Hitch rack impact
06-01-23, 08:35 PM
#1
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Hitch rack impact
So I’m sitting in traffic and my car bucks forward because of a bump at the rear. A big delivery truck rolled forward into my new 2” hitch receiver mounted KAC C2 rack. It was folded up/closed with no bikes when it was impacted at the rounded steel plates that hold it in its up, down, and tilted positions. There is no visible damage except that the impact pushed the upright section of 2“ square 90 degree bent steel a few degrees past 90. Seems like it will still work just fine, but bikes will be leaning just a little towards the car. I got this thing cheap and I’m debating whether to just use it as is, or try to bend it back to 90, or see about replacement parts. Thoughts?
06-01-23, 08:44 PM
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RATS!
But the bikes tilted a little towards the car may not be a bad thing...
But the bikes tilted a little towards the car may not be a bad thing...
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06-01-23, 09:15 PM
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Delivery truck driver or his/her employer owes you a new bike rack.
06-01-23, 09:21 PM
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06-01-23, 09:25 PM
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The rack is a brand I have never heard of but I would say any rack is first and foremost a safety device. Yes it holds bike and that is probably why you bought it but if that rack fails someone could have pretty horrible consequences for someone behind you.
Being damaged and a cheap brand (from your words) I wouldn't trust it but being a safety device I might be cautious of it before damage. Yakima, Küat, Thule, 1UP are all good known quantities and well trusted I would go for their stuff. Obviously a crash is a crash and I would be cautious after a crash with any rack but all those brands I can easily get in touch with and get support for them as needed.
Being damaged and a cheap brand (from your words) I wouldn't trust it but being a safety device I might be cautious of it before damage. Yakima, Küat, Thule, 1UP are all good known quantities and well trusted I would go for their stuff. Obviously a crash is a crash and I would be cautious after a crash with any rack but all those brands I can easily get in touch with and get support for them as needed.
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06-02-23, 07:09 AM
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Start with the premise that the truck driver (and his insurance) owe you a new rack. But before you accept the settlement, take your car to a dealer or a good mechanic to make sure there's no damage to the car's frame -- and add that inspection cost to the bill.
06-02-23, 08:46 AM
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my 2 cents, use as-is
I got rear ended & my rack smacked into my rear hatch & required all kinds of work. eventually bought a new rack. but the hitch seemed fine
https://www.bikeforums.net/general-c...-whaaaa-2.html
I got rear ended & my rack smacked into my rear hatch & required all kinds of work. eventually bought a new rack. but the hitch seemed fine
https://www.bikeforums.net/general-c...-whaaaa-2.html
06-03-23, 05:11 AM
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I was in a similar situation once after being rear ended and having a steel hitch rack slightly bent. I continued to use the rack, but often inspected the bent area VERY closely for any signs of cracking, further bending, or corrosion from the damaged powder coat in that spot. I’m familiar enough with metal working to feel comfortable assessing the safety of something like this, but if you aren’t then I strongly suggest replacing the rack, as this is something you really shouldn’t be too risky with. Remember it’s not just your bikes at stake if the rack fails, but potentially other people’s safety.
Like others have pointed out, are you getting reimbursed from the driver or their insurance? If so I’d replace the rack and call it done.
Like others have pointed out, are you getting reimbursed from the driver or their insurance? If so I’d replace the rack and call it done.
