Is the Curt 5-Bike Rack Easy to Remove and Install

Question:

The Curt Premium 5-Bike Rack # C18065 is not difficult to install and remove but it will take more time than other 5-bike racks. The reason for this is it uses a threaded anti-wobble hitch pin to lock inside your hitch that needs to be screwed in and unscrewed to install and remove the rack. If you do want to save some time and effort the better option is the Thule Apex XT 5-Bike Rack # TH9026XT, with the trade-off for the convenience the Apex XT offers being a larger price tag. The Apex XT has a SnugTite so you can install and remove the rack simply by turning the knob, and at 35 lbs is 8 lbs lighter than the Curt # C18065. The Apex XT also comes with a lock to secure it in your hitch, helping to protect your investment. Additionally, please note that when using any hanging rack you'll need bike frame adapter bar # Y02531 if your bike is dual-suspension, has a step-through frame or you want to carry a small children's bike. The bar will give those bikes a horizontal mounting point so they can be carried by the rack.

asked by: Ben Z

Expert Reply:

The Curt Premium 5-Bike Rack # C18065 is not difficult to install and remove but it will take more time than other 5-bike racks. The reason for this is it uses a threaded anti-wobble hitch pin to lock inside your hitch that needs to be screwed in and unscrewed to install and remove the rack.

If you do want to save some time and effort the better option is the Thule Apex XT 5-Bike Rack # TH9026XT, with the trade-off for the convenience the Apex XT offers being a larger price tag.

The Apex XT has a SnugTite so you can install and remove the rack simply by turning the knob, and at 35 lbs is 8 lbs lighter than the Curt # C18065. The Apex XT also comes with a lock to secure it in your hitch, helping to protect your investment.

Additionally, please note that when using any hanging rack you'll need bike frame adapter bar # Y02531 if your bike is dual-suspension, has a step-through frame or you want to carry a small children's bike. The bar will give those bikes a horizontal mounting point so they can be carried by the rack.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Ben

8/24/2018

Kyle S.

8/24/2018

I spoke with a representative of Curt who told me the threaded hitch pin on the Curt Premium 5-Bike Rack # C18065 is not long enough to go through a 2-1/2" hitch. What you can is use the Brophy Hitch Reducer and Extender - 2-1/2" to 2" Trailer Hitch # HR26 to effectively turn your Ram's 2-1/2" hitch into a 2" hitch. This would be a better option than the adapter sleeve which won't allow you to use the threaded hitch pin. Though it should not affect your situation, I do have to say that the use of this extender will reduce the capacity of your hitch by 33 percent. You can use Pin and Clip # 74149 to secure the hitch extender in your Ram's receiver.