Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2001 Honda CR-V Carrying 3 Bikes

Published 09/20/2013

Products Featured in This Question

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

(86)

$170.18

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(248)

$215.06

Question:

Hello, I have a 2001 Honda CRV. Need to carry three adult bikes on a suspended type bike rack ,bikes hang on tubes,carrier slides into receiver hitch. Our bike rack would need a 1.25inch receiver opening. It seems part # 24790 would work but am concerned that our bike rack would not clear the spare tire mounted on the rear door, so my questions are: Will this hitch allow enough clearance from the spare tire, and is it beefy enough in construction to support at least three bicycles? Our bike rack is an Allen model #440R

asked by: Michael R

Expert Reply:

The best hitch for carrying three bikes that is available for your 2001 Honda CR-V would be the Curt Class III Hitch # 13314. This is a Class III hitch that has more than enough capacity to carry three bikes.

The Draw-Tite Hitch # 24790 that you referenced is a Class I hitch that only can handle 2 bikes at most so it would not be a good choice for you. There are Class II hitches that are 1-1/4 that can handle 3 bikes, but it looks like there are only Class I and Class III hitches available for your vehicle unfortunately.

So you are kind of stuck because of the rack you currently have, you need to carry three bikes but the 1-1/4 hitches will only let you take 2. I think your best option would be to get the Curt Hitch # 13314 and then upgrade your rack to one that can work on vehicles with 2 inch hitches.

For that I would recommend you get a Swagman Trailhead 3 Bike Carrier # S63365. This is a quality rack at a very reasonable price. Check out the review video I attached for this product also.

expert reply by: Jameson C