Can AutoPin Hitch Pin be Removed from Yakima FullSwing Bike Rack to Use a Regular Hitch Pin

Updated 07/27/2016 | Published 07/26/2016

Question:

Can the automatic locking hitch pin mechanism be removed in order to use a standard hitch pin?

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

The automatic (AutoPin) hitch pin on the Yakima FullSwing bike rack # Y02465 is basically a fail safe device. What really holds the bike rack in the hitch receiver is the anti-rattle wedge near the end of the shank. When it is tightened properly the rack cannot be removed from the hitch.

Removing the AutoPin will void the bike rack warranty so I cannot recommend taking it out. There also would not be a way to use a regular hitch pin because the anti-rattle mechanism would be in the way (which is part of the reason the AutoPin is designed the way it is).

expert reply by: Michael H