A-frame mounted cycle carriers

I recently fitted a Thule one to a Bailey D4-2, and the rack tilts forwards, supposedly enough to open a front locker, though our Bailey doesn't have one.  I saw a Fiamma version fitted to a Fendt van a couple of weeks ago, so presumably this works OK.

Now, a word of warning if you are using E-Bikes.  Both the Fiamma and Thule racks use fairly narrow rails for the bikes, which because we have 2.5 inch diameter tyres on our bikes are a bit on the narrow side.  Additionally, the rails are only just long enough for our particular bikes (130 cm rails, 125 cm wheelbase!), and the front one is split (both Thule and Fiamma).  Neither company make a suitable ramp to ease loading of heavy E-Bikes onto the rack.

I am in the process of trying to fond suitable alternative rails - longer and wider.  So far, I have narrowed the choices down to the Thule 591 roof racks, and discard the fittings and bolt on the rails in place of the existing ones, but am unsure of the positioning of the rails in relation to the rest of the rack, i.e. will the load be even?  The alternative is the Fiamma rail - carrybike rail premium XL at 139 cm (Fiamma part number 98656M132) - but can only find these new, not on Gumtree or similar.

As for a ramp, I have cobbled together something using aluminium sections from B&Q and an Atera folding ramp (part number 022 742).  This is still rather short but far better than having to lift the bikes on.  I have filled the gap in the from rail using right angle aluminium section, again, B&Q.

If you don't have heavy E-bikes, then lifting on ordinary bikes is no problem - we have taken the normal (non E-Bikes) with us, and this is a doddle.  

I have recently collected a new Eriba Feeling and fitted a Thule Superb cycle carrier to the A frame. 

It is worth noting that Eriba have a long drawbar, as do many German caravans.

Hymer/Eriba specify the Thule Superb, but it is also available as a Thule Superb Short and it's not clear which is the factory fit option. I looked at many vans on the Dutch Marktplaats website and it appears both have been fitted.

The Short projects about 80mm less towards the hitch than the standard. It is also distinguishable by not having an extra row of holes for a third rail. The shorter model would be better for your nose weight, but it would be a lot tighter to get the bikes on.

The tilt mechanism of the carrier does allow access to the front gas locker.

The reversing lock is obviously effected by the projection of the bikes, but I did not find this an issue on my previous front mounted carrier on an Eriba. The only time it might be a concern is when doing tight reverse and then I usually have my lovely other half guiding me.

The nose weight must be considered. After fitting my carrier I loaded both [non electric] bikes on and took nose weight readings with the van in it's typical load state. It soon became apparent that removing the front gas locker stored spare wheel into the car brought the nose weight down to the level I required. This is in the region of 60/65kg. 

Colin

We discuss two issues, nose weight and restricted turning circle. 
Hasn’t our hobby always demanded thinking outside the ‘box’ and compromise. With the weight issue it’s a balancing act with redistribution, possibly to car, and maybe a rethink of some actual items we really need not take with us.
I’m also reminded of those in our number who tow cars behind motorised caravans, they can’t reverse but with a little thought and modification of behaviours still manage to enjoy their tours. Caravans, even with aframe bikes, still can.

Aha.  It looks as though the Bailey has a very long A frame compared to (in this case) the Eriba.  You wouldn't be able to fit a continuous rail as a replacement as easily as I can.  I didn't notice this level of difference when I saw the Fendt - so A frame racks may still not be as usable for heavy E-bikes as I thought. 

Agree about rebalancing - we simply moved a small amount of kit from the front into the rear bathroom.  

The A frame length is 1.2m on the 6.07m Eriba. The cycle carrier is rated at 60kg. I met a Dutch couple last year with the same caravan and carrier. They had 2 electric bikes on it and found with the batteries removed they could get the correct nose weight without any problems.

As has been mentioned above it's about modifying your approach and then most things are [safely] possible.

Colin

Our caravan is also of German origin but not an Eriba and yes, it also has the longer A Frame. The maker stressed this when we bought it as evidently the Germans advised it gives better stability when towing. I have to admit we have never experienced any snaking issues whatsoever at speeds i should maybe not mention. It aslo reduces the nose weight due to the extra distance from the van. We have also found it makes opening the car boot so much easier. It can take a bike frame but we have not chosen to do so. Opening the front caravan locker would be a bit more awkward from having one. As mentioned by others asking the Eriba Group would probably give the best answer to the OP's question

Update to earlier post.  

I replaced the original Thule rails with longer ones from Fiamma.  A bit expensive and a bit of a faff as I had to buy longer stainless bolts and use the 20 mm aluminium box section to raise the back rail as the Fiamma rails are somewhat wider than the originals and wouldn't fit squarely in the tubing.  Ah well. But one benefit is that the Atera (!!) ramp fits the end caps of the Fiamma rails, so is a much smoother transition.  

This still doesn't solve one of the original queries - it is still fiddly to get the first bike on the carrier due to close proximity to the stabilising loop, but a heck of a lot easier.  I think only a redesign, in the case of our bailey, making a single (lower) level frame from stainless with a quick release / fastening stabilising loop will work better - but I am seriously tempted to do so.  

And my current modification will probably not resolve the problem with the Eriba either.  So if anyone from Thule, Fiamma, Atera (?) or other suppliers of A frame bike racks is looking, a redesign suitable for heavy E-Bikes is called for.