Roof bars and towbars - experience please

[SturSteve]

Hi I have got by for years with a 2015 Zoe for most trips and a Peugeot 407 estate for - long trips, roof rack including for a double kayak (up to about 50 miles round trips), a towbar for a small trailer for taking stuff to the dump. I would like to get rid of both cars but there are few EV estates - MG5 looks good for me but can it handle these jobs which people want from a real estate car. I have seen used MG5s for less than £15K and that would suit me. Anyone doing this kind of thing with a MG5?

 

[Alb]

What's the maximum weight you want to put on the roof?

 

[Muffler]

Max specified roof load is 75Kg

And for towing...

 

[SturSteve]

What's the maximum weight you want to put on the roof?

About 45 lbs = 21 kg

 

[SturSteve]

Max specified roof load is 75Kg
View attachment 33755

And for towing...
View attachment 33756

Wow this is really prompt, really useful and exciting as it says - go ahead and find a car.

 

[ayres]

I regularly have several kayaks on the roof. Not had any issues with weight but (pre facelift long range exclusive (short range is lower weight for bars). But anything on roof does have a noticeable impact on range. So best to be aware of that.

 

[crispyjay]

I’ve roofboxed with my FL5. Most annoying thing is the noise! More noticeable in an EV I think.

 

[Wibble]

I have used the roof rack on my MG5 a few times and the good news in the roof rack was originally bought and used on a Peugeot 307SW, its the same fit.

Just make sure you go for one of the later cars (PFL LR or later) as the roof bars on the early cars weren't certified for use.

 

[SimonomiS]

I have used the roof rack on my MG5 a few times and the good news in the roof rack was originally bought and used on a Peugeot 307SW, its the same fit.

Just make sure you go for one of the later cars (PFL LR or later) as the roof bars on the early cars weren't certified for use.

The early cars were certified for use (as an addendum in the handbook) but limited to a load of 75kg

 

[Avro]

Note it needs to be a MK 2 (facelift) if you want to tow

 

[Muffler]

Would be interesting to know what anyone's fitted re towbar (make/cost etc) as could be tempted myself.

As it happens was looking at roof options myself, as mine is replacing an ICE estate that also had bars, and these seem a good match to adapt what I already have...

Thule Evo clamp on feet (4) no. 710500

The Thule Evo Foot Pack 7105 is a smart and stylish set of 4 roof bar feet, designed for use on vehicles that do not have any obvious roof fixings. With the addition of a vehicle specific Adapter Kit, and a pair of Thule cross bars, these roof bars clamp around the bodywork, where available...

www.roofbox.co.uk

 

[Paulie68]

Would be interesting to know what anyone's fitted re towbar (make/cost etc) as could be tempted myself.

As it happens was looking at roof options myself, as mine is replacing an ICE estate that also had bars, and these seem a good match to adapt what I already have...

Thule Evo clamp on feet (4) no. 710500

The Thule Evo Foot Pack 7105 is a smart and stylish set of 4 roof bar feet, designed for use on vehicles that do not have any obvious roof fixings. With the addition of a vehicle specific Adapter Kit, and a pair of Thule cross bars, these roof bars clamp around the bodywork, where available...

www.roofbox.co.uk

I'm about to buy a tow bar for my 5, haven't made a final choice yet, but I think my favourite is this one at the moment:

You are being redirected...

 

[Hedgemonkey]

Hi I have got by for years with a 2015 Zoe for most trips and a Peugeot 407 estate for - long trips, roof rack including for a double kayak (up to about 50 miles round trips), a towbar for a small trailer for taking stuff to the dump. I would like to get rid of both cars but there are few EV estates - MG5 looks good for me but can it handle these jobs which people want from a real estate car. I have seen used MG5s for less than £15K and that would suit me. Anyone doing this kind of thing with a MG5?

As others said, needs to be a Pre FL LR mg5. I use my old Whispbar roof rack from my previous car. It’s had multiple mountain bikes/SUPs/surfboards on it. Range takes a dent when using and carrying stuff but it does what I need it to.

 

[JasonSivyerUK]

I'm about to buy a tow bar for my 5, haven't made a final choice yet, but I think my favourite is this one at the moment:

Did you happen to have the wiring harness links too??

 

[Paulie68]

Did you happen to hav3 the wiring harness links too??

No, I'm just using a universal bypass, so the sensors will still beep at me when I reverse with the trailer on, but that doesn't concern me.

 

[SturSteve]

Thanks everyone for the contributions. I test drove a 2022 MG5 yesterday and signed on the line. Picking it up Wednesday.

 

[trevtherev]

Thanks everyone for the contributions. I test drove a 2022 MG5 yesterday and signed on the line. Picking it up Wednesday.

Please let us know how you get on with buying fitting and using towbar and or roofbars, there are clearly many of us interested in this topic, thanks

 

[marcexec]

We had good experience with a roof  bag as it bypasses the roof bars. Get one with 6 hooks and an anti slip mat. some tape over the straps for wind noise and 120km/h were no problem, depending on the head winds.
Easy to store as well.

 

[iamtonypink]

I've been refused a tow bar fitting due to complex wiring, by one installer and quoted £750 at my local installer, but using official mg5 electrics.
I'm not sure if its worth the money?

 

[Jymbob]

Happily lugged around a 15' Canadian canoe on the roof of ours. Bought a second towing eye so I can tie it down front and back