Can a 2012 Honda CR-V Carry 4 Bikes On an OEM Honda 1-1/4 Inch Trailer Hitch

Updated 07/06/2012 | Published 07/03/2012

Question:

I see that the maximum capacity of the Honda Hitch Kit1-1/4 is 150 lbs. The total weight of the bikes for our family is 118lbs and if i include the 40 lbs of the Apex were at 148lbs. Is this safe in your opinion? One Thule dealer here said that he would not go over 2 bikes! He claims that because of the shocks from holes in the pavement adding stress i shouldnt exceed half the recommended weight wich would bring us to 75lbs tops...!!! Is he over-cautious, does he want to sell me a 2inch Hitch...I just spent 700$ on the Honda Factory Hitch...My bad i guess but still...I felt it was safer to get the Honda original hitch because i was worried about voiding the warranty with a 3rd party install. Honda CR-V EX AWD 2012

asked by: Claude

Expert Reply:

First, what you should know about aftermarket parts is that you are protected by the Magnusson-Moss warranty act that states in part that your warranty cannot be voided unless the aftermarket part actually caused the problem.

Next, if the 1-1/4 inch hitch on your CR-V is a Class I, then you will need to stay at 2 bikes maximum because a Class I hitch cannot withstand the stresses of additional bikes. Hitches are designed to take into account that there will be some jarring back there and are rated accordingly.

The Honda CR-V is not known for having a large tongue weight capacity (check the owners manual) but I do recommend the Class III hitch like # 75742 because it will allow you to use the maximum tongue weight capacity of the vehicle as stated in the owners manual, you can carry more bikes as long as you are withing the tongue weight limits, and there are more options for bike racks.

Even going with a Class II hitch like # 36520, you would still be able to carry more bikes as long as you are within the tongue weight capacity of the vehicle. I have included links to the instructions for each of the hitches for you to view.

With either hitch installed instead of the Class I hitch, I would go with theSwagman Original # S64400 4-bike rack. (Fits Class III hitches only).

expert reply by: Michael H