How Can I Be Sure The Benton LittleShift Bike Rack Hitch Pin Is Fully Inserted?

Updated 05/11/2026 | Published 04/30/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Benton LittleShift Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 2" Hitches - Wheel or Frame Mount

(93)

$239.99

etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Stabilizer for 2" Hitches - Vinyl Coated Steel

(912)

$37.17

Question:

How can I make sure the pin is fully installed in my hitch? When I lift the rack up it moves up and down. Have I not ed the pin correctly? There is a little space between the pin head and the hitch.

asked by: James M

Expert Reply:

Hey James, thanks for reaching out. For the Benton LittleShift Bike Rack # B54VR the pin should be inserted until the "shoulder" of the bolt is flush up against the side of the hitch. I've included a few pictures to help illustrate.

If you insert it to this point and tighten the nut down all the way it should get rid of most of the play. If it still moves your best bet will be to add an anti-rattle device like part # e99007. That'll help snug things up and prevent any excessive movement.

What kind of bike are you hauling?

expert reply by: Jesse M

Benton Hitch Pin Shoulder
(click to enlarge)

Benton Hitch Pin Fully Inserted
(click to enlarge)

Jennifer

5/5/2026

Hi James, I have this same hitch and do not have any problem with it. Can you provide more info on how it is moving up and down? There is two sets of holes on the pin, make sure you are putting pin in holes closest to rack.

Adam

5/5/2026

The hitch pin goes all the way in up to the face of the largest diameter.

Kim

5/5/2026

There may be a burr or paint build up? Maybe some defect that keeps the pin with the flat side seating all the way as far as it can go. I really like this feature. Just hold it fully seated with your finger and tighten the nut. Rock solid, can’t turn on you because it’s flat anti rotate side on the bolt. Crank it down tight and it will not move or rattle

Jesse M.

5/6/2026

@Kim Ah yea that may be the case. Good call. Thanks for sharing!

Lauren

5/8/2026

I also have this same hitch and do not have any movement with it. I agree with Jesse and trying that anti rattle part would likely be a good solution.

Jesse M.

5/8/2026

@Lauren Nice! Yes, if the bolt by itself doesn't cut it, an anti-rattle will definitely help. Thanks for sharing!

James M.

5/8/2026

Thaks for the reply. My bike is a polygon siskiu t8. I took it out to our local mountain bike area and the rack seemed to work well. As I look at the pin inserted on my hitch it seems to look like the one in your picture. Should I periodically check the nut to make sure everything is tight?

Jesse M.

5/11/2026

@JamesM Nice! Sounds like fun! Yes, I'd definitely recommend checking the nut periodically. Its not known for backing off but you'll want to make sure it stays tight especially if you'll be leaving the rack on the car.