What Is The Easiest Way To Remove/Install The Saris Freedom From The Hitch?

Updated 08/19/2020 | Published 08/18/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(211)

$379.99

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

(17)

$15.52

Hitch Tite Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock for Saris Bike Racks with 1-1/4" and 2" Shanks

(77)

$39.99

Question:

I have landed on the Saris Freedom 2 Bike rack SA4412B as I have 2 townies with fenders. I will only be hauling the bikes probably twice a week at most. I only want the rack on my car when I haul so I picked this lightweight rack. How easy is it to remove from the hitch? I’m a 62 year old female and am no longer as strong as I once was! I like the looks of my car and don’t want to leave a bike rack on it so it’s important to me that it’s easy to remove. I also plan to buy the hitch lock if that makes a difference.

asked by: Geri W

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Saris Freedom 2 # SA4412B is a great choice if you're looking for a light weight rack as it only weighs about 22 lbs! As far as making it as easy as possible to install and remove, maybe having a power tool to tighten down the anti-rattle bolt. I recommend threading it in by hand to start to make sure you don't cross thread the bolt. I always keep a Ratchet with a 3/4 inch socket # PTW38106-24 in the car with me so it's quicker to remove. It is a good size ratchet, so you will get plenty of leverage to make it easier to tighten it down.

Quick tip: Try wiggling the rack side to side when your threading the anti rattle bolt and when removing the rack from the hitch leave the center mast up as it will give you some leverage and won't require you to bend down as far. In my experience it really helps!

With Anti-Rattle bolts and the locking version # SA3022 you need to have the hole perfectly lined up for it to thread in easily. I recommend you installing the rack and then marking where the hitch receiver meets the shank of your bike rack. That way, you know exactly where it needs to be before you get down and thread in the anti rattle bolt.

With the Saris Freedom 2 being such a light weight rack, and if you mark the shank it will make the install and removal of the rack as easy as it can be. That's the goal!

I've included a video of me personally using the Saris Freedom 2, so check that out!