<SNIP> I checked the label on my Paulchen rack a little more closely. It reads: max. belastung 40 kg mit belastungsverst=E4kern u. verstenungstrenan 70 kg Alta Vista came up with a partial translation: max. load 40 kg with belastungsverstaekern u. verstenungstrenan 70 kg Any German speakers care to translate further? <SNIP> "max. belastung 40 kg" means maximum carrying capacity 40 kg. The other bit I'm pretty sure should read "mit Belastungsverstaerker und Versteifungsstreben". "mit Belastungsverstaerker" means with additional load supports. These are the foot pieces that attach to the bottom of the base mounting unit and that rest on the bumper and take up a lot of the weight. They have those neat little round bases that swivel. "Versteifungsstreben" means stiffening struts. These only come with the extension rack that allows you to carry a third or even a fourth bike. They are two stiffening metal bands that are attached to the cross strut of the loading platform (the shelf that folds up on the original unit that carries the first two bikes) and below to the base mounting unit. When these stiffening bands are attached the shelf cannot be folded up. The extension rack attaches to the 2 bike carrier to extend it to carry a third or fourth bike. The extension rack for the third or fourth bike can fold up. The instructions for my base mounting unit (model no. 11212 for VW Bus Build years from 1980 to Sept 1990) clearly state that the carrying capacity is 70 kg. I think what this all means is that the base mounting unit is capable of supporting a load of 70 kg. The usual two bike carrier that is attached to the base mounting unit (the 2 trombone handles) has a load capacity of 40 kg. If you get the extension to carry a third or fourth bike (more trombone handles!) then you must use the additional load supports and the stiffening struts to carry a further 30 kg on the extension to give a maximum load capacity of 70 kg. The base mounting unit can take it. They state quite clearly that the heaviest bike should be mounted nearest the door and the lightest bike furthest out on the extension - that makes sense. Hope this helps. Good luck Rich 90 Westy |
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