Hitch Mounted Bike Rack Options for 2004 Honda Odyssey

Question:

Hello, I need to purchase a bike rack that holds 4 bikes. Please respond to the following questions: 1. What style of bike rack best keeps bikes secure? Please have your response address a comparison of styles. 2. How would I hook up a rack to my 2004 Honda Odyssey, and what parts will I need. 3. When I purchase a bike rack will it have all the pieces I need to install the rack and securing the locks.

asked by: Dedre

Expert Reply:

For carrying 4 bikes, you will need a hitch mounted bike rack which would require the installation of a hitch on your 2004 Odyssey. I would recommend the Curt Class III receiver, part # C13068. The Curt hitch is the most affordable alternative, but it has the same weight capacity and quality as the other choices.

You can choose between a hanging-style rack or a platform rack. A platform rack like part # S64665 carries the bikes on hoops or trays that the bike tires sit in. A ratcheting or sliding hook secures the upper portion of the bike either by the frame or by the top of the front tire. A platform rack is usually easier to use than a hanging style rack, offering a lower lift up height to install the bikes. Many womens bikes can be carried on a platform rack without using an adapter bar, depending on the angle of the top tube of the bike. The Swagman Quad, part # S64FR is a good choice. The rack includes a hitch lock, and the arms that hold the frame in place are lockable. The Quad will fold up against the rear of the vehicle for storage, which is a convenient feature.

The Yakima RidgeBack, # Y02458 is an example of a hanging style rack. The RidgeBack is a quality bike rack with features like an anti-rattle hitch lock that keeps the rack snug in the receiver and prevents the rack from wobbling around in the hitch.

I have linked you to the products I recommended, as well as some product review videos that you might find helpful. I have also linked you to a Bike Rack FAQ article that might help answer any questions I did not address above or help narrow down your choices for you.

expert reply by: Mike L

4/22/2013

We have a 2003 Honda Odyssey and need a bike rack and hitch to carry 1 mens bike 15 inch 1 womens bike a boys bike 24 inch and a 20 inch girls bike. What would you recommend? Would a 5 bike rack be easier to work with?

Patrick B.

4/25/2013

A 5 bike would certainly allow more wiggle room, but a 4 bike could get the job done. For starters, we should pick a hitch if you do not already have one. For that many bikes, you need to use a 2 inch size hitch. We have 3 different models, one from Hidden Hitch, one from Draw-Tite and one from Curt. I have linked those part numbers. I have added links to the various 4 or 5 bike racks that fit 2 inch hitches. I do want to make sure you take a look specifically at the Thule TH934XTR. It has been one of our favorite racks recently. It is a no frills rack, with the important features and at a pretty good price all while carrying 4 bikes. Also with the kids and ladies bikes, you may want to look into adapter bars. I have added a link to those as well.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-Accessories_and_Parts-sf-Hitch_Bike_Racks-pc-Bike_Adapter_Bar.aspx

dept-pg-Hitch_Bike_Racks-pt-4_Bikes-pc-Fits_2_Inch_Hitch.aspx

dept-pg-Hitch_Bike_Racks-pt-5_Bikes-pc-Fits_2_Inch_Hitch.aspx