Recommendation for Transporting Bikes with Shallow Hitch Pin Hole Measurement on 2017 Honda CR-V

Updated 02/06/2018 | Published 02/05/2018

Products Featured in This Question

CR Brophy Hitch Extender for 1-1/4" Hitch Receivers - 5-3/4" Long

(112)

$83.33

Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(254)

$167.85

Question:

Honda dealer installed a trailer hitch on my 2017 CR-V last year with a 1.25inch receiver, but the distance from the end of the receiver to the center of the pin hole is only 1. I want to put a platform bike rack on the vehicle, but most manufacturers recommend a minimum distance of 1 3/8inch or more to the center of the pin hole. Max tongue weight is 150 lbs with max towing weight of 1750 pounds. No need to tow anything with the hitch. The Brophy 6inch extender HES6 seems like it would eliminate the pin hole/distance problem. However, the two bikes weigh a total of 70 pounds and the platform rack would be about 25-30 pounds. Would I be pushing safety limit for using the extender? Would hate to have to replace the installed hitch with a new one to overcome what I think is a Honda hitch design flaw. Is there something else I might try? Any info or insight you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

asked by: Chris D

Expert Reply:

Using a hitch extender like the Brophy # HES6 that you referenced will resolve the shallow hitch pin issue you have on your Honda CR-V's trailer hitch. The issue though, is that the use of this or any other similar adapter will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50%. This means the 150 pound tongue weight capacity you mentioned will be reduced to 75 pounds, which will not be sufficient for the combined weight of your bikes and bike rack.

I first recommend verifying the capacity on your trailer hitch, as the hitches we have available for your model CR-V feature much larger tongue weight limits. I also recommend taking another measurement from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outer edge of the receiver, as there really is not a bike rack that will work with the 1 inch span that you measured.

If this distance on your hitch is truly just 1 inch, your best option might be to simply replace the hitch with an aftermarket model like the Draw-Tite # 36597. This Class III hitch is confirmed to fit your 2017 CR-V and will use existing holes in the vehicle's frame for a no-drill installation. It will not have the same hitch pin hole issue as your existing unit, and it features a higher tongue weight capacity of 350 pounds.

I have attached an installation video on your vehicle that you can use for reference if you decide to go this route.

expert reply by: Chris R