It seems most of you keep the rack on your hitch at all times even when not transporting bikes... What keeps someone from stealing the rack? I'm not too familiar with hitches... is it "locked" onto the vehicle? It seems most of you keep the rack on your hitch at all times even when not transporting bikes... What keeps someone from stealing the rack? I'm not too familiar with hitches... is it... » Read More It seems most of you keep the rack on your hitch at all times even when not transporting bikes... What keeps someone from stealing the rack? I'm not too familiar with hitches... is it "locked" onto the vehicle? « Show Less
1431994
My husband says you can get a locking hitch, which would protect at least the biggestpieces.
1431995
you can buy locking pins at Tractor Supply one for the receiverand then to for the smaller pins
436179
The instructions specifically state: Quote "The rack is not covered under warranty if mounted on the back of a trailer or fifth wheel." end quote.... Not much ambiguity in that statement ! and while I have a 2" mfg installed hitch, it wobbles side to side terribly (even WITH StowAway Cargo Carriers Hitch Tightener ). So it's the bike rack itself... while the mount is firm, the fold up connections and main crossbar has too much play in it... will try to replace the push pins with bolts to see if that helps, but not optimistic ! The instructions specifically state: Quote "The rack is not covered under warranty if mounted on the back of a trailer or fifth wheel." end quote.... Not much ambiguity in that statement ! and while I have a 2" mfg installed hitch, it wobbles side to side terribly (even WITH StowAway Cargo Carriers Hitch Tightener ). So it's the bike rack itself... while the mount is firm, the fold up connections and main crossbar has too much play in it... will try to replace the push pins with bolts to see if that... » Read More The instructions specifically state: Quote "The rack is not covered under warranty if mounted on the back of a trailer or fifth wheel." end quote.... Not much ambiguity in that statement ! and while I have a 2" mfg installed hitch, it wobbles side to side terribly (even WITH StowAway Cargo Carriers Hitch Tightener ). So it's the bike rack itself... while the mount is firm, the fold up connections and main crossbar has too much play in it... will try to replace the push pins with bolts to see if that helps, but not optimistic ! « Show Less
88344
I do have a little wobble of my yakima rack, maybe 1/2 to 3/4 inch (?) at the most. I do not find it an issue for me. I have had 2 bikes on the rack for a trip of 8 hours straight one way and did not have any issue with the rack feeling like it was bouncing back and forth. The pin has stayed in place and I have not felt as though I have needed to re-tighten the bolt. The moveable wheel base on the rack, I do retighten from time to time. I got a yakima hitchlock to use on the bolt (although you do have to play with it a little to get it to lock). I feel better about leaving the rack on the car unattended and not getting stolen, but I also feel like it is one added safety feature to keep the bolt from coming off. And an FYI, I have had problem with getting the arm to 'lock' good when it is on my bike and have had it release as soon as I am taking off in the driveway. I have been able to avoid that issue with using a bike lock around my mid bike to the rack that holds the arms that slide up and down. With using that, I have had no other issue and have never had a bike come loose while on the road. If you have more play than what I described, I can only suggest going to a local bike shop to see if they can help you troubleshoot the issue. I hope this helps.
1289400
I always leave it on, way too heavy to put on and off over and over. Never had an issue as I lock the hitch and the container both.
88345
There is an adapter that fits on to the bike rack before you insert it into the receiver hitch. The adapter allows the rack to insert into the 2" hitch and not move around.
589214
I chain the rear end of my bike to the bike rack and put the cover over most of it. I tried it with the front end in the rack so that I could cover the rear fully, but the bike moves and leans too much when I secure it that way. I prefer securing the front of the bike, so I am thinking through how to keep the bike straight when securing the front. I may secure the front wheel to the frame with a solid piece so it doesn't pivot and lean. Other than that, the bike cover is the best one I've ever had - wind, pouring rain and heat have not impacted it to date. I hope that some of this helps. Perhaps others can provide insights on how best to secure the front of the bike to the rack so that it doesn't move/lean so that the rear can be fully protected by the bike cover. Thank you.
1064037
Mine is similar to the 2nd image with the bike. The design has obviously changed over the years since I bought mine because the one in the first picture has the black device which has to be pulled to release holder from the rack. Mine did not. Any design with the releasable pull is better because it is more apt to not be knocked off of the rail when you are either picking up or rehanging your bike on the rail.
115802
I would say yes. I have taken mine on several very steep and windy roads to ride my mountain bike. The rack never moved an inch. Securing the rack itself so it won't be stolen could be an issue, but it goes on and off easy enough to keep your bicycles and your rack safe.
818145
It is only secured by the straps so a potential thief could just cut the straps and go. I can't think of a way to stop that from happening. It is easy to remove the rack so you can just take it off when you reach your destination.
2055185
It's a solid bike rack and even loaded with bikes on a highway should have very little if any movement. If you are getting significant movement then would check the hitch and make sure it's attached properly. If you continue to have problems then there is something wrong with either the hitch itself or the rack.
1792025
Hello Debra:Yes, you will need a hitch pin to lock the bar into the receiver, which you should be able to find for under $5. I would go for a locking pin though, around $20, to prevent someone from making off with the rack and your bikes. In the US, Camping World will have pins. In Canada, go to Canadian Tire. I also have a locking cable to lock the bikes to the rack as well.Good luck,Rick
672350
Yes, there is a lock to secure the rack to your trailer hitch, and two locks that are integrated into the support arms to secure your bikes. I don't believe these are case hardened, but they serve as a good deterrent to the less sophisticated thief.
48974
The rack itself has a mechanism to lock the bikes in place, but we also used bungee cords. Those were used to lock the wheels in place and prevent them from spinning or angling while we were driving. We used a total of two bungees to lock in 3 bikes.
989023
Hi Daniel, the rack itself is heavy but it is what makes it strong. After installation and proper locking the hitch rack is very sturdy and feels solid. It is with out a question in my mind the best rack available on the market for 5 bikes. I had before Yakima but hands down much better purchase. Good luck .Your Polish Buddy Krzysztof LadudzkiAny questions, just shoot - wlabuda@hotmail.com
188588
Be aware that when you use a hitch extension you reduce the carrying capacity of the bike rack by 50%. Many rack makers like Yakima for instance do not want you to use a hitch extension for any of their bike racks.
2098666
I take it off! it's very easy and I want it to be secure. When I leave it on is typically when my bike is on it. The front has rack has the ability to have a padlock keep somebody from removing the bike easily. Usually do this after a race when I am stopping to get something to eat. Although the bike and the rack under these circumstances aren't totally secure, it dissuades somebody from fooling around. Hope this helps. Bob
711743
What I do is take a lock and run it from the hitch chain attachment point (Part of the hitch receiver) and run it to the frame/tires of the bike (like you would lock the bike up at a rack). This basically locks the bike to the car hitch. This way the weakest link is going to be the chain instead of the Hollywood rack. (Unless a thief wants to remove your hitch, Hollywood rack, and bike as one assembly!) I have left my bike locked this way overnight in multiple locations without an issue.