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There are a number of things to consider when riding with bike carriers, which is why we have put together the most important information for you so that you can not only transport your bikes comfortably with your vehicle, but also safely and correctly.

The bicycle has become an important part of our society. Many use the two-wheelers for short distances to escape the heavy city traffic and to get faster from A to B. For some, cycling is the most popular sport and furthermore it is often used for longer distances. With the beginning of spring, there is of course the opportunity for a bike tour on vacation or short break. But before you can get started, you should first clarify which type of bike carrier is suitable for your car, because not every model can be mounted on every vehicle.

Roof carrier

With a wheel track for the roof rack, you can transport up to four or, depending on the space, more bicycles on the vehicle roof. You can attach and remove the roof rack at any time by yourself on the vehicle roof – usually it is attached to the roof rack. Note that you have to lift the bikes up and down on the roof of the vehicle. The additional cargo on the roof shifts the center of gravity of your vehicle upwards, offers greater air resistance and is more susceptible to cross winds.

Rear bike carrier

One of the most practical possibilities of transportation are rear bike carriers, which are easy to install on the vehicle without much effort. For a rear bike rack you need a trailer hitch, the carrier is then attached to the head of the trailer hitch. When loading the carrier, you should always observe the permissible guidelines for your vehicle and the rear bicycle carrier. In our shop you will find the right rear bike carriers in various designs for up to four bicycles.

You should consider…

When driving with a rear bike carrier, get off the gas. ADAC recommends a top speed of 120 km / h. If the carrier or the bicycles attached to it hide the vehicle’s lights, you should definitely purchase a rear bike carrier that has taillights itself. Alternatively, you can attach additional brake lights to the rack so that you remain visible. If the vehicle’s lights are covered, you must expect a fine of € 20. In some cases, racks and / or bicycles can also hide the license plate, in this case you will need to get a second license plate and attach it to your bike rack. Anyone who cannot show a visible license plate at a police check must expect a fine of € 60. Movable objects such as bicycle baskets or child seats should be stowed inside the vehicle to minimize the safety risk while driving.

The Easter holidays in Germany will start in a few weeks and if you are planning a bike tour on the way, you should inform yourself beforehand about the country-specific features of the destination. The same applies to transit countries and places. As in Austria, a special license plate on the bike carrier is mandatory in Italy and Spain, for example.

In our shop we offer you various rear cycle carriers, just have a look!

For the attachment of your trailer hitch or also with the electrical kit we are always sending you an assembly instruction. These instructions explain, how your AHK and / or electrical kit must be put into operation. To help you understand we use pictograms to explain steps or comments, which repeatedly appear in the instructions. In the following paragraphs we are explaining the signs und pictures to you.

Signs and pictures in the assembly instructions of MVG

An old familiar, even from other areas, is probably the warning. We use a triangle with an exclamation point in it to alert you to the need for extra care and careful attention.

We give you directions and positions using different arrows. We show specific points on the vehicle or show you attachment points for the AHK. It is important to pay close attention to the position arrows.

You will always see two arrows pointing towards each other in our assembly instructions. These are used when you need to connect or disconnect something. This is especially common in electrical kits when your cable needs to be connected.

With the towbars and their instrucion manuals, you are more likely to find a hand with a pin. This will tell you that you have to draw something in pencil, which will be the case especially if you need to make small changes to the bumper, for example.

Besides, you will also find a trashcan that tells you that you can dispose something. You may also find this sometimes with the electric sets.

In connection with cutouts on the bumper, you will also find a deburrer in the installation instructions, with which you must then deburr the cutout as cleanly as possible. Otherwise, the risk of injury from small chips is high. Also, the file is important in this context and often has to be used in cutouts on the bumper.

In addition to the deburrer and the file, a drawing with two persons carrying something is also important when attaching the trailer hitch in accordance to the instruction manual. This pictogram indicates that you should work in pairs, for example when removing the rear apron. This is much easier for two, with fewer accidents happening at the same time.

The wrench with screw and the drill show you that you have to tighten something or use the drill to drill holes. The spatula is used whenever you need to remove the underbody protection.

If you have to protect something against corrosion, we noted a small bucket in the assembly instructions for you. If something needs to be cleaned, you will see two hands with a rag and a bottle labeled “Cleaner”. You can then apply both to the appropriate place.

We still have two last pictograms for you: An eye that is displayed with either two question marks or a book. The question marks refer you to a picture and mean something along the lines of “see illustration “, the book represents the workshop manual and refers you to this.

You have further questions about the attachment of towbar and electrical kit or to an assembly instructions? Then please browse through our FAQ, where we will answer you the common questions. If you have another question, feel free to contact us anytime!

Of course, before you retrofit a trailer hitch, you first have to determine whether your car has ever been designed to travel with the trailer and is approved as a towing vehicle. You can find all the information you need on the nameplate of the vehicle. The data are both in the service booklet and usually on a sticker that is housed in the spare wheel module. If it can not be found there, you will find information in the owner’s manual of the vehicle on where to findyour nameplate. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer and the approval number, the chassis number can also be found there. The second line also specifies technically permissible weights. Underneath you will also find the permissible trailer weight.

This indicates the permissible trailer weight

As the name implies, the trailer weight indicates how heavy the combination of vehicle and trailer may be. Thus, it is clear that a combination may exist, so theoretically a trailer could be drawn. It then depends on the value. The weight of the vehicle must be deducted from the weight of the trailer in order to clarify whether and, if so, with what weight a trailer can be towed.

In addition, you can also consult the vehicle registration, which is the easier way. The vehicle registration indicates with the values ​​O1 and O2, which braked and unbraked towing load is technically permissible for the vehicle. If you can not find any values ​​there, the vehicle is not allowed to drive with a trailer.

What happens if your vehicle is not allowed as a towing vehicle and still pulls a trailer?

In order for a vehicle to be approved for trailer use, some points have to be met already in the development of the vehicle. Thus, for example, the motorization of the car is adapted to the possible use as towing vehicle, or special attachment points for the trailer hitch are defined by the vehicle manufacturer. Also, the cooling of the engine and other system must be defined separately for the optional trailer drive. If your car is not suitable and approved for the load and service as a towing vehicle, it will cause a variety of damage to the vehicle if it is still used to tow a trailer.

In Germany there are many different license classes, among these are also some that regulate and influence driving with a trailer. We had a look at the different licenses and summarized the key data for you. A distinction is made between the driving license class 3, class B, class B96 and class BE.

The driving license class 3

This certificate is already older and has been replaced by the class B. Thus it is old, it is not invalid and confirmes the permission for its owners to drive a car up to 3.5 tons total weight. In addition, the Class 3 license also allows you to drive trucks of up to 7.5 tonnes overall weight and three-axe trailers of up to 12 tonnes total weight (as long as the towing vehicle is not heavier than 7.5 tonnes). This means that combinations of up to 3.5 tons can be driven. Also included in the Class 3 license are motorcycles, trikes and agricultural tractors up to 40 km/h.

Your options in driving with a trailer when owning a driving license class B

If you have a class B license, you can drive up to 3.5 tonnes. Exceptions are motorcycles, which fall under the driving license classes AM, A1, A2 and A. In addition, the addressed motor vehicles may not have more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat. When driving with a trailer, the category B driving license allows to tow trailers with a total mass of a maximum of 750 kg, or a maximum authorized mass of more than 750 kg, provided the maximum permissible mass of car and trailer does not exceed the value of 3500 kg.

The driving license class B96

This driver’s license is a supplement to the class B and is therefore also noted in the driver’s license. If you have this extension, it is allowed to drive trailers with a total weight of more than 750 kg. In addition, the permissible total weight of the combination of vehicle and trailer, which you may tow, increases. Namely, the permissible total weight of the class B96 billet may then be between 3500 kg and 4250 kg.

Driving with the driving license class BE

If you have a driving license class BE, then you are as flexible as possible when driving with the trailer. This is a combination of the class B and the permission to drive with trailer. The maximum permissible weight of the trailer may be up to 3.5 tonnes. So this is the driver’s license with which you can pull the heaviest trailer.

The Jeep Wrangler (JL) comes in a modern design. From model year 08/2018, the model with its significant corners and edges is now available in a sporty look, which of course is still strongly oriented towards the evergreen and its characteristic look. For many years, the Jeep Wrangler has been a popular vehicle for off-road tours and is also used increasingly in city traffic.

The Wrangler is also excellently suited as a towing vehicle and can prove its pulling power with the matching trailer hitch. In our assortment we offer a suitable detachable trailer hitch for an easy retrofit. Our trailer hitch ca easily be operated by means of a rotary knob of the system 2040 and can be removed at any time. The towbar does not intervene in the high-quality appearance of the Jeep Wrangler (JL) and is also easy to use.

The benefits of the detachable towbar for

Jeep Wrangler (JL) from 08/2018

• vertically detachable towbar, MVG towbar 2040 
• no cut-out required by using the original cut-out
• automatic system removal by twist grip
• also fitting for AdBlue vehicles
• no increase in load bearing possible
• automatic locking device when fitting
• easy handling
• vehicle-specific eletrical kit, 13-pin, 12 Volt, rear fog lamp shutdow, parking assistance system car-sided, electronic blinking device, LED compatible

[button link=”https://www.mvg-ahk.de/en/Towbars/JEEP/Wrangler/Jeep-Wrangler-JL-08-2018/” icon=”chevron-right” color=”red” window=”yes”]Check out towbar[/button]

Technical data for detachable towbar for Jeep Wrangler (JL) from 08/2018

• D-value: 13 kN
• Towing capacity: 2671 kg
• Trailer load: 140 kg

The towbar for your Jeep Wrangler (JL) from 08/2018 can be found in our MVG-shop. The item number is 0849 AS.

In an accident, there are many points that shoot through your head and that you have to pay attention to. The trailer hitch (maybe) does not always come to mind at first. Of course, driving yourself in or against the front of the car will obviously not affect the towbar, although it will certainly damage other areas of the vehicle. Thus, you will have to worry about the trailer hitch when the rear of the vehicle is affected in the accident. So if somebody drives into the back of your car or if you drive too far when parking and end up in the wall, then you should always think about your trailer hitch and question whether it can still be used.

Damage to the trailer hitch – repair required

In the event of a collision on your vehicle and thus also on your trailer hitch, you have to act. A trailer hitch can not be repaired. This is because repairs and modifications of any kind are inadmissible and the approval, which we receive for your trailer hitch and send you, is not valid anymore after an accident. In addition, there are product liability reasons that make it necessary to replace the trailer hitch. If someone crashes into your car frim behind, then possible damage to the trailer hitch is often not really visible. Sure, when the paint is off, the damage does not seem that bad at first. However, you can not detect any damage to the cross member or the side parts with the naked eye. We strongly advise against the repair on your own, not only for the reasons already mentioned. A self-repair does not fulfill the necessary hardening and machining processes which ensure the tensile strength and stability and can not be met by you or in any workshop. If your rear end and thus your trailer hitch has been damaged, you should no longer tow the trailer with the trailer hitch and replace it as soon as possible.

Damage caused by the trailer hitch

In an accident, as we have outlined above, certainly the opposing vehicle is affected. Often it will be the case that your tail looks much more harmless compared to the front of the other party. Due to the trailer hitch on your car, the impact forces of the opponent on his car have a significantly stronger impact, so that his vehicle is certainly badly damaged at the front. But does the trailer hitch affect the liability of the insurance company? Currently there is no official and universal regulation. In the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations in Germany (StVZO) the following is stated in §30c: “[…] no part of the outline of the vehicles may protrude so that they more than inevitably endanger the traffic.” That is, with a removable trailer coupling or even a swiveling model, the emergence would be avoidable. Therefore, we strongly advise you to have the two models attached or unfolded on the vehicle only if you need the towbar immediately. Otherwise, there may be difficulties with the insurance.

The KIA Sportage enters the next round: In 2018, a new facelift model came to the market, which once again shows that the popular SUV is one of the most modern vehicles. The facelift inspires with an attractive look and a high level of comfort, also the SUV is well known as a towing vehicle.

So that he can show his strength, we offer the right trailer hitch. Our trailer hitch can be easily retrofitted and has a removable system. If the trailer hitch is not needed, the ball bar can be easily removed at any time. This is easily achieved with a rotary knob. The towbar does not interfere with the high-quality look of the KIA Sportage and is also easy to use.

The benefits of the detachable towbar for KIA Sportage

• vertically detachable towbar, MVG towbar 2040 
• no cut-out required by using the original cut-out
• automatic system removal by twist grip
• also fitting for AdBlue vehicles
• automatic locking device when fitting
• easy handling
• vehicle-specific eletrical kit, 13-pin, 12 Volt, rear fog lamp shutdow, parking assistance system car-sided, electronic blinking device, LED compatible

[button link=”https://www.mvg-ahk.de/en/Towbars/KIA/Sportage/Sportage-08-2018/” icon=”chevron-right” color=”red” window=”yes”]Check out towbar[/button]

Technical data for detachable towbar for KIA Sportage from 2018

• D-value: 11,2 kN
• Towing capacity: 2317kg
• Trailer load: 120kg

The towbar for your KIA Sportage from 2018 can be found in our MVG-shop. The item number is 3133 AKS.

A higher vertical load with  the towbar than with the vehicle will be the case most of the time. The trailer hitch can usually withstand higher loads than the towing vehicle. Towbars made by MVG are tested for fatigue strength according to the European Directives 94/20 / EC, ECE R55 or Carlos TC. In addition, the towing hitches are always tested for maximum D values ​​and towing loads, so it can certainly come about that the hitch is approved for higher values ​​than a vehicle.

The values ​​of the vehicles are dependent on various factors, the entire construction of the vehicle must be aligned with the values ​​specified by the vehicle manufacturer for reference to the vertical load, so that the vehicle “endures” the acting forces during trailer travel. If you have a vehicle with a vertical load or towed load less than the value of the towbar, then you must comply with this lower value. The lowest value is decisive.

Why is that so important? Assuming the values ​​of the vehicle are the lower values ​​and are not met, this can have different effects on the vehicle. As a rule, for example, the engine and the chassis are adapted to the trailer operation already in the development of the vehicles and included in the calculations. Thus, if the values ​​are not met or exceeded, this can possibly have an effect, for example, on the drive train, the chassis, the cooling system or even the transmission. Therefore, it is important to always follow the instructions of the manufacturer, in the manual for your vehicle you will certainly find information about it.

The Chrysler Pacifica (RU) thrilled as a modern hybrid. Of course, the van can also be set up as a towing vehicle, of course, the right trailer hitch is essential.

We offer you a practical detachable trailer hitch, which you can operate in a few simple steps and remove at any time. Operation is via a rotary knob, the trailer hitch does not interfere with the appearance of the Chrysler.

The benefits of the detachable towbar for Chrysler Pacifica (RU)

• vertically detachable towbar, MVG towbar 2040 
• no visible cut-out required
• automatic system removal by twist grip
• automatic locking device when fitting
• easy handling

[button link=”https://www.mvg-ahk.de/en/Towbars/CHRYSLER/Pacifica/Pacifica-Hybrid-RU-11-2016/” icon=”chevron-right” color=”red” window=”yes”]Check out towbar[/button]

Technical data for detachable towbar for Chrysler Pacifica (RU) from 11/2016

• D-value: 11,8 kN
• Towing capacity: 2000 kg
• Trailer load: 120 kg

The towbar for your Chrysler Pacifca from 11/2016 can be found in our MVG-shop. The item number is 0848 A.

In some vehicle models, we also offer a practical system with removable disk in addition to a rigid or detachable trailer hitch . But what are the benefits for you and why is it advisable for some vehicles to opt for a system with a change plate?

We always offer the replaceable plate system when the function and consequently also the use of the vehicle can be well supplemented by a jaw clutch. For example, with very powerful vehicles, as they are often used in forestry. Here are certainly the current pick up models, such as the Renault Alaskan and the Nissan Navara, to be named. In agriculture, these cars are often used. The trailers, which are used in the work in forestry and agriculture, usually have no ball coupling as you know them from the popular trailers. Instead, you have to work with a jaw or a bolt coupling. With a removable change plate system, this is easily possible. Because you have two plates, each holding a different trailer hitch for you. So you can of course on the one hand, rely on a normal rigid trailer hitch. On the other hand, there is also a plate, which is provided with a mouth clutch. You can then use these for the foot or bolt coupling of the trailer.

If you want to switch between the plates, this is of course easily possible. You just have to pull a lever forward and then you can turn off your removable disk. Also, the assembly of the new plate is literally done in a jiffy, but you turn the plate simply on the base plate until the lever engages. The operation of the system with removable disk you can also look at the video once.