Why it's important to select the correct vehicle and tyre size
Vehicle
There are a surprising number of vehicles that cannot use traditional snowchains, the types that put chain on the inside of the wheel as well as on the tread. This is usually because there is not enough space between the wheels and the shock absorbers; this can be a problem for ordinary SUVs and 4x4s as well as for high performance cars.
You will find this important information in your car handbook - please check this before using your snowchains! Our database is intended to do the basic work for you but, with so many new vehicles and tyre sizes, it should only ever be treated as a guide.
Tyre size
Please also check your tyre size - if you buy incorrectly-sized chains they will be either too tight or too loose.
Ladder track chains
The good news is that car handbooks usually only refer to "traditional snowchains". Ladder track chains such as the Polaire GRIP and Spikes-Spider range only put chain over the tyre tread, so are not subject to these restrictions. They are also ideal for use on rear wheel drives where there is minimal space between the top of the wheel and the wheel arch.
Bike Carriers & Bike Racks
Tow bar mounting bike carriers
There's quite a lot to think about before buying a tow bar rack so we recommend that you read our Buying Guide and Recommendations. In summary, choose between a cheaper hang on style rack (Best Buy = BUZZ RACK Buffalo) or a more expensive wheel support rack (Best Buys = Atera STRADA DL3 at the top end, BUZZ RACK Eazzy in the mid-market).
Electric bikes are usually heavier than standard bikes, even with the battery pack removed, so they need stronger bike carriers, and more spacing between the bikes. Find these specialist wheel support racks by using the Racks for e-bikes filter.
You will need a tow ball on your vehicle, factory fitted or fitted by a specialist tow bar fitting business. There are two options for the electrics - the main difference is that 13 pin electrics allow a bike carrier reversing light and fog light to be used, if fitted. In any event we supply adapters free of charge so that 13 pin bike carrier electrics may be used on 7 pin vehicle electrics.
All the tow ball racks are in our 90 day exchange scheme so we hope that you'll buy with the confidence that if your first choice is not quite right then you can exchange it for another. Please also use the Filter and Sort tools to help you choose.
Best buy Wheel support type bike carrier Atera STRADA DL Best buy Hang-on type bike carrier BUZZ RACK Buffalo
Best buys for e-bikes: Atera GENIO PRO Advanced (premium sector) / BUZZ RACK E-Hornet (mid-market).
- Quick to fit and takes up very little space in the car boot
- Ideal for keeping in the boot ready for any trip
- Carries 2 bikes, up to 40kg total (maximum bike weight: 20kg)
- Fits to all tow balls
- Remove the bikes to access the tailgate
- Can be stored in car boot when not in use
- Soft pads to protect wheel rims and frames
- The most robust 2 bike carrier we have found in this price range
- Carries 2 bikes, up to 40kg total (maximum bike weight: 20kg)
- Fits to all tow balls
- Tilts to allow access the tailgate
- Can be stored in car boot when not in use
- Soft pads to protect wheel rims and frames
- The most robust 2 bike carrier we have found in this price range
- Carries 2 bikes, up to 20kg each and 40kg total
- It folds easily, making it very easy to carry and to fit
- Fold and store it in the car boot when out on your bikes
- Easy tilting, good security, fits all tow balls
- Suitable for all types and sizes of bike, including carbon frames
- Smart, sophisticated - best in the mid-market!
- Only fits US style 2″ hitch receivers (no fit to UK tow balls)
- Only for use with compatible Yakima 2" hitch receiver bike racks
- Allows even loaded bike carriers to be swung away from the vehicle, giving full access to the rear doors
- Carries 2 bikes, up to 30kg each - ideal for eBikes and larger bikes
- Takes large wheelbases (up to 134cm) and fat bikes (up to 4")
- Fits all tow balls
- Tilts to allow access to the boot
- Excellent value rack for two eBikes or larger bikes
- Carries 1 bike, up to 30kg (an extra bike adapter is also available)
- Ideal for eBikes - hugely versatile - takes large wheelbases (up to 129.5cm) and fat bikes (up to 4")
- A height-adjustable upright makes it the ideal choice for very large bikes
- Tilts to allow access to the boot
- Folds for easy storage and handling
- Carries 2 bikes, up to 30kg each - ideal for eBikes
- A 3rd bike adapter is also available
- Takes large wheelbases (up to 129.5cm) and fat bikes (up to 4")
- A height-adjustable upright makes it the ideal choice for very large bikes
- Tilts to allow access to the boot
- Folds for easy storage and handling
- A new version of the VeloCompact, now supplied with 13 pin lights (we include a free lighting adapter if you have 7 pin lights).
- Supplied as a 2 bike unit - takes bikes weighing up to 25kg (max load 46kg)
- Compact size: 106cm x 66cm. Weight: 14.2kg
- Easy to fit and use
- Carries 2 bikes, up to 30kg each - ideal for eBikes
- Takes large wheelbases (up to 129cm) and fat bikes (up to 4.8")
- A height-adjustable upright makes it an ideal choice for very large bikes
- Uses BUZZ RACK's new tow ball attachment system
- Folds for easy storage and handling
- A modular system that allows you to carry two bikes and a cargo bag at the same time, or up to four bikes, with a total of five different configurations.
- Maximum load 60kg total (maximum bike weight: 20kg each, maximum platform weight: 20kg)
- 60l waterproof bag included!
- Fits to all tow balls
- Supplied as a 2 bike unit; a 3rd bike adapter is available
- Size (folded): 100cm x 59cm x 20cm high. Weight: 14.9kg
- The tilting STRADA E-bike is a good choice even if you don't have an E-bike, because you get 5cm more space between each bike
- The E-bike is 5cm closer to the vehicle so if your vehicle has a vertical tailgate (e.g. some vans and MPVs) then we recommend a sliding DL3 or, if you have electric bikes, a Genio Pro
- For general features of the DL, Sport and E-bike, see More...
- They're kind to you and your back: relatively very light, very easy to carry around
- they sit horizontally on the tow ball as soon as placed there; other racks crash onto the ground until they're clamped on
- they automatically adjust to all tow ball types and sizes
- the shape of the frame allows you to get right behind the car boot when loading and unloading; no need to stretch awkwardly
- at 100cm wide they can be placed in the car boot when you're off cycling, out of harm's way
- their wheel holders provide the best wheel protection and bike stability
- TÜV and City Crash tested, and winners of numerous awards
- Supplied as a 2 bike unit; a 3rd bike adapter is available
- Size (folded): 120cm x 59cm x 20cm high. Weight: 15.8kg
- Extra space between each bike and a width of 120cm makes it our recommendation for bikes with long wheelbases
- The E-bike XL is 5cm closer to the vehicle so if your vehicle has a vertical tailgate (e.g. some vans and MPVs) then we recommend a sliding DL3 or, if you have electric bikes, a Sport M2
- For general features of the DL, Sport and E-bike, see More...
- They're kind to you and your back: relatively very light, very easy to carry around
- they sit horizontally on the tow ball as soon as placed there; other racks crash onto the ground until they're clamped on
- they automatically adjust to all tow ball types and sizes
- the shape of the frame allows you to get right behind the car boot when loading and unloading; no need to stretch awkwardly
- their wheel holders provide the best wheel protection and bike stability
- TÜV and City Crash tested, and winners of numerous awards
- Only fits US style 2″ hitch receivers (no fit to UK tow balls)
- Takes 2 bikes, up to 22.7kg per bike; up to 4 bikes with the extra 2 bike adapter, maximum load limit 72kg for 4 bikes
- Secures the bikes by the wheels, so there's no contact with the frame
- Takes a huge range of bikes; 20″ to 29″ wheel sizes, tyres up to 4.8″ wide and wheelbases up to 121.5cm
- Tilts to allow access to the tailgate, and can be parked vertically when unloaded
- Supplied as a 2 bike unit; a 3rd bike adapter is available
- Size (folded): 100cm x 77cm x 29cm high. Weight: 17.3kg
- This is, overall, the best tow bar carrier available - for ease of fitting and use, ergonomics, satisfaction. It's expensive, yes, but still excellent value for money. Ideal for eBikes.
- Supplied as a 2 bike unit; a 3rd bike adapter is available
- Features Atera's new 'Plug & Drive' system for incredibly quick and easy fitting
- Takes heavier bikes (up to 30kg each) - great for e-bikes (up to 120cm wheelbase) but equally suitable for small children's bikes
- Developed especially for heavy bikes
- Extra long wheel trays and wider distance between the bikes
- Takes bikes weighing up to 30kg each
- Weight: 18.7kg
- Easy to fit and use
- It tilts far enough that even vertical tailgates can be opened - ideal for vans like the VW T5 and T6 and the Mercedes Vito.
- Foldable so it's very easy to carry and store
- Takes heavier and wider bikes (up to 30kg each) - great for eBikes or larger mountain bikes but equally suitable for small children's bikes
- It's foldable so it's very easy to carry and store
- Takes heavier bikes (up to 30kg each) - great for eBikes
- It will even carry fat bikes
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© John Jordan Limited, Unit 1A Toll Bar Estate, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5HA
Registered in England No. 03219540 VAT No. 664 9377 85
We are a mail order company and do not have a showroom or shop, so please order online or by phone; thank you!