How to Stabilize Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack

Question

Question:

Hi, I have an EZ fold bike rack attached to a hitch on my Jeep Cherokee that I use to carry 2 electric bikes each weighing about 50 lbs. I was wondering if it is supposed to bounce around as much as it does. My son says it is part of the design but it is unnerving to watch from my rear view mirror. Do I have to worry about it snapping off? Should I reinforce it to the car to make it safer? I try to go easy on bumpy roads but that’s not always easy.

asked by: Michelle P

0

Expert Reply:

There is always going to be some bounce with a hitch-mounted bike rack, even the top racks like your Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202. And while I can't say for sure if yours is bouncing more than it should without having seen it, I can assure you the rack won't snap off.

That said, even if you tighten the anti-rattle knob fully, it could bounce some, and reinforcing or stabilizing a bike rack is, frankly, always a good idea. It will not only help with the rack bouncing, but also help reassure you the rack won't go anywhere, which is equally as important so you can enjoy your journey rather than worry about the rack movement, which can be understandably unnerving like you said. So there are a couple of things you can use, a stabilizing strap, a hitch immobilizer, or both:

- Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories # 18050

- Roadmaster Quiet Hitch for 1-1/4" Trailer Hitches # RM-061-125 or 2" Trailer Hitches # RM-061

I have added a photo a customer sent in using the stabilizing strap with the EasyFold; you can wrap one end of the strap around the mast and the other end to your Jeep's hatch, and one of these straps will definitely help stabilize the bike rack. The Quiet Hitch will add additional support, keeping the rack steady, and I recommend using one or both of these options to ensure the best stability for your rack.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

Curt Stabilizing Strap With Thule EasyFold Bike Rack
(click to enlarge)

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