What Hitch and 4 Bike Rack do I Need for My Honda Odyssey Transporting 4 Bikes?

Updated 06/18/2026 | Published 06/16/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(764)

$204.02

Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Metallic Black

(475)

$1678.00

Question:

Hi, Im very interested in purchasing product part number e98862 Class III - 2 for my 2014 Honda Odyssey. I also purchased a Kuat NV 2.0 double bike rack. If I add 2 more expansions to fit 4 bikes, I believe the 4 rack setup without bikes weights 92 lbs. If I a put on 4 bikes average 40lbs each, total 160lbs, this puts the entire weight of 4 bikes + 4 rack configuration = 252 lbs. With a tongue weight threshold of 350 lbs per hitch specifications for this model, will this setup be safe? I know adding additional bikes to the rack creates extra torque weight so Im very concerned. Thank you!

asked by: Howard C

Expert Reply:

Hello Howard,

Thank you for reaching out.

The etrailer Class III hitch # e98862 is a great fit for your 2014 Honda Odyssey and is rated for up to 350 lbs of tongue weight. I would however check your owners manual to see what kind of vertical load they say your Odyssey can handle, sometimes the hitches are rated higher than your vehicle, you are only as strong as you weakest link.

You're correct to consider the combined weight of the bike rack and bikes, since all of that weight is being supported by the hitch. The Kuat NV 2.0 base rack with two-bike add-on has an actual weight of 82 lbs (like # NV22B-NA22B), not 92 lbs. Even if we use the higher 92 lb figure you mentioned, adding four 40 lb bikes would put the total load at 252 lbs, which remains below the 350 lb tongue weight rating of the hitch.

The additional leverage created by a longer bike rack is definitely something to think about, but Kuat has already accounted for that in the rack's design and weight capacity. As long as the rack is being used within Kuat's specified limits and the total loaded weight remains under the hitch's tongue weight rating, the setup is acceptable.

For the best stability, I recommend loading the bikes from heaviest to lightest, with the heaviest bikes positioned closest to the rear of the Odyssey and the lightest bikes furthest away. This helps reduce stress on the rack and minimizes movement while driving.

Based on the weights you've provided, the combination of the Kuat NV 2.0 4-bike setup and hitch # e98862 will remain within the hitch's rated capacity.

What trails do you guys like to get out on? I just went out to the Katy Trail this last weekend and fell in love with riding my bike all over again.