Using Trunk Mounted Bike Rack on 2007 Honda Odyssey

Question:

Will this rack support 3 bikes mounted to a minivan?

asked by: Scott F

Expert Reply:

Thule does not recommend using any rear strap-mounted bike rack on the Odyssey, due to the fact that the rear hatch that the rack would attach to is not strong enough to bear the weight of the rack and the bikes.

Hollywood Racks makes a trunk mounted rack that would work for you. Their Over-The-Top model is available in a 2 bike version as part # HRF2 or as a 3 bike version, part # HRF2-3. The rack is designed differently than the Raceway Pro 3 you're asking about. The Over-The-Top uses additional contact points with the vehicle to spread out the weight of the bikes and the rack over a larger area on the hatch and the rear bumper so all the weight isn't bearing down on one particular area.

If you'll be transporting women's bikes or bikes with sharply-angled top tubes, you might also consider a frame adapter bar like part # 64005. The bar spans the distance between the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post, which provides a secondary attachment point for the bike rack. This allows the bike to be carried level, which maximizes ground clearance.

expert reply by: Mike L