Thread Hitch Bolt Coming Loose on Kuat Transfer Bike Rack

Updated 10/19/2020 | Published 05/09/2018

Question:

Has anyone had the experience of the pin coming loose? Mine came loose about 3 weeks after install, leading to a dangerous amount of sway on the rack itself. I had to retighten it - have others had this problem, and if so, how did you deal with it?

asked by: George

Expert Reply:

Are you using both the flat washer and the lock washer with the hitch bolt on the Kuat Transfer TS03G? The lock washer would prevent the bolt from backing out. That is unless the threads on either the bolt or the nut in the rack shank are damaged. Also, make sure you are inserting the bolt from the right (passenger's) side. If you put it in the other way there won't be enough threads to thread into the nut. I have not heard of this problem on the Kuat Transfer.

You could use BLUE Loctite # LT37643 on the bolt threads. The blue Loctite will still allow you to remove the bolt with regular hand tools.

expert reply by: Michael H

Dan

3/22/2020

I have the a Kuat two bike transfer. It has a threaded locking hitch pin. It threads in from the passenger side but only has a cotter key. I am trying to find a lock for the bolt and I am unable to.

Chris R.

3/23/2020

The Kuat Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock # HLT is exactly what you're needing. It's designed for your Transfer rack and includes the upgraded locking cylinder to help protect your investment.

Helpful Links

Hitch-Bike-Racks/Kuat/TS02G.html

Terri B.

10/18/2020

@ChrisR I have the 3 bike Transfer that also has the cotter pin mechanism. I bought the hitch lock but it doesn’t tighten flush against the hitch so the bolt is still coming loose periodically. I would much prefer to have a threaded pin with a nut on other side to ensure it is secure. Is there an option to convert to this option instead of the one-sided cotter pin configuration?

Jon G.

10/19/2020

@TrerriB The only options available includes the original one with the cotter pin or the part # HLT that was mentioned. You'll want to get that threaded bolt pretty tight - it really shouldn't be coming loose and the only way I could see this happening is if you are going over a LOT of rough terrain for extended periods of time. Don't be afraid to really put some muscles behind tightening that bolt. You can use a ratchet but I wouldn't use a power tool.