Yakima DoubleDown Bike Rack Moving Too Much in Hitch Even When No Bike is Loaded

Question:

I have the double down hitch with the 1-1/4 neck. I have put the 2 inch sleeve on it to go on my receiver. The sleeve seems to small or something because the hitch moves a lot even without a bike on it. Is there a way to improve this?

asked by: Jated

Expert Reply:

In an effort to reduce movement of the hitch mounted bike rack, Yakima uses a threaded bolt to secure the shank of the DoubleDown, in the hitch receiver. When this bolt is drawn tight it forces the shank of the bike rack up against the side of the receiver.

Since you state that the bike rack still moves a lot even without a bike on it, you may have a hitch that is not perfectly square and this would prevent the threaded bolt from functioning as it should.

Using a shim like part # Y90205 is one way to help reduce the amount of movement that you experience. I have also heard of some people wrapping a thin piece of rubber around the shank of the bike rack to help with this issue.

Another option would be to use a support strap like part # 18050. Using a support strap will help provide extra support and decrease movement in the carrier. I have attached a short video for you.

expert reply by: Leah S