Hitch Lock for Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack and Curt Class III Trailer Hitch

Question:

My hitch is a Curt Trailer Hitch - 13336 and I am considering this bike carrier, the Thule Hitch Bike Racks - TH934XTR. The next consideration is the Hitch Lock. The descriptions of both the noted hitch and carrier do not include the diameter of the pin hole in the square tube. The DeadBolt Locks - 7683 hitch lock has a pin diameter of 5/8inch while the Thule Locks - THSTL2 has a pin diameter of 1/2. Then there is the additional question of the overall pin length and if the DeadBolt Lock is compatible. So, will the DeadBolt Locks - 7683 work with this bike carrier and hitch combination or should I go with the more expensive Thule Locks - THSTL2?

asked by: Jon

Expert Reply:

the DeadBolt lock will not work with the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR. Thule and other rack manufacturers, make the threaded weldnuts and hitch pins unique to their products. You would need to use the Thule lock # THSTL2.

The threaded nut in the shank of the bike rack uses the 1/2 inch threaded bolt included with the lock. It is compatible with the Class III Curt hitch you have since the bike rack does not take a regular hitch pin which would not work properly because it would be too small. But since the rack uses a threaded bolt it pulls the rack shank tight to the inside of the receiver so nothing can move.

This is the same lock used for 1-1/4 and 2 inch hitches so it is more than long enough. The overall pin length is 4-1/2 inches.

expert reply by: Michael H