What Locking Hitch Bolt Will Fit Discontinued Hitch Mounted Yakima Roc 2 Bike Rack

Question:

I recently purchased a Yakima Roc 2 in like new condition for the occasional mtb trip behind my 2007 Trailblazer. The bike rack did not come with the requried hitch bolt. I found on the Yakima website that the required hitch bold its P/N 8820052. It looks like this part has been discontiuned. AND I do not really want to fork out $30 just for a Yakima brand lock once I find a bolt. I temporarly removed the nut holder from the inside of the hitch shank so I could use a regular pin. Without the anti-sway feater there is excesive noise and play from the bike rack. There is also no security. I was looking at purchasing something like *Lets Go Aero Locks,Hitch Accessories - 63232* to replace the Yakima assembly permanantly inside the hitch shank. I really want the ablitly to lock the bike rack to my vehicles hitch via the hitch pin. My questions are: What options do I have for an anti-sway locking assembly? I noticed that many companies make a locking bolt-style hitch pin for other bike racks for a reasonable price. Would any of these thread into yakima hitch nut and holder assembly? Finally, if I do purchase *Lets Go Aero Locks,Hitch Accessories - 63232* would the nut block slide out of the shank when the bike rack is removed for storage? I like that the Yakima hitch bolt holder fits tightly inside the shank so nothing falls out. Really what I am looking for is a inexpensive/sturdy/secure solution for a bike rack that will be removed after each use. Thank You

asked by: Cameron T

Expert Reply:

The hitch bolt that will fit your Yakima Roc 2 is # Y8890200 providing your hitch has a 2 inch receiver. Your research was correct and this is the replacement for the obsolete bolt (8820052) you found.

The Lets Go Aero Hitch Lock # 63232 that you referenced should fit your receiver since you have removed the threaded part of the locking mechanism from inside the bike rack shank. The Yakima # 8890200 is a bit longer than the Aero Lock, however, both will fit a 2 inch receiver. Both bolts are 5/8 and have the same threading.

With the Aero Lock you cannot leave the anti sway feature inside your shank and use a regular pin to clasp it when your bike rack is not in use. The threaded part of the lock will not accept a regular pin. A smaller pin like # PC2 would have to be used and will not be the best fit.

Another option is using the replacement pin # Y08890200 with the Yakimia Hitch Lock # Y07235. As you can see in the video, we know these two items will work together to lock your bike rack to your hitch.