Bike Rack Recommendation for Carrying 3 Bikes on a 2002 Honda Odyssey  

Question:

Expert Reply:

To carry three bikes on your 2002 Honda Odyssey, I recommend using a hitch mount bike rack like the Swagman Trailhead 3 Bike Rack, # S63365. One main concern with hitch mounted accessories on an Odyssey is ground clearance. This bike rack has a curved shank to provide more ground clearance and also has many great features such as a tilting mast and anti-sway cradles.

To use a hitch mount bike rack, you must have a trailer hitch installed on your vehicle. Most Honda Odysseys do not come with a factory installed trailer hitch, but you could add one with the Draw-Tite Class III Trailer Hitch, # 75270. I have attached an installation video of this hitch for you to check out.

If you do not already have a trailer hitch on your Odyssey, a more economical option would be a trunk mount bike rack like the Yakima HangOut 3 Bike Rack, # Y02638. Before you purchase a trunk mount bike rack, I recommend checking the rear hatch of your Odyssey for a spoiler. Some Odysseys have a plastic spoiler at the top of the rear hatch. The straps of a trunk mount bike rack must run over the rear spoiler to hook to the top edge of the hatch. This spoiler was not designed to support additional weight and the weight of a bike rack and bikes and could be damaged or deformed under the weight.

If you plan on carrying any womens, childrens or alternative frame bikes, I recommend picking up a bike adapter bar like part # 64005. Bikes with small or angled frames can be difficult to load on a bike rack and can cause ground clearance issues. This adapter bar will allow you to load your bikes easily and safely. I have attached a demonstration video of this adapter bar for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H

0