Will a Bike Rack Clear the Spare Tire with Curt Trailer Hitch 13314 Installed on a 2001 Honda CR-V

Question:

Thanks for the recommendation on the Curt hitch for the 2001 Honda CRV. However, you didnt supply an answer for one of my questions. If I purchase and install the Curt III hitch, will the use of a hanging bike carrier clear the spare tire that is mounted on the back of the vehicle? Will I need an extension? We are going to keep our Allen bike rack,for a 1.25inch opening, so we will need to reduce the 2inch opening to a 1.25inch opening to accommodate our Allen bike rack. What reducer would you recommend to purchase with the Curt III to use our bike rack? Would want a reducer that fits tightly in the receiver hitch to eliminate movement.

asked by: Michael R

Expert Reply:

When we installed Curt trailer hitch # 13314 we found that it measured 6-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole straight back to the distance required to clear the spare tire. This is important because you will need to measure the bike rack in the same manner. Please take a look at the FAQ article I have linked that shows how to take this measurement.

Measure on the bike rack from the center of its hitch pin hole to the back of the upright mast on the bike rack. If that distance is greater than 6-1/2 inches then it should clear the spare tire.

For a reducer I recommend # HT02. This is a reducer sleeve and because it fits inside the 2 inch hitch to reduce it to a 1-1/4 inch, the tongue weight capacity of the hitch will not be reduced. If you end up needed an extension like # MT70033 the tongue weight capacity will be reduced by 50 percent taking it down to 175 pounds. That means that the combined weight of the bike rack and bikes cannot exceed 175 pounds.

Reducers and adapters, just like any accessory, are made slightly smaller than the receiver opening. This allows accessories to fit in easily. This also means there will be some movement. You can use an anti-rattle device like # MPG908 to take out some of that play.

And finally, with Curt trailer hitch # 13314 Curt recommends the use of stabilization strap # 18050 for their warranty requirements.