Bike rack straps and spoilers

08-24-2003, 07:30 AM

Hello all,

I bought a trailer hitch for my Kia Sorento and a bike rack to fit it. The
hitch has a 2" receiver on it, so all devices attach to it via large bolts
or pins. Naturally this makes such devices a bit wobbly, suggesting the use
of a support strap attached from the rack to some part of the vehicle.
Which brings me to my question:

How do you *safely* attach the strap if you've got a spoiler? The spoiler
is solid, i.e. no holes or hollow spaces. I don't want to attach it in the
normal way, i.e. to the top of the back hatch (to its hinge) as it puts
strain on the spoiler. Can the spoiler take the pressure? Do you even need
the the strap?

I have already considered:
1) The car's cargo area netting attachment D-rings
2) The car's child restraint hooks
3) The trailer hitch's own rings used for hauling actual trailers.

BTW, I've found out about some anti-rattling devices made for hitch mounted
bike racks. They *seem* to be the answer but I'm turning to those with more
experience in these matters to set me straight.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

--
Tim Lapin
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

08-24-2003, 10:07 AM

"Tim Lapin" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> Hello all,
>
> I bought a trailer hitch for my Kia Sorento and a bike rack to fit it.
The
> hitch has a 2" receiver on it, so all devices attach to it via large bolts
> or pins. Naturally this makes such devices a bit wobbly, suggesting the
use
> of a support strap attached from the rack to some part of the vehicle.

Why mess with a strap when you can buy this:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

08-24-2003, 05:33 PM

"Naturally this makes such devices a bit wobbly,..." &

got one, worried about it, don't hear it, don't worry about it no more.
consider:
1. turning the radio up.
2. 12-in "L" Al shim to minimize the shake. use the pin hole to locate it.

08-25-2003, 05:52 AM

In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>,
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] says...
> Hello all,
>
> I bought a trailer hitch for my Kia Sorento and a bike rack to fit it. The
> hitch has a 2" receiver on it, so all devices attach to it via large bolts
> or pins. Naturally this makes such devices a bit wobbly, suggesting the use
> of a support strap attached from the rack to some part of the vehicle.
> Which brings me to my question:
>
> How do you *safely* attach the strap if you've got a spoiler? The spoiler
> is solid, i.e. no holes or hollow spaces. I don't want to attach it in the
> normal way, i.e. to the top of the back hatch (to its hinge) as it puts
> strain on the spoiler. Can the spoiler take the pressure? Do you even need
> the the strap?
>

You should not need any kind of strap with a 2" receiver rack. Get
soemthing like a Thule with a bolt rather than a pin, there will be no
free play unless your hitch is moving on car.
--
_________________________
Chris Phillipo - Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]