Trunk Mounted Bike Rack Recommendation for 2009 Honda CR-V

Question:

Hi Guys, I have a 2009 Honda CRV, and am considering either a Saris Bones 3 or Thule rear mounted rack not hitchmount. I typically have one or two light road bikes, or a combination of road and MTB. The Thule products looks very well made, while the Saris looks light, and perhaps less robust. Preference on fit, finish and ease of use? Typically travel on highways 300miles and through mountain passes. Feedback highly appreciated.

asked by: Allan

Expert Reply:

I have a great trunk mounted bike rack I can recommend for your 2009 Honda CR-V but Thule actually does not list any of their racks as fits for your vehicle. The trunk rack I recommend the highest though is the Yakima Fullback part # Y02634 as this is a very robust rack, has a wide pad where the rack touches the vehicle paint which allows the weight of the bikes to be evenly distributed, is very adjustable which makes loading/unloading bikes and install and uninstall of the rack very easy, and comes with locks for the rack to the vehicle and for bikes to the rack. We actually had the chance to install this rack on a similar 2009 Honda CR-V and found that it worked really well. Check out the attached video link for more info on that.

The Saris Bones # SA805BL is a great rack, but I don't particularly care for the much smaller contact points of the rack to the vehicle.

If you plan on carrying any womens or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Kuat Bike Frame Adapter Bar # UB01 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.

expert reply by: Jameson C