Kuat Sherpa and Hitch Recommendations for a 2008 Mini Cooper Convertible and 2012 Honda CR-V

Question:

I have a 2008 Mini Cooper convertible not an S and my wife has a 2012 Honda CRV. We are trying to decide whether to get a Thule 916 XTR 2-bike rack, or the Thule 917 XTR. The 916 takes a 2inch receiver not available for a Mini and the 917 takes an 1-1/4inch receiver available for the Mini. Were thinking that it would be best to get a 2inch receiver for the Honda more flexibility to tow other things , but are curious about the use of adapters. It seems that it would be better to get the Thule 917 rack and use a 2inch to 1-1/4inch adapter on the Honda, then get the Thule 916 rack and use a 1-1/4inch to 2inch adapter on the Mini. What would you recommend? Thank you.

asked by: Mike M

Expert Reply:

Actually I think the best rack for your situation that would work on both vehicles without having to get a hitch adapter would be the Kuat The Sherpa # SH12G. This rack is designed to work on both 1-1/4 inch hitches and 2 inch hitches and comes with an adapter that will allow you to go from a 1-1/4 inch hitch to a 2 inch hitch easily.

Check out the review video I attached for this rack also.

For a hitch for your 2008 Mini Cooper you could get a Curt Trailer Hitch # C11126. This hitch is designed to work on the convertible, non-S Coopers like yours. Check out the installation instructions and video I attached for this product.

With the Curt hitch it is recommended by Curt that you use a stabilizing strap like our part number # 18050 when carrying an unsupported load like a bike carrier. Check out the video I attached that shows how this is used.

For your 2012 Honda CR-V I would recommend you get a Draw-Tite Hitch # 75742. This is a Class III hitch with a 2 inch opening that would give you plenty of capacity and flexibility to tow other things. I attached an installation video and instructions for this hitch also.