Thule revolver bike rack installed with hitch adapter - safe? opinions needed (pics)

[mindleftnumb]

I just installed a https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned) on my 2009 CX9 GT with tow package using a https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned). This is what it looks like:

The rack itself is great because of the revolving capability but what I also like about it is that (due to the use of the adapter) the liftgate can open without even needing to revolve the rack as you can see here:

The problem is, I just don't know if this is safe. There's a significant amount of wobble where the adapter attaches to the hitch mount (no wobble on adapter to rack due to threaded pin). I am considering an anti-wobble clam from Hitch-Vise to help with this. Even after eliminating wobble, however, I may be pushing the limit with tongue weight. I am told that using the adapter cuts the tongue weight limit from 350lbs to 175lbs. With the rack weighing 55 pounds that leaves 120 for bikes before hitting that limit. I am also reading that torque also due to the use of the adapter may be a problem. I'm a non-engineer noob when it comes to this, and therefore am looking for opinions on the safety of this setup. Thule says it is not advisable, but I've also ready this is a standard response for rack manufacturers when it comes to the use of adapters. If anyone out there has any advice or has used a similar setup I'd greatly appreciate your feedback. Thanks,

Here also a few other photos of the connections:

 

[mindleftnumb]

Thanks for the reply.

Today I added the hitch-wise clamp and wobble is now reduced to almost zero. I am thinking this should be safe as my bikes aren't that heavy.

Another question, though: What would the sign be if the hitch WAS about to fail. I heard on another forum that my I'd hear a cracking or buckling in the frame. Any thoughts?

 

[biglou]

hitch adapter

I have the same setup on my wife's honda odessy.(diffrent bike rack though) I bought mine from uhaul for $28. I was concerned about the wobble as well. We just came back from a 400 mile trip with no problems and I had 4 bikes loaded on the rack. Uhaul reccemmends using the adapter only for bike racks(250lb limit) Might have to look into the clamps. Where did you get them? I wonder about long term stress as well.

 

[Force-1]

I have a Draftmaster bike rack. I really needed it since my wife and I ride a tandem. We can mount a tandem and 2 regular bikes on it.

Awesome rack! It's very easy to mount the bikes to it, and one person can raise/lower it, which allows opening of the rear hatch with bikes mounted.

 

[ceric]

If I am not mistaken, the threaded bolt only eliminate horizontal rattles, not vertical.
My bike rack still wobbles a bit vertically even with tighten threaded bolt.
I am planning to get the Hitch-vise clamp to limit the vertical movement.
Hitch-vise clamp also only limits movement on one axis only (vertical or horizontal) if I am correct.

 

[sjg]

Lots of posts on hitch mounted racks. Has anyone mounted a rack on the hatch? I don't have a hitch and was wondering if a rack could go on the hatch or if the shape of the door and spoiler prevent it.

 

[ceric]

Here is what I have
3-bike SportRack from e-Trailer.com, which came with anti-rattle pin.
However, there was still vertical wobbling/play.
I installed the Hitch-vise clamp (HT-3 for 2" application) ($38 inc. tax+S&H). Here is the pic.
It works great. No more wobbling/play.

P.S. I installed the clamp vertically as opposed to the originally instruction (which was horizontal).
I have a Hidden Hitch class-III hitch.

 

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