[Cometgrl]

I have a 2020 x3 with a factory installed hitch. We tried to put our bike rack on last night and the hole for the bolt is too close to the back plastic for us to use the wrench (no clue what it’s actually called) to tighten it. Has anyone else had this problem?

[sinbad4]

Search for 2" trailer extension at Amazon. Many options.

[KevinAC]

I had this same problem on a Toyota Venza; had to use a socket wrench. Turned out to be a lot easier.

[Cometgrl]

Originally Posted by sinbad4

Search for 2" trailer extension at Amazon. Many options.

To secure the extension we would still need to tighten a bolt through the same hole.

[Cometgrl]

Originally Posted by KevinAC

I had this same problem on a Toyota Venza; had to use a socket wrench. Turned out to be a lot easier.

I think we do use a socket wrench. Maybe we just need to find a smaller one. What were you trying to use before?

[Tronner]

Are you saying that when you push the rack into the receiver the rack itself hits or gets too close to the bumper by the time the hole lines up? IF so, I have a Rocky Mounts rack, and I am able to easily put a bolt through and secure it with a socket or open end wrench. I think the issue is with the length of the metal piece that inserts into the hitch on your rack. If you get an extension you should easily be able to secure that first with a bolt, then your rack will be farther away from the vehicle and should work fine.

[383vett]

A picture will help

[Cometgrl]

Added picture above. It’s hard to see but the wrench is as far back as it goes but the hole is still slightly closer to car. The bike rack doesn’t hit. It’s the hole on the car is too close to the plastic. Maybe we just need a smaller wrench?

[sinbad4]

Mostly I have used pins with a hole and a clip. Try using wrench or a drive extension with your socket.

[corn18]

Drive extension with a knuckle will take care of that. Or just use two box end wrenches. Or an adjustable wrench and a box end wrench. Or a vice grips and an adjustable wrench. Or an adjustable wrench and a pair of channel locks. Or.... Lord, if that little bitty problem stoped a mechanic, we'd never get anything done.

[383vett]

Originally Posted by sinbad4

Mostly I have used pins with a hole and a clip. Try using wrench or a drive extension with your socket.

I agree. I have never used a bolt to hold a trailer receiver. Just a pin will work. If you want to tighten a bolt, use a box wrench.

[Cometgrl]

Thanks for the input!

[sinbad4]

You might try a locking pin, if you're concerned about security: https://www.amazon.com/CZC-AUTO-Trai...A0P8KEA8C5KQ4H

[MikeG12]

Bike racks don't use a pin, it would rattle and move around too much. They use a bolt so that the connection is tight with no play.

[EVTee]

Yeap, the clearance is too tight. My yakima bike rack came with a thin wrench but it's oddly shaped and barely clears the plastic piece.

One of these will probably work better.

[blschaefer1]

Originally Posted by MikeG12

Bike racks don't use a pin, it would rattle and move around too much. They use a bolt so that the connection is tight with no play.

I have a Kuat rack and it does use a pin. It has a sleeve with a cam attached to a knob that expands inside the hitch receiver to prevent rattling. Very nice design.

[TX3M]

Yes, it's tight in that spot. Looks like you're trying to use a 1/2" ratchet. A 3/8" ratchet fits in there without scratching the plastic. The circumference of the 3/8" ratchet and the socket are smaller. That's what I use.

[Cometgrl]

Yes we use a locking bolt for security and it gets very tight so there is no movement. We’ve used an extender in the past and it was horrible. We will try some of the other wrench suggestions. I got the hitch specifically so I don’t need to drive the Jeep every time I want the bikes so I want it to work!