Hitch Recommendation For Bike Rack On 2005 Honda CR-V With Spare Tire

Question:

Is there any difference in location of the hitch pin hole between this model and the Curt Item # 13535? Maybe a measurement from the factory tow hook to the pin hole? I want to put either one on a 2005 CRV to use a Rockymounts bike rack which has a built in swing away. They recommend NOT using an extension so Im Looking for whichever one is the furthest back.

asked by: Bob Z

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 13535 has 8-1/2" from the center of the hitch pin hole to outside edge of the spare tire when we installed the hitch on a 2006 Honda CR-V is 8 and 1/2". The Draw-Tite hitch from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outside of the spare tire on a 2005 Honda CR-V is 8-3/4". The Draw-Tite is just a bit less recessed than the Curt so it is the better option since it will provide more clearance.

It sounds like you may have the RockyMounts BackStage 2 Bike Platform Rack part # RKY10002 which has 9-1/2" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack when folded down so when the bike is on the rack it will touch the spare tire. It will be a tight fit but you should not need an extender as long as your spare tire is standard and not over sized. If you let me know which bike rack you actually have I can look into this for you.

expert reply by: Heather A