Recommendation to Reduce Rattle with Thule Apex Swing Bike Rack

Question:

Hi, Could you please help me with some feedback on the fit between a Thule Apex Swing 9027 and a Land Rover Discovery in the US. I live in Australia, and own these products. The Thule 9027 has a 2inch adaptor bracket, however the hitch receiver on the Land Rover in Australia is 52mm or 2.047inch - which creates a sloppy fit. I came across your video online with these products, and Im wondering if you have the same issue in the US, or is the hitch on the US Land Rover actually a 2inch neat fit? I travel to the US frequently with work, and am wondering if I might be able to solve my solution by purchasing a US hitch receiver when Im next there. Any feedback would be very much appreciated. Kind Regards,

asked by: Clinton H

Expert Reply:

As you mentioned in your question, the Thule Apex Swing 4 Bike Rack TH9027 is designed for 2 inch hitch receivers.

US 2 inch hitch receivers are certainly supposed to have 2 inch inside dimensions, however there can be slight manufacturer variances as to the precise measurement. Even something as small as an additional layer of powder coat on the hitch can alter the actual dimensions. The 2.047 inch measurement you provided sounds like it may just be a manufacturer variance. I wasn't able to confirm that Australian 2 inch hitches have a slightly larger receiver opening than US models, so I can't say for sure if a US 2 inch hitch will provide a better fit for your bike rack.

With that being said, if the included anti-rattle device on the Thule Apex Swing isn't eliminating enough movement inside the hitch, there are options available to further secure this connection. I recommend taking a look at the Roadmaster Quiet Hitch # RM-061. As long as the hitch receiver on your Land Rover has a collar or ring around it, you can use this with the bike rack to secure everything into place. It will simply slide over the carrier's shank and the U-bolt will hook around the hitch receiver collar to eliminate rattle and sway.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this product that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R