Can 2010 Honda CR-V Rear Hatch be Opened with a Trunk Mount Bike Rack Installed

Question:

Does this rack have to be removed to open the hatch? Thank you

asked by: Tim

Expert Reply:

All trunk mount bike racks have to be removed from the vehicle before you can open the rear hatch. The hatch hinges/struts are not designed to handle the extra weight. The hatch could fall unexpectedly. And the bike rack strap hooks could deform the vehicle metal because the space they fit in changes when you try to open the hatch.

In order to be able to carry bikes and have access to the rear hatch on your 2010 Honda CR-V at the same time you can use a special type of hitch mounted bike rack. Your CR-V will first have to have a trailer hitch, # 75547. Then you could use the Yakima FullSwing 4 Bike Rack - 2" Hitches - Swing Away # Y02465. This bike rack swings out and away from your car, with or without the bikes loaded, allowing you to have full access to the rear hatch on the CR-V. I have linked a video showing how it works.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.

expert reply by: Michael H