Can All Hitch-Mount Bike Racks Use an Anti-Rattle Lock

Question:

My hitch mount bike rack came with a bolt pin. It is a tight space to try and screw in the bolt and you cant lock it but a 1/2inch locking pin is too big. We are wondering if a 1/4inch locking pin is too small or would work ok. The rack weighs 30lbs and the bikes are under 70 lbs

asked by: Heather

Expert Reply:

Some bike racks use special proprietary anti-rattle hitch pins and in some cases these can be replaced with a compatible locking type pin. For instance, the Swagman XC 2-Bike Rack # S64650 comes with an anti-rattle bolt that can be replaced with anti-rattle lock # S64029. Such racks cannot be used with a standard hitch lock due to the threaded shank.

You can lock the rack to your hitch, along with the bikes themselves, by just adding a cable lock such as # e98891 or a similar item. Your hitch will have safety chain loops that provide a perfect point for securing the rack.

expert reply by: Adam R