Trailer Hitch and Hitch Bike Rack Recommendation for 2013 Honda CR-V

Question:

Thanks you for the information about trunk-mounted bike racks. If I were to go to a hitch-mounted bike rack instead, what would you recommend for my 2013 Honda CR-V, which currently does NOT have a hitch. So I suppose that would include the hitch itself, a bike rack that would fit into the hitch, and some ball to accommodate a trailer at some time. Please advise. Thank you.

asked by: Paul O

Expert Reply:

Your 2013 Honda CR-V can be equipped with any of three different classes of trailer hitch, either a light-duty 1-1/4-inch Class I, a heavier duty 1-1/4-inch Class II, or a 2-inch Class III hitch. Please refer to the linked article on hitch classes. I recommend the highest capacity 2-inch Class III type both for use with a hitch-mount bike rack and since you will in the future be towing. All three available Class III hitches can be seen on the link provided.

The most popular (and cost-effective) is the Curt # C13119. You can use this 2-inch hitch along with their stabilizing strap # 18050 with the 2-inch hitch-mount carrier of your preference. This hitch's 350-lb tongue weight capacity will allow use of even the highest-capacity bike racks.

The link provided will let you see all hitch racks compatible with a Class III hitch. You can choose a hanging-style or platform-style rack in the capacity you need and from among a variety of features and characteristics by using the filters in the left-hand margin. Two linked articles will help you consider your best options based on the nature of your bikes and other factors.

A superb example of a 4-bike carrier is the Yakima FullSwing 4 Bike Carrier # Y02465 shown in the linked video.

For towing I suggest the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit # 989900 and trailer wiring harness # C56158. An install video for this harness is included for your reference.