Using a Stability Strap on a Trailer Hitch Mounted Bike Rack

Updated 08/14/2017 | Published 08/12/2017

Question:

Other than the warranty is there really any reason to use the strap on curt hitch vs the others for a bike rack. They look as if they are mostly the same mounting solution so I am not sure of the difference.

asked by: Michael L

Expert Reply:

Aside from the warranty, there's a practical reason for using a Curt Stability Strap, part # 18050 or any stability strap.

Stability straps reduce the amount of jolting, jostling and all around movement that occurs on non-trailer loads when they are on your vehicle. Using a stability strap holds the load tighter to the vehicle and helps reduce this movement, reducing the stress put onto the vehicle's hitch and the attached bike rack.

This also helps reduce the sway of the bikes, limiting the risk of them hitting each other and damaging the bikes or the vehicle itself.

I've included a video that demonstrates the amount of jostle before and after adding a stability strap to a bike rack, so you can get an idea of how much this can affect the performance of the rack.

expert reply by: Jacob W