Locking Anti-Rattle Hitch Pin for Use with a 1-1/4 Inch Hitch and 1-1/4 to 2 Inch Adapter

Updated 09/18/2013 | Published 09/14/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - 3-1/2" Span

(1789)

$43.19

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 1-1/4" Hitches - Flush - 2-1/8" Span - Chrome

(3690)

$36.46

Malone Anti-Rattle HitchLock System

(648)

$21.33

Question:

I am looking for the best hitch pin lock to use with our hitch which is a 1 1/4 inch receiver. Our Yakima bike rack requires a 2 inch hitch so we bought an adaptor which is ed into the 1 1/4 inch receiver. The problem is the pin to keep the adaptor in the hitch is wobbly and does not lock. The hitch was installed by Subaru and is on a 2013 Subaru Outback. What would be the best hitch pin lock that would keep it safe and less wobbly. Thank You!

asked by: Debbie M

Expert Reply:

The first thing you will want to look at is the shank of the adapter. If it is hollow then you can use locking hitch pin # e98879. But if the shank is not hollow then you will need to use a regular anti-rattle device like # MPG908 and lock # 5200.

I must warn you that the use of an adapter reduces the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent. So if the combined weight of the bike rack and bikes is more than half the tongue weight capacity of the hitch you should not use it.

Also, if the hitch is a Class I trailer hitch, you will be limited to 2 bikes. Otherwise the additional distance of a third or more bikes creates too much torque on the trailer hitch, like using a cheater bar to loosen a lug nut.

expert reply by: Michael H