What Does Thule Helium Use as Hitch Pin to Secure to Vehicle

Updated 09/28/2020 | Published 09/25/2020

Question:

Hi, I’m trying to figure out if I’m doing the installation process right. I slide the rack into the hitch receiver until the pin slides into place, and then I tighten the knob. However once tightened, the pin itself can be easily taken out of the hole. Shouldn’t it be fixed in place?? I’m afraid to use the rack like this. Installation guide mentions nothing about the pin.

asked by: Ellie

Expert Reply:

What really holds the Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack # TH9043PRO to the trailer hitch is the anti-rattle wedge. Once it's tightened it's not going anywhere and the lock for the rack that secures it to the hitch controls the wedge so it serves the main purpose of the hitch pin and lock as well. The pin acts as a backup more or less and the fact it can easily pull out by hand would not mean the hitch isn't secure to the vehicle's hitch.

expert reply by: Jameson C