Bike Racks: Do you leave yours on Year Round?

[RogueOne]

I'll be taking delivery today of a Thule Wanderway Black Bike Rack.

I was just wondering if you guys leave yours on Year Round, or attach and remove as and when required?



Many Thanks
Adam

 

[drinfinity]

Leave it in all year. I got it so I didn’t have to mess with taking a Towbar one off and on.

 

[Mjthomp]

Agree. We leave ours on all year and I just clean it now and then and keep the locks etc lubricated

 

[Garyde]

Take the arms off when not using it and just keep the main bike rack fitted all year.

 

[RogueOne]

Thanks Chaps.

One other question, have any of you found the need to upgrade the gas struts after fitting this bike rack?

 

[drinfinity]

I did upgrade the struts.

 

[RogueOne]

I did upgrade the struts.

What ones did you buy?

 

[drinfinity]

Transporter HQ 1250N. They lift my 4 bike carrier with mud ramps on too.

VW Transporter T6/T6.1 - Upgraded Tailgate Struts - 1250N

These VW tailgate struts can handle a heavier load rating of 1250N, making them versatile and essential to making your van more sturdy overall.

transporterhq.co.uk

 

[Salty Spuds]

Leave it on. Bikes in summer, skis in winter.

 

[Wills]

If you leave the arms in situ then oil / grease the threads regularly otherwise they totally seize up. They’re not cheap to replace. I had to replace the mild steel threaded rods with stainless steel.