Additional Stabilizing Support for Yakima FullTilt Bike Rack

Question:

Been on a long journey from NM to Alaska with three bikes on the 5-bike full tilt. The Al-Can is notorious for frost heaves. After stopping in western Canada one night we noticed the bottom of the rack considerably lower to the ground than earlier in the trip. We dropped the bikes and disconnected, then reconnected everything but to no avail. Can’t say that the insert bent but we’ve noticed a lot more play in the hitch and continued sagging. Is there anything that can be done to eliminate the extended swaying and movement at this point? We’ve attached a couple ratchet straps in the interim for extra support but about to head back down the Al-Can and don’t want to lose them on the way home. Thanks!

asked by: Keith

Expert Reply:

The frost heaves you are referring to can get pretty nasty on the Alcan so the fact that your Yakima FullTilt 5-Bike Rack has taken a beating is unfortunate but not surprising, just because of the extreme rough patches you will inevitably encounter. What I highly recommend you add for extra stabilization is the Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories # 18050 which will help limit the overall movement and play in your bike rack.

These straps come in a quantity of one but two of them will give you an even greater amount of support; I have added links to a couple video reviews of the strap which I recommend checking out so you can see exactly how they work and how they'll help ensure a more stable ride with your FullTilt.

expert reply by: Kyle S