Trunk vs. Hitch Carrier for Transporting 2 Heavyweight Beach Cruisers on 2013 Honda Accord

Question:

I have a 2013 Honda and need to transport 2 heavy beach cruisers. I am looking at the three bike rack with the intension of using just 2 positions. From the pictures, it looks like the rack is completely secured to the trunk hatch. If the rack is empty, can the trunk be opened without damaging the vehicle? It looks like it will depend on clearance around hooks at the end of the cables...

asked by: Donna

Expert Reply:

No trunk-mount bike rack, including the excellent Thule OutWay 3-Bike Rack # TH56BV, allows you to open the vehicle trunk while the rack is installed. The reasons are that the attachment hooks may bind in the gap between the trunk lid and the vehicle body, potentially distorting one or both; and that the hinge that supports the trunk lid is designed to bear only the weight of the lid itself, not that plus the additional 19-lbs from the bike rack.

For instances where you need to maintain trunk access and still carry bikes on the rear of the vehicle a trailer hitch and hitch-mount bike carrier are a better option. For your 2013 Honda Accord we do offer a light-duty Class I hitch that can handle the load of up to 2 bikes mounted on a compatible Class I hitch rack. The Curt Class I hitch # C11496 is a no-drill installation; all hardware is included and an installation video for a 2013 Accord is linked for you to illustrate the process.

Most bike racks are rated for the 35-lb average weight of an adult bike. Beach cruisers and some other bike types can weigh more, so you'll want to confirm the weight of each bike to ensure you select a compatible carrier that will not be overloaded. For instance, the Kuat Transfer 2 platform-style rack # KU74FR can handle two 40-lb bikes. The Swagman Chinook platform rack # S64683 can handle two 45-lb bikes. Curt # C18085 two-bike rack can hold two bikes of up to 45-lbs each suspended by their wheels.

Based on my research your Accord has only a 100-lb tongue weight rating. This means that the combined weight of the two bikes plus the weight of the chosen carrier all together cannot exceed 100-lbs. This may make the Vee Me your best option from a weight standpoint. Your two bikes combined weight could be as much as 87-1/2-lbs and still allow your total hitch load to remain with in the car's capacity.