How to Make Lining Up a Bike Rack to Fit in the Hitch Easier

Updated 01/16/2026 | Published 01/15/2026

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches

(1763)

$21.04

SeaSucker Hornet Rear Window Bike Rack for 1 Bike - Handlebar Mount - Vacuum Cup Mounted

(6)

$299.00

Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(920)

$449.99

Question:

Is this heavy and hard to mount onto my car? The last one I had was and it was a nightmare to mount and dismount, also, is there an extender, in case we need to mount more bikes than usual for a friends group trip. Or to lend it to family.

asked by: Alejandro D

Expert Reply:

Hey Alejandro, welcome back and congrats on the new SUV! I saw you were looking at a couple different bike racks so I'll break down both for you.

The SeaSucker Hornet Rear Window Bike Rack for 1 Bike item # 298-BH1302 uses high powered vacuum cups similar to what glass glazers use to carry heavy panes of glass. These are super easy to install and remove. They have a 35 lbs capacity. You'll need one per bike.

The Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 4 Bikes item # HR4000 is going to attach to a 2" receiver and has a 35 lbs per bike capacity. This being a 4 bike capable bike rack means it's going to be a bit bulky and difficult to get into the hitch by yourself. The rack itself only weighs 42 lbs but it's pretty big. There's no way to add additional bikes.

What really helps with bike racks is using the etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar item # e98942. You'll install this on the shank of your bike rack and tighten it down once you get the hitch pin installed. The collar will remain on the shank so the next time you connect your bike rack to the receiver the pin holes will line up. This will work with ball mounts and other accessories like cargo carriers as well.

I linked a demo video we made below along with a picture so you can see how the Hitch Pin Alignment Collar item # e98942 works.

What kind of bikes do you have?

You can add this information, along with any other questions you have, where it says Reply to Jerred H.