Can Rear Hatch on 2014 Honda CR-V Be Opened with Saris Bones Bike Rack Attached

Published 10/18/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Saris Bones 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms

(312)

$199.99

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(862)

$153.63

Hatch Huggers for Saris Trunk Mount Bike Racks

(32)

$24.99

Kuat Ubar Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(131)

$49.00

Question:

I have a 2014 Honda CR-V without a hitch. I do see that some people mention Saris Wheel Stabililzer Straps or Saris Hatch Huggers. For my vehicle - is any other straps or accessories necessary for a good fit and experience with this product?

asked by: Cece

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Saris Bones 2 Bike Carrier # SA805BL that you referenced is a really nice carrier that's confirmed to fit your 2014 Honda CR-V, however even with the bikes unloaded you won't be able to open the rear hatch without completely removing the rack. This is because the upper straps are going to clip around the top seam where the roof meets the hatch, and opening the rear will cause this connection to loosen up and reduce the tension on the carrier, likely causing it to move around and possibly fall off during this action.

This is going to be the case with any traditional trunk rack on your CR-V and unfortunately is just one of the drawbacks of this style of carrier.

The Saris Bones carrier does feature soft (but durable) rubber mounting feet that are specifically designed to help prevent any scratches on the vehicle surface. Before installation you might just want to give the mounting surfaces a quick wipe down to make sure there isn't any debris that could get caught between the feet and vehicle.

I have personally installed this particular rack and it's a really simple process. The rack itself only weighs about 10 pounds so it's definitely not a chore getting it up and into position. I have attached a video demonstration and a customer-submitted image of the carrier on a similar vehicle to your 2014 CR-V so you can see how it will look when installed.

If rear cargo access is a must then your best option is definitely with a hitch-mounted bike rack. We do have a selection of trailer hitches available that are confirmed to fit your CR-V, such as the etrailer.com # e98868. If you decide to go this route just let me know and I will be happy to recommend a great easy-to-use rack that will work nicely with your vehicle and this hitch.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Cece

10/18/2019

Chris R.

10/18/2019

For installing the Saris Bones # SA805BL on your 2014 Honda CR-V Saris actually offers two possible routes, which specifically have to do with the lower hooks (the top and middle hooks will install just like normal as listed in the manual). You can either replace the lower hooks that come with the rack with the Hatch Huggers # SA3035 or simply place the included lower hooks completely inside the trunk. In terms of install difficulty and safety there's really not a difference between the two methods so I just recommend using the included hooks instead of going through the trouble (and cost) of replacing them with the Hatch Huggers. Other than that the only other accessory you may need, which is the same with any hanging-style rack for any vehicle, is an adapter bar like the Kuat # UB01. If you plan on transporting any children's, women's, or alternative frame bikes, an adapter bar is often needed to provide a horizontal attachment point for the carrier's arms and improved ground clearance. I have attached a video demonstration on this bar so you can see exactly how it's used and why it might be needed.