Best Way to Open 2004 Honda CR-V Rear Door with Bike Rack Installed

Question:

I am looking for a platform hitch mount bike rack for a 2005 Honda CRV. The issue I am having is the rack sits too high above the hitch and I cannot open the side opening back door with a rack on only tried a Kuat rack I measured the clearance, it it about 7” from top of hitch or 9” from center of hitch. Please let me know if Swagman Quad 2+2 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2 Hitches - Frame Mount would work or if the is a different rack you would recommend. Need to carry 2-29” mountain bikes and 2-27+” mountain bikes. Would consider a 2 bike rack but prefer 4.

asked by: Patti

Expert Reply:

Hey Patti, thanks for reaching out!

The Swagman Quad 2+2 Bike Rack # S64FR will sit too tall for the clearance you're needing. According to the dimensions on the Swagman website we're looking at about 10-1/2" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the top of the main bike frame - and that's not including the height of the cradles. Most bike racks have a rise built into them and then the trays usually angle up some for better ground clearance so you'll be hard-pressed to find one that lets you open the door up.

I have an alternative solution for you that will still allow you to use your nicer Kuat rack. For your application I recommend using the Kuat Pivot 2 Swing Away Hitch Extender # PVP20B so you can simply swing your bikes away from the back of your 2005 Honda CR-V whenever you need access to your rear hatch area, and you can do this even with the bikes still loaded!

I had the opportunity to install this on a 2019 RAV4 so I'm linking that video for you to see the adapter in action and get my thoughts on it.

expert reply by: Jon G