is the thule vertex bike hitch rack suppose to sway back and forth when driving
2055183
Mine swayed the first time i used it because i didn't use the tool to tighten the bolt into the hitch. Do that and it wont sway.
2055184
It might move a little with a full load of bikes but I have never noticed. Never concerned about the stability of the rack. Great product.
2055185
It's a solid bike rack and even loaded with bikes on a highway should have very little if any movement. If you are getting significant movement then would check the hitch and make sure it's attached properly. If you continue to have problems then there is something wrong with either the hitch itself or the rack.
2055186
Never! Check that your hitch is tightened to your vehicle first. Mine had loosened recently and I had a similar issue. Next, in the back of the main section there should be a screw that locks down the whole frame together. When opening, you must unscrew the backside of the frame and then pull up on the spring-pin. If the pin is pulled out at the hinge point, it will clear the vehicle and all is well. Resecure the spring pin and hand screw and it should be sway free.
2055187
No it should not. Is it firmly attached to the hitch or does it feel like there is some play in the joints and levers?
2055188
No. Something is wrong if that's the case. It is a very rigid attachment on my Honda Odyssey
88347
It is all that holds the rack to the hitch. You should tighten the bolt all the way, also make sure the piece that goes into the hitch is tight as well. I beleive this is tightened with the supplied hex wrench. I've had mine for three years traveling all over with no wobbles.
1631573
I can honestly say that I have had lilt sway even after flooring it. The bikes hold pretty securely & snuggly in the cradles. Especially if there is more than one next to each other there is virtually none. But I would recommend these to tie down the bike in the position closest to the vehicle Saris Wheel Stabililzer Straps (2 Pack) by Saris http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I7RRTW/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_lAZ4tb1XHMB27
1865117
Yes it is threaded and can be tighten so it does not move. A great bike rack for the money.
1692923
I found this to be true. The fix is to use a hex wrench to over tightening the quick release which makes it useless but the rack won't sway.
832956
I use ratchet straps to keep the carrier taught this also keeps the sway down, hope this helps.
1303002
Mine works fine, but I did need to adjust the screws that tighten and loosen the mechanism that slides on the vertical rails. I have no issues with racking the bar or with play and tilting.
1308940
I did see a youtube video where the Thule 916XT T2 does allow you to pivot the rack down to open the tail gate, with bikes mounted. You will pay for that feature though, dearly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQB4lUtpAAg
88344
I do have a little wobble of my yakima rack, maybe 1/2 to 3/4 inch (?) at the most. I do not find it an issue for me. I have had 2 bikes on the rack for a trip of 8 hours straight one way and did not have any issue with the rack feeling like it was bouncing back and forth. The pin has stayed in place and I have not felt as though I have needed to re-tighten the bolt. The moveable wheel base on the rack, I do retighten from time to time. I got a yakima hitchlock to use on the bolt (although you do have to play with it a little to get it to lock). I feel better about leaving the rack on the car unattended and not getting stolen, but I also feel like it is one added safety feature to keep the bolt from coming off. And an FYI, I have had problem with getting the arm to 'lock' good when it is on my bike and have had it release as soon as I am taking off in the driveway. I have been able to avoid that issue with using a bike lock around my mid bike to the rack that holds the arms that slide up and down. With using that, I have had no other issue and have never had a bike come loose while on the road. If you have more play than what I described, I can only suggest going to a local bike shop to see if they can help you troubleshoot the issue. I hope this helps.
781999
The Thule Spare Me 2 does allow you to shift the carrier a few inches in either direction. I have a recent model Toyota Rav4 and I have offset the bike rack to help compensate for the spare tire location. The bike still doesn't end up in the dead center of my vehicle but it is fine for me. Also, I can leave the mounting post permanently attached since my hard shell tire cover fits over top when I'm not using the bike carrier. I am very satisfied with this carrier. Hope this helps!
367872
There is some lean from side to side but I have mine behind a 4 wheeler. I eliminated any lean at all by using a ratchet strap on each side of the receiver attaching it to rack on both sides.
699433
Yes and it didn't work. Too low to the ground and I was hitting the tires on the ground when I drove through gutters. I bought a Swagman with the bend in the neck where it comes out of the receiver hitch. It raises the bikes up and they don't hit any more plus it's a all designed and constructed rack. I love it.
304934
I haven't had that problem. The Bike that rest on the closes rack to the car is stopped by the bar. I also use the straps extra length on the bottom strap to gently tie the two bikes to the bar so that they do not sway much. It is a lose tie not tight. We have two mountain bikes and I have not had this trouble. We have a 2010 Honda Accord.
1031882
When i first started using this rack I had to re-tighten the Allen screws that hold it to the bike a few times...I noticed if I got too much speed downhill or in the wind the rack could move causing an imbalance...once I got it adequately tighened down I havent had this problem.
1110993
It's a pretty standard Thule rack, they give you square slot holders and a generic around the bar holder. So if you have the VW rails (which I'm pretty sure are Thule) you should be set. I love them!
471645
No. It comes with two bolts for the hitch. The larger one allows you to tighten the rack to the hitch good so that it does not sway. It is on firm.
2148999
I had it on a class II hitch on a Buick Lesabre and didn't even know I had it back there. There is a little wobble, but nothing to be concerned about.