this is my third hitch rack purchased in 3wks - trying to find the perfect fit. I think i've found my match. I'll update with pics, and after i've ridden with the bike on it. But i HAD to say something NOW. UPFRONT - if your rack is wobbling in your hitch, its more than likely because you have not taken the time to really read the instructions on how to tighten it. I've seen reviews where people say the key spins and spins, as does the hand grip. or they've videotaped the hitch and them wiggling it back and forth and up and down. i too thought something was wrong. i inserted the bar ( and thought) i turned the key, and then attempted to "tighten" the knob... severe wobble!! I was ready to send it back! i watched others' reviews who's rack didnt wobble, and knew i had to be doing something wrong. so i watched 3 YOUTUBE videos, which still werent 100% clear in my head. but then i re-read the instructions. went back outside, stuck the key in, turned it counter clockwise, took the key out - and "voila" - turning the knob CLOCKWISE, i felt the bar/hitch tighten up- now NO MORE WOBBLE. i mean ZERO!!!. OTHER reasons i think 'this is THE ONE for me; 1. because the arms fold down out the way, i can pull into my garage-remove my bike, pull down the arms, and shut the garage door! - i dont have to remove the whole rack, nor do i have to worry my garage door will hit the arms. my garage is small so i still have to SQUEEZE around front, or STEP OVER the rack if i want to go to the other side of the garage- but this is still much easier than removing the rack each time! OR having to open the garage door to go to the other side 2. the locking mechanism makes me confident that no one can easily steal the rack. and though it does not have an integrated locking system that includes the ability to simultaneously lock the bike - there are 4 'holes' on the rack which a bike chain/lock can easily pass through - OR you can use the holes in your hitch to lock down your bike. 3. i love that i can -with one finger- lift the latch that disengages the vertical bar and lets the rack angle away from the SUV so i can open the rear hatch EVEN WITH THE BIKE on it. i really didnt think i'd need it -but duh. its a MAJOR convenience to be able to open it -especially since my rear window doesnt pop up like my older model Pathfinder. i can also get larger items out the back (groceries - golf clubs). 4. i have a step-through "ladies" bike. As per the ALLEN video, i was able to easily lift and mount my bike to fit one arm below the seat, and the other arm between the two parallel bike bars that angle down to a V. i thought the rack arms might pinch the gear cable - but it doesnt. I STILL purchased a bar-adapter, but will see if this works before i return it. pics and videos will come later. BTW, i'm a 55yo, 5' 1.5" , non-athletic build female. i was able to put the two pieces together with NO PROBLEM. the instructions say 3/8" socket/wrench - but its really 9/16". and if you watch the Allen Youtube video - the lady says use a 9/16. Its awkward to carry, and weighs maybe ?20#s. ALSO - i DID struggle a bit sticking the horizontal bar into my hitch. had to balance it 'just right' and push and wiggle to finally get it in. REALLY was a SNUG fit. IN HINDSIGHT, i suppose i may have turned the knob 'too much' prior TO putting it into the hitch, thus pre-'expanding it'. (I dont know for sure, but that theory sounds right - either way. i struggled a bit, but finally got it in. So that, so far, seems to be the only con-which is likely due to user error. IMO - having tried 3 in 3 weeks, i think ALL racks that use ANY sort of "pin" or "spring" mechanism, will give weigh to 'some wobble'. Thus, since there must be a spring, or pin/latch, to allow EASE of angling the bike/rack away from the rear for ease of access- you have to accept that if its not a BOLT AND NUT tightening metal to metal - YOU WILL GET SOME movement. thats just plain common sense. But i'll accept that trade off, with the ability to lean the bike back and away. with the OTHER models - that use a pin/latch, i suppose you can exchange it for a bolt, and tighten it down while traveling long distance - and forego access to the rear. and when you get where you are going, swap out your bolt with the pin. BUT thats unnecessary work - since theyve obviously designed it to be secure, even with a bit of space/wobble. however, with THIS model - the quick release - there is no pin/latch. its spring loaded so there is 'nothing that can be removed and replaced'. so you dont have a choice. I'll ride around for a week - take it on the highway, and then report back.
