Does anyone use stabilizing straps when carrying a bike rack on this? Another site says, "Per Curt warranty requirements, all non-trailer loads (bike racks, cargo carriers, etc) must be supported by stabilizing straps." I've never had to do this with any other hitches. Does anyone use stabilizing straps when carrying a bike rack on this? Another site says, "Per Curt warranty requirements, all non-trailer loads (bike racks, cargo carriers, etc) must be... » Read More Does anyone use stabilizing straps when carrying a bike rack on this? Another site says, "Per Curt warranty requirements, all non-trailer loads (bike racks, cargo carriers, etc) must be supported by stabilizing straps." I've never had to do this with any other hitches. « Show Less
1556548
I have not used the hitch for a bike rack as of yet. I have carried two bikes to Florida and back on a Buick Rendezvous with no stabilizing strap. The bike carrier was one that carried the bike wheels in horizontal hoops, and was very stiff. The bikes moved very little. If Curt's lawyers say to use a strap, it surely can't do any harm, and probably will stabilize the bikes quite a lot. I think the hitch on the Buick was a DrawTite, and it was an 1 and 1/4 reciever.
1556549
The stabilizing straps are required for the 1.25" receiver, but not the 2" version.
1556550
i do not use stablizing straps . my bike rack is a thule t2. the curt hitch and the thule seem very good.
1556551
This is a very strong hitch. I can not see the need for any aditional stabilizing straps because of the Curt hitch. Sometimes the bike rack itself wants to bounce around and that rack may need the straps. That would be true whatever recirver the bike rack is mounted on. Maybe Curt is just expressing a concern that other companys are ignoring.
463468
I am using a standard receiver that mounts to my under carriage. It was installed at RV shop where I purchased the receiver ( hitch). The platform ? If you mean the Bike carrier I would not load anything close to 500#. I loaded my 91' BMW r100 gs which weighs 480# wet and it was straining to hold it. Let alone when driving. I didnt dare trust it for my classic BMW. It hauls my Honda 650l at 350#+ no problem. I hope that helps
1650449
The only suggestion I have is to just barely thread the thing together until you get both the rear top crossbar bolts through and secured. That and mount it so the threads point away from the cargo basket. Won't scratch or puncture whatever you're carrying. Good luck!
988409
If you visit the Ibera website or youtube and look at their corporate videos, they recomend you do not use it with the seatpost mounted rack. this is due to the weight capacity for which both the rack and the pannier are rated.
700977
This is a very stout and heavy piece. It's not appropriate as a towing extension but should be fine for a cargo carrier. My bike rack is about 50lb itself. Add two mountain bikes and your up to 150lb total. Handles this very easily.
1299061
I have been carrying my bikes on this Thule for over three years now and have never had a problem with damage to those cables. Here's a tip that has nothing to do with that question. As an additional guard to falling bikes, I use an additional step by securing my bikes to the raised bar of the Thule with small velco straps.
700976
I use this with my 5 bike hitch mount carrier fully loaded and have not had a problem. I think it is important to make sure you use the included system to keep the extension from rattling in the reciever and periodically make sure it is tight.
540998
The clamp end must clamp onto a 2" hitch draw bar and make sure it's a long one. The upright tubing is 1" square tubing and I'm not sure of the weight capacity but I haul three 26" mountain bikes on mine while pulling a pop-up camper been on two 400+ mile trips with mine with no problems just have to watch my turning radius so I don't smash a bike into the camper. And if you plan on pulling a trailer I DO NOT recommend using the stabilizing straps or else you will do damage to your vehicle I only recommend using them when you don't have a trailer behind you. Hope this helps
421750
Hi Skot,Any of our carriers are suitable for use with any bicycle frame composition. Nearly every carrier will make contact with the bike frame in one way or another, and the chances you would be able to over tighten the bike to the carrier and potentially cause damage to the frame are slim to none. We would just recommend that you be mindful not to crank down on any of the straps or securing features, which would be the same for any frame type or finish.
116754
There are bungee-cord straps that hook the bag to your rack. Just be sure not to forget to strap them on...made that mistake twice and ripped the bungee cords off the bag once I started riding
540999
I did not keep the clamp on bike rack. Was not worried about it holding our hybrid mid size tire bikes. The one I received was defective. You can raise or lower the arms that hold the bikes but the holes were missing that you put the pins in to lock it open. I do think I would have bought another but decided on another option for our trailer.
1767549
If the carrier doesn't provide enough clearance between the forward bike and the spare tire you could alwaysinstall a hitch extension bar. Any good trailer hitch store or trailer hitch web site should have them. On one end of the extension bar is a male end that fits into the female recepticle of your hitch. On the other end ( the extended end ) is a female recepticle that accepts the bike carrier. You would probably need to implement some anti-rattle clamps to reduce or eliminate looseness of the assembly. I wouldn'trecommend using the extension bar on anything but a lightweight load like a bike carrier. If the carrier doesn't provide enough clearance between the forward bike and the spare tire you could alwaysinstall a hitch extension bar. Any good trailer hitch store or trailer hitch web site should have them. On one end of the extension bar is a male end that fits into the female recepticle of your hitch. On the other end ( the extended end ) is a female recepticle that accepts the bike carrier. You would probably need to implement some anti-rattle clamps to reduce or eliminate looseness of the assembly. I wouldn'trecommend using the extension bar on... » Read More If the carrier doesn't provide enough clearance between the forward bike and the spare tire you could alwaysinstall a hitch extension bar. Any good trailer hitch store or trailer hitch web site should have them. On one end of the extension bar is a male end that fits into the female recepticle of your hitch. On the other end ( the extended end ) is a female recepticle that accepts the bike carrier. You would probably need to implement some anti-rattle clamps to reduce or eliminate looseness of the assembly. I wouldn'trecommend using the extension bar on anything but a lightweight load like a bike carrier. « Show Less
1181939
This cargo carrier comes with a strap that is long enough to put over the top of bikes to keep them secure. I have not tried to haul bikes with mine yet, but I think the strap it comes with would be sufficient.
53390
What does a dolly have to do with a bike rack? My wife/dolly said she is not towing the car. Makes as much sense to me �.
1131843
I use this behind my mountain bike. Yes you can use straps from the two together. I did that the first time however since then I just sit my child on one side. I am happy with the product so far. The only other comments I have are to consider carriers with shocks and also have something to spray to kill any tiny critters that may find a home while stored in the garage. Last ride something bit my child on the back of the legs even with pants on.
34379
I braced my pet basket with a front carrier and a piece of timber which would handle the load you described. However, I would be worried about the bike stability and riding safely, particularly if the dogs moved around a little. I think I'd prefer an arrangement mounted to the rear carrier for improved balance.
515306
The 2 & 3-bike trunk carriers are rated to support a maximum weight of 90lbs. according to the PDF manual. For a trunk-mounted carrier like this, I would try to stay at about 35-40lbs. maximum per bike to be safe. I have no direct experience with the 3-bike carrier at all and would find that a pretty hefty load for a trunk-mounted carrier. Every car trunk and support structure is fairly unique, so always err on the side of caution when maxing out the weight on a trunk. Also, always mount the heavier bike closer to the trunk to minimize twisting and the extra leverage against the trunk that the added weight can apply. The 2 & 3-bike trunk carriers are rated to support a maximum weight of 90lbs. according to the PDF manual. For a trunk-mounted carrier like this, I would try to stay at about 35-40lbs. maximum per bike to be safe. I have no direct experience with the 3-bike carrier at all and would find that a pretty hefty load for a trunk-mounted carrier. Every car trunk and support structure is fairly unique, so always err on the side of caution when maxing out the weight on a trunk. Also, always mount the heavier bike closer to the trunk to minimize twisting and the extra leverage against the trunk that... » Read More The 2 & 3-bike trunk carriers are rated to support a maximum weight of 90lbs. according to the PDF manual. For a trunk-mounted carrier like this, I would try to stay at about 35-40lbs. maximum per bike to be safe. I have no direct experience with the 3-bike carrier at all and would find that a pretty hefty load for a trunk-mounted carrier. Every car trunk and support structure is fairly unique, so always err on the side of caution when maxing out the weight on a trunk. Also, always mount the heavier bike closer to the trunk to minimize twisting and the extra leverage against the trunk that the added weight can apply. « Show Less