How to Reduce a Bouncing Bike Rack Installed on a 2004 Nissan Quest
Question:
I have the Hidden Hitch class III on my 2004 Nissan Quest along with the 5 bike Thule hitch carrier and Thule hitch lock. The carrier bounces when we hit a dip in the road, go over a bridge, etc, sometimes violently, when on the interstate with 5 bikes. Is this anything I need to worry about, or, is this normal?
asked by: Mark
Expert Reply:
Having a bike rack, loaded or unloaded, bounce some is common but there are measures you can take to reduce the movement of the rack. The issue is that the shank on a bike rack has to be slightly smaller than the receiver opening for it to fit correctly so there will always be some play.
Some racks come with an anti-rattle device that usually takes the form of a threaded bolt uses to pull the shank of the bike rack tight to the side of the receiver to reduce or eliminate the movement in the hitch.
When the rack is loaded, especially a 5 bike rack, you are going to see more movement on larger bumps and dips due to the amount of extension from the receiver and the amount of force it takes to cause such movement when 5 bikes are loaded. Consequently, bumps that would normally jostle an unloaded rack probably would not have much effect on the loaded rack.
So what you can do to add another level of protection is to use an additional anti-rattle device such as the Roadmaster Quiet Hitch, # RM-061. This will take up the remaining play between the shank and receiver. When traveling also make sure the bikes are secured with the straps as tight as you can get them. The idea is that you want the rack to be like an extension of the hitch by providing the most solid connection amongst all the parts in the equation.
You could also use a strap like # 18050 to help support the rack. This strap will need to be snug, not overly tight. Take a look at the helpful link I have added showing how it installs.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Quiet Hitch for 2" Trailer Hitches
- Hitch Anti-Rattle
- Standard Anti-Rattle
- Universal
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Sleeve Style
- Accessory Anti-Rattle
- Towing Anti-Rattle
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 5 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 5 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Roadmaster Quiet Hitch for 2" Trailer Hitches
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Shop: Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Shop: Brophy Stabilizer Bracket for 2" Hitch Receiver - Black Powder Coated Steel
- Search Results: swagman replacement hook
- Shop: Replacement Locking Long and Short Hooks - Swagman Chinook, Current, Dispatch, G10, or E-Spec Racks
- Video: Review of Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter Bar - Y02531
- Video: Swagman Deluxe Bike Frame Adapter Bar Review
- Video: Thule Bike Adapter Bar Review
- Search Results: bike frame adapter
- Search Results: curt 13410
- Search Results: frame adapter bar
- Search Results: yakima full swing
- Search Results: thule apex xt
- Search Results: bike frame adapter bar
- Video: Curt Trailer Hitch Installation - 2012 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Video: Brophy Stabilizer Bracket Review
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek - Curt
- Video: Yakima LockNLoad Platform Crossbars Rack Installation - 2017 Toyota RAV4
- Q&A: Reducing Wobbling on a Thule Excursion Roof Top Box
- Q&A: Hitch Mounted 4-Bike Rack Recommendation for 2011 Subaru Outback
- Q&A: Can Surfboard be Secured to Top of Cargo Basket
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Q&A: Is Loctite Required When Installing a Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between the Yakima RidgeBack and FullTilt Hitch Bike Racks
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
on Hitch Bike Racks
