Lightweight 3-Bike Platform Rack Recommendation for 2009 Honda CR-V

Updated 05/23/2018 | Published 05/22/2018

Question:

Im needing to transport 3 nice bikes on my 2009 honda crv. They are nice bikes, and so I would like to get a platform-style carrier such as the the Hr1400, so that the bikes dont bang together. Would this work if we got a 2-inch hitch. I think this would be within the 850-pound cargo limits of the car. The owners manual says that, if you are hauling a trailer, the tongue weight should be no more than 10 of the trailer weight, which maxes at 1500 lbs., so that max tongue weight would be 150 lbs. But I think thats for weight distribution of your trailer, so that the trailer doesnt cause the car to flip. It seems to me that, if you arent hauling a trailer, and just using a bike rack, it would be OK to have a larger tongue weight, which would end up being 170 pounds or so 75lb rack and 90 pounds of bikes. Am I thinking of this right? Thanks!

asked by: George S

Expert Reply:

If anything a non-supported load like a bike rack would be more stressful than the tongue weight of a trailer so you'd not be able to exceed the 150 lb tongue weight rating of your 2009 Honda CR-V with the weight of a bike rack.

You'll need to look into a lighter weight bike rack so that you can stay under the capacities.

The best option for that is the Kuat Transfer 3 part # KU24FR. This weighs 51 lbs, is a 3-bike rack, is a platform bike rack, and only touches the bikes at the tires so the finish or frame of your bike wouldn't get damaged. Check out the review video I attached for this rack for more info as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C