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Rear door and Bike Rack - newbie question

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2019 11:53 pm
by Shazzza
Hello,

Newbie member in preparation for buying my first Bongo. I've been to see a Bongo that I like, have checked out the MOT history etc. I have a question. The Bongo has a 2 bike bike rack and the guy selling it tells me that the rear door doesn't stay lifted (up) because of the weight of the bike rack. Is that right ?? He said that there is a simple fix, i just wanted to make sure i wasn't being ripped off and there is a fault with it??

Thanks for reading.
S :D

Re: Rear door and Bike Rack - newbie question

Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2019 8:39 am
by Ian
The simple fix is probably propping it up with a pole! Yes, it's true that a bike rack may be too heavy for the struts but help is on its way. The club shop have taken delivery of some strut supports and these will be available from next week.

Re: Rear door and Bike Rack - newbie question

Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2019 9:22 am
by g8dhe
You can also fit new up-rated gas struts which can support the weight from SGS Engineering, but then you have to watch out that when the bikes aren't attached and the door shoots up - possibly with your chin in the way!

Re: Rear door and Bike Rack - newbie question

Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2019 9:26 am
by Bob
I'm sure someone did a mod with a length of plastic pipe.

You need it just big enough to go over the larger part of the strut and the length of the chromed part.

Make a cut along it and fit over the strut, then when the tailgate is open slide it over the silver bit so it jambs the door open.

I'd make two. :wink:

Re: Rear door and Bike Rack - newbie question

Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2019 10:03 am
by Ian
Effectively that's what the strut assisters are, except they use precision engineered steel.

Re: Rear door and Bike Rack - newbie question

Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2019 10:13 am
by Bob
Perfect. 8)

Re: Rear door and Bike Rack - newbie question

Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2019 10:56 am
by Shazzza
Thanks for the replies, really appreciate it.

Re: Rear door and Bike Rack - newbie question

Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2019 11:05 am
by Flanners
Quite a few posts on this issue on the Forum.

I use a length of pipe for mine, the uprated struts were £££'s from SGS (too much for me)

Re: Rear door and Bike Rack - newbie question

Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2019 7:51 pm
by Ian
The new strut supports will retail at £20 + VAT + postage for a pair.

Re: Rear door and Bike Rack - newbie question

Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2019 9:03 pm
by Bob
Less Club discount? :wink:

Re: Rear door and Bike Rack - newbie question

Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2019 9:36 pm
by Ian
Members price will be £23 for a pair including VAT and postage.

Re: Rear door and Bike Rack - newbie question

Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2019 7:57 am
by Flanners
Sounds like a good idea Ian, I'm tempted.

Re: Rear door and Bike Rack - newbie question

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2019 2:59 pm
by Ian
These struts are now available. They were a couple of quid more than anticipated. Full details at https://bongoland.co.uk/product-categor ... or/page/2/

Re: Rear door and Bike Rack - newbie question

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2019 10:24 pm
by mikeonb4c
Ian wrote: Thu Apr 11, 2019 2:59 pm These struts are now available. They were a couple of quid more than anticipated. Full details at https://bongoland.co.uk/product-categor ... or/page/2/
Love those - they look really cool =D>

Re: Rear door and Bike Rack - newbie question

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2019 8:14 pm
by sotal
I made a plastic pipe for mine, just a spare length of 15mm pipe. I cut a groove all the way down the length of it and pop it over the strut when lifted. It's a good fit so can't just fall off and needs a push to go on.

Holds the boot up with the 4 bike rack in place. Didn't cost anything and works great.