Go with Honda hitch and roof rails or buy aftermarket? Which is better?

20200 Views 48 Replies 29 Participants Last post by clindor, Apr 15, 2021

Medser

Discussion Starter · Apr 10, 2019

I'm going to buy a 2019 CR-V, EX trim over the next week or two.

I'd like to be able to put as a big a box as I can get away with on the roof, ideally in a configuration where there would be room for both the box and a canoe (or a bike.). I assume this may necessitate crossbars that stick out a little on the sides.

Additionally, I'd like to have a hitch-mounted bike rack that can fit four bicycles.

In buying my CR-V, should spring for having the roof rails ($399) and the trailer hitch ($508) added? Or are there better/less expensive third-party options I should look into?

Also, what are my best options for adding a big box, and a hitch-mounted rack for 4 bikes?

All advice or input appreciated! Thanks!

(Originally posted in an accessories sub-forum. But it was suggested that I also put this here. Hopefully, I'm doing this correct--if not, please feel free to correct.)

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crv383

· #2 · Apr 10, 2019 (Edited)

3

Can't help much on the roof rack. I went with the Curt #13397 trailer hitch thru Walmart.com, $116 IIRC. I like the way it disappears, receiver is the only part visible, crossbar is hidden. If you go with a trailer, the plug-n-play trailer light harness is available at etrailer.com, about $40. The etrailer.com site has a video of the trailer light harness install.:thumb:

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I recently purchased a 4X8 trailer from the local Harbor Freight but have it set up as 4X4 for the time being. Stands up, rolls on caster, stores in the garage out of the weather and out of the way. One man up/down, still plenty of room to park the cars.....handy as a pocket on a shirt.

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Here's a couple of sites showing small trailer creativity:

https://tventuring.com/trailerforum/index.php
https://www.hfhacks.com

This is the one I went with. Again, I'm using the front half only (4X4) at present. It shouldn't take much time at all to expand it to 4X8, when the need arises. About half way down the page are customer photos with several pics toting kayaks .

https://www.harborfreight.com/1720-lbs-capacity-48-in-x-96-in-super-duty-folding-trailer-62647.html

Harbor Freight usually has a $100 off coupon at their website. I paid $350.

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Tom R

· #3 · Apr 11, 2019

I have the Honda rails/crossbars and hitch/harness on my EX. They're both good and I think look better than any aftermarket stuff I looked at before buying. After negotiating on the price of the car I got to a point where they weren't going to come down anymore so I set my sights on playing with the accessories prices. I have the EX so that included needing side rails. I ended up having them install the side rails and bought the honda crossbars online for MUCH less than the dealer was asking and they're easy to install. To me whether to go with aftermarket or Honda was more about aesthetics but if you want maximum width on the cross bars aftermarket has more options.

dgilliland

· #4 · Apr 11, 2019

I purchased a used Curt hitch for my 2014 CRV for $70 on Craigslist. Installed it myself as it only required a few bolts to be attached to the underbody. Also have Yakima racks that I've had for 30+ years. Like them for lots of reasons, but especially because I can remove them when I'm not using them and get better gas mileage.

crv383

· #5 · Apr 11, 2019

Could you possibly post a pic of those Yakima racks? Thanks.

Medser

Discussion Starter · #6 · Apr 11, 2019

dgilliland said:
I purchased a used Curt hitch for my 2014 CRV for $70 on Craigslist. Installed it myself as it only required a few bolts to be attached to the underbody. Also have Yakima racks that I've had for 30+ years. Like them for lots of reasons, but especially because I can remove them when I'm not using them and get better gas mileage.

So the Yakima rack can be installed on a "naked" roof?

If I can just buy the CR-V with a "naked" roof and can easily and inexpensively add an aftermarket rack or rails later--well that would be ideal. Then I can just deal with it when I find a box and other accouterments to put on top, and make sure what I get matches.

dongoati

· #7 · Apr 11, 2019

2

I bought my DrawTite hitch ($85) and light harness ($40) from ebay. Shipping included. You have to check, some of the trailer hitches require you to cut a 2"x2" hole in your bumper on the bottom. Mine didn't need any cutting. Took me about 2 hours to install the hitch and harness. I took the bumper cover off, it made the install much easier! Quick tip; stick a flat screwdriver between the exhaust rubber mounts and metal hooks, spray some WD-40 to slide them off easy. The hitch has 4500 lbs tow capacity and 500 lbs tongue weight limit. (FYI, the CR-V has 1500 lbs tow capacity)

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OC CRV

· #8 · Apr 11, 2019 (Edited)

Similar experience installing my Drawtite. Wish I had thought of Ebay. The class III was the cheapest when I got mine from etrailer. Figured a 2" hitch would have the most utility. Although I did not take off the bumper cover, my experience with the installation (wd40, muffler mounts, installation time) sounds the same. I don't mind it being more exposed than the Curt hitch. Drawtite was cheaper, didn't require cutting anything, and does not need a stabilizing strap for "non-trailer" usages; since my primary purpose is carrying my mountain bike, it seemed like the best alternative.

As for the rails, mine were preinstalled. I did find some Honda crossbars and installed those. Went with a non-Honda brand first but the came with a big gouge in them. I knew the Honda ones would fit. About a five minute install job.

boldventure

· #9 · Apr 11, 2019

If you have the budget go for the oem.
For third-party, roof rails and crossbar less than $400 in ebay, hitch less than $150.

I went for draw-tite for the hitch since no need to cut something but the bar is showing but then it will be easier to clean and can easily check if there are some rust build up

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Medser

Discussion Starter · #10 · Apr 11, 2019

boldventure said:
If you have the budget go for the oem.
For third-party, roof rails and crossbar less than $400 in ebay, hitch less than $150.

I read that the Honda roof rails only allow the crossbars to be mounted in a preset position with only about two feet of spread between them--and this cannot be changed. Apparently the narrow spread is not enough to provide stability for mounting some boxes or or long items like a canoe.

This is just based on items I've read. I don't own a CR-V yet, and have almost no experience and knowledge regarding roof rails, crossbars, racks, etc. The little I do know is outdated and not applicable to modern systems. (The last rack I had used rain gutters, back when those were standard-hahaha!)

That is why I'm asking about this. I do have the budget to just have the OEM rails added as an option when I buy the car. And if that is the best route to go, I should do that. I just want to check if there are better options.

Alternatively, if it's possible to have OEM rails installed by the dealer later for the same price as getting them as an option, then I'd be inclined to just "kick the can down the road" and worry about dealing with it later. This would give me more time to learn what the best option is.

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boldventure

· #11 · Apr 11, 2019

Medser said:
I read that the Honda roof rails only allow the crossbars to be mounted in a preset position with only about two feet of spread between them--and this cannot be changed. Apparently the narrow spread is not enough to provide stability for mounting some boxes or or long items like a canoe.

This is just based on items I've read. I don't own a CR-V yet, and have almost no experience and knowledge regarding roof rails, crossbars, racks, etc. The little I do know is outdated and not applicable to modern systems. (The last rack I had used rain gutters, back when those were standard-hahaha!)

That is why I'm asking about this. I do have the budget to just have the OEM rails added as an option when I buy the car. And if that is the best route to go, I should do that. I just want to check if there are better options.

Alternatively, if it's possible to have OEM rails installed by the dealer later for the same price as getting them as an option, then I'd be inclined to just "kick the can down the road" and worry about dealing with it later. This would give me more time to learn what the best option is.

Search the forum, there are some pics posted with kayak or roof box, not sure what is the topic, might be in pics of your crv

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BBLee

· #12 · Apr 11, 2019

just wondering, isn't the class 3 hitch a bit overkill considering the CRV can only do 1,500 tow capacity?
I see there are class 1 and 2 that are available for the CRV, any thoughts? (mainly for bikes)
plus adding the extra weight for a class 3 is a concern of mine.

crv383

· #13 · Apr 11, 2019 (Edited)

Absolutely the Class III is overkill. I went with the Curt Class III because it is hidden slightly better than the Curt Class I/II. I wanted a hitch that can not be seen, or seen as little as possible. The Curt hitch is also covered by that insulation panel/cover underneath and hides behind the facia. I'm thinking only the receiver gets dirty, since the hitch crossbar is covered mufflers and a panel/insulation.

I'll add that the Curt website showed the 2" Class III only 1 lb heavier than the 1 1/4" Class I/II hitch.

OC CRV

· #14 · Apr 12, 2019

BBLee said:
just wondering, isn't the class 3 hitch a bit overkill considering the CRV can only do 1,500 tow capacity?
I see there are class 1 and 2 that are available for the CRV, any thoughts? (mainly for bikes)
plus adding the extra weight for a class 3 is a concern of mine.

For me, the class III was cheaper and had a 2" receiver which is what I wanted. I too use it primarily for hauling a bike. Went with 2" in case my wife and I get a small boat and trailer in the future. According to Drawtite, it weighs 28 lbs.

Wiley_11

· #15 · Apr 12, 2019

OC CRV said:
According to Drawtite, it weighs 28 lbs.

And the 1 1/4" Drawtite receiver weighs 28 lbs. too.......:snork:

Wrascal

· #16 · Apr 12, 2019 (Edited)

This will not answer your question directly but may give you thought. Most of the time, over many past years, Honda has only teased us with expensive 'girly' options.

In my opinion if you want more robust 'manly' options then you should go with after-market options; all generally cheaper than OEM.

Always keep the manufactures specs in mind. YMMV.

dgilliland

· #17 · Apr 12, 2019

Here's a photo of the Yakima racks with a Tbar that I use when carrying loaded ocean kayaks. They work on naked roofs.

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BBLee

· #18 · Apr 12, 2019

OC CRV said:
For me, the class III was cheaper and had a 2" receiver which is what I wanted. I too use it primarily for hauling a bike. Went with 2" in case my wife and I get a small boat and trailer in the future. According to Drawtite, it weighs 28 lbs.

I've been searching the internet for a much lighter hitch, Does anyone know of any that is much less than 28 lbs that will fit the CRV? I saw one a while back on a car that looks like it is but can not find it anywhere.

lmaxim

· #19 · Apr 12, 2019

dgilliland said:
Here's a photo of the Yakima racks with a Tbar that I use when carrying loaded ocean kayaks. They work on naked roofs.
View attachment 129689

sorry, but the Yakima site is a pain... which of the rails is that?
streamline
flushbar
railbar

dgilliland

· #20 · Apr 12, 2019

lmaxim said:
sorry, but the Yakima site is a pain... which of the rails is that?
streamline
flushbar
railbar

None of those. I have round bars I purchased back in the late 80's. Purchased Q-clips fives years ago when I purchased my 2014 CRV.
/Users/douglass.gilliland/Desktop/Qclips.jpg
I just looked at the Yakima site and if you select your make and model it will tell you what is available.

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