Yakima FlipSide 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (1.25 and 2-Inch Receiver) Review

Installed on my Ford F150. I had one question with the instructions and called the customer service number and got put right through. From there installation was easy. Took me less than 10 minutes. I have had hitch racks before. This one is by far the most solid. The locking pin once tightened made it feel like it was part of the bumper. I didn't have any trouble with the locking cable sliding back in. And it rides nice. It is a very heavy rack, so on a lighter weight vehicle that could be a problem. I would absolutely recommend this rack to others.
This is one awesome bike rack when properly installed. Proper installation isn't hard either as the directions are very clear and straightforward. I read many reviews almost any review I could find as I wanted to be certain that I was getting my money's worth...I mean $400 bucks for a bike rack is a lot for a school teacher...but luckily through much research I decided to purchase the Yakama flipside...and didn't pay $400 either, more like $269 with shipping included from Amazon.

This was only my second Amazon purchase but when compared to the 359.00 plus tax and installation at the bike shop...it was a choice made easy really quickly.

First of all the rack arrived a day early even though it was ordered over memorial day weekend. When unpacked the rack was double boxed and in perfect condition.

It's quite obvious from unpacking the piece that you have a quality item in front of you. Installation is very minimal and you should not waste money paying for it I promise. I did notice that when I read the directions carefully (and watched the video on youtube) that the bushing was installed improperly but was tagged to see the instructions and make sure it was installed properly. The little green tag said it was in right but the instructions said it was wrong...Being a school teacher, I went with the instructions.:-)

This might seem minor but its not. The proper rotation and alignment of the arm is maintained by this bushing, and there is adhesive in the bolt hole that makes it difficult and a bad idea to have to remove after having installed it.

So now you have the mast installed to the hitch, all you have to do is run the hitch into the receiver and screw in the threaded bolt, then apply the included lock.(There is no need for the cotter pin when using the lock, and you cant use them both; the same grove the pin slides into is the grove the lock holds onto.)

Now when threading the bolt I suggest you use a ratchet to get it really tight and to insure you don't strip the threads on the bolt or the receiver. Also make sure that you have installed the lock washer then the larger black washer. This is crucial to that rock solid attachment.) When it starts to get tight lift up on the hitch a little as it will rock back and fourth slightly. As you tighten the bolt, you will feel it lock into place. I'm a big guy so I put a little shoulder into it and it went right into place and is rock solid.

After that throw on the lock and pull the dust cover over the lock, which I also had no problem with...its soft rubber just tug on it.

The thing is solid as a rock and it tucks behind my vehicle nicely. Do note this is a full sized rack best applied to a full size vehicle. As for my Chevy Avalanche, I don't even know it's back there...we'll see how that goes...which may be the only set back for me. LOL



When the rack is installed it will disengage auto-alert backing systems...at least OnStar. Which should not be a problem as long as you look where you are backing.

I try not to depend on it too heavily to keep from hitting stuff but it has come in real handy in tight parking spaces....

Did I mention this thing DOES NOT WOBBLE at all !!!

Very happy Customers

Michael and LaTiefa H.
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