Recommendation For 4 Bike Rack on 2011 Honda CRV That Will Allow Access to Rear Cargo Area

Question:

Is a bike rack a permanent attachment to a vehicle? Is there a 4 bike rack that I will be able to lift trunk opening for groceries? Would this be a swing away model? That can fold up when not in use? Need easy to use user friendly, easy for woman to load, for womens/girlsfoot bikes. I would appreciate your suggestions since I am totally unfamiliar with this type of product. Thanks.

asked by: Barbara P

Expert Reply:

A bike rack is not a permanent attachment to a vehicle. For 4 bikes you will need a hitch bike rack that will have a shank that will insert into a Class III 2-inch trailer hitch on the rear of your vehicle. This will allow the bike rack to be removed when not being used.

The trailer hitch on your vehicle is attached to the frame of your CRV and the load of the 4 bikes on the hitch will be supported by your vehicles frame.

If you have a hitch on your vehicle now you will want to make sure it is a Class III 2-inch hitch. It will be listed on the hitch itself. You will not be able to haul 4 bikes if your existing hitch is a Class I 1-1/4 inch hitch.

If you need a hitch I would recommend the Draw-Tite Class III 2-Inch Hitch, part # 75547. This hitch will easily install on your CRV and allow you to haul 4 bikes. I am including a link to the installation instructions on the hitch and a video link of the hitch being installed on a 2011 CRV.

The swing-away design bike rack you have mentioned is a great choice that will allow you access to the rear cargo area of your CRV. I would recommend the Thule Apex Swing 4 Bike Rack, part # TH9027XT. This bike rack will allow you to swing the bikes away from the rear of the vehicle. With the bikes out of the way you will be able to open the rear hatch and have full access to the cargo area. I am including a link to the instructions and a link to a video review of the swing-away bike rack.

If you are going to be carrying womens bikes that do not have the horizontal bar at the top of the frame, you will want to use the Thule Bike Adapter Bar, part # TH982XT. It attaches to the center seat post and to the handlebar post and provides a horizontal bar, so the bike can ride level on the bike rack.

Another choice would be the Swagman XTC4 Platform Bike Rack, part # S64665. A platform style bike rack is easy to load with bikes, and when folded down without the bikes installed, will allow access to your rear cargo area. The bike rack does stay located behind the vehicle so when accessing the rear hatch you will have to move around it and the bikes will have to be removed to access the rear cargo area. I am including a link to the instructions and a video review of the Swagman bike rack.

I am also including a link to a FAQ page on choosing a hitch bike rack.