Cradles are Sliding on the Arms of a SportRack Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Rack

Question:

The cradles move on the support arms when a bike is mounted on it. I tried using bungie cords and straps to keep the bike from moving. I am only driving a few miles when this happens and by the time I reach my destination, the bike is very crooked on the carrier. Do you have any ideas? I am very disappointed in this rack.

asked by: Rocky

Expert Reply:

The cradles on the SportRack Bike Racks, like # SR2703, should be able to move some so you can position them the way you need to but they should not be moving once the bikes are on it.

First, you can remove the cradles and check for any stress fractures or marks that may indicate damage to the cradle. Fractures or stress could stretch it out and lead to it moving too easily. If the cradles seem to be in good working order, make sure the arms are clean and free of anything that may cause them to slip like grease.

Clean off the arms with a mix of rubbing alcohol and water and let them dry. Also, you will want to clean out the inside of the cradles where they touch the arms.

If this does not help, you can wrap a thin layer of black electrical tape around the arms where the cradles will be positioned. The extra thickness should keep the cradles in place.

It is also possible that you are getting excessive sway and that is causing the cradles to slide. If you have a bike or bikes loaded that exceed the 45 pound single bike capacity, this could be the reason. You will want to be certain that the anti-sway cradles are attached to help prevent sway. You can also use a non-elastic type of cable on the lower parts of the bikes to help prevent sway.

expert reply by: Michael H