Recommended Trailer Hitch, Bike Rack, Roof Rack, and Snowboard Carrier For 2015 Honda CR-V

Question:

Hello, I am looking to add a hitch, bike rack, and roof rack to my 2015 Honda CRV. The hitch would be mainly for a bike rack, maybe some light towing locally . The bike rack should be rear mount using the hitch and able to carry at least 4 bikes. For the roof rack - we have factory installed roof rails that came with the car. I am looking for a roof rack and the ability to load 4 snowboards and a small / medium size luggage bin. Would appreciate your expert guidance!! Thank you.

asked by: Ramzi A

Expert Reply:

We have exactly what you are looking for!

Starting with the trailer hitch receiver for your 2015 Honda CR-V I recommend the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver #75742 you were looking at due to it having the highest tongue weight rating at 525lbs making it plenty strong for carrying a bike rack and the 4500lb trailer weight rating will be perfect for some light duty local towing. For towing a trailer you will also need a vehicle wiring harness # 118561 and hitch ball, ball mount, and hitch pin and clip which can all be found in the etrailer Ball Mount Kit # 989900.

For a compatible 4-bike rack I have two different recommendations depending on the weight of your bikes, and the style of bike rack you are looking for.

If you have lighter bikes and are looking for a more cost effective bike rack I recommend the Thule Hitching Post Pro 4-Bike Rack # TH934XTR which will fit your 4 bikes weighing up to 35lbs each. The cushioned anti-sway cradles do a fantastic job of keeping the bikes from moving around and hitting each other, while protecting the frame from scratches.

If have slightly heavier bikes or would prefer a platform style rack then I recommend the Yakima HoldUp Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Tire Mount # Y02443-2. This rack will accommodate your 4 bikes weighing up to 50 lbs each with tires up to 3" wide. This rack comes with locks for the rack and the bikes. Check out the review video to see all of it's great features.

If your bikes have wider tires then I recommend the Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 4 Fat Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting # SA4414B-FB. This rack will hold 2 bikes up to 60 lbs each and 2 more bikes up to 35 pounds each. The maximum tire width for this rack is 5 inches.

Moving on to the roof rack I recommend the Thule Roof Rack System which uses 53" Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars in Black # TH711420 or Silver # TH711400, Rapid Podium Feet # TH460R, and Fit Kit # THKIT3118. This system gives you 53" of useable crossbar space and a 165lb weight capacity for your accessories.

Now for a snowboard carrier that will carry up to 4 snow boards I recommend the Rhino-Rack Ski and Snowboard Carrier # RR576 which will fit the above crossbars perfectly and is compatible with your 4 snowboards.

It sounds like you are wanting to add a cargo carrier next to the snowboard carrier, in which case you would need the Yakima SkinnyWarrior Roof Rack Cargo Basket - Steel - 58" Long x 23" Wide - 165 lbs # Y07014 which will just barely fit. This and the snowboard carrier will take up all of the useable crossbar space, but offsetting the accessories so they slightly overhang the end of the crossbars will make sure they fit just fine.

I included videos for each of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.