Fitting VW California Towbar and Folding Bike Rack (which allows the tailgate to open!!)

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2 жыл бұрын

We agonised for ages over how to carry bikes on our VW California. Some people prefer the rear tailgate mounted fold out carrier (we prefer the look), but we settled on buying the VW Towbar option for our Cali together with a fancy fold up Thule towbar mounted bike carrier.
In this video we show the towbar from scratch - where it is stored, how it is fitted and locked on. We then unpack and install our bike carrier for you to see. One of the best things about this particular setup is that the bike carrier can be folded down with bikes on, and the tailgate then opened (with a mod that I explain).
What is your favourite bike carrier setup? Let us know in the comments below.
The Thule Easyfold XT2 931 version of the bike carrier can be seen here: bit.ly/3AB05R1
The exact same (Volvo branded) version of the carrier in this video is here (Easyfold 931): bit.ly/39Lp9sN
The Volvo branded carrier is a lot cheaper than the XT2, as a quick tip.
Keep a look out for our other new videos coming to the channel soon and a BIG thank you to all of our wonderful subscribers. We can’t wait to share more content with you over the coming months.
Take care, sit back and grab yourself some California Time !
Facebook - @californiatimeuk
Contact: contact@californiatime.co.uk
#vwcalifornia #campervan #bikes

Пікірлер: 76

@adeyup5139 2 жыл бұрын

Love the adjustment/mod advice. That alone makes this video worth it!!

@robert12011 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, that’s pretty awesome! Thanks for sharing that. 😀

@callums5696 3 ай бұрын

Excellent presentation - makes it a no-brainer when a tow-bar is fitted giving the versatility of being able to open tailgate without taking off bikes. Great video

@noelkavanagh3507 2 жыл бұрын

I could never understand why the high tailgate mounted bike rack was so popular.You would do your back in trying to lift the bikes up to it.The towbar fitted bike rack is so much better especially with a detachable towbar.Well done on another great video.

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. We still fancy a tailgate rack for drying towels on, plus they look quite cool too !!

@jortavio 2 жыл бұрын

Great video and well explained. You saved my life! Have a california and XT3. Going to test ur tip right away!

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Great stuff! Do let us know - I've only seen an XT3 (3 bike) in a shop and didn't dare ask them if I could 'borrow' it to try it out with the plastic stops out!!

@andyholman9186 2 жыл бұрын

just collected my XT2, fitted it & yes couldn't open the tailgate, but looked at the reason & saw the bungs but being brand new didn't want to remove them marking them then finding i couldn't return it if i was incorrect, this video has answered all my questions, lucky for me i have a friend who can make some new bungs that aren't as deep allowing the bikes to tilt but keeping them just off the ground

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Perfect !

@RichardHaigh Жыл бұрын

Got one of these based on your review. Amazing bit of kit. Perfect for 2 bikes. Am off to remove the bungs now so we can open the boot.

@CampervanTime Жыл бұрын

Great stuff! Great bit of design 👍

@JamesWilson-ry7gw 2 жыл бұрын

Hi again Will. Another good video thank you. Just another idea to throw into the mix. I have decided to skip the tow bar and bike rack idea all together and have bought two Brompton folding bikes for travelling in my new Cali arriving next Summer. Again not a cheap solution but they are pretty compact when folded up and fit into £5 zip up IKEA bags so we plan to strap them down in the passenger compartment when travelling and keep them in the boot when parked. We’ll see how it works out…!

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds great!

@ianellis1846 2 жыл бұрын

Loving the videos, keep them coming! We have the std tailgate mounted 4 bike rack and like the fact it is always attached to the van and a little higher meaning the bikes don’t get quite so dirty in bad weather. The downside to to the tailgate rack is that a bigger bike sits above the van and can be a problem with some height limited car parks - I’ve actually had to take the bikes off to get into a car park before 😏 It is all down to personal choice though.

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Good point re: the rear rack and height. We've always wondered about MPG too, as we haven't seen any difference when using this towbar rack.

@stephenancrum5487 2 ай бұрын

Great idea. Although in my opinion the bung increases strength in case of unexpected sideways load (such as swerving to avoid pothole or “moose”), so I took the bungs out, hacksawed off the top to leave about 5mm protruding, then reinstalled the bungs. Works a treat without compromising mechanical integrity. I’ve got the 3 bike version btw.

@k.r.lionheart6460 2 жыл бұрын

Very informative vid wish I had watched this before buying a Atura strada

@sylviapage8572 2 жыл бұрын

Another comprehensive video. I’m going to order the non spill dog bowl because we’ve just returned home from a trip to Wales and our non slip water bowl has been tipped twice! I love this bike carrier but I have a Brompton folding bike so won’t need this. Unless it’s like the dog bowl and I find I do. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I’m really enjoying your channel.

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Great stuff! Well, I too have a Brompton which I have carried on this bike carrier, so it fits perfectly if you did want to do that. I have always found that with mine in a boot of a car the pedal always seems to dig in to the floor and leave a dent - be careful in your camper!

@marcuswashtell4884 2 жыл бұрын

Great informative video, fantastic hack to get the great clearance on the tailgate. As my van is lowered 30mm the clearance was impressive. Also spotted your California time sticker on the back window. Great low level shot Sarah !

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Maybe we're going to need to start getting some stickers made up - channel is getting popular!!!

@sylviapage8572 2 жыл бұрын

Crickey, you have good eyesight. I had to rewind for a second look. I complement you on your powers of observation! Well done.

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

I can do great low level shots ‘cause I’m short 😆 Thanks for the compliment - Sarah ☺️

@j4nch 2 жыл бұрын

I've the Atera Genio Pro, it also fit nicely the california and still allow the tailgate to open. The biggest difference I can see: The atera is a big wider once collapsed, and the top attachement is a bit different. On the Atera clips are more like the one on the bottom(but still lockable). Also, it stops just before the handle bar touch the ground. I love thoses "how can we improve our california life" videos, thanks!

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant, will take a look at that rack as always nice to see other options 👍

@tooyoungtobeold8756 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video. We have a tailgate mounted carrier and it increases the van height so you can't go into multi story car parks and height limited car parks (usually 2m). I have since bought the Atera Strada DL, which also tilts to enable rear door opening - £425.00. And like yours avoids hoisting the bike up high.

@CampervanTime Жыл бұрын

Sounds great

@RonWalkerCairngormGuides Жыл бұрын

Thank for bung and Volvo tip, just saved myself several £100! 😊

@CampervanTime Жыл бұрын

Good stuff!

@tilbo6678 2 жыл бұрын

Great timing. Was going to ask if you’d do a video on bike racks. You two are great. 👍🏼 1sr ever California on order, due next summer so your videos are perfect for us, helps with the waiting. Keep up the great work. 👍🏼👍🏼

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you're enjoying them, that wait is SO long isn't it !!

@debspaul6635 2 жыл бұрын

Same here ,great timing guys 👍

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Brill! Make sure you say hello on the live chat at 6!

@BOOMEL12 2 жыл бұрын

I have the velocompact 925, interesting what you were saying about the bungs on the end I will try that. Regards and thanks Mike

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Great stuff, do let me know as I haven’t seen the design of the other ones - but would be surprised if it is very different 👍

@toy581 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve the velocompact 927 and keen to look as well as I’ve gone for the order of the towbar hoping we can use our carrier - such a game changer being able to open the boot! 🤞🤞🤞

@christinecorner8973 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you both of you, I am a recent owner of a T6 California Ocean and I’m finding your videos excellent. I have the VW Bike rack fitted and a removable towbar. I am however thinking of removing the bike rack because I wouldn’t be able to lift a bike that high and I have been considering purchasing the Atera GENIO PRO folding bike carrier. I will have a look at the Thule now though.

@VikingPhil9 2 жыл бұрын

I have a 2021 California Ocean and had the towbar fitted especially to mount a bike carrier. After a lot of research I went for the Atera Genio Pro which folds to a similar size and is a very solid and sturdy piece of equipment. It comes with an adjustable tilt mechanism which allows the tailgate to open fully with 2 bikes mounted. The handlebars don't touch the ground either. You can get one for about £475 in the UK. It also has an option to mount a 3rd bike if you should ever need it. I think it's a better solution as it's designed to work this way rather than having a part removed.

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a great bike rack. Will have to have a look at one 👍

@christinecorner8973 2 жыл бұрын

@@VikingPhil9 it did come out the best in my research and I have been waiting for it to come back into stock at The Roofbox (it’s now in stock). It’s good to hear it’s as good as I thought it was.

@markturner3160 Жыл бұрын

Love watching your videos. Will soon be picking up a new Cali and have been wondering if you could make a video on what you take on a longer trip and how heavy your loaded van is? Thanks for all your great vids. Greetings from Switzerland

@CampervanTime Жыл бұрын

Congratulations on getting your new Cali! Great video idea, we’ll look at doing something 👍

@gillnicholls9665 2 жыл бұрын

A great thankyou.How easy was that. Fantastic xxxx

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome 😊

@marcoghirardello5576 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! This type of bike carrier, for people living in flats, it‘s perfect as you can leave it permanently in the boot, rather than bringing it up and down (18kg!). I think the two bungs that have been removed, have a double function of stopping the carrier for tilting completely, but also to prevent the pipe they are fit into to get squashed and assume a oval shaped when tightening the bolts that connect to the tilting section. I think it would be better to leave the bungs in place but shave them off to be flushed with the pipe, in order to prevent the to be squashed but still allow the full tilting…. What do you reckon?

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Yes you could well be correct in that dual function - although those bolts do have nylon nuts, so you don't need to do them up really tight because they won't come undone anyway. I may modify further !

@pauricsurlis9191 4 ай бұрын

Hi Will. I've got this bike rack on my Cali and it works for me without removing the bungs. But we're also making the move to a Sven and I'd like to know if the mod will allow me to use my XT2 with some access to the boot. By my calculations I get 420mm clearance tilted. Did you ever measure the distance after the mod? Long shot but I thought I'd ask. Love the XT2 and would like to keep it, especially as we'll probably get e-bikes before too long.

@TheTamwell 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers for this, trying to do the 'adaption' myself this weekend. But I'm struggling to actually get the bungs out after I have removed the bolt - any tips?

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Hello! I can't quite remember how I got them out in the end, I think I might have just found some rubber gloves to put on to give me a bit more leverage on them with a bit of a twist too. Good luck !

@Nickman_1983 2 жыл бұрын

We have bought the easy fold xt3 for 3 bikes and the modification is just the same. also the result.

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Great stuff - I had wondered if the XT3 worked in the same way and would still allow the tailgate to open

@okphoto3949 Жыл бұрын

Hello, I am looking to purchase a THULE Easy Fold 931. I am considering purchasing a THULE Easy Fold 931 and found this video very helpful. Thank you very much. You mention removing the plastic stopper to take down the rack. Is the plastic just stuck in the end of the black prop and can it be easily removed?

@CampervanTime Жыл бұрын

Hello! The plastic stoppers are held in by a couple of bolts you have to undo, remove the stoppers then put the bolts back in. Very easy to do. The bolts are used to hinge the fold down section of the rack, so must be put back! It's all very easy.

@california_clarky 5 ай бұрын

Hi Will when you removed the bungs did you put anything back in the tube to stop it getting crushed - I have just got and xt3 EasyFold and I can't open the boot and Thule its not advised as you will crush the tube - was thinking of making some nylon inserts but wondered how you got on

@CampervanTime 5 ай бұрын

We didn't, but I can see why you might want to. Ideally these days someone should be able to come up with a 3d printed insert to help with the issue but I've not had a look around to see if anything exists.

@Ayjcee 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Will, That's a great video and fantastic tip to modify the Easyfold rack.. Could I ask how long you have been using your rack with the 'stop bungs' removed? We've got the XT2 and I've done the same mod however, looking at the bungs, they are quite substantial lumps of plastic and I wondered whether they played any part in the structural of the tube section where the bolts through. If you've been using yours like that for a good while, especially with a heavy electric bike, my worries will probably go away. Cheers, Ayjay

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, we’ve been using ours like that for about 3 years now. I think as long as you don’t over tighten the bolts back up so that the tubes turn oval you’ll be ok. In an ideal world a couple of replacement alloy/plastic circular collars would be ideal (anyone got a 3d printer?!).

@Ayjcee 2 жыл бұрын

@@CampervanTime Cheers for that. In the end I bit the bullet and cut about 12mm off the ends of the bungs and rounded of the edges slightly - works a treat now. Thanks again for the idea and your great videos.

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

I need to find my bungs and do the same. Thule sell them as parts anyway if you ever need to sell / put back to standard 👍

@nordnung Жыл бұрын

Nice video, thule xt3 works on california without modifications, but here xt3 fold needs modification, it doesn't work without it?

@CampervanTime Жыл бұрын

Correct!

@paulandsandra-magic-holidays Жыл бұрын

hi i have just got the 3 bike version and it seams to be angled downwards witch is reducing the clearance it has not moved but would be better if i could angle it back towards the van then when the weight from the bikes go on it levels out. did yours only site in one place on the tow ball or did it move to you clamped it down. mine only wants to sit in one place. any help thanks

@CampervanTime Жыл бұрын

Ours has a natural place to sit but can be moved around a little bit. I think there is an adjustment screw near the ball head locking mechanism that can tighten/loosen it a bit which might give you a bit more adjustment perhaps?

@psychologennet 2 жыл бұрын

Do you have Some tips for putting a box on the towbar?

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

I'm afraid not, it's not something we've tried yet.

@williamclark3572 7 ай бұрын

Do you think the 3 bike carrier would afford the same space to open the tailgate?

@CampervanTime 7 ай бұрын

I'm not 100% sure but I think someone has done the same before too on the 3 bike version. Take a read through the comments on the video and it might have been in there.

@cliffuk1 2 жыл бұрын

Total change of subject. Your van is really shiny. Have you had it waxed or ceramic coated?

@CampervanTime 2 жыл бұрын

Actually no, not yet. I’m really careful when washing it (2 buckets, sheepskin mitt etc), but I have waxed the front bumper and wing mirrors to help with flies etc. Planning on a full wax in due course but weather will be a problem going into the autumn.

@cliffuk1 2 жыл бұрын

@@CampervanTime Thanks for your prompt reply. I was thinking about a ceramic coating, but costs in excess of £1000

@gk310 Жыл бұрын

Only disadvantage I can see is that you presumably lose the function of the rear parking sensors and camera?

@CampervanTime Жыл бұрын

Yes - although the camera still does work but you can't see much. When you plug in the electrics for the bike rack the van automatically disables the rear parking sensors so at least they don't scream at you!

@Threadexpress Жыл бұрын

Thanks for making this video! In far away NZ we were able to purchase a Thule XT2 for our Cali and repeat your procedure. Here is a video of the journey. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pd6HgKmGr8nFon0.html Cheers! Cliff

@CampervanTime Жыл бұрын

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing