possible soultion for bike racks

[Perfectlap]

I Came accross this solution for a tire trailer using a single ball hitch.
its similar to willwood system


http://www.bombaydigital.com/boxster/projects/trailer/






This is the rack I'd like to use because of its low weight

Saris Thelma 3 (26 pounds total)
Rack Notes

http://www.sunandski.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=7786056314216&Click=33357&ci_src=15781033&ci_sku=7786056314216

•Accommodates up to 3 bikes
Fit Notes
•Available for 1.25" and 2" hitches

VIDEO INSTALL

[Sammy]

I didn't see any information regarding where the hitch was purchased? I've been looking at the Willwood system but I can't seem to get much of a response out of him... I am looking to add a hitch for a tire trailer just like in the link.

What hitch solution are you looking at or do you have in mind?

[rick3000]

That hitch and a few other good designs are no longer made, unless you want to get one custom built. And you cannot mount a bike rack to them anyway, because it is not a hitch, it's just the tow ball.
The easiest solution would a Willwood hitch (I have spoken with Will, and while I don't have one of his racks, I would not hesitate to do business with him), Bird rack, or a Porsche Roof Transport system if you can find one. The last one I saw went for about $400 on eBay a few months ago, I paid $300 a few years ago.

Unfortunately, there aren't many options out there. I would personally search for a RTS, which is what I have because you can use it for other things as well.

[fatmike]

I'm happy with the Bird rack.

The issue with it though is that the rack itself is "custom". The nice thing about a "hitch" based system is that you can go out and buy a very high end bike rack with lots of nice features (fold down, lock, etc.). I have a system like that on the mini-van and its great. When I sell the mini-van -- I"ll keep the bike rack and use it on whatever vehicle replaces the mini-van.

The Bird system on the Boxster works well for the Boxster -- but its specific to the Boxster, and its also somewhat simple/spartan.

That said, the Bird rack works and I'm satisfied. (I bought mine used on eBay and got a good deal).

Let us know what you do.

[smittyboyd]

Saris will not approve the bones 3 rack for a boxster, but I saw someone with one on last week. I took a chance and bought one on Craigs List for $75.
If you widen the stance of the two lower arms by moving them to the outside, they rest almost perfectly on top of the two bumpers. The only problem I can find is that the straps clip to the trunk lid at the joints where the trunk meets the roof cover panel and where it meets the spoiler. So these moving parts could potentially bind up on the clips and chip the paint. My guess is that this is why Saris won't approve it.
Not opening and closing the roof while the rack is on is easy enough, but I can't figure out how to keep the spoiler fixed either up or down. Any thoughts?

[rick3000]

The only way to disable the spoiler is to remove the fuse. I believe the fuse for the spoiler is located in the rear trunk underneath the carpeting.

[JettaGLi16v]

I personally pine for the RTS,

It makes me want to carry a surfboard at all times,
but would adversely affect aerodynamics..

-Brad

[Pat]

I bought my Boxster in San Fran a few month ago. On my way back to Denver I stopped at Will's (Willwood System) house to buy a rack from him. He's not always quick with the communication, but he does make very good stuff. It's not perfect, but still the best option, IMO. He has put a lot of thought into his product and it is very well designed.

[coreseller]

This one has been on ebay a few times, make sure to notice the shipping charges first:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-Boxster-others-Hitch-Reciever-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3cb0a30554QQitemZ26066 1511508QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries

[tsi64]

I have a Bird Rack, paid full price so it was expensive. It works well and you can easily remove the uprights and look normal if you don't mind getting down on the ground to remove the pins.

The upright fittings are different for bikes and the wheelchair/electric cart fittings I have. The cart I put on it is around 52lb with battery and I plan to ask Sam Bird for the platform fitting as well as I would worry about it less if it were sitting on a platform as well, although it probably doesn't need it.

With the cart it needs straps to the trunk although apparently with bikes it doesn't.

The first time we used it we we were unaware and the buckles on the straps scratched the spoiler.

I also strap crutches to the rack.

[Perfectlap]

I gave up and just went with a Willwood rack (used). I have to say its easier to use than the Bird rack which I also had. The Willwood installs in 60 seconds without rushing. But the Bird rack company owner personally installed it and had much better communication. Now that's customer service. The thing about the Willwood system is that it can be used as tire tail for you autocrossers. I wouldn't go very far with that though and its complicated because you have to rig up brake lights like any other trailer. Both systems are good for Snowboards (don't know about skis). The Bird seems like the safer option for golf clubs. The only issue is that getting a new Willwood rack is tough since the owner seems to have shut down.

Tip for either sytem. If you go down to Home Depot or Lowe's you can buy long strips of 3M velcro tape. They're about an inch wide and if yu stick the furry side to the back of the hook side you have inexpensive straps. Just measure out how much you'll need to secure the wheel to the carrier, or frame to the carrier and cut. You just have to be precise when sticking the two sides together.

here's another brand sold at Sears. 12' of tape should be enough for one bike maybe even two.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_1990000000092226P?prdNo=21&blockNo=46&blockType=G46

[Ster]

I was not sure what to do to carry my road bike on my Boxster and mated two technologies/brands and came up with a nice system. I used Sea Sucker suction cups and Yakima components to make a three point rack that goes on quickly and leaves no contact points

[tonycarreon]

interesting. how long have you been using it? how far do you go?

my only concern would be the suction cups pulling on the points where they're attached (especially the clamshell) and possibly deforming it if the bike moves side-to-side enough.

[fatmike]

My Boxster is sold.

And my bike rack is for sale!


/

[heliguy]

Originally Posted by fatmike

My Boxster is sold.

And my bike rack is for sale!


/

How does your rack look?