Best Way To Carry 4 Bikes On A 2014 Honda Accord

Published 05/08/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(331)

$179.94

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(660)

$15.04

Kuat Beta Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Tilting

(292)

$349.00

Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1150)

$532.16

Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1595)

$158.95

Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount

(961)

$199.95

Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(347)

$49.90

Question:

If I want to go for a Bike Hitch Mount instead of a platform, what are a couple options you'd suggest? I own the Hollywood 4 bike rack for my wife's car and not sure what really makes the best economical sense for my car (excluding a trunk mount).

asked by: Michael S

Helpful Expert Reply:

One of the best trailer hitch options available for your 2014 Honda Accord is our Curt Class I Round Tube Receiver Hitch part # C11681. This product features a sturdy steel square tubing design and has a maximum tongue weight rating of 200 lbs. It will fit both the coupe and sedan models with no drilling required. You may also want to consider the stabilizer strap part # 18050 to ensure a smooth ride.

Although the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider part # HR1400Z is a great bike rack, a Class I receiver hitch only allows for a maximum of two bikes to be hauled from the rear of the vehicle per the bike rack and trailer hitch manufacturer warranty. (The only available hitch options for a 2014 Honda Accord are Class I) Also, using a hitch adapter reduces your hitch tongue weight capacity by 50%. Once you take into consideration the 88 lbs of the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider and the 50% decrease in tongue weight from the 2 inch -1 1/4 inch hitch adapter, you are only left with a maximum of 12 lbs to carry two bikes. If the total weight of your two bikes is under 12 lbs then this option will work for you however, if they exceed this limit you will want to consider purchasing a class I hitch mounted bike rack. I recommend the Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Trailer Hitches part # S64670.

Another option to consider would entail the use of a trunk mounted bike rack. This choice will prove to be far more cost effective than the previous described option. I suggest the Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier part # TH911XT which will allow you to carry a total of 3 bikes with the ability to fold down when not in use. In addition to this bike rack you may want to consider the Thule Bike Adapter Bar part # TH982XT to allow for the safe and level transport of womens and childrens bikes.

I have also included an installation video of our Curt Class I Round Tube Receiver Hitch part # C11681 a video review of the Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Trailer Hitches part # S64670 and the Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier part # TH911XT for your viewing.

expert reply by: Conner L

Michael S.

5/8/2017

Conner L.

5/8/2017

Since you only have Class I trailer hitches available for your Accord, capable of carrying a maximum of two bikes, I recommend the Kuat Beta Aluminum Rack part # B202-114. This folding bike rack also allows for rear hatch access in addition to a lightweight aluminum design, only 12.6 lbs. It has an integrated short width arm structure that may eliminate the need for an adapter bar to secure women's and children's bikes.