General Cycling Discussion - Hitch Mount Bike Rack Lock Questions

I have a Yakima 4 bike receiver hitch mount rack, and the first thing I did was remove the insert with the nut in it so that I could use a stainless MasterLock that I already had to secure the rack to the truck. Seemed logical to me - if the bikes are secured to the rack, and the rack is locked to the truck, they should be safe...

I did notice that this allowed the rack to rock back and forth a little, but I have noticed other similar racks doing the same thing, so I didn't worry about it.

Tonight a riding buddy told me that our LBS chewed him out for doing exactly the same thing (by chewed out, I mean that they told him that was a big mistake, in no unclear terms) They told him that the rocking back and forth was very bad for the bikes since it "jerked" them around. I can see that, I guess. His bike and mine are carbon frames, don't know if that matters.

I am new to biking, but I do have an expensive (to me) bike, so I am concerned about being sure it is secured.

What is the best way to secure the rack to the truck to prevent the rocking AND keep it from being taken off by someone that I don't want taking it?

-- Also, my rack does not have the built in lock to keep the bikes attached to the rack (it's like a $40 option) - is it worth the money compared to a Wal-Mart type chain or cable/lock? The only problem I see with the Wal-Mart version is how to fasten the cable to the rack - otherwise, you can take bike, cable, and all...

I had a Thule 4 rack. When I got the location of the ride, I discovered that I forgot the bike lock key. It took a minute of bending the cable back and forth before it broke at the tab. I use regular bike lock cables for that.

As far as the rocking goes. They make a stabilizer that attatches to the hitch receiver. I've considered shimming with a coke can shim in the 2 by 2 receiver, but never did that.

Nashbar sells this thing-
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0009S6SMC.01-A3NN9THRUBU1AW._SCMZZZZZZZ_.gif

Here is something that keeps your bikes from swaying, on the rack (as opposed to at the reciever)
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=5189&sku=14773&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=


I dont think that the rocking does that much, since just the movement of the car causes some shifting.

as far as security, I lock the bike to my car using a heavy straight bike cable. Loop it through the frame and padlock to a tow-ring under my rear bumper. I wouldnt trust a carbon bike to a wal-mart lock. Buy something worthy. Search the forums for some great lock advice.