So here’s mrsm’s Freelander 2 – a great car.  Some people may not consider this a “proper” Landy – but for carting the family around its comfortable, quiet, quick, warm and dry.  (Mainly because the Land Rover Brummies realised that after 70 years they couldn’t make a sunroof that didn’t leak so decided not to fit one).  Does need a fuel tanker in tow though.

Since we decided this would be our family car, we needed a way to cart 5 bikes around.  On my Disco I used a Simbars rack, which carries 4 bikes on the rear door and dropped the other in the boot.  With no rear wheel carrier it was not going to fit.  However, we picked one with a towing hitch so I looked for a tow bar mounted rack.

The MaxxRaxx fitted the bill, holding up to 5 bikes and dropping down to allow rear door access.

I went for the five bike model which is far from cheap – but the car was not exactly a give-away either so it was a small addition.  I also bought a garage wall mount to alleviate the amount of bikes I fall over every time I want a spanner.

Had an issue with bolt length fitting – apparently my hitch was aftermarket and requires longer bolts – but MaxxRaxx sent me some longer bolts.  Probably best to discuss your requirements with them if you don’t know if your hitch is a manufacturer standard of aftermarket.

Fitting was easy, you just undo the hitch bolts, place the permanent mount on and re-fasten.

Once you’ve got the hang of it, putting the rack on takes a couple of minutes.

Here it is with 5 bikes, three are kids bikes (small frames are harder to mount) and one a BMX with massive trick nuts – but they fit comfortably.  For that many you need the support straps which thread through the boot.

I have to say, the construction is great.  Nice strong box steel.  Here is the rear mount with padlock supplied to secure the upright and quick release mechanism on upper support to allow the whole thing to be folded back.

I was a bit sceptical about the folding back – but can be done with two people or one and a child.  You simple support the bikes while an assistant undoes the top quick release bolt and then lower.  Again – here it is with 5 bikes lowered.

Also most impressive is the strap and ratchet mechanism that secure the bikes and the wire and padlock (included) that lock them.

Conclusion

Although not cheap, the MaxxRaxx is a great carrier.  It’s well built, has great features and carries a lot of bikes!