Is Thule's New Anti-Rattle/Tool-Free Installation Safe Enough Without A Full Size Hitch Pin

Updated 05/14/2025 | Published 05/17/2024

Question:

Hi. Ive had a Thule T2 Classic for years, which uses a threaded hitch pin with lock to connect the rack to the hitch. Torque that down, and it isnt going anywhere. I see that newer Thule racks have the expansion bolt system that tightens with a locking knob. Also the guide arm that lines up the hitch hole and receiver hole. Am I correct that you can no longer use a threaded pin with these newer racks like the T2 Pro X 2inchinch ? So there is nothing that goes entirely through the rack shank and hitch receiver from one side to the other? How secure is this. If, for some reason, the tightening knob doesnt get tight enough, or maybe the expansion bolt loosens over time, is that little arm enough to keep the rack from falling out? Thanks!

asked by: Joe E

Expert Reply:

Hi Joe,

Thule has transitioned on most of their bike racks to clamping to the inside of the receiver tube and then using a retention pin (pictured below) that will slip into the hitch pin hole as extra security in the event that the clamp does loosen. The retention pin of the Thule T2 Pro X Bike Rack for 2 Bikes # TH83GC is spring loaded to keep it stuck in the hitch pin hole and would be enough to prevent it from falling out in the event that the clamp failed.

expert reply by: Kevin C

TH83GC retention pin
(click to enlarge)

Matias M.

5/10/2025

Greetings, Can a standard(non-threaded) locking hitch pin be used on this rack? IMO, a locking wedge is just not enough of a theft deterrent? Can you tell me the diameter of the hitch pin hole? Thank you

Jameson C.

5/14/2025

@MatiasM This rack doesn't have the ability to use a standard locking hitch pin. That said, if you get the wedge nice and tight to the hitch tube and the knob it won't allow the wedge to loosen and the rack is very much stuck to the hitch until the knob is loosened.