1up quick rack question
07-01-25 | 05:55 PM
#1
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1up quick rack question
Hi everyone, forgive me if I’m putting this in the wrong place I just found this forum and thought it could be helpful.
I just got the 1up quick rack. I didn’t realize until installing it that the only thing keeping it locked into the hitch extender that I have on my car is an expanding ball mechanism. I don’t love that but it does feel sturdy despite people saying it wears overtime.
I locked everything in place and was about to test it out around the block and as soon as I went slowly over a driveway bump the whole bike shook back-and-forth… I will be trying again when it’s not raining but I was very uneasy about it and wanted to see what other people were experiencing.
It also comes with the safety loop strap, however there is no loop to thread this through as the instruction picture shows on the side of the receiver so I was very confused on how to even use that
I just got the 1up quick rack. I didn’t realize until installing it that the only thing keeping it locked into the hitch extender that I have on my car is an expanding ball mechanism. I don’t love that but it does feel sturdy despite people saying it wears overtime.
I locked everything in place and was about to test it out around the block and as soon as I went slowly over a driveway bump the whole bike shook back-and-forth… I will be trying again when it’s not raining but I was very uneasy about it and wanted to see what other people were experiencing.
It also comes with the safety loop strap, however there is no loop to thread this through as the instruction picture shows on the side of the receiver so I was very confused on how to even use that
07-01-25 | 08:02 PM
#2
With a mighty wind
Joined: May 2015
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Doesn’t it have a locking hitch pin? My heavy duty does.
Youve got to turn the bolt to expand the thing and rattle it then turn more then lift it and turn more. Takes 30 seconds but you’ve got to make sure you’ve got the play out.
Check if there is a spot for a 1/4” hitch pin
Youve got to turn the bolt to expand the thing and rattle it then turn more then lift it and turn more. Takes 30 seconds but you’ve got to make sure you’ve got the play out.
Check if there is a spot for a 1/4” hitch pin
07-01-25 | 08:38 PM
#3
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I have the hitch extender locked into my car with the locking into hitch pin. The actual rack goes into the extender and I have to expand the ball by turning a screw for it to hold in the hitch.
when I go to install it again I will definitely try that! It felt pretty secure when I just locked it in and expanded it the first time.
I think the wobbling is coming from the hitch extender and the hitch pin. I have the correct sizes for both but it seems to still wiggle just a tiny bit which might be where my concern is now that I’m thinking about it.
when I go to install it again I will definitely try that! It felt pretty secure when I just locked it in and expanded it the first time.
I think the wobbling is coming from the hitch extender and the hitch pin. I have the correct sizes for both but it seems to still wiggle just a tiny bit which might be where my concern is now that I’m thinking about it.
Doesn’t it have a locking hitch pin? My heavy duty does.
Youve got to turn the bolt to expand the thing and rattle it then turn more then lift it and turn more. Takes 30 seconds but you’ve got to make sure you’ve got the play out.
Check if there is a spot for a 1/4” hitch pin
Youve got to turn the bolt to expand the thing and rattle it then turn more then lift it and turn more. Takes 30 seconds but you’ve got to make sure you’ve got the play out.
Check if there is a spot for a 1/4” hitch pin
07-01-25 | 08:42 PM
#4
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The 1-Up rack does have some wobble. That’s typical.
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07-01-25 | 08:48 PM
#5
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I’m trying to figure out if it’s more wobble on my hitch extender and needing to secure that a little bit more or if it’s truly the rack. I did read that it is known for some wobble but being that it’s not really cheap I’m trying to figure out if I should just return it and go for something different
07-01-25 | 09:19 PM
#6
With a mighty wind
Joined: May 2015
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Ok, that clarifies it.
A hitch extension is going to rattle like crazy unless you use something to secure it.
Most auto parts stores, harbor freight, and Amazon all have anti rattle devices for the hitch. It’s basically a u bolt with a metal plate that you tighten down really tight. It works but means you can’t quickly or easily remove the extension without tools. They’re cheap.
Otherwise, you can use it without the extension but only be able to raise the rack to 45 degrees instead of 90 when you aren’t carrying bikes. That’s what I do on my Subaru. On my Highlander, it’s no problem to go 90 degrees. It depends on the vehicle and type of hitch.
Personally, I prefer it being a little closer to the car. Lever arms and fulcrums and all that jazz.
A hitch extension is going to rattle like crazy unless you use something to secure it.
Most auto parts stores, harbor freight, and Amazon all have anti rattle devices for the hitch. It’s basically a u bolt with a metal plate that you tighten down really tight. It works but means you can’t quickly or easily remove the extension without tools. They’re cheap.
Otherwise, you can use it without the extension but only be able to raise the rack to 45 degrees instead of 90 when you aren’t carrying bikes. That’s what I do on my Subaru. On my Highlander, it’s no problem to go 90 degrees. It depends on the vehicle and type of hitch.
Personally, I prefer it being a little closer to the car. Lever arms and fulcrums and all that jazz.
07-01-25 | 09:32 PM
#7
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Thank you for that confirmation lol! I just ordered that anti rattle device. I have a Wrangler so the extra tire is the reason I need the extender. If the rack had about half an inch more to it it would have fit with out the extender but unfortunately it rubs up against the tire if I don’t use it.
Ok, that clarifies it.
A hitch extension is going to rattle like crazy unless you use something to secure it.
Most auto parts stores, harbor freight, and Amazon all have anti rattle devices for the hitch. It’s basically a u bolt with a metal plate that you tighten down really tight. It works but means you can’t quickly or easily remove the extension without tools. They’re cheap.
Otherwise, you can use it without the extension but only be able to raise the rack to 45 degrees instead of 90 when you aren’t carrying bikes. That’s what I do on my Subaru. On my Highlander, it’s no problem to go 90 degrees. It depends on the vehicle and type of hitch.
Personally, I prefer it being a little closer to the car. Lever arms and fulcrums and all that jazz.
A hitch extension is going to rattle like crazy unless you use something to secure it.
Most auto parts stores, harbor freight, and Amazon all have anti rattle devices for the hitch. It’s basically a u bolt with a metal plate that you tighten down really tight. It works but means you can’t quickly or easily remove the extension without tools. They’re cheap.
Otherwise, you can use it without the extension but only be able to raise the rack to 45 degrees instead of 90 when you aren’t carrying bikes. That’s what I do on my Subaru. On my Highlander, it’s no problem to go 90 degrees. It depends on the vehicle and type of hitch.
Personally, I prefer it being a little closer to the car. Lever arms and fulcrums and all that jazz.
07-02-25 | 07:17 AM
#8
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It will rock and rattle a bit especially on an extender. A loop of cord through the safety hooks of your hitch is a good idea, but mine hasn't fallen off with 8 years of use so far. It drags a bit going in and out of parking lots behind my low cars. I worried about it for the first year, but not so much any more.
07-02-25 | 09:01 AM
#9
With a mighty wind
Joined: May 2015
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When I was 21 I randomly got a job at a trailer sales place.
The amount of carnage I saw from issues with hitches and towing and racks and things like that was pretty crazy. 25 years later I’m still nervous about stuff like that.
If the rack doesn’t have a hole to add a hitch pin, I’d find another way to secure it if the tightening bolt loosened. Whether that means a cable lock or short tie down or something. Not so much for theft prevention but to keep the whole thing on your car if it loosened.
Between the 1up and the KUAT before it, nothing has ever come loose for me. I do love the extra security of a hitch pin though.
Final thought, the 1up locking hitch pin is 1/4”. It would be really easy to snap. A hammer or piece of pipe as a lever would have it off in seconds. The 8mm security Allen is not proprietary, anyone can get it. It’s not a very theft proof setup. I don’t have a better way that preserves my ability in switch between my vehicles in 2 minutes though. If quick release is not a priority, replace the pin with a 1/4” bolt. Not foolproof but requires more time and tools.
The amount of carnage I saw from issues with hitches and towing and racks and things like that was pretty crazy. 25 years later I’m still nervous about stuff like that.
If the rack doesn’t have a hole to add a hitch pin, I’d find another way to secure it if the tightening bolt loosened. Whether that means a cable lock or short tie down or something. Not so much for theft prevention but to keep the whole thing on your car if it loosened.
Between the 1up and the KUAT before it, nothing has ever come loose for me. I do love the extra security of a hitch pin though.
Final thought, the 1up locking hitch pin is 1/4”. It would be really easy to snap. A hammer or piece of pipe as a lever would have it off in seconds. The 8mm security Allen is not proprietary, anyone can get it. It’s not a very theft proof setup. I don’t have a better way that preserves my ability in switch between my vehicles in 2 minutes though. If quick release is not a priority, replace the pin with a 1/4” bolt. Not foolproof but requires more time and tools.
07-02-25 | 10:10 AM
#10
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From: Tejas
Former Wrangler and Bronco driver here with about 8 years of driving with a hitch rack on them. What you need are these:
Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock for Kuat Transfer Bike Racks - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches Kuat Trailer Hitch Lock HLT
Kuat Hi-Lo Hitch Extender - 2" Hitches - 7" or 10" Extension - 2-1/8" Rise/Drop Kuat Accessories and Parts HL20B
The threaded bolt with lock is used to attach the extender to the trailer hitch. Then connect the extender to the rack with a locking pin, and tighten up the expander. Should be rock solid.
Just leave the extender on the truck when no in use. I just took the rack off. If you do that, watch your shins when accessing the cargo area.
Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock for Kuat Transfer Bike Racks - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches Kuat Trailer Hitch Lock HLT
Kuat Hi-Lo Hitch Extender - 2" Hitches - 7" or 10" Extension - 2-1/8" Rise/Drop Kuat Accessories and Parts HL20B
The threaded bolt with lock is used to attach the extender to the trailer hitch. Then connect the extender to the rack with a locking pin, and tighten up the expander. Should be rock solid.
Just leave the extender on the truck when no in use. I just took the rack off. If you do that, watch your shins when accessing the cargo area.
