( 4 reviews )
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Posted: Nov 26 2008
First off, if you have a Thule hitch mounted rack, this is pretty much what you have to buy if you want a locking hitch pin. This is because the rack is threaded so that you cannot use any other type of locking pin. The Pros: It does lock. It is threaded like the rack so it reduces vibration. The Cons: It costs twice what similar items cost. The key has to be used to lock the end onto the pin - my previous lock actually snapped right on and you needed the key to remove it. There's a lot of exposed pin between the hitch receiver and the lock. Not sure why they would find this necessary since it's going on a maximum 2 1/2 inch wide receiver. This gives a thief a small, exposed bolt to cut through. My previous lock (made for Sportworks T2) was almost flush against the receiver, making it very difficult to remove without the key. I had to "upgrade" my lock when I replaced my Sportworks T2 with the Thule T2 after someone backed into my car. Thule bought the Sportworks design and made a number of changes, all for the worse as far as I can tell. One of these changes was to make sure you have to buy their accessories such as locks, meaning I not only had to replace the rack, I had to replace the lock as well. This is basically a small bolt with threads at one end, and a simple lock that goes on the other. Similar items can be found for under $20 just about anywhere. It is apparently a very expensive process to press that THULE logo into the plastic cap. So basically, if you have a Thule rack and want to lock it on, this is your choice. It works but could certainly be better and less expensive.
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Posted: Sep 10 2008
Like most people, I purchased this lock without hesitation. After spending several hundred on a rack you don't want some thief with a wrench to walk off with it. That said, this, like all thule lock products doesn't strike me as being that secure. My feeling is that a thief with a standard toolbox of tools would have the lock off in a matter of seconds. It is a deterrent though, and one of the only things available. For some reason, I sometimes have trouble getting it to thread in. I'm using a draw-tite 2" receiver and with both washers in place the threads don't seem long enough. Other times, it threads in fine. I'm not sure what the problem is, but it's a little disconcerting to have several thousand dollars worth of bikes held in place by only a few bolt threads.
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Posted: Aug 28 2008
I bought this pin along with my Thule Roadway rack. I used the regular bolt that came with the rack while this pin was on the way. Either one will work fine to keep the rack mounted. It is just that this pin has some anti-theft with the key'ed cylinder and would keep the pin in place if the threads ever loosened. I suggest using anti-seize on the threads and shooting some lubrication into the lock cylinder area. Although I feel that $40 is a bit steep.
