Does Support Strap Have to Be Used When Carrying Bike Rack with Curt Hitch # C11423

Question:

I am concerned the auxiliary support strap could damage the vehicles hatch back due to pulling on hatch back by strap. I actually had this happen on a different car and I am concerned for my new car. Is the strap absolutely necessary? Most bike racks Ive used did not require an auxiliary strap. After my bad experience with auxiliary strap on previous car Im hesitant to use the strap unless it is absolutely required.

asked by: Howard M

Expert Reply:

I'll be the first to admit that the stabilizer strap requirement for Curt hitches like the part # C11423 is a hassle that most wish was avoidable. If you have the strap tight enough that it's damaging the vehicle then you'd want to back of the tightness to prevent that. Now if you had the strap reasonably tight but the rack bounced so hard that it damaged the hatch then the strap did it's job as it prevented the shock from damaging the frame of the vehicle.

We have to recommend you use a stabilizer strap like the part # 18050 when carrying a non-supported load like a bike rack at all times otherwise you'd void the warranty.

expert reply by: Jameson C