Fitting Thule bike rack on tow-bar - Pls HELP!

[crawlingkiwi]

As the proud owners of a Bongo for all of 2 days ... we are currently pulling our hair out trying to fit a Thule bike rack on our tow-bar, so that we can take a back box. No matter what we do and what we tighten, we can not seem to get the rack completely level, nor anywhere near tight enough. Even with some weight on it, I can relatively easily twist the rack.
We're meant to be heading off to Wales in the morning, but without a back box we are a bit up the creek without the paddle...

If anyone can give some advice as to what the hell we are doing wrong, I'd be more than grateful. I opted for the tow bar rack because we frequently carry bikes and flatwater canoes (the very long thin ones) and the other racks hold to bikes too high to also carry canoes. Now I just don't know what to do

Thanks, Kathryn

[Quicksilver]

Thule RideOn 9403

Don`t know if this helps but if its the same aticulated rack I have there is a knack to getting the purchase on the tow ball just tight enough and this is relatively easy.
There are 2 U clamps which compress around the ball head and need to be adjusted to provide the correct pressure against it even though its a standard size ball head.
The 2 clamps which "bite" the ball head are on a floating spring loaded bolt/ shaft and are adjustable by turning the nut holding them in place.
Simply tighten this bit by bit up to a point where by it is difficult to apply the locking lever and you should find the whole unit is very secure and stable.
Enjoy Wales!

[Doughbouy]

I have a 3 bike thule,
make sure the clamp is open enough to drop
right down on the ball, then tighten bolt slowly
with spanner supplied as you do this the rack
should level itself. They are very strong & when
fitted correctly you should be able to jump up &
down on it ( i'm a big chap)

Ian.

[crawlingkiwi]

Thanks for the advice - rack now in place tightly and somewhat later than anticipated, we'll be heading for Snowdonia.
Happy bongo-related smile is now back in place after last night's debacle.
Kathryn