Fit of Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack # S64670 on 2006 Honda CR-V

Question:

I have a 2006 Honda CRV with spare tire mounted. Due to shoulder Rotator Cuff issues Id like to buy a tray-hitch style 2-bike rack, that I intend to keep on the car most of the time. Will your Swagman XTC-2 clear my spare tire, and down to allow for rear door entry to the car? Also I tow a Trailex kayak rack. Would the 4inch clearance between the Maxxtow 70070 Dual Hitch Extension receivers allow sufficient room to hook up the trailer without removing bike rack? Thanks!

asked by: Janet

Expert Reply:

You can confirm compatibility of the Swagman XTC-2 Bike Rack # S64670 with the rear-mounted spare tire on your 2006 Honda CR-V by taking one easy measurement from the hitch pin hole on your hitch to the rear-most edge of the spare tire. The linked article illustrates how to take this measurement. The XTC-2 provides 8-inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of the first wheel hoop and 15-inches to the upright bar. When unloaded it can fold down to provide rear-of-vehicle access.

Since you were looking at a 2-inch hitch adapter, the Malone # MPG544, I presume you CR-V has a 2-inch hitch (it could have either a 2-inch Class III or a 1-1/4-inch Class I type). While the XTC-2 can fit either size hitch, you do not want to use any adapter with the 1-1/4-inch size hitch since adapters will cause a 50-percent reduction in hitch capacity due to the additional leverage placed on the hitch.

If your CR-V has a 2-inch hitch a better option to allow towing along with use of a bike rack is the Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2-Inch Receiver # D210. This item provides a ball mount or towing and a 2-inch receiver tube for using a bike rack. This item will NOT reduce your hitch's tongue weight capacity like virtually all adapters. I have linked a photo with dimensions to allow you to check the fit of this ball mount at the rear of your CR-V.

You can use the various rack and ball mount dimensions that are provided to determine how these items will fit your vehicle and trailer. You will need to determine how much clearance you need for your trailer tongue to clear the bike rack; this will vary depending on which Trailex trailer you have and on the length of the kayak. The particular nature of your loaded bikes will also affect their fit between the vehicle and trailer; bikes like beach cruisers and mountain bikes that have wide handlebars will generally require more clearance than standard road bikes.

expert reply by: Adam R