Trailer Hitch for 2013 Honda CR-V LX to Enable Use of Rage 3-Bike Platform Style Bike Carrier

Question:

Receiving a Rage Powersports 3 bike platform hitch mount rack for my birthday. Now I have to work backwards for something to connect it to. I am looking at the Curt C13119. The vehicle is a 2013 Honda CRV LX. Would the strap #18050 be a good additional item for this set up? Finally, what about a good lockable hitch pin? Thanks.

asked by: Randy H

Expert Reply:

Your 2013 Honda CR-V LX can be equipped with any of three classes of trailer hitch, from a light-duty 1-1/4-inch Class I up to a much stronger 2-inch Class III such as the Curt # C13119 that you referenced.
You cannot use a Class I hitch for a 3-bike rack so you are on the right track selecting a tougher Class III hitch.

Curt requires a stabilizing strap be used on many of their hitches when used with a non-trailer load such as a bike rack. Their strap # 18050 will help take some of the stresses off the hitch and will let you retain your warranty coverage. This is a great idea for use with any hitch but it is required for a Curt.

An alternative is to choose a higher-rated Class III hitch like the Draw-Tite # 75742 that has a 525-lb tongue weight capacity (as opposed to the Curt's 350-lb rating). This Draw-Tite hitch does not require the strap and will give you a much better safety margin. I recommend that for your application you choose this Draw-Tite hitch instead. You can add the stabilizing strap for good measure if you wish.
Your Rage bike rack will fit this 2-inch hitch (and also the 1-1/4-inch size).

I have linked a video showing installation of the DrawTite on your same vehicle as well as two articles with helpful information on hitch installation.

For a hitch lock you can use # e98880.