rear bike carrier on the Berlingo

[simone]

Hi,
I'm looking to carry 2 kids bikes on the rear of my Berlingo (2014). I usually fit them inside but need to carry extra people and luggage this time. Some say Rear carrier is a no no...? why?
I dont have a tow bar and want to avoid putting anything on the roof (ferry crossing and trying to get them onto the roof is an issue). 
I have a basic rear carrier from previous cars, some amazon sites state that this one is suitable for the Berlingo... but would like to know people's opinion/ expertise. Thanks!!

[ffrenchie]

You will have to take the bikes off before you open the rear door and if you don't it might put a strain on the gas struts and hinges, that's all I can think of otherwise no problem.

[evdama]

You will have to take the bikes off before you open the rear door and if you don't it might put a strain on the gas struts and hinges, that's all I can think of otherwise no problem.

Hi  Mr Grumpy here.
A more simplified solution;
Can they manage without their bikes for a few days?


Just give them a bag of change and leave them in the amusement arcade alone for the day while you go to the pub.
That's what my parents did and it hasn't done me any harm.

Whatsoever.

[shedpete]

Or, try removing the pedals and swivel the handlebars 90 degrees so the bikes are basically flat and much less bulky. Might then be able to fit them inside.

[cancunia]

IIRC, the tailgate is made of plastic so may not take too much weight, although a couple of kid's bikes should be ok. The gas struts will be set to counter the weight of the tailgate, so may need upgrading, even with just a bike rack. @saskak bought some upgraded struts for his M59, so I'm guessing that they will be available for the B9 too.

[saskak]

IIRC, the tailgate is made of plastic so may not take too much weight, although a couple of kid's bikes should be ok. The gas struts will be set to counter the weight of the tailgate, so may need upgrading, even with just a bike rack. @saskak bought some upgraded struts for his M59, so I'm guessing that they will be available for the B9 too.

You can upgrade the struts fairly easily, I did mine with SGS engineering (https://www.sgs-engineering.com/). They were pretty good on the phone as well, as I was not sure how much more pressure I needed. They can tweak the pressure of the struts they sell, so instead of say 5% they gave me 10% more pressure.