I have a brand new one of these which I got last year just after a crash that has kept me off the bike. Was having a play with it there and noticed than when it’s on the towbar and all clamped up correctly it’s great and solid, and I can stand on it etc, but, it is possible to pull it up a bit, i.e. rotate it upwards on the towball. Not something that will happen in use unless I’m doing some major off roading Dukes of Hazzard style driving, but I thought a bit odd nonetheless. Anyone else noticed this with this rack ? I’m guessing it’s the same fitting and mechanism as other Atera towbar racks too.
I've the standard one and never noticed this. The locking position of the handle has changed over time though - now almost all the way down before it is solid. I put this down to a change of tow ball and vehicle though.
I seem to remember the instruction say don't grease your (tow) balls.
^^^ thanks, It's a brand new towball as have changed cars so that may be part of it
I've got that exact rack.
Not noticed any upwards play.
Then again I've not tried lifting it up so not much help to you.
Thanks, not really sure why I tried to lift it 😜. Anyway, it seems solid when attached and clamped, so all good !
I think you'll be fine.
Ours has had 2 Kenevos on it enough times and been problem free the same as the previous Atera rack we had for about 5 years. 😎
@Marko ... the difference in locking position is likely due to spring wear from "overtightening". I'm getting to the end of the life on my second Atera Strada rack for that reason. You'll find that the clamp won't keep tight on the ball soon.
You can buy a wee shim that you put inside the clamp that extends its life for a wee while longer.
Roof box reckon this is due to me horsing the clamp down but ... I just think it is a flaw in the design. I can't complain though, I've got over 5 years of reasonably heavy use out of each rack.
Thinking of going for a Yakima rack next time. Heavier but less chance of the same issue happening again from what I can see.
Mine is brand new and the locking handle goes nearly flat to secure it...
Should I be going back to Roofbox about it ?
Back to Roofbox? Not sure, but no harm in asking.
When mine was brand new I struggled to get the handle to move at all. Over time it adopted a 45 degree position and never really moved until a change of vehicle. I suspect it only needs a minor difference in the diameter of the ball to radically effect the position of the handle.
Thanks, have mailed them. Those Yakima one click ones look better though !