Recommended 4-Bike Rack for 2014 Honda CR-V Being Flat Towed

Question:

I have a class C RV and tow a car behind it 2014 Honda CRV. My family also travel with bikes 4 and we need a way to transport them without going over the rear GAWR. Carrying the bikes behind the RV dual hitch receiver is going to push my weight on that rear axel too high. Im considering moving the bike rack to the rear of the tow car, but Im unsure what equipment I would need or if that is even advisable to do with a tow car. Can you offer any insight/suggestions on the best way to solve this problem? Thanks

asked by: Paul P

Expert Reply:

This is an excellent question and the answer is you can use a bike rack at the rear of your 2014 Honda CR-V, it simply needs to be rated for use behind a flat towed vehicle. The reason for that is the larger amount of movement and shaking that occurs on a bike rack that far behind a rear axle; this is also why bike racks must be rated for use behind trailers and motorhomes.

To use a bike rack you will need to first install a hitch on your '14 CR-V; for this I recommend the Draw-Tite # 75742 because it is a complete bolt-on installation that will not require any drilling into your vehicle's frame to install and has the highest tongue weight capacity of hitches available for your 2014 CR-V. This speaks to the quality of its construction and the high capacity will allow you to use it with a bike rack and four bikes. I have added a link to a video of this hitch being installed on a '14 Honda CR-V for you to take a look at.

The bike rack I strongly recommend is the Yakima LongHaul # Y02476 because it strongly secures your bikes at three different points and uses cushioned anti-sway cradles. This ensures your bikes remain stable on the rack and avoid contact with each other or your CR-V. The LongHaul, which is rated for use behind a flat towed car, also comes with security measures - a hitch lock for the bike rack and cable lock for your bikes; this will give you peace of mind that your investments will be protected.

The LongHaul weighs only 32 lbs but can carry four bikes that weigh up to 37-1/2 lbs each. The rack is made of steel and even comes with a lifetime warranty. As a note, when using any hanging rack like the LongHaul # Y02476 you'll need bike frame adapter bar # Y02531 if your bike is dual-suspension, has a step-through frame or you want to carry a small children's bike. The bar will give those bikes a horizontal mounting point so they can be carried by the rack.

I have attached a link to a video review of the adapter bar as well as links to a couple reviews of the LongHaul for you to take a look at.