Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2002 Honda CR-V for Carrying 3 Bikes

Question:

I would like to know if the Sport Frame Hitch Receiver, Class I will work with the 3 Bike Hitch Mount Folding Rack w/Rotating Shank.

asked by: Nancy Y

Helpful Expert Reply:

I assume the Draw-Tite trailer hitch that you are referencing is part # 24792, which is the Class I hitch by Draw-Tite for the 2002 Honda CR-V. If this is the case, then this trailer hitch will work with any hitch mounted bike rack that was designed to fit a Class I trailer hitch with a 1-1/4 inch shank.

Class I trailer hitches are limited to carrying a maximum of 2 bikes. The issue that you will run into when trying to carry a third bike on a Class I hitch is that the weight of the third bike is further away from the hitch and it creates additional torque that Class I trailer hitches cannot handle. Eventually, if not immediately, the hitch will bend or even break damaging your hitch, your vehicle, the bikes, bike rack and possibly any vehicles behind you.

My recommendation would be to install the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Trailer Hitch, # 75690, on your CR-V. This hitch is compatible with both bike racks and the price tag is not much higher than the Class I option. It also has a higher tongue weight capacity of 350 lbs compared to the 200 lbs of the Class I hitch you mentioned. I have attached an installation video of this hitch on a 2003 CR-V which would be the same process for your 2002 model.

expert reply by: John H