Will Softride Hitch Rack Lock 25056 Fit a Yakima StickUp Hitch Mounted Bike Rack

Updated 07/15/2013 | Published 07/12/2013

Question:

I have read that the thread pattern on the Softride bolt will fit a Yakima StickUp rack. This seems like the best lock I can find, but I question the durability as the bolt only meets the threads and doesnt pass all the way through the hitch receiver. Is there something special about the Softride racks that mades this ok, or is there an element of physics/mechanics that I am missing. Im guessing that the weight of the rack is not supported on the bolt alone, but before I make this purchase and travel across the country, I want to make sure that Im not better off with a bolt that passes all the way through. Thank you for your time.

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

My technical contact at Softride explained to me that the reason the Hitch Rack Lock SR25056 is only 1/2 a bolt is because the other side of the Softride bike racks have a smaller hole so a full bolt cannot pass all the way through. He did tell me that these locks were specifically designed for the Softride line. In a Softride hitch mounted bike rack, there is actually an encapsulate nut that the bolt screws into to hold it in place.

The only recommendation I can make for a lock for your Yakima StickUp is the Yakima # Y07235. Yakima racks are designed to be used with their proprietary locks. Although a SoftRide lock may physically fit, the items have not been tested together. I have attached a short video of the # Y07235 for you.

If you happen to need bolts that go all the way through, the Yakima # Y8880131 would work. Having a bolt going all the way through is not necessary as long as the thread bolt is tightened all the way.

expert reply by: Lori W