2004 Honda Accord Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2-Bike Rack that Can Adapt to 4-Bike Rack
Question:
I own a 2004 Honda Accord EX Sedan and a 2016 Toyota Highlander XLE. I would like to buy a hitch for both vehicles and be able to use the same bicycle rack for each hitch. One of my bikes is an electric bike, specialized vado 5.0, and weighs 55.4#, 48.8# without the battery. The heaviest load for the Accord hitch would be the electric bike only. My most recent interest in a bike rack has led me to the Thule T2 Pro XT 52# weight, carries 60# bikes, the Yakima Hold Up Evo 50# weight, carries 50# bikes, and the Yakima Hold Up 49#, carries 60# bikes. I have a growing family 2 sons ages 3 and 1 and would potentially like to add the +2 accessories down the road on the Highlander only. To enable the +2 accessory, I need a 2 inch bike rack which is not a problem for the Highlander, but more challenging for the Accord. To modify the Accord hitch, I researched the Brophy HT5R, which cuts the TW in half and would be 1# over the carrying capacity when with the Thule T2 Pro XT when carrying my electric bike with the battery removed. It would 2# under on the Yakima Hold Up Evo, and 3# under with the Yakima Hold Up. Questions: 1. Are there any hitches for the 04 Accord with a TW capacity greater than 200#? I researched a few C12221 and C12091 and your website stated not confirmed to fit. Can someone at etrailer determine if these would work with my 04 Accord? 2. Is it critical if a load on a hitch with the Brophy HT5R is 1# over, or 2# or 3# under? I understand the need to define limits, but there must be safety factors designed into the product. The load for this hitch would only be driven on paved roads in SoCal. Please comment. 3. Are trays removable on Yamika Hold Up, the Yamika Evo Hold Up, or the Thule T2 Pro XT? What would the corresponding decrease in weight for the bike carrier? The electric bike would be on the hitch by itself and so the 2nd tray would not be needed when carrying the Vado 5.0. 4. If the Brophy HT5R is an option, is there hitch you can recommend that will insure the HT5R clearance of the bumper of the 2004 Accord? 5. If no hitch can insure the clearance of the Brophy HT5R, can you recommend another hitch converter from 1 1/4 inch to 2? 6. If a hitch converter cannot be used and I purchase a 1 1/4 inch bike rack to comply with limits of the accord, I would use a 2 inch to 1 1/4 inch hitch converter on the Highlander. What considerations should be made if this route is taken? 7. What other approaches do you consider? Thank you for your help, I look forward to your response.
asked by: Kyle R
Expert Reply:
Thank you for all of the details regarding your situation! I will do my best to address all of your concerns so that you can go on rides with your sons in the future.
You are correct that an adapter will reduce the weight rating of the trailer hitch by 50% but the good news is that it won't reduce the weight rating of your vehicle at all (which is 100 lbs for tongue weight found in the owner's manual). For your 2004 Honda Accord EX you need to use the Curt Trailer Hitch # C11327 as it doesn't have the weld stop in the receiver like the Draw-Tite option does which may not allow the Brophy Adapter # HT5R to fit. Since there aren't any trailer hitches that are more heavy duty this means that the 200 lb tongue weight (TW) will be reduce to 100 lbs when using the Brophy Adapter.
When we installed the Curt hitch on a 2004 Accord we found that from the center of the hitch pin hole to the rearmost part of the bumper measured 3-1/2". The back of the Brophy adapter receiver you referenced is 3-5/8" from the center of the hitch pin hole so this will be just long enough to clear your bumper.
When it comes to comparing the Thule T2 Pro XTR with the Yakima HoldUp # Y02443 or HoldUp EVO # Y02479 this is actually a simple decision because Yakima does not permit the use of any adapters with their bike racks. This leaves you with the T2 Pro XTR # TH83JV (excellent choice).
This bike rack weighs in at 52 lbs which puts you right at 100 lbs when you remove the battery from your electric bike. With rail furthest from your receiver removed (which is easily done) that will give you about 10 lbs less weight. When you get to the point where you want to add the expansion you will need part # TH9036XT. Please note that when you use the 4-bike version you are limited to 160 lbs of total weight for your bikes.
The Curt trailer hitch requires the use of a support strap like part # 18050 for all non-trailer loads which will really help out in this situation as you will be pushing the weight limits of the trailer hitch and your Accord.
The only other option would be to purchase a 1-bike rack like the RockyMounts HighNoon # RKY87RR for your Accord since it is compatible with 1-1/4" and 2" receivers but then you would also need to purchase the larger T2 Pro XTR for your family, so it isn't as cost-effective.
Attached are some review videos that you can check out as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
more information >
Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver with 5" Rise
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Expander
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- 7 Inch Extension
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 1-1/4 Inch to 2 Inch
- Brophy
more information >
RockyMounts HighNoon FC Solo Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 1 Bike
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- RockyMounts
more information >
Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Fat Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Thule
more information >
2 Bike Add-On for Thule T2 Pro XTB for 2" Hitches - Black
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Bike Add-On
- T2
- Thule
more information >
Yakima HoldUp Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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