Recommended 2-Bike Platform Rack for 2017 Honda CR-V with 1-1/4-Inch Hitch

Question:

Im shopping for a platform hitch bike rack for my 2017 CR-V. I was planning on getting one of the Thule racks but now noticed that they require a minimum 1.5 inch distance between the hitch pinhole and the end of the hitch. I got the OEM Honda hitch 1.25 inch, class 1 and the distance between the pinhole and end of hitch is 1.125 inches. Could you please let me know what racks would be compatible with that hitch? Thank you!

asked by: Danusch M

Expert Reply:

The 1-1/4-inch factory hitch on your 2017 Honda CR-V is likely to be a Class II so you'll want to check its safety sticker or your owner's manual to confirm. This matters because Class I and Class II hitches do not always both work with the same bike racks and the two hitch classes have very different weight capacities, usually 350-lbs tongue weight (TW) for a Class II but only 200-lbs TW for a Class I.

If you have a Class II hitch then I suggest the Yakima HoldUp Bike Platform Rack # Y02445. This rack has a higher-than-average 60-lbs-per-bike weight rating and it accepts tire widths up to 3-inches.

For a rack that works in all 1-1/4-inch hitches you might consider the Kuat NV 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack # NV12G. This premium carrier includes both rack and bike locks, has a high weight rating and it includes a built-in bike repair stand.

expert reply by: Adam R