newbie hitch mounted bike rack question (not really popup-related)

[Dingit]

I am getting ready to use a hitch mount bike rack that has a hitch bolt instead of a regular hitch pin. The pin doesn't go through to the other side of the receiver. This is normal and totally okay, right? It is designed for a 2" receiver and will be used on a 2" hitch extension. Pictures here: https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-Racks/SportRack/SR2415.html

If I wanted to use a regular hitch pin while using it on a 2.5" receiver (with a reducer sleeve so the threaded bolt won't work), any reason I couldn't?

Thanks!

 

[NLB]

“Nice Rack”!

 

[Raycfe]

The bolt is keep the rack from rattling. I would keep using it but you could drill a new ⅝ or ½ hole to also use a hitch pin or lock.
I had a jeep years ago that the hitch had a very loose fit. I used the normal ⅝ hitch pin but I drilled and tapped another hole on the side of the square hitch receiver. I would install the hitch and then tighten the bolt to take up the play. Worked very well.
Maybe a new hole for for another pin would work for you.

 

[Dingit]

Thanks!

Nice rack maybe? I haven't used it yet! It's been gathering dust for a few years. I doubt I paid that much for it, though. That doesn't sound like me at all.

It does have a hole through to the other side (probably because they want to sell you locking hitch bolts ). I'll have to see if I can fit a regular pin through.

 

[Rusty2192]

As long as the threads are long enough I don’t see any reason it wouldn’t work. Even if they are too short you can just get a longer bolt in the same size.

I would definitely find a bolt that works. I have a similar rack and the anti-wobble bolt makes a big difference. Plus the reducer sleeves usually only make for more play. The swing away feature is huge. It came in clutch for us one time when one of the kids got sick in the car and we needed to dig out clean clothes for him on the side of the road.

 

[LilRed]

This is very normal! I have a 4 bike Yakima older rack, and the bolt threads cinch the hitch, locking it and preventing rattling. Mine does go through, but only to attach a key lock to prevent theft, serving no other purpose as a full hitch pin would.

 

[Dingit]

Very helpful info from y'all who know how these things work! Thanks!

The bolt it came with works in the 2" hitch extension (needed for slide-in camper that hangs over the rear of truck) but not with the hitch receiver+reducer sleeve. I'll have to look for a suitable one. They don't seem to have as many accessories for the class V receiver (which I have no use for since I only tow a popup or a bike rack...grrr). I do have an anti-wobble clamp U-bolt thingy that might work well enough with a regular pin.

I hope the swing-away works! Otherwise bikes would be blocking my lunch cooler.