Bikes on A frame and noseweight

I chose roof mounted Thule for reasons already noted. 2 bikes and roof box no issue.

We use a Thule roof rack to, having carried bikes inside the van, on a towbar mount before bar type approval. Points to consider with the roof bars though - when used with an SUV they can make getting the bike up/ down, quite a stretch. The crossbar clamping method isn’t recommended for carbon frames, for which wheel clamping is preferred.

We have 4 bikes and I looked at the options several years ago.  Basically if put on the towbar then it needs to be included in the noseweight.  As my car has a 90kg limit, I basically had 20kg left for e caravan.  

Bolting to the A frame ...not practical as already pointed out and ridiculous amount of weight being out at the rear of the van to balance.  Ended up with Thule roof wingbars and slide on carriers.  However, it only works as I’m over 6 ft tall and am strong enough to lift them so isn’t ideal for everyone.  

My new van does have the option to rear mount with the appropriate Thule mount but after having noseweight issues, as well as a measly weight allowance that isn’t practical to use

When height is an issue with roof mounted bars, I use the caravan steps.

When height is an issue with boarding a ferry, you wish you hadn't got them on the roof. !!

That’s one of the many reasons I use the Chunnel !!

There's a Dutch van on the next pitch with two bikes on the A frame, no end of awning furniture which presumably goes in the van somewhere pulled by a C4 Picasso. I don't believe its nose weight limit is going to be street legal.

I’ve never had a problem..even on an Smax they don’t exceed the height of the caravan and I have used both ferry and tunnel.  Still need to be strong enough to lift them up though and having fractured my shoulder a while ago I did feel it!

Have you considered a rear mounted bike carrier? Obviously this reduces the nose weight, but as the rear overhang of all caravans is much less than the front overhang, the nose weight is not reduced by anywhere near the rear loading. When the weight of a motor mover mounted in front of the axle is included in the calculation, the impact of rear mounted bikes is not so much as you might think. Calculating the change to the loadings is a simple matter, and much better than guesswork.  

I carry 2 bikes on top of the Sorento, total height 3m, never had an issue with ferry, tried most routes. It can cost a little more on some sailings. Currently in France used Brittany Ferries, no extra charge to increase from 2.6m (caravan) to 3.0m (car+bikes). Took them to Ireland last month, no extra charge.