Questions about tow bars
How long is the manufacturer’s warranty valid for?
The warranty period is 3 years from date of purchase (without wearing parts).
Please note the detailed warranty conditions, which are included in writing in all of our products.
Which requirements does my tow bar need to fulfil?
To be able to use your tow bar, the tow bar must have a minimum nose weight of 50 kg and a D-value of at least 5.3 kN.
More detailed information about the maximum transport weights can be found in our catalogue (pages 22&23) or ask at one of our regional specialist dealers.
Please also note: the tow bar should be made of steel quality St 52-3 or be of the same quality.
Tow bars made purely from aluminium may not be used.
What does the D-value mean?
The D-value describes the strength of the connection between the tow bar and the towing vehicle. It is measured in Kilonewtons (kN).
The D-value of your tow bar is usually in the papers belonging to it or listed directly on the tow bar itself. In case of any doubt, please ask your car manufacturer or the garage that fitted it for you.
Can I use a bike rack if my tow bar is made out of aluminium?
If the tow bar is made completely from aluminium, then it is not possible to use a Uebler bike rack.
If the towing ball and approximately the first 3 cm of the tow bar neck is made of steel and only the rest if made of aluminium then Uebler bike racks may be used.
Note: some tow bars are coated in or painted silver. If you are in any doubt, please ask your car manufacturer or the garage that fitted the tow bar.
What should I do if a 7-pin electrical socket is fitted to my vehicle?
Essentially modern vehicles are usually fitted with a 13-pin electrical socket.
If a 7-pin electrical socket is fitted to your vehicle you need an additional adapter (connector) from 7-pin to 13-pin.
These are available at any well-stocked car accessory dealer.
How big / small do the bikes have to be?
In the technical specifications for each bike rack you can find the details “Maximum wheel base of the bike”.
These details are based on the maximum wheel base between the front and rear axle (centre of hub) for the bike. You can check these measurements quite easily on your bike using a tape measure or a folding ruler.
We’ve chosen this simple and clear measuring method as for e-bikes the frames are stretched (due to the placement of the battery) and the frame size in inches is no longer enough to be able to give precise measurements.
The minimum wheel base (i.e. child’s bike) is 80 cm. The maximum wheel base is 130 cm for the X & F series (125 cm for the P-series).
Note: Please note the technical specifications on pages 16 / 17 of our catalogue or the respective product description on our home page.
Which tow bar bike rack can I use to be able to open the tailgate?
Tiltable Uebler bike racks offer different tilting angles from 60 to 90 degrees. For “normal” estate cars or SUVs normally an opening angle of 60 degrees is sufficient. For vehicles with an especially low tailgate (i.e. VW T5/T6; MB V-Klasse) you need at least an opening angle of 90 degrees.
As tow bars are not vehicle specific add-on components and especially for vehicles with low-drawn tailgates, the tow bars are often mounted at a different height, we recommend visiting one of our specialist dealers to carry out a test assembly with our racks.
Via our “Dealer search” you can find the nearest regional specialist dealer really easily.
Note: for vehicles with double doors you cannot open the doors with the bike rack mounted.
If the rack frame on my tow bar bike rack has white discolouration what should I do?
The possible discolouration at the bending points on the rack frame can be traced back to microscopic cracks in the anodised aluminium surface (protective layer with aluminium manufacturing process) of the used aluminium tubing. These occur during the bending process of the aluminium profiles and are unavoidable. However the aluminium is not damaged or impaired by this.
You can wipe away this discolouration using a cloth and a few drops of oil.
Why can’t a tow bar bike rack for four bikes be tilted away?
Tow bar bike racks for four bikes cannot be folded away as the construction (depth) of the rack only has a small tiltable / opening angle which is necessary for a non-contact opening of the tailgate. In addition there may be the risk that the transported bikes touch the ground when being tilted and could be damaged by doing so.
Why does a tow bar bike rack for four bikes need a lashing strap?
Due to the long protrusion of the bike rack (construction depth) and the centre of gravity which has then been moved considerably even further towards the rear, considerable loads are exercised on the tow bar. To be able to totally reliably compensate for these with 100% safety the additional lashing straps are required for the Type Approval certified by the TÜV.
Can the Park Distance Control be fitted retrospectively?
No. The reversing warning system requires a change to the lighting wiring harness to connect this up to the system. This cannot be fitted retrospectively.
In addition retrofitting would also require holes and rivets to be fitted afterwards to the bike clamp to fasten the radio transmitter. The holes cannot be drilled and rivets inserted retrospectively.
Also the positioning and fitting of the sensors in the number plate holder cannot be carried out afterwards.
My car is equipped with a 7-pin connector. Can I install a bike rack with PDC (park distance control?)
No, sorry. A 7-pin connection doesn´t provide a port for the reversing lights. The distance sensors though get activated by the signal for the reversing lights. Therefore a DC rack won´t work with your car.
Important safety notes
How fast can I drive with my bike rack?
All Uebler bike racks are approved up to 130 km/h (80 mph).
Do I have to consider the position of my exhaust system when choosing a bike rack?
Yes. Depending on the vehicle type the rack and/or the bikes might be positioned too close to the exhaust system. The hot exhaust pipe and/or the hot exhaust fumes may damage the rack and/or the bikes.
In this case the rack is not suitable for your car.
How can I clean / look after my bike rack?
Quick release mechanisms and bike racks should be cleaned regularly with soapy water if they are dirty or difficult to move (see also mounting / user instructions).
The threads of the distance holders should be kept clean and greased to avoid the rotary handles becoming stuck.
What can I transport with the tow bar bike rack?
The bike rack for the tow bar is only suitable for transporting bikes.
Should bike accessories be removed before transport?
Before mounting we recommend you to remove and store all child seats and any loose parts such as water bottles, saddle bags, batteries from e-bikes away.
Can any covers be used during transport?
The bikes should not be covered by tarpaulin, any protective cover or similar during transport. As the wind exposed areas can have a strong effect on the driving behaviour of the vehicle.
Can I use a tow bar bike rack for four bikes on my vehicle?
Here you need to check the user manual for the vehicle whether the car manufacturer has any restrictions in the approval for mounting a tow bar bike rack for four bikes combined with a harness set to be attached to the tailgate.
Vehicles with a plastic rear spoiler have a statement about this in the user guide.
I drive a car with a vertical back (e.g. VW T5/T6, VW Caddy, Mercedes V class) . Can I use a tow bar bike rack?
Depending on the type of the tow bar and the handlebar of your first bike it might be necessary to turn the bike´s handle (90°), to prevent touching the car´s tailgate and causing damage.
Furthermore, depending on the handle of your second bike, this has also to be turned (90°) in order to open the tailgate of your car. In rare cases the second bike needs to be removed for full access.
General questions
Where can I buy Uebler products or accessories and / or spare parts?
Our products can be bought at the specialist local dealers. Our dealers are professionals for car accessories and / or bikes & e-bikes. On site you can get personal advice and also get an impression of the quality and functionality of our products for yourself. And should you need accessories or an individual spare part the regional specialist dealer can also give you competent help.
To find the specialist dealer nearest to you just use our “Dealer search” function on our website.
Where are Uebler products manufactured?
All our products are consistently developed and also manufactured in Germany. The majority of the components are produced in our own factory. But even for purchased parts we demand high quality. These also come from tested, local suppliers who guarantee us the highest manufacturing quality.
This is why each Uebler product is really “Made in Germany”: GUARANTEED!
Is it allowed to make technical changes to Uebler products?
Technical changes are not allowed and will lead to the European Type Approval becoming invalid.
For this please also read the notes in the product specific user guide.
Is there a factory outlet store?
We don’t have a “factory outlet store” in the normal sense.
But we keep a showroom where we can give you advice during the normal opening times.
To buy a Uebler bike rack we recommend visiting one of our local specialist dealers. Our dealers are professionals in car accessories and / or bikes & e-bikes. On site you will also receive personal advice and can get an impression of the quality and functionality of our products for yourself. And should you need accessories or an individual spare part our regional dealer will be happy to give you competent assistance.
To find the specialist dealer nearest to you just use our “Dealer search” function on our website.
What are the opening hours?
You can reach us:
Monday – Thursday:
08.00 to 12.00
13.00 to 16.30 hours
Friday:
08.00 to 12.00
13.00 to 14.30 hours
All times are Central European Time (CET) or CEST.
Please feel free to drop in to visit us or call us during the normal opening hours.
Outside the regular opening hours, you can send us a fax on +49-(0)9191 – 7362 – 77 or send us an e-mail to info@uebler.com.
Investitionen dieses Unternehmens wurden von der Europäischen Union aus dem Europäischen Fonds für regionale Entwicklung und vom Freistaat Bayern kofinanziert. Erwerb und Umbau einer bestehenden Immobilie. Erweiterung des Maschinenparks.