Can Lubricant be Used to Help With Installing Bike Rack Into Hitch Receiver

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Question:

I dont have the hitch yet. I was just wondering what would be best to use lubricant as a preventive of long term wear and easier bike rack installation. WD40 it is unless you recommend something better.

asked by: Aaron

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you are having trouble installing your hitch mounted bike rack into a trailer hitch receiver, like the Draw-Tite # 24808 for your 2009 Toyota Prius, then I'd first recommend making sure that the receiver is cleaned out and free of debris. If it is clean then there may just be some extra powder coating on the inside. We have had customers who tried filing it out but you can definitely try some WD40 first if you have some handy.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

Aaron

6/19/2019

I dont have the hitch yet. I was just wondering what would be best to use lubricant as a preventive of long term wear and easier bike rack installation. WD40 it is unless you recommend something better.

Jon G.

6/19/2019

You actually shouldn't need to use a lubricant to install a bike rack. As long as the shank on the bike rack is the same size as your hitch receiver you should be good to go. The best way to keep the receiver of your trailer hitch from wearing down is to keep it free from dirt and debris. You can accomplish this by using a hitch cover like part # 22281 for a 1-1/4" receiver or part # 22282 for a 2" receiver when your bike rack isn't installed in the hitch. I have attached a link to our selection of hitch covers that you can check out as well. If you don't already have a bike rack just let me know a little more about your bikes and I can make trailer hitch and bike rack recommendations for you.

Answer 1

Using anti-seize compound on the hitch mounting bolts is not necessary. Because of the lubricant properties, you'd need to lower the torque specs in order to not over tighten the bolts. You would be better off installing the bolts dry and…

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Answer 2

The Kuat Pivot Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks - 2" Hitches #PV20B is rated for capacity independent from the trailer hitch receiver it will attach to. The swing away extender is independently rated for 250 lbs. When using this hitch…

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Answer 3

I wouldn't worry about the trailer not having fenders. I've pulled a few enclosed trailers that were missing fenders and it didn't affect anything that I noticed. If you get a puddle or it starts raining the tires will fling water so it…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 6

Hey Andrew! Yes, Furrion does have a Chill Cube model with a heat pump. This was actually just released for aftermarket sale. You will need a complete system to make the switch, new R32 units aren't backwards compatible with old R410A systems.…

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Answer 7

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Answer 8

Hi David! There are quite a few hitches offered for your 2026 Honda Odyssey, so I definitely understand wanting to know the differences. There are basically three styles available for you and I have them broken out below: Exposed Crosstube: etrailer…

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Answer 9

Hey Kelly! The Curt 13146 fits 2016 - 2022 Honda Pilot. What you need for your 2026 Honda Pilot is the Curt #C22HR. This has a bolt-on installation and does not require any cutting or trimming of the bumper so you won't be modifying the vehicle.…

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Answer 10

The available trailer hitches for your 2019 Honda CR-V can be pretty easily categorized into hidden and non-hidden groups. I highly recommend going with a hidden-crosstube hitch, especially on a new vehicle like yours, as this is going to create a…

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Answer 11

Hey Jason! The etrailer #e69ZV and Curt hitch do share the same design. Our hitch has the same restrictions so you do not want to use it for that bike rack. Instead, you can use the TowSmart Trailer Hitch Receiver #TS48QR. This also has a higher…

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Answer 12

Hey Ben! The Curt does have that restriction on the vertical bike racks so I recommend the TowSmart Trailer Hitch #TS82VR. This has a higher tongue weight capacity and will allow you to carry the VelociRAX. It would be a good idea to add the etrailer…

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Can Lubricant be Used to Help With Installing Bike Rack Into Hitch Receiver

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