Can a Different Hitch Lock be Used with the Thule Bike Rack

Updated 03/26/2014 | Published 03/24/2014

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Cable Lock - 10' Long - 5/16" Diameter - Steel - Keyed Alike

(228)

$20.16

Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device

(608)

$64.45

Question:

Are there any other manufacturer hitch locks that will fit the Thule 9029 12MM X 40 MM threaded locking system? If I do not purchase Thules locking mechanism THSTL2, do I have any other choices for hitch locks? The Thule lock does not get great reviews. I want to buy a more secure 5/8inch hitch lock but it is too large for the Thule threaded hitch. Do I contact a welder or go to a truck shop to bore out the hole? Does anyone know what I am talking about?

asked by: George

Expert Reply:

I am not sure what reviews you have seen but on our site the Thule lock, # THSTL2, has an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 over nearly 70 reviews.

Bike rack manufacturers thread the racks and locks unique to their products. Other locks are not tested and are not likely to fit. But if you wanted to use a different lock, you could use a cable lock, # e98891 and you could lock the bikes and the rack to the hitch at the same time.

I know exactly what you are talking about but you do not want to enlarge the hole because it can damage the bike rack shank and it will void the rack warranty. There is a weld nut inside the shank that the lock or pin threads into. Tapping it for a different thread style could damage it as well so it is not recommended.

expert reply by: Michael H