[crv383]

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:

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.

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.

 

[crv383]

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

 

[crv383]

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.

 

[crv383]

UHaul trailers are way overbuilt, they have to be because people go out of their way to abuse them. Being overbuilt makes their trailers heavy. The CRV has a 1500 lb max tow rating (which includes the weight of the empty trailer) with a 150 lb max tongue weight. UHaul are experts at installing hitches/lights. Doubt they would let you leave their store without inspecting the hitch/lights. My guess is a empty 4X8 UHaul trailer could be half of the 1500 lb CRV max weight towed. Not much weight capacity left for stuff.

Don't push it hard on the long open roads, we've already seen upper 90s ambient temps in West Texas.

Have you considered renting a UHaul van and towing the CRV on a trailer?

 

[crv383]

It looks like the lightest empty UHaul trailer will be approaching 50% of the CRV’s tow capacity.