Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2012 Honda Pilot that Will Also be Towing a Trailer

Question:

Will this Thule trunk bike rack fit a 2012 Honda Pilot, and if not what do you recommend? I dont want a hitch rack as we are towing a trailer too. I need to put 3 bikes, or better yet 4 bikes.

asked by: Shane

Expert Reply:

There are trunk mount bike racks that will fit the 2012 Honda Pilot, see link, but the Thule racks will not fit.

There are ways to tow a trailer and use a hitch mount rack together, though. You can use dual-purpose ball mount # D210. The overall tongue weight of everything loaded on this ball mount is 750 pounds. The receiver portion has a tongue weight capacity of 350 pounds. So the weight of the bikes, bike rack, and the trailers tongue weight cannot exceed 750 pounds.

Using this method you can tow the trailer while using a 4-bike rack. For a simple 4-bike rack we have the Curt # C18030. Or for a step up in overall quality and features I recommend the Thule Hitching Post Pro, # TH934XTR. Keep in mind that the bikes when loaded will extend out fairly far and could interfere with tighter turns. I have included some instruction and video links for you.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical mens bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # TH982XT. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wifes bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my sons bike at all. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.