Recommended Bike Rack and Trailer Hitch for 1999 Honda CR-V

Question:

Looking for the best option to add a bike rack to a 1999 Honda CR V. Im realizing how awkward this is because of the offset of the spare tire. It isnt centered on the car. This takes away the option to use a spare tire rack, because the bike would hang off the side of the car. If I wanted to get a hitch mounted rack, it would need to be a long enough distance far enough from the car for the bikes to clear the spare tire. The back door swings open, and I would also like to be able to tilt the rack all the way down to access the back of the car. Does anyone make a rack like this?

asked by: Carter G

Expert Reply:

There are definitely options for you to use a hitch-mounted bike rack on your 1999 Honda CR-V despite the offset spare tire. For a hitch you are going to want the Curt # 13314 which is a Class III hitch with a 2 inch receiver because it gives you many more options for a bike rack than the other available hitch that fits your CR-V, which has a 1-1/4 inch receiver. The Curt hitch is going to require the use of stabilizing straps # 18050 with all non-trailer accessories such as bike racks in order to maintain the warranty. I've added a link to a demonstration video which shows you how the straps are used.

When it comes to a bike rack you are going to need one that is quite a distance from the hitch in order to clear the amount of space from the hitch to the edge of the spare tire. In order to get a rack that will clear the spare tire you'll need to know the length you have to work with. To do this, use a straight edge and hold it against the back of your CR-V's spare tire. Then use a tape measure to find the length from the center of the hitch pin hole to the straight edge. I've added a help article for you which has some visuals showing this which you may find useful.

In terms of a bike rack we do have some information to work with, because it's roughly 6-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the edge of the bumper on a 1999 CR-V that has Curt hitch # 13314. A tilting rack which may be a great option is the Swagman Chinook # S64683 which is 12-1/2 inches from the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack. I've added a link to a video review of this rack for you to take a look at and if you let me know the exact distance you need to clear the spare tire carrier I'd be happy to give you further recommendations if you like.

expert reply by: Kyle S