Swagman Chinook S64678 Bike Rack Wobbles In Hitch

Question:

I had my hitch and bike rack professionally installed but it rattles like crazy! I was just pulled over by the police because they wanted to make sure my bike and rack were secure. Is there anything I can do so that the Swagman rack doesnt move around so much? Swagman Chinook 2-bike Rack - Platform Style

asked by: Karen G

Expert Reply:

First, you'll want to make sure that the anti rattle bolt included with the # S64683 Chinook that secures the bike rack into the hitch has been fully snugged down. The hitch pin is intended to pull the bike rack's shank tightly up against the side of the receiver tube, preventing movement so if it isn't fully tight it could allow the bike rack shank to move about.

Secondly, you'll want to check all the hardware on the rack, ensuring that it's tight. This includes the connection between the horizontal rails the bikes sit upon and the upright portion that the hooks slide up and down on.

Finally, check that the wheel straps are fully tightened and that the bike frame retaining hooks are fully pushed down and engaged. You don't need to go crazy tight with them, push them down until the foam pad on the hook contacts the bike frame, then push down 1 or 2 more clicks. It's not necessary to go any tighter than that.

expert reply by: Mike L