Carrying More Than 2 Bikes with Class I Hitch on 2010 Honda CR-V

Question:

Can I carry 3 light-weight bikes using Class 1 hitch with a bike rack supporting strap? I assume that fixing the rack to the car would reduce the tongue weight considerably, right? If my bikes are around 30lb each it should not overload the hitch? Please let me know if I am missing anything. Thank you

asked by: Vladimir Z

Expert Reply:

The hitch and bike rack manufacturers all agree that a bike rack installed in a Class I receiver should be limited to two bikes. The weight is not the only issue, any additional bikes added will put the load of the rack and the bikes further away from the receiver opening. As this distance increases, so does the leverage applied to the hitch and its attachment points to the vehicle. This leverage can bend and eventually break the hitch or cause the hitch attachment points to the vehicle to fail. (Think of using a length of pipe slipped over the end of a wrench to remove a stubborn bolt, same principle.)

A stabilizing strap would not offer enough support, and the hook would damage the glass in your rear hatch.

Normally, a trunk mount rack would be a viable option for you, but because the top attachment points of the rack would be made directly to the glass, you would also be limited to carrying two bikes.

Your best bet for carrying more than two bikes would be to replace your existing hitch with a Class III hitch like the Draw-Tite # 75547. You would then be able to carry three bikes using the Swagman Trailhead # S63365 rack you mentioned.