How to Reduce Up an Down Play of the Yakima DoubleDown Bike Rack in CURT 1-1/4 Inch Hitch

Question:

there is about 1/4 up/down play when I install my Yakima double down in the 1 1/4 Kurt hitch receiver. I used to have a 2 receiver on my truck and didnt have this problem. Do I just cram some sort of filler in there to take up the space and prevent the up/down play? What do other people do?

asked by: Candy D

Expert Reply:

The up and down play that you are experiencing is due to the tolerances that different manufacturers must allow to be sure that all accessories will work in conjunction with each other. In this case the hitch and bike rack are compatible but there is some play, and the distance that the bike rack sticks out from the rear of the vehicle amplifies that. This is why Yakima has a threaded hitch pin. This pin is designed to tighten the bike rack shank to the side of the hitch and the radius on the corner of the bike rack should help eliminate up and down play.

Using a wedge or cramming filler into the gap of the hitch usually will not work. The movement of the shank in the hitch would quickly work on the wedge or filler and it would fall out or loosen up leaving the rack in the same condition or worse than when it is installed without the wedge or filler.

Since you are experiencing play, the first thing I would do is tighten the hitch pin for the bike rack a bit tighter. You should also use a CURT Trailer Hitch Support Strap, # 18050, to stabilize the rack at the rear of your vehicle. We did a short video showing how to install this strap, see link.

CURT recommends the use of the hitch support strap anytime a non-trailer load is carried in their Class I and Class II hitches and for some of their Class III hitches. The support strap helps provide extra support to the receiver when carrying hitch mounted bike racks and cargo carriers. If you are installing the DoubleDown 4 Bike Rack, in a Class I hitch, keep in mind that no more than 2 bikes should be carried to avoid damage to the vehicle frame, hitch, bike rack or your bikes.

expert reply by: Robert G