Best Way to Open 2004 Honda CR-V Rear Door with Bike Rack Installed
Updated 02/17/2026 | Published 06/15/2024
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Question:
I am looking for a platform hitch mount bike rack for a 2005 Honda CRV. The issue I am having is the rack sits too high above the hitch and I cannot open the side opening back door with a rack on only tried a Kuat rack I measured the clearance, it it about 7” from top of hitch or 9” from center of hitch. Please let me know if Swagman Quad 2+2 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2 Hitches - Frame Mount would work or if the is a different rack you would recommend. Need to carry 2-29” mountain bikes and 2-27+” mountain bikes. Would consider a 2 bike rack but prefer 4.
asked by: Patti
Expert Reply:
Hey Patti, thanks for reaching out!
The Swagman Quad 2+2 Bike Rack # S64FR will sit too tall for the clearance you're needing. According to the dimensions on the Swagman website we're looking at about 10-1/2" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the top of the main bike frame - and that's not including the height of the cradles. Most bike racks have a rise built into them and then the trays usually angle up some for better ground clearance so you'll be hard-pressed to find one that lets you open the door up.
I have an alternative solution for you that will still allow you to use your nicer Kuat rack. For your application I recommend using the Kuat Pivot 2 Swing Away Hitch Extender # PVP20B so you can simply swing your bikes away from the back of your 2005 Honda CR-V whenever you need access to your rear hatch area, and you can do this even with the bikes still loaded!
I had the opportunity to install this on a 2019 RAV4 so I'm linking that video for you to see the adapter in action and get my thoughts on it.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Swagman Quad 2+2 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- 4 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
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Robin H.
2/17/2026
Hey Patti, how did things go with the Kuat Pivot 2 swing-away adapter on your CR‑V? Were you able to get the clearance you needed to open the rear door with your bikes loaded? Your results could really help others with similar setups.