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...
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.
2257809
I usually don't use the Velcro bracers. The bags sit fine on the rack ands stability is not an issue. The bags only have clips on one bag and the other hooks onto the bag with the clip. One piece of advice: The clip locks onto the bike rack. Put your hand under the bag to loosen the clip before lifting the bags off the rack. If you try to disengage them using the handle alone, the handle will break. I sew and was able to fix it, but it's definitely worth the extra 20 seconds to avoid the issue entirely.
684819
It is possible to carry it separate from the bike rack because it has a short handle (I think), but it not suitable for full time, long term carry. I usually have it fastened to the bike pannier rack.
1483423
The straps on my rack have been exposed to quite a lot of super cold (Michigan) weather and held up well. However, the true test is to see if they can take a Texas summer. I recently moved from MI to TX so I will have a chance to take this data point in a few months. Basically, ask me again in 4 months...
188588
Be aware that when you use a hitch extension you reduce the carrying capacity of the bike rack by 50%. Many rack makers like Yakima for instance do not want you to use a hitch extension for any of their bike racks.
1177097
I have a standard rear carrier which is a perfect fit for the web which connects the two bags together. I tied the hooked straps to that. The carrier brackets also keep the bags well away from the rear wheel. Hope you like the bags as much as I do.
1600039
Depending on how you secure your bikes onto the carrier, you can lower the carrier without removing the bikes. Done right, the bikes rotate on the carrier and remain hanging perpendicular to the ground.
1179424
I wouldn't put anything that requires stability. When I carried my kayak on it, it wouldn't really work well without a strap from the front and the rear of the kayak. A cargo carrier seems like a dangerous proposition with this carrier and I would highly advise against it.This is mostly designed to keep a solid object from damaging your car, not truly securing something.
436179
The instructions specifically state: Quote "The rack is not covered under warranty if mounted on the back of a trailer or fifth wheel." end quote.... Not much ambiguity in that statement ! and while I have a 2" mfg installed hitch, it wobbles side to side terribly (even WITH StowAway Cargo Carriers Hitch Tightener ). So it's the bike rack itself... while the mount is firm, the fold up connections and main crossbar has too much play in it... will try to replace the push pins with bolts to see if that helps, but not optimistic ! The instructions specifically state: Quote "The rack is not covered under warranty if mounted on the back of a trailer or fifth wheel." end quote.... Not much ambiguity in that statement ! and while I have a 2" mfg installed hitch, it wobbles side to side terribly (even WITH StowAway Cargo Carriers Hitch Tightener ). So it's the bike rack itself... while the mount is firm, the fold up connections and main crossbar has too much play in it... will try to replace the push pins with bolts to see if that... » Read More The instructions specifically state: Quote "The rack is not covered under warranty if mounted on the back of a trailer or fifth wheel." end quote.... Not much ambiguity in that statement ! and while I have a 2" mfg installed hitch, it wobbles side to side terribly (even WITH StowAway Cargo Carriers Hitch Tightener ). So it's the bike rack itself... while the mount is firm, the fold up connections and main crossbar has too much play in it... will try to replace the push pins with bolts to see if that helps, but not optimistic ! « Show Less
558342
How is your spoiler holding up since you wrote this comment? Are you carrying two bikes or one? I have a 2010 Honda Fit sport and was concerned that the instructions recommended not putting the straps over the spoiler. Thanks for your response
927478
The carrier is large... If the bike rack is large enough to support it is the question... We had to connect a small board across our scooter rack so the carrier didn't shift and slide to the side. This solved the problem for us, and we use it quite often.
1790961
I have found it very easy to load and unload. I have 2 bikes that fit nicely. I found that with a couple of extra jacks and some beefing up of the ramps it becomes very stable and stress free. Although that size of bike would take up the whole trailer and not have room for anything else.
1556550
i do not use stablizing straps . my bike rack is a thule t2. the curt hitch and the thule seem very good.
494188
Yes. The provided straps are secured through rings on the bag. I had no issues with just the side racks.
2093944
Thank you for the inquiry. Our customers are always sending us pictures of what they carry on our racks. Ranging from musical instruments to fishing gear. So, the answer is probably yes! You may need to get a little creative with the bungee strapping system. Regards, Bike Balance
2173148
Yes. I carried my 1200 sportster on it with no issues until I sold my hauler last week. I added some support in the form of two heavy duty ratchet straps that I hooked into the ends of the square tubing and ran up over the tailgate and into strap hooks located in my bed. Didnt budge an inch and was rock solid.
211159
We use the bag on the hitch carrier and use bungy cords to hold it because they're faster. Can't remember where the tie down straps are. Sorry. We like the bag, but it gets stiff in the cold. Keep it inside before loading it so it's more pliable.