Deciding Between a Trunk Bike Rack and Hitch Bike Rack for a 2016 Honda CR-V

Question:

As most trunk mount bike racks seem to interfere with the rear wiper on a Honda 2016 CR-V, I am concerned that using them could damage the motor or arm. Am I correct in my concern? I would rather not have a hitch. Can you recommend a trunk mount that will not interfere with the normal wiper operations? If this problem cant be overcome with a trunk mount AND it will cause damage to the wiper, I guess I have no choice to put a hitch on my car. What would be a good hitch that would not be too difficult to install for the barely mechanically inclined that would still be strong enough to do light towing with an electrical system installed?

asked by: Kevin M

Expert Reply:

I do have an option for you but all of the trunk mount bike rack manufactures will recommend that you not use the rear wiper with a trunk mounted back rack installed. The rack will not damaged the wiper as is but if it were to power up with the bike rack attached there could be interference. There should be a fuse you can pull each time on your 2016 Honda CR-V while you have the bike rack attached to prevent this from happening. I recommend the Thule OutWay 3-Bike Rack part # TH56BV because it is the easiest to take on and off the vehicle due to the retractable straps.

If you don't want to pull the fuse each time then the easiest to install trailer hitch we have is the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 75742 which is only rated at a 4/10 in regards to difficulty taking most on average only 40 minutes or so. I have attached an install video for you as well which should help immensely and there is no drilling required. For a trailer wiring harness, I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118561 which is plug and play as you can see in the other attached install video.

expert reply by: Conner L