4 bikes 1 car

[Gizzmo]

My partner is starting to plan a family bike holiday for next year, by then we will need to fit 4 bikes on the car plus luggage are car dosent have a tow bar it can be fitted but thats 6-700 pounds I would like to skip if I can but I can only find boot rack for 3 bikes do they sell boot racks for 4 bikes and if so will it matter about the different frame sizings we will have, adults 20" and 17" frames 26 inch wheels and kids 12inch maybe with stabilisers might be a 10inch balance and 14-16 inch kids bike(he's getting a new only for Christmas)

I can't really use the roof rack for the bikes as we use that for the luggage in the boot is day bits plus dog plus child seat for bike if she's on the balance bike still

The actual bike rides will only be short day trips being dropped off and picked up in are car but that will get us a full car seating wise and boot will still be needed for the dog

[De Sisti]

You have not stated what car you have. Also, taking the dog is going to make things even more
difficult for you and your family. The best option is to have a friend or family member look after them.

If this isn't possible you could use a pet-sitter or take them to a boarding establishment.

[Audax67]

The actual bike rides will only be short day trips being dropped off...

Leave them behind and rent others at destination?

[Lookrider]

I've no idea if you can get racks for 4 bikes
If you can and you do get one
You will also need a registration plate and lights all at extra cost
You can get 3 bikes I'm sure or even 2 and maybe uou get one or 2 on the roof rack by the side of the roofbox as I see that on other vehicles ( total weight within car limits of course)
Dont you get small purpose made trailers of the closed in box type ...although that also means a costly towbar .....
You also have a dog in the boot
You will not be able to open the boot tailgate without taking bikes off ....this will not be good for your dog if you cannot let him out easily fir a bit fresh air/runabout
Maybe your lifestyle warrants a people carrier/van for your outings
Good luck in your search

[re_cycler]

If you do go down the tow bar rack route then watch out for the maximum allowable nose weight for your car. Depending on the bikes the weight can start to add up quickly.

[Carlton green]

My partner is starting to plan a family bike holiday for next year, by then we will need to fit 4 bikes on the car plus luggage are car dosent have a tow bar it can be fitted but thats 6-700 pounds I would like to skip if I can but I can only find boot rack for 3 bikes do they sell boot racks for 4 bikes and if so will it matter about the different frame sizings we will have, adults 20" and 17" frames 26 inch wheels and kids 12inch maybe with stabilisers might be a 10inch balance and 14-16 inch kids bike(he's getting a new only for Christmas)

I can't really use the roof rack for the bikes as we use that for the luggage in the boot is day bits plus dog plus child seat for bike if she's on the balance bike still

The actual bike rides will only be short day trips being dropped off and picked up in are car but that will get us a full car seating wise and boot will still be needed for the dog

As far as I can see you’re either trying to do the impossible or need to spend a lot of money to change things. Something has to give so either give up on the idea or work differently. Options are:
# Give up on the idea, cycling is fun but so are other things too.
# Carry the kids’ bikes on the back of the car (boot mounted carrier) and hire adult bikes.
# Hire all bikes where you go.
# Put the dog in kennels / leave with friends, use the boot space for luggage and the roof for bikes.
# Get a tow bar fitted, buy and tow a small trailer (with your luggage in it) and have the bikes on the roof - assumes you are legal to tow.

Putting or trying to put many bikes on a tow bar carrier is unwise.

[PH]

Is that the best price you can find for a towbar? If it's a popular model you might find one secondhand, or a kit and DIY. I don't think you'll find a rack that isn't towbar fitting for four bikes, I'm not even keen on some of the other types for two bikes.

[VinceLedge]

As someone suggested, can you get 2 on the roof, then a boot rack is feasible.
I think 4 bikes is a lot for a boot rack, so only other option is a tow bar rack or trailer.

[Jdsk]

...
I can't really use the roof rack for the bikes as we use that for the luggage in the boot is day bits plus dog plus child seat for bike if she's on the balance bike still
...

Could you get any bikes on the roof bars alongside the luggage?

Jonathan

[Jdsk]

... car dosent have a tow bar it can be fitted but thats 6-700 pounds I would like to skip if I can
...

The cheap Pendle bars that we use:
viewtopic.php?p=1761922#p1761922

Jonathan

[deeferdonk]

Rent a crew-cab van?

[Audax67]

Our club picked up a trailer for 4 bikes for around 450€, though it was a good while back...

[pete75]

Put the youngest in a child seat on one of the adult bikes. That way you only need carry three.

[Pinhead]

Even when I had my Grand Scenic and Witter tow bar mount I would not get 4 bikes on comfortably, I did just ONLY........................

[Biospace]

Even when I had my Grand Scenic and Witter tow bar mount I would not get 4 bikes on comfortably, I did just ONLY........................

Was it a 4 bike carrier? They have made ones for 2 and 3 bikes also.