Rear mount bike rack & nose weight

Hi guys..

We tow a Swift Challenger - 2006 model with our X-trail.. We've only been away twice, and only once with the bikes on board.. I set up the noseweight correctly and headed off.

But I wasnt happy with the result, I had to make a stop after just 20 miles and take two of the four bikes off the rack and put them into the caravan which helped alot with the feel of the whole rig..

My question is, what do others do with bikes, should I adjust the nose weight to compensate for the bike rack ?? It doesnt sit onto the towbar, but onto the bumper just above.. The bikes and rack are about 60kg. I considered a roof mount but TBH my back is in bits and I'd never get them up there..

One option is to put all bikes into the caravan, but I'm worried about damage and I'll be bringing the rack anyway..

We're headed to France in June and I have two trips planned before then to get it right.. My thinking is the two smaller bikes into the caravan and the parents on the bike rack..

Regards,

Brian