Bike Rack Support for 85 Pound Bike

Updated 08/06/2026 | Published 07/22/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(677)

$16.44

etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar for 2" Hitch Receivers

(1210)

$54.41

Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1973)

$141.61

Question:

I have a bike rack with a 1.25 in I have adapter to put in the 2 in receiver. However, there is to much wobble. My bike weighs 85 lbs. Is there a product to take up the slack and eliminate the wobble

asked by: Mike T

Expert Reply:

Hey Mike,

Thanks for reaching out. Based on what you've described, I think the weight of your bike is likely the biggest factor here. Most bike racks aren't designed to carry a single bike weighing 85 lbs. For example, the # S64650 that you've purchased in the past is rated for only 35 lbs per bike.

Many bike racks also include some type of built-in anti-rattle mechanism or hitch pin to reduce movement in the receiver. If your current setup still has some play, you can certainly add an accessory like the etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar # e38FV, which clamps around the receiver and helps eliminate movement between the hitch and the bike rack.

Another option is the Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap # 18050. This attaches between the bike rack and the vehicle to help reduce up-and-down movement. Keep in mind, though, that it does not increase the weight capacity of the rack or hitch—it simply helps stabilize the setup.

Do you have a 2-inch hitch receiver on your vehicle? Is the adapter you're using one that came with the bike rack, or is it a separate aftermarket hitch adapter?

expert reply by: Christopher H

John A.

7/29/2026

Mike, I always use a Curt buckle strap, whether I'm hauling one bike or two. You're absolutely right, there can be a lot of bounce and wobble without a stabilizing strap attached to the top of the bike / rack.

Christopher H.

7/29/2026

@JohnA I agree! It never hurts to add some more support with something like the # 18050.

Patricia

8/6/2026

Mike, we purchased three of the Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories. They have helped tremendously with stability of our bikes. We travel frequently with one Catrike & one two wheeler.

Christopher H.

8/6/2026

@Patricia Thanks for sharing! The # 18050 are a great addition to any bike rack setup. I had to look up the Catrike and I'm glad I did. That looks awesome!

Expert Reply:

expert reply by: Christopher H

Mike M.

7/30/2026

The 85 pounds sounds like it's the issue. I'm carrying 2 bikes on a Swagman2 rack using only the 1.25" hitch (I haul on the back of a Kia Soul and there were no 2 inch receiver hitches available for it). I use 1 of the Curt Cam Buckle straps tied onto the center post of the rack and wrapped around the frames of both bike to stabilize the load for up to 50 mile trips. If I'm hauling cross country, I use 2 of the straps placed about 18” left and right of the center post and secure them to the bicycles. It makes the load very stable, but you will need to re-cinch them periodically. I get very little swaying motion of the load when I do this. Not sure what you're using for a hitch pin, but you might look into the stabilizing models that are threaded and reduce hitch movement too. Good luck!

Christopher H.

7/31/2026

@MikeM Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like you've got your setup dialed in. The # 18050 are great option for anybody looking to add some stability to their setup.