How to Keep Swagman 4 Bike Rack From Wobbling in Receiver Hitch

Updated 02/26/2016 | Published 02/25/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Receiver Insert for Swagman XTC and XTC-2 - Hitch End

(25)

$6.00

Draw-Tite QSP Trailer Hitch Silencer and Cover for 2" Hitch Receivers

(1210)

$15.27

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

(1679)

$434.92

Question:

I purchased a Swagman 4 bike hitch rack. I am very happy with the performance of the rack, but I recently had to replace my hitch, and the rack does not fit as securely as before. This new hitch allows more shaking and swaying when turning, hitting bumps, etc. Do you have any ideas or suggestions how I can make the rack fit tighter and more snugly? thanks

asked by: Richard F

Expert Reply:

Most Swagman bike racks are already equipped with an anti-rattle hitch bolt. There's a threaded insert inside the shank. When the threaded hitch bolt is inserted, as the bolt is tightened it draws the bike rack's shank tightly up against the wall of the receiver tube holding it in place and preventing the rack from moving around.

If you have the XTC4 bike rack, part # S64665, you might be missing the threaded insert, part # P333. Take a look in the end of the bike rack's shank to ensure the insert is still there.

Using a separate anti-rattle device like # 63080 will also stabilize the hitch/bike rack connection, resulting in less wobble.

expert reply by: Mike L