Is a Longer Threaded Hitch Bolt Available for Swagman XC Bike Racks and a 2-1/2 Inch Trailer Hitch

Updated 05/22/2012 | Published 05/21/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Swagman Traveler XC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches or RV Bumpers - Frame Mount

(320)

$249.95

etrailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - Flush - 3-5/8" Span - Chrome

(3662)

$26.63

Question:

I need a longer hitch pin. 90 of all the new Chevy pickups have 2 1/2 recievers that have a sleeve to convert to 2inch the anti rattle pin fits and can be tightened but you cant put in the safety pin as its too short. The need to make this longer do you have anything that will fit? I had to but a 5/8inch full thread lag bolt which fits fine but take 10 min tio screw it in. I dont under stand why they make this so short.

asked by: Scott B

Expert Reply:

As long as the threaded bolt is tight in the hitch when securing the Swagman bike rack, # S64663, you will not have to have the clip in place. I called and verified this with my contact at Swagman.

A longer bolt is not available. The rack was made for 2 inch trailer hitch receivers that measure about 2-1/2 inches wide on the outside. A 2-1/2 inch receiver is going to measure about 3 inches wide which is why the threaded pin is too short.

Using a regular locking hitch pin like # e98881 would not provide the anti-rattle properties of the threaded bolt.

expert reply by: Michael H