Locking the Swagman XTC4 Wheel Mount Bike Rack and Securing the Rack to the Vehicle

Updated 05/27/2010 | Published 05/23/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Swagman XTC4 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1638)

$399.81

Master Lock 10-mm Braided Steel Cable - 6'

(45)

$15.67

Coupler Padlock for Roadmaster Car-Mounted Tow Bars - Qty 1

(8)

$19.32

Locking Anti-Rattle, Threaded Hitch Pin for Swagman 2" Hitch Racks

(629)

$39.99

Question:

If I have 4 bikes loaded and I want to lock the ratchet/hook arm for each bike, do I need 4 locks? Is it possible to key each of the 4 locks the same? Also, as described in other posts, if we want to make sure someone can not unbolt the rack from the hitch, 2 locks are needed. Would the two locks be the same as the lock to goes through the hole in the receiver where the hitch pin goes? I assume the other one goes through a hole in the base of the rack.

asked by: Michael T

Expert Reply:

The topmost hook on each upright can be locked with a padlock. You would need 4 small padlocks to lock each of the bikes. I have a recommendation that may be a bit easier if you do not like the idea of 4 padlocks. You could use the Roadmaster Coupler Padlock, item # RM-305, and a cable like the Master Lock 10-mm Braided Steel Cable - 6 foot, item # 78DPF.

With this lock and the cable you could slide the lock through one of the sets of holes at the base of the outermost upright bar and run the cable through the bikes and the hitch safety cable loops to secure the bike rack and the bikes to the hitch on the vehicle.

If you wanted to use a locking hitch pin you will need the Locking Anti-Rattle, Threaded Hitch Pin for Swagman 2 inch Hitch Racks, item # S64027, and then for the pivot point a hitch pin lock will not work because the hitch pin for this location is just slightly larger than 7/16 inch. I do not have a recommendation for a locking 7/16 inch hitch pin at this time.

expert reply by: Robert G