Inadequate Ground Clearance When Using Hitch Mounted Bike Rack on 2011 Honda CR-V

Updated 08/04/2014 | Published 08/01/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs

(834)

$48.99

Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver with 5" Rise

(562)

$104.66

Question:

I have a 1 1/2 inch receiver on my C rV to carry my bike rack but my bike sits too low to the ground for good clearance and I am looking for an adapter to put on my existing hitch to raise it 6inch or so. Do you have anything that fits the 1 1/2 inch receiver?

asked by: Jan

Expert Reply:

If you are carrying women's, children's or alternative framed bikes, one of the easiest ways to increase ground clearance is for the bikes to sit level on the rack with the use of an adapter bar like the Swagman Easy-Out, # 64005. I have attached a video to demonstrate how this bar works.

Depending on the type of bike rack that you are using, I may have an option for you to use a hitch adapter that would raise your bike carrier five inches. If your carrier will fit a 1-1/4 and a 2 inch receiver, which many of our racks do, you could use the Hitch Adapter, # HT5R. The 1-1/4 inch shank on the adapter would slide into the 1-1/4 inch (I am assuming 1-1/2 inches was a typo) hitch receiver on your 2011 Honda Cr-V. You would then slide the bike rack shank into the receiver tube of the adapter. Please keep in mind that if you are able to use this hitch adapter, it will reduce the tongue weight capacity of your hitch by 50 percent. There aren't any 1-1/4 inch to 1-1/4 inch adapters available that would raise the receiver opening.

If neither of these options work for you, I recommend using a hitch mounted bike carrier that has a raised shank for greater ground clearance like the Thule Camber 2 Bike Rack, # TH9058.

expert reply by: Leah S