Is Threaded Hitch Bolt or Hitch Pin Better for Hanging-Style 4-Bike Rack

Updated 05/22/2019 | Published 05/21/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Ratchet with 3/4" Socket for Anti-Rattle Hitch Bolts

(17)

$16.23

Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(229)

$478.95

Question:

What is best when attaching to hitch...threaded bolt or bolt with pin.

asked by: Laurie

Expert Reply:

A hitch pin is absolutely a better option than a threaded hitch bolt for a bike rack because it is much easier to use and does not have any comparative drawbacks. A 4-bike hanging-style rack such as the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR is a very high-quality rack but because of its threaded hitch pin you would also need to carry around the Ratchet with 3/4" Socket for Anti-Rattle Hitch Bolts # PTW38106-24 to tighten it down.

A similar bike rack, the Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack # Y02458 doesn't have a threaded bolt, it has a hitch pin that is easy to insert, and you then just have to tighten the rack with the turn of the hand knob on the front of the rack after inserting the pin. If you take a look at the photo I have added you can see the hitch pin and how it will easily insert into the RidgeBack.

That ease-of-use is just one of the reasons people like this bike rack so much, as you can see by it's extremely strong reviews on the product page.

expert reply by: Kyle S