'04 CR-V hitch and bike rack basics?

[austinpm1]

i'm looking to put a standard 2" trailer hitch on my FWD 04 CR-V and of course have a few questions. its for a 4 bike bike rack - the kind that fold down or swing away to allow the hatch/rear door to open.

1) what's the best brand anyone's had experience with Uhaul? Drawtite? Curt? i've been taking notice of these on the road lately and wondered if anyone had recommendations as to which ones are really strong, easy to install, stay away from, etc...

2) i've also noticed that some online reviews remark that installation isn't super easy. exhaust hangers can be tricky to detach and reattach. any thoughts on doing that myself or is it worth paying the local auto parts store to do it for me.

3) and just anything else anyone can share to make this car tweak go smoothly (and inexpensively, hopefully).

thanks in advance.

[Housy]

Not sure where you are but I bought a Witter ZX108 cycle rack that pushes onto a small tube fitted to my towbar, I am based in the UK.

Holds up to 4 bikes and is very sturdy. for extra security you can remove your spare wheel coverand use the provided security strap to strap to your wheel. You cannot open the door gate but the hatch will open fine. Used it a couple of weeks back to travel 300 miles and the bikes didnt move an inch. there is a steel loop on the towbar tube and on the rack itself making it suitable to lock the bikes to the rack and the car. Comes highly recommended if you dont mind the fact you cant open your door gate. Fine for me as I can either use the hatch or access from inside the car
(05 CRV EX) paid around £70, my local trailer store fitted the tube to my towbar plate free of charge.

Anyway here is the link
Witter Towbar - Cycle Carrier Price List (http://www.witter-towbars.co.uk/cycle_carriers/application_price_list.aspx?CycleCarrier=8).

Good luck

[Black Pearl]

I don't know squat about trailer hitches, but I would like to welcome both of you to the club. Good luck with your hitches.

[Housy]

Many thanks, have had a CRV since late 2004 and have always watched this news group. Decided last week maybe I should contribute?

A warm welcome is always nice!