) that again can be removed quickly when not in use, or rather fit a roof rack?

What is most cost effective?

 

[M135i]

The execuhitch works well :tiptoe: I know
Ha ha, i think the roof rack will be most cost effective in my opinion.
I would go for the roof rack, and ask your bud strat to slam the car down...might get it so low you can drive into the garage with the bikes still on :=):

On a serious note, Thule roof rack...but some one else might offer better advise based on experience

 

[Gizmo]

Towbars are so much more versatile, especially the ones that can be removed or hide away when you not needing it.
They do give your rear bumper a certain amount of protection in case of light bumper bashing and from what I have noticed people don't tail gate you as bad when they know you have a towbar that will damage his/her car very easily.
I use trailers to transport heavy stuff like motors, cars, garden rubbish ect so a towbar is a must on my daily driven car.

 

[msm]

There are a lot more options and flexibility on tow bar mounted bike carriers as well.

 

[WIDEOPN-X5]

The roof rack option when loaded is huge drag. Typically a towhitch mounted bike carrier and / or luggage trailer sits in the "bubble" behind the car.

On the X3 there's a slight difference in consumption towing my little luggage trailer (0.7 litres / 100km) on the Durban Jozi run. Given that the trailer is only used on a family holiday type trip part of the increased consumption over the normal is the fact that the car is 4 adults and mini-me up vs the normal just me :=):

I would go with the tow hitch.

PS: A mate of mine went the roof top bike rack route one year going to the Argus. Got as far as Harrismith and parked under the shade cloth awnings....... let's just say they didnt ride the Argus that year :roflol::roflol::roflol:

 

[matthewproctor]

Any particular towbars you guys would recommend?

 

[Gizmo]

Westfalia make the best quality detachable towbars in my opinion, that's why they have the contract to supply BMW with towbars.

Execuhitch is another but I prefer the sleek Westfalia units.