Please suggest a Hitch Bike Rack Theft Protection Solution

Question

Recently I purchased hitch bike rack. This is my second bike rack. My first one was stolen when I left it installed on my car, parked on the street.

The one which got stolen was a THULE bike rack. The new one I bought is a Yakima Full Swing, but I think they use the same kind of locking mechanism. I do not trust these locks much: The previous one had a similar lock, but got stolen.

Is there a way I can make it difficult to steal? Right now only this lock is a deterrent (and the rack weight: 50 pounds). I could not find any product that addresses this problem.

I am fine with any solution (like securing the rack to the car's frame with a strong metal chain), as long as it makes a strong deterrent for a professional thief.

Please suggest a solution.

Answer 1

As suggested in the comments, removing the rack is by far the most secure option.

The hitch rack pin can be replaced with a locking pin. Alternately if the end of the hitch is accessible and sticks out past the end of the hitch socket, a padlock can be installed.

A chain from the rack to a fitting on the car that prevents it from being removed is possible. This may require having a suitible securing point mounted on the car.

All these help protect the rack, but a determined thief will defeat them all. My hitch is bolted to the car with just 6 bolts. 10 minutes with the right size socket and/or spanner will easily have the whole thing off the car and on its way to a new home.

Answer 2

You can purchase a locking pin to replace the pin that retains the rack in the hitch "receiver". Or you can padlock, via cable or chain, the hitch to one of the chain loops on both sides of the receiver.