Are Benton Shifts&Grins Cradles Supposed to Be Tight And Oriented Toward Inside
Updated 09/08/2025 | Published 06/03/2025
Question:
I just assembled this rack that Ii purchased from etraler. Two questions about the the wheel cradels. 1 They are tight. I had to use a mallet to get them on the rail, and there is no way they will slide without one. Any tips? 2 The wheel cradles are shown in illustrations and the instructions opposite to the way I believe they should go - that is, the higher side of the cradel is shown ~inside~ the bike wheels, rather than on the ~outside~ of the tire. My old Thule has the higher side of the cradle on the outside, which makes intuitive sense to me. Is anybody else in agreement on this issue? 3 the wheel straps and rachet locking mechanism are very light guage compared to my thule. Are replacement straps/latches available? The rack assembled pretty easily. Screw holes lined up pretty correctly, nothing had to be forced. I have not yet used the rack.
asked by: Craig P
Expert Reply:
Hey Craig! The cradles on the Benton Shifts&Grins # B54FR are definitely tight. I would try working them back and forth some, they do loosen up over time. I just went down to our demo model and with the knob fully released I had to beat it with my hand to get it to slide on the rail and it has seen quite a bit of use.
The wheel cradle orientation is correct. I understand why you would think that, and honestly I'm sure it would work if you flipped them. However, it is designed for the wheel cradles to have the high part on the inside. We don't have extra straps yet but plan to add them in the near future. If one fails from regular use give us a call and we can help you out.
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Benton Shifts&Grins Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel or Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Wheel Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Fat Tire Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Kids Bikes
- Benton
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Benton Shifts&Grins Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel or Frame Mount
- Shop: Benton Shifts&Grins Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel or Frame Mount
- Video: Benton Shifts&Grins Bike Rack for 2 Bikes Review - 2025 Toyota RAV4 - B54FR
- Search Results: saris freedom
- Search Results: hitch bike racks
- Shop: Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Search Results: shifts and grins
- Search Results: swagman xc2
- Shop: etrailer D-Shape Anti-Rattle Locking Hitch Pin for Benton Hitch Accessories- 2" Hitches
- Video: etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar for 2" Hitch Receivers Review - 2026 Hyundai Tucson - e38FV
- Shop: Thule OutPace Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Video: Fit Check: Testing Benton Shifts and Grins Bike Rack for 2 Bikes on a 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6
- Video: Test Fitting the Benton Shifts&Grins Bike Rack on a 2022 Toyota Highlander
- Shop: etrailer Cable Lock - 10' Long - 5/16" Diameter - Steel - Keyed Alike
- Shop: 2-Bike Add-On for Benton Shifts&Grins Bike Rack
- Q&A: Can the Benton Shifts&Grins Bike Rack Hooks Secure Bikes by the Wheel and by the Frame
- Q&A: Will Santa Cruz Bike with Full Suspension Fit on Benton Hanging Bike Rack
- Q&A: Is There A Locking Hitch Pin Available for The Benton Shifts & Grins Bike Rack
- Q&A: Recommended Bike Rack For Trek Verve Non-Electric Bike With No Fenders
- Video: First Impression of the Benton Shifts&Grins Bike Rack
- Q&A: How to Lock Bikes to the Benton Platform Bike Rack
- Video: Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Rack Test Course
- Video: Review of the Swagman Chinook Bike Rack for 2 Bikes
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
on Hitch Bike Racks
Robin H.
9/8/2025
Hey Craig, did you have a chance to try working the cradles back and forth to see if they loosened up? I'm curious to know how it worked out for you, as it could help others facing the same issue.