Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Rack for Use on a 2004 Honda CR-V Being Flat Towed Behind a Motor Home

Question:

I have a 2004 Honda CRV which I tow behind a motorhome. I was about to order this bike rack from you folks. However, I opened up the PDF online installation instructions, and at the beginning it says Not to be used on any trailer, fifth wheel or vehicle being towed by another vehicle.inch To my knowledge, nowhere in the other reviews for this carrier or in fact any of the other brands of bike racks do you mention this. I understand why it cannot be used behind a motorhome, but why not a car or truck towed behind a motorhome? Logically then, none of these hitch racks could be used by owners of motor homes who tow their vehicles, and we are left with few alternatives. Thanks for any help.

asked by: Dan F

Expert Reply:

The issue is that when a vehicle is connected to an RV it can change the way that vehicle rides which in turn can put additional stress on the bike rack. So to cover their bases Hollywood Racks has indicated that the Sport Rider # HR1000Z should not be used in any time of towing situation.

Not to worry though because you and other RV owners with toads still have some options. There are several racks that you can use at the back of an RV or trailer. This means that you can also use them on the back of the toad, in this case your 2004 Honda CR-V.

I recommend the Swagman Dispatch, # S44FR. This is a 2-bike platform rack so it will be easier to fit 2 bikes on it than a hanging rack.

If your CR-V does not have a 2 inch trailer hitch then an alternative is to carry the bike rack in between the RV and the CR-V. If your tow bar is the type that couples to a ball then you would just need multipurpose ball mount # D210. If the tow bar is the type that fits directly into a receiver then you could use a dual receiver such as # RM-077-2.

expert reply by: Michael H