Recommendations For Carrying 4 Bikes On 2013 Mazda 5 Or 2015 Honda Civic

Question:

Hi! Im looking for a trailer hitch and a 4-bike rack. I own a 2013 Mazda5 and also a 2015 Honda Civic. I had a few questions that I hoped you might be able to answer: - Would either of those cars work for a 4-bike hitch, or would one be better than the other? - I noticed that some racks can only carry 4 bikes if they are attached to a 2-inch hitch for example, the Thule Hitching Post Pro. Should I get a 2-inch hitch rather than a 1.25? Will the 2-inch work on the Mazda5 and/or Civic? - Do you guys know of places in the Boston, MA area that can install the hitch? I have little kids and thus no time to DIY it. : Thanks in advance for any help you can give! Sincerely,

asked by: David L

Expert Reply:

Both of your vehicles, the 2013 Mazda 5, and the 2013 Honda Civic are rated for Class l trailer hitches only. When using a Class l hitch you are restricted to carrying 2-bikes in a hitch mounted carrier. class l trailer hitches have 1-1/4 inch receiver openings only.

There are a couple ways you can carry 4 bikes with your vehicles. You can install a trailer hitch and use a 2-bike carrier and then also install a roof rack and carry the other 2 bikes on the roof of the vehicles.

Or you can install a hitch on both vehicles and tow a trailer like the Yakima Rack And Roll, part # Y08106.

The trailer hitch I recommend for your Mazda 5 is part # 24874.

The trailer hitch I recommend for your Civic is part # C11391. Per Curt, All non-trailer loads - bike racks, cargo carriers and so forth - should be supported with stabilizing straps like part # 18050. Failure to properly support these loads will void your hitch warranty from Curt.

For a 2-bike carrier I recommend the Thule Camber, part # TH9058. This bike carrier has a weight capacity of 37.5-lbs per bike. This carrier tilts when empty for rear cargo access.

I recommend going with the trailer so you can tow it behind either vehicle and still be able to carry 4 bikes. If that is the way you decide to go I recommend a ball mount like part # 3592. You will need a hitch pin and clip like part # PC2. The 2-inch hitch ball I recommend is part # 19258.

If you decide to go with a roof rack for either vehicle, let me know and I will be glad to make some recommendations that will work for you.