Hi Alan, 

We have a 5 series bmw estate car using Thule roof bars and use one of these to get a moustache e tandem (which weighs around 20+ kg with batteries removed) on the roof.  
There is a modification we made - the addition of a cross brace (15mm stainless bar) from the stoker seat post to the centre of the roof bar to stop the bike from moving around (there is too much lateral movement otherwise). Overall it works really well - we drive to Burgundy and Bordeaux every year and have never had any issues (so far). 
I think that with the cross brace, this is the best solution I've found for lifting/transporting a tandem - unfortunately as they were discontinued, finding one for sale is tricky. I keep 2 spare hydraulic units just in case one fails as I'd be lost without it. 
Tony

Yes ,we use a similar hydraulic lift and I have had to re weld the bracket that fastens hydraulic part to the long wheel support frame .I think this get's weakened by the side forces exerted whilst driving on the motorways so in order to take the strain off the upright I have used a lightweight ratchet strap with a wraparound on the one of the tubes from the headstock and gently tighten it in favour of the right hand side and loop the ends round the roof bars on the car  to help reduce the effect of any crosswinds If you put a piece of clear sticky plastic over where the ratchet strap falls this prevents and damage to the paint work 

John Watts 

Not wishing to carry a tandem on the roof, does anyone know of a rear tandem carrier that uses a towball?

any help appreciated

Roger

There is an ideal product in USA, but that uses a hitch receiver

We have an upright frame which bolts through the towbar hitch.

Free if you can collect from Bristol.

Thanks Alan,

Not quite sure how that would work for me, but I will bear it in mind, thank you.

And to think I was in Bristol yesterday!

Roger 

Ok, thanks your reply. It rides vertically with the front wheel just above the car roof line n.

Its in the garage if you're ever back in Bristol.

We use a Holton carrier on roof bars now. Made to order by a chap who seems to be a blend of Fred Dibnah and Guy Martin! Worth a look at his website.

Allan 

Hi Tony

I see you have a Mourstache Samedi on the BTS lift, Did you have to get a new set of hooks to go under the handlebars or changed the handlebars to fit the hooks ?

We too have the Moustache and wanted to use the lift ( still take two to get it up there ! )

Hi John. 
In order to use the carrier with the moustache handlebars, you have to remove the top retaining clip/bolt; leaving just the plastic hook that then fits under the bars (otherwise the control computer housing gets in the way). Also, because we have cowhorn bars for the stoker, these need turning a bit so as not to catch the lift mechanism. 

Obviously, you need the (longer) tandem length version of the carrier and I think it is essential to build a cross bracing strut to keep it stable - I would be very anxious to drive without one. 
 

I can give you some more detailed pics if you need to and links to buy the bits. 

Hi Tony

I found the hooks under the handlebars would not fit the Moustache bars but a " lad " in the local shop offered to make a set using his brothers 3D printer, they fit exactly and I dont have to remove the control computer housing, he charged me £6 ( I gave him £20 ) his only stipulation was dont get them wet or out in hot sunlight ! I told him they will suffer from both they are on top of a car !

If you want a set I am sure I can get him to run off another pair.

John

Hi John - that's great news you've got a solution - will keep the offer in mind but for the time being we'll keep going with current adaptation (until it breaks!) 

Tony