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So we recently got a tow bar fitted and a Thule 9503 Rack. While riding at trail centres we want to leave the rack attached rather than removing it and putting it in the car. To lock it to the car i'm thinking a chain going round the tow bar behind the bumper and round the rack.
Is this the best way or are there any other options? What does everyone else do?
Thule do an accessory that allows you to lock the RideOn onto the towball.
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[url= http://www.madison.co.uk/products/cycling/transport-storage-car-racks/accessories-spares/957-rideon-tow-ball-mount-lock/ ]
Got to be worth a punt at £15.99 [/url]
I didn't even know that existed! Though looking at the reviews it doesn't look very secure.
Lock should be fine - the scrotes are unlikely to go after an empty bike rack that's locked to the car.
Maybe try a rack guard - these are kayak protectors, long piece of cable with a loop one end and a toggle one end. You wrap it round the rack or bikes and chuck the toggle end in the car and close the door. Job done.
I doubt it'll deter a determined scrote with the appropriate tools but it'll stop the opportunists, which is what I imagine it's designed for.
Personally I always remove the rack. A fancy lock may stop someone stealing the entire rack, however I do know someone who got back to his car to find some scrotes had nicked all 9 of his securing straps !
I remove mine also ... nothing worse than coming back to your car to find it gone, the rack folds done easy enough so it just goes into the boot.
This is what Towing eyes are for...
Maybe try a rack guard - these are kayak protectors, long piece of cable with a loop one end and a toggle one end. You wrap it round the rack or bikes and chuck the toggle end in the car and close the door. Job done.
My car was broken into by them forcing the door frame over from the top. Dunno how the glass didn't smash, but it was plenty big enough gap for them to reach in and steal nothing from the glove box (nowt in it!). Anyway, not sure giving them a cable to yank on would deter them. They're not gonna care about damaging your car.
I also throw my rack in the boot.
Sounds like putting in the car is the safest option. I wonder if its possible to make a spanner that I can lock in a fixed position over the bolt that holds the rack on. Im thinking a thick steel bar or ratchet spanner to lock in place.