I’m trying to do last minute rental of a car for IMNZ but we have 4 adults, one child, a couple of suitcases and then my bike packed in a cardboard bike box (the type they ship in from the manufacturer). The box is 130cm (51in) long and about 75cm (29in) tall and ideally it would fit sideways into the rear compartment of a wagon, 4x4 or MPV. It doesn’t appear as though it will though. We can’t put it in long ways because it would protrude into the middle row of seats which will be full.
If I were to specify ski racks would the racks be strong enough to support the box (it will weigh between 20-25kg)?
My other thoughts were to either: Get a mini bus for about 12 people (wasted seating and not as comfy) Get a dual cab utility vehicle (Hilux, Navara etc) Get a normal sedan and hire a luggage trailer.
Suggestions most welcomed!
Most roof racks should be able to take that amount of weight.
The more important other question is:
How are you gonna tie it down and how do you plan to protect it from the elements (rain?) if it is cardboard.
I really suggest you put some thought into this and use industrial style belts and not bungee-cords.
It all boils down to:
What is your bike worth to you?
I know what you mean, hence my desire to find a vehicle where the box could go inside. If it went on a rack then it would be wrapped in a tarp. If something happened to the bike then for sure it would be game over!
Lazy Ben - Another option. I could take the bike out, attach it to the roof, sit on it and then dial in my aero position on the way down!
Geta a couple of ratcheting cargo straps from the home store and perhaps some rubber bungees also, test to make sure they are long enough. They will do you just fine. If you can upgrade to a minivan all the better