Bak-Rak Rear Storage

[espressobongo]

Hi.
I'm about to invest in a base rack and box from these people to carry camping stuff (in the hope this blasted virus thing is over soon and I can head off in the Bongo again, I'm suffering withdrawal symptoms badly....)
My question is will I need to also fit a number plate board with electrics etc.? If so, any idea of the cost of these things and can I get someone to do it, being useless at such things myself?
Any advice or experiences much appreciated.
Keep smiling!
Frankie.

[g8dhe]

Yes you will as its rather likely that you will obscure the existing number plate as a minimum and possibly the lights as well depending what you fit on the rac! Most of the local towbar installers will give you a quote if you give them a ring, most will also come to you.

[cwilliams255]

Fitting a decent towbar to the bongo is a bit of faff especially if it’s seen any rust in its 20 years +. The good ones require you to drill through chassis rail on near side to provide extra support - problem is that there’s only about 20cm clearance for the drill and bit is 18mm diameter- not many short 18mm bits around. I had to use a 90 degree adapter

TLDR get someone to do it for you

[Flanners]

If you cycle, then a Thule 973 rack with the Thule Backup 420l box is a great multi use set up which clears the lights and number plate. I have one it works very well for my needs.

[espressobongo]

Thanks for the advice all. I've got a local man set up to put the toolbar on, I'll talk to him about the board as well then.
Cheers.

[Bob]

This is the kind of thing:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7-pin-PRE-WI ... 1480671333

Fairly straightforward, and don't use Scotchlocks.

[rita]

This is the kind of thing:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7-pin-PRE-WI ... 1480671333

Fairly straightforward, and don't use Scotchlocks.

Hi Bob , why not use Scotch Locks ?

[Bob]

They are prone to cutting the wires and water ingress, but personal choice.

[Colin]

Can I put a tow bar box on if I have a Thule 973 fitted?

[rita]

They are prone to cutting the wires and water ingress, but personal choice.

Thanks for the info, what would you recommend ?

[Bob]

I'd recommend an auto electrician.

[mikeonb4c]

They are prone to cutting the wires and water ingress, but personal choice.

Thanks for the info, what would you recommend ?

Bobs right about Scotchloks, whoever fitted the towbar to mine (a garage i think), i started to get o/s tail light bulb blowing. Not problem since i removed all scotchloks and soldered all the connections. I thought of getting a bakrak wsy back then but on reflection I'm glad i didnt. In the years since i've read of towbars sagging due to towball mounted loads. I'd go down the Thule/Fiamma tailgate rack/box route or - better still i think - a lightweight trailer with hard top if you've somewhere to keep it.

[mikeonb4c]

They are prone to cutting the wires and water ingress, but personal choice.

Thanks for the info, what would you recommend ?

Hi Rita. I found soldering has worked well for me, but I know you are very savvy on car mechanics and I'd love to hear of other suggestions that would be easy to do and not give trouble like Scotchloks (which certainly gave me trouble ). Soldering produced a good result for me (you have to make sure the soldered connections don't suffer fatigue vibration, unlikely but easy to plan for anyway) but it is perhaps not for everyone.

I don't drop in on BF as regularly as I used to. Great to see you're still here and keeping people guessing!