[MikeB]

I'm trying to get a detachable towbar fitted by VW dealership (I've contacted all within 50 mile radius) and, unfortunately, all of them have told me that detachable towbars are out of stock and won't be available till end of the year (good ol' VW).

I could try getting a towbar fitted by a towbar specialist, but a couple of VW dealerships have warned against doing that. They say it could affect warranty if there are subsequent issues with electrics related to towbar fitting. Plus any panels that need removing, to route electrics, that subsequently started creaking, would not be covered under warranty . Has anyone had similar problem?

As a short term fix, I suppose I could stick my bike up on roof bars..... I might need to stand on a box to get it up there though (it's a long way up).

Not ideal, I'll probably fall off the box and the bike will put a huge gouge/scratch/dent on the roof .

The bike's too big to try and shove it in the car and I wouldn't want to do that if it's covered in mud.

 

[Jacket]

Roof racks aren't bad at all. I've been using roof racks on my previous cars for over 10 years now. They are practically always on my cars, unless I'm travelling somewhere far without bikes. The T-Cross is a bit tall, but no issues with loading with the Thule Pro Ride model. If you have an older rack model where the clamps are on top, then it will be an issue. I'm 178cm (5'10) and I don't even need to step on the door sills. The total height of the car with bikes loaded is around 2.55m (8.3 feet). This is useful to know when going to drive throughs and under some tunnels. Anything under 2.6m is a risk.

Pros for the roof racks: Can be left on the car, don't need expensive towbar with electric assembly, lights and additional plates, width of the car is unchanged
Cons: Noisy at higher speeds, reduce mpg with bikes loaded, cannot go into underground parking lots with them, obviously a bit harder to load, but with some practice it's a child's play.

So you might consider roof racks after all

 

[rarrar]

When I took delivery of my T-Cross in December I had to wait for the detachable towbar to come back in stock at VW for several weeks.
You could consider the fixed towbar .
My understanding is that no dealer actually carries these types of items in stock but orders them from VW when required.
It takes quite a time to install - allow a full day - due to the wiring harness having to be installed .