Fiamma Bike Rack On AS Pollensa Forums

Senator

Hi Guys

Need some help before I approach the back of my Motorhome, with my drill!

I have a Fiamma Pro C bike rack that needs to go on the back of my 2000 Pollensa. Having read several forums about this there appears to be some question on the final position for the mountings inside the vehicle. The off-side ones potentially ending up in the bathroom and the top near-side being hidden behind the cooker/grill/sink.

Can anyone provide some information on how theirs is perhaps fitted? Are the mounting plates visible in the bathroom (should I be worried about this?) and is there a need to remove half the kitchen to fit the other brackets?

Some forums have suggested that the supplied bolts (M6 x 50) are changed for similiar sized screws and the rack is then screwed through the bodywork into the timber support frame fitted by Autosleeper, but this worries me as I would prefer to see the weight taken by the plate so that the load is spread a bit more. These racks have the ability to take a 60Kg load! And that load will increase significiently with 'bounce'.

I have also heard that there is a 'void' between this timber and the back wall of the motorhome, so that being the case, do I need to fit a tubular spacer the depth of the void that the bolt can pass through before going through the mounting plate?

Whilst writing this AS rang me back to say that the unit should be bolted and that they get loads of motohomes in with badly fitted bike racks to sort out (Dealer fitted and DIY!). They also suggested the oven should be removed (for access), the mounts will not be in the bathroom, and there should not be a void. Now really confused.

Sorry, lots of questions but I would really appreciate any advice!

Cheers
Mark

JohnsCrossMotorHomes

Hi Mark,

Fitting a bike rack to your Pollensa is definately not a DIY job unfortunately.

Even our workshop lads cringe at doing them as it is not on their favourite jobs list although they will do it and we specialise in F iamma.

As AS have told you even the ones fitted by dealers are not correct.

Regards

Peter

geraldandannie · Moderator

Senator

Thanks guys for your input, I appreciate your time and advice. However, I still feel unsure which way to go!

I take on board what Paul says and if I wasn't a qualified engineer (Like Gerald) I would't attempt it, but how hard can it be to fit a cycle rack? Essentially it's just a question of drilling a few holes (in the right place!), gaining access to them inside and fitting the rack!

The bit I cannot seem to get around is that with the Fiamma fixing method (I am reluctant to move from this) the offside brackets will coinside with the wall between the bathroom and the kitchen. What I do need to check is if I can offset the frame such that all fixings are behind the kitchen units without the nearside ending up too close to the end of the wooden strengthing strut that forms part of the bodywork. The bike rails could be central to the rear of the vehicle so only the frame remains off-centre. AS assure me all fixings are normally behind the kitchen so they must offset it, surely?

I am also considering buying a wind out awning from your place Paul, so if I really feel this needs to be done by 'Proffessionals' I might get you to fit them both!

Thanks again.

Mark.

tonyt

Mark - if it's any help, I have a few pics of a Fiamma rack mounted on my ex Pollensa - it may help you see exactly where a AS dealer put the fixings.
Unfortunately you seem to have used up all your free posts - why not spend a tenner - it's a great investment.

geraldandannie · Moderator

Hi again, Mark

Sorry to see you've run out of free posts.

tonyt

and some more pics from me:

geraldandannie · Moderator

I can't find the empty rack shots of mine just now. However, it looked exactly the same as Tony's, with the rack being central on the back panel.

My only thought about the offside fitting is that maybe you can get to the inside of that one from behind the oven, and maybe there's a gap between the wall of the bathroom and the rear wall of the van, which allows you to get a spanner onto a nut or something.

Gerald

Senator

Thanks everyone!

You will pleased to know that I have just spent the £10 and am now a fully fledged paid up honoury member! Just can't afford to pay to have the rack fitted now!

Gerald, your idea re the cut-away on the wall for bracket is a good one. I will check that ASAP, although I would have thought this would be visable in the bathroom.

Tony, I cannot seem to get or see your pictures? This might be something to do with my PC (at work now) so I will check from home tonight. Sounds like Gerald got to see them, so they must be there!

Thanks again,

Mark