Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier Options For 2011 Honda Odyssey  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

There are several carriers available for your 2011 Honda Odyssey. Each of the carriers have different features and choosing the right bike carrier for you would depend on the features you feel are most important. I have attached a link to an article that explains the differences in bike carriers and may help you decide what works for you. Due to the number of bike carriers we offer, it would be very difficult to list the differences between all of the features of the carriers.

Another thing to consider when using a hitch-mounted carrier is the clearance from the rear bumper of the vehicle. You will need a tape measure or ruler and also a straight edge like a yardstick or a dowel rod. Hold the straight edge vertically against the rear of the bumper so that it extends below the hitch pin hole. Then measure the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the straight edge. This will give you the distance you need to consider when choosing a hitch mounted carrier.

If loading and unloading the bikes is something that you feel needs to be the most important feature, then I recommend a platform-style bike carrier like the Thule Doubletrack Platform-Style Carrier, part # TH990XT. This carrier has two adjustable arms that will fit bikes that have almost any frame style. It also has adjustable wheel trays that accommodate different bike lengths, and folds up when not in use. I have attached an installation video for this carrier on a 2011 Odyssey. When installed this carrier has a clearance distance of 1-1/4 inches between the latch handle and the bumper. The ground clearance measures 9 inches. This carrier holds two bikes that weigh up to 35 lbs each for a total weight capacity of 70 lbs. When the unloaded carrier is folded down you have full access to the rear hatch of your Odyssey.

Another platform-style carrier I recommend is the Thule T2 Platform-Style 2 Bike Carrier, part # TH916XTR. This carrier tilt away from the rear of the vehicle allowing you access to the cargo area without having to unload the bikes from the carrier. The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the carrier when it is folded up is 4-1/2 inches.

A hanging bike carrier is another option for a hitch-mounted carrier. They are generally a little lighter than a platform-style carrier and use the bike frame to secure the bike. I recommend the Thule Vertex Carrier, part # TH9028. This carrier has a tilting feature which will allow access to the rear cargo area of your vehicle when the unloaded rack is tilted. This carrier weighs approximately 35 lbs, and secures bike frames at 3 points to prevent bike-to-bike contact and sway.

A lighter hanging bike carrier I recommend is the Thule Helium Aero, part # TH9042. This carrier weighs just 18-1/4 lbs and has a lock that secures the carrier to your hitch. It also has a cable lock that secures the bikes to the carrier. This carrier also tilt away from the back of your vehicle when unloaded to allow access to the rear cargo area.

If you plan on carrying bikes with alternative bike frames like womens bikes I recommend an adapter like part # TH982XT. this attaches between the seat post and the handlebar stem to provide a more even ride for the bike when transporting and also provides more ground clearance.

I also recommend the Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock, part # THSTL2. which will secure the carrier to the hitch. Another item I recommend is the Thule Cable Lock, part # TH538XT. This cable will help keep your bikes safe and secure when loaded on the carrier.

If you would like to give me an idea of your budget, and if price, ease of installation or certain features you consider most important, I would be happy to assist in narrowing down some choices for you.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

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