Trunk Mount Bike Rack

[rdm4275]

Hello everyone -

I have a 2007 Honda CR-V and was wondering if anyone knew if my Thule Speedway 961 bike rack would cause any long term wear and tear on my rear trunk. I contacted Thule and they said since my bike rack is over 4 years old, they haven't tested it on this model. Any thoughts on weight issues, etc, on the trunk with this type of bike rack?

Thanks,
Robert

2007 Cr-V EX AWD Royal Blue 5k miles

[w.troop]

I installed a 1 1/4" receiver trailer hitch on mine. It is so nice to just plug in the bike rack and not worry about anything touching the car's painted surfaces.

bill

[Sandpebble]

The 2007's have spare under the rear where a hitch would go. It's a big deal to just put the hitch on. So yes if it's a thrule it should be good. Just make sure the rubber is to the glass and snug it after the bike is on.

[2RedV's]

The 2007's have spare under the rear where a hitch would go. It's a big deal to just put the hitch on. So yes if it's a thrule it should be good. Just make sure the rubber is to the glass and snug it after the bike is on.Uh, no. The 2007 has the spare tire located where the previous years all had an empty TUB that was almost the size of a real spare tire.
The hitch goes onto the 2007's just as easy as the other years.

[rpliegos]

In my experience ALL trunk mounted bike racks damage to certain extent your car, even the ones that have contact foam pads will make some damage (mainly scratches, but most bumper covers also loose shape).

I´ve tried Thule and Saris (very expensive ones by the way) and they both damaged the car.

As recommended, I would go for either a roof rack or a hitch mounted rack, depending on whether you want to be able to open the rear hatch with the bike rack fitted or prefer to carry the bike to the top of the car.

[GTCB-chris]

yeah i have a 2000 cr-v, and id have to say your best bet will be a roof mounted rack, for multiple reasons, one you will still be able to open your trunk lid, two you wont have any paint or body damage, and three in the event of a rear end crash, or fender bender, you wont have to worry about getting a new bike, not to mention im quite sure a bike coming flying through your rear window would not be fun.

[pepollock]

Yeah, but with the bike on the roof you do not want to drive into your garage or under low-hanging trees! Also, it's a lot easier to put the bike on a trunk rack. With a roof rack on the '07-'09 models you are going to need a box to stand on unless you are very tall.

[jeprox]

install a hitch and use a hitch type bike rack - it's the best way to go.
avoids damage to your body paint or the windows.

as far as installing the hitch, if you are mechanically inclined - if you can change oil/filter, your own wheels - u should have no problem installing the hitch. it took me around 45 mins. or so to install my hitch. only hard part is removing the muffler hanger.

overall, i would recommend the hitch over a roof mounted bike rack or trunk mounted rack. hitch type rack is so easy to use. trunk mounted units usually use those straps to secure the rack and over time, the straps may or will rip... and you put pressure on the trunk. roof mounted units are hard to get to.
hitch type FTW. :D

[pepollock]

jeprox-

Is that the Honda accessory hitch you installed, or an aftermarket brand?
I'm thinking about a hitch for a small trailer, but the bike rack would be a bonus.

[jeprox]

jeprox-

Is that the Honda accessory hitch you installed, or an aftermarket brand?
I'm thinking about a hitch for a small trailer, but the bike rack would be a bonus.


i have a curt hitch for 07+ crv. honda oem is extremely expensive and you have to remove the whole bumper to install it. aftermarket hitches for 07+ crv are bolt-on's.
http://www.hitchsource.com/honda-crv-trailer-hitch-0709-class-iii-p-27809.html

you can see pics of my hitch here:
http://www.crvownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2992

[Sol2V]

There's a few down sides of having the bikes on the roof, i've treid them all. I have a 00 CR-V with the BDS lift and lifting 50+ pound bikes on the roof was a pain in the a@#. I also didnt' like the big sailing affect going up to Whistler back and forth.

I had the roof mount thule's 597 super G X2. They were great on the Civic but not the V. I now use a hitch mount swagman and run a basket on the roof. I can get pictures is anybody would like to see.

On a side note, I've had my bike fall off the back of an exterra and that wasn't fun, but in the case of a heavy accident the bikes on the roof may come off.