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Can I Haul 3 Bikes on 2016 Honda HR-V with Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11416  

Question:

I have a 2016 HR-V, and just installed a CURT Trailer Hitch #114163, with tongue weight 200 lbs. I see I can buy a 2 bike rack that weights 50lbs, and is rated for up to 90 lbs for the 2 bikes. I have lightweight road bikes 20 lbs, but would like to be able to carry a 3rd bike once in a while. I see some light weight 3 bike racks weight as little as 10 lbs. So Im doing the math 200 lb hitch with 50 + 90 = 140 lbs is ok But 200 lb hitch with 10 + 60 = 70 lbs is not ok. I realize the 3rd bike is further away, and creates more pressure through torque. But is this really an issue, or are they just being over conservative ?

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Expert Reply:

I understand that when you do the math it doesn't seem to make sense but the reasoning behind why a Class I hitch is limited to 2 bikes is due more to the leveraging effect opposed to the actual weight of the added bike.

Due to the low tongue weight capacity of a Class I hitch, the bike rack and the hitch manufacturers both agree that no more than two bikes should be carried on a Class I hitch. Adding additional bikes would place too much weight too far away from the receiver opening and would exert enough leverage on the hitch that it could be damaged or the attachment points between the vehicle and the hitch could fail. This could result in the loss of the rack and the bikes during transport and create a very dangerous situation. Whether they are being over conservative, all I can say is that our manufacturers do extensive testing and all agree with the 2 bike maximum so I could not recommend going against this.

In this case, you may want to consider going with an economical trunk mounted carrier like the Hollywood Racks Over-the-Top Bike Carrier, # HRF2-3, for the times that you would like to carry a 3rd bike. I have included a short video for you.

Just one more thing to keep in mind, Curt does require the use of Support Straps, # 18050, for all non-trailer loads including bike racks, cargo carriers and so forth. Failure to properly support these loads will void your hitch warranty from Curt.

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Leah S

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