Recommended Bike Rack for a 2011 Honda CR-V With Factory Roof Rack and Factory Rear Spoiler

Question:

I would like to use a trunk mount and not have to purchase a hitch. Will any of your mounts work with the roof spoiler? I would like a three bike model....Thanks 2011 Honda CR-V with factory roof rack and rear roof spoiler

asked by: Palmer D

Expert Reply:

It looks like a trailer hitch and hitch mounted bike rack are going to be the best way for you to carry three bikes on your 2011 Honda CR-V.

I would not recommend using a trunk mounted bike rack because it could damage your spoiler. The top hooks of trunk mounted bike racks must secure to the top edge of the door which means they would have to go over your spoiler. Vehicle spoilers are not meant to handle a load of any kind and with the weight of the bike rack and bikes it could bend or break.

You could look into roof mounted bike racks, like the Thule UpRide, # TH599000, for your roof rack, but you will want to make sure that your roof can support the weight of your three bikes and it can be difficult to mount multiple bikes on the roof of a vehicle.

For your vehicle, I recommend getting the Draw-Tite Class III Trailer Hitch, # 75547, because it offers the highest tongue weight capacity. We have had a chance to install this hitch on a 2011 CR-V so I attached the installation video and installation instructions for you to check out.

We have a wide variety of bike racks that will work with this hitch as well. I have attached a link to all of the bike racks that we carry that will work with this hitch.

The bike rack that I recommend taking a look at is the Swagman Trailhead 3 Bike Rack, # S63365. This bike rack has many useful features such as anti-sway cradles to reduce movement of bikes on the rack and a tilting design that will allow you to access the rear cargo area of your vehicle without having to remove the bike rack each time like a trunk mounted bike rack.