securing bike to rack

[vqdriver]

so i finally bought a hitch rack during the holiday sales and it's sitting in the garage. bought a kuat sherpa

i'll need to find a way to lock bikes to the rack and the rack to the car. i've never had a hitch rack before, borrowed and used em but never owned one. which locks should i be looking at? would greatly prefer some rattle free solution for the rack. and i'm guessing i'm going to need a cable solution for bikes.

[dolface]

This (starting around 2:05) says that it comes w/ a locking hitchpin and cable https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5wOL2r9R9g

Are you asking about other options?

[pdmtong]

A locking hitch pin to secure the rack to car and a bunch of cables to secure bikes to rack/car.

If this is a hanging arm type rack make sure you bungee everything so there is no swinging or spinning

I use a small platform dolly to roll it around from car to storage

[Ken Robb]

Cables will probably deter thieves long enough for you to stop for coffee or a snack where you can watch your vehicle but cables to your hitch are no more secure that cables to a fence, post or tree so plan accordingly.

[AngryScientist]

what kind of hitch rack do you have?

i just saw another forumites sweet rack that had a U (upside down) shaped bar that locked across the top tubes of the bikes securing them. very good design for security.

[vqdriver]

Kuat sherpa

Integrated cables look kinda weak tbh. So looking for something stronger for lunch breaks on the road and such.

[Megalodon]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSnS4ZkTGUY

There you go.

[KF9YR]

I have a 1UP rack and use a U lock through the safety chain hole on the hitch to secure the rack to the vehicle. I also bought 3 ABUS chain locks that I daisy chain together and weave through the bikes and bike rack.

You still couldn't leave your bikes overnight but the local tweaker with tin snips would have a hard time getting the bikes while you are getting a bite to eat.

[djg21]

I use one of these in my pickup. http://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-Python-Adjustable-8413-12/dp/B001R5VVTQ

No lock will prevent a thief intent on taking your bike who has proper tools. Any lock will deter an opportunist looking for a quick score. Use a cable and don't leave your car/bike unattended for more than a few minutes.

[Vinci]

I have a custom hidden hitch setup with a 1UP rack, but the concept applies to store-bought racks:

My rack locks to the car with a large locking hitch pin (hidden in photos).

My rack has an accommodation for a heavy high-strength bolt lock.

I then run a length of heavy-duty (3/8", grade 150) sleeved chain through the frame and wheels, which then fits into the lock.

If someone had enough time and a big grinder, they could get through enough of the materials to cut the bike free, but they would need tools and access that most thieves wouldn't have and prove difficult enough that they might move on to an easier target.

http://i.imgur.com/ktRB5JDl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/yX8pH5Ol.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/qHSgGDrl.jpg