If you find your “A” frame lacks the room required to install a cross member or use the Bolt-On Mount (extremely rare), or if you simply prefer to DIY, you can still fit your Van-Rack by fabricating (or having us fabricate for you), your own custom mount for it.
The post has to be made from 50 x 50 x 4 minimum SHS (square hollow section) steel and direct welded to a centre beam on your drawbar. This will also have to be braced with extra supports as a single fillet weld on the base will not be sufficient.
warning
If direct welding the cross member to your draw bar, ensure that the house batteries are disconnected (along with your vehicle) as welding may affect electrical components in your van or car.
Galvanising will have to be removed, also double check if you have internal wiring running through your drawbar, extreme heat from welding may cause the wire coating to melt causing an electrical short.
This is one of the main reasons Gripsport recommend utilising the supplied saddles which also makes the cross member removable. Also check with your van manufacturer as direct welding may also void your warranty.
IMPORTANT – MUST READ
Even if it LOOKS like your van has a nice, solid chassis and rear bumper-bar across the back and even though it may SEEM perfectly logical to carry your bikes there… be aware that the amount of “bounce” at the rear of a van is surprisingly severe… even if you don’t notice it.
This can result in damage to bikes, bike rack, and even the van itself. In fact, some van manufacturers will void their warranty, and you may find insurance claims are denied, if a bike rack is fitted to the rear against the advice of the van or rack manufacturer. So our advice is as follows…
1/ The correct, proper and safest place to carry bikes is on the “A” frame.
2/ We recommend against fitting bike racks to the rear of caravans & camper trailers.
But it IS possible… in SOME cases GripSport Van-Racks (1 & 2-bike ONLY) should only be fitted to the rear of a van…using the GripSport “Bolt-On Mount” to a rear bumper made of 50mm x 75mm rectangular steel box section after determining the rear of your van is strong enough – consult your caravan dealer or manufacturer for advice.
