Is Curt Strap Required with Kuat NV on Curt Hitch for 2003 Mercedes E-Class

Question:

I have a Kuat platform two bicycle rack and the weight of my bikes are less than 60 lbs for both. It states on your website you must secure with a strap. I looked at the video showing how to install the strap it would not work on this style of rack. Why or is it necessary to use the strap with a platform rack which would weigh much less than the tongue weight rating of 200 lbs of this hitch? Thanks for your help,

asked by: Roger P

Expert Reply:

Curt requires the use of their stabilizer strap part # 18050 when using their hitch to carry a non-supported load like a bike rack. This applies to platform bike racks like the Kuat NV 2.0 part # NV12G as well. Even if you are well below the tongue weight capacity of the hitch if you do not use the strap you will void the warranty. The strap helps take some of the shock from bumps in the road out of what gets transferred to the hitch.

You would need to route the strap around the center section of the bike rack between the two bike cradles and then back to the trunk lid.

expert reply by: Jameson C