Recommended Class III Trailer Hitch for a 4-Bike Rack on a 2016 Honda CR-V

Question:

Hello - I am inquiring about a Class III 2inch trailer receiver for a 2016 Honda CRV. For this specific model, I see that you have 2 receivers: the Curt C13119 and the Draw-Tite 75742. The Curt has a TW of 350 lbs, while the Draw-Tite has a TW of 525 lbs. What factors are used to determine the tongue weight for a receiver? Is this due to welding, the materials used to manufacture the receiver, or some other process? If I simply wanted a trailer receiver for a bike rack that accommodates 4 bikes, would either of these receivers be sufficient? Thank you very much. I look forward to your response.

asked by: Juan V

Helpful Expert Reply:

Good question! First let me recommend you a hitch; I recommend the Draw-Tite # 75742 trailer hitch over the Curt # C13119, because with the Curt hitch they require you to use a stabilization strap with any non-trailer loads. These "non-trailer loads" are items like bike racks and cargo carriers etc. If you do not use a strap like the # 18050 it will void the warranty.

You are correct, either one of these hitches would be sufficient in transporting a 4-bike rack and bikes to and fro. We installed the Draw-Tite hitch on a vehicle same as yours and found that you will need to have a bumper clearance measurement greater than 3 inches, this will be important when selecting a bike rack. A great hanging 4-bike rack that swings-away from your hatch is the Thule Apex # TH9027XT. It meets your center of hitch pin to bumper clearance and will work well for you. If you plan on transporting any alternative framed bikes, like most women's bikes are, you will want to use a bike adapter bar like # UB01 to mount them properly.

Now back to your good question; As you climb in Class typically a heavier material, better reinforcements, and better construction will also increase for better support of the weight being carried. The construction and testing that the hitch undergoes to determine capacities can vary from manufacture to manufacture. I have linked a Help Article and video that talk more about this.

The final authority for tow capacities on a vehicle will be the vehicle itself, well the manufacture of the vehicle. They determine what your vehicle is capable of and many aftermarket items can fit multiple vehicles so that's why some of the tongue and towing weights are higher than you would be able to use for your vehicle.

I wasn't able to find the exact amount of weight your vehicle is capable of in your owner's manual but it does give some good loading information on page 93 you should check out. To find the capacity of your vehicle you will want to check the placard on the inside of your driver's door frame it should be listed there.

I have linked all the above mentioned products to this page for your purchasing convenience.