Recommended 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack for 2016 Mazda 3 and 2016 Honda CR-V

Question

Question:

I would like to purchase a bike rack to fit on two vehicles, 2016 Mazda 3 Hatchback and 2016 Honda CR-V. I think I want hitch-mount neither car has a receiver, yet. I think I need 2-bike capacity. Can you recommend something. Ive looked at the Saris Superclamp 2 and Kuat Transfer 2 which seem to offer good value and get good reviews on your site. thanks,

asked by: Marty H

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Expert Reply:

Both the Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Platform Rack # KU74FR and the Saris SuperClamp EX # SA4025F referenced in your question are really nice 2-bike platform style racks. Either of these will work great with a trailer hitch on your 2016 Mazda 3 and 2016 Honda CR-V.

The Saris Freedom does feature a slightly larger weight capacity and includes both a hitch lock and cable lock to secure your bikes and carrier, however for your particular vehicles I recommend the Kuat Transfer. That is because unlike the Saris, the Kuat carrier has the ability to tilt away from the rear of your vehicle, with the bikes still loaded, for easy cargo area access. With the hatchback style trunks on both your Mazda and Honda, this will prove to be a very valuable feature. The mechanism is activated with a convenient, spring-loaded foot pedal so you can use it with your bikes in hand. I have included a video demonstration of this carrier for you to check out.

I recommend just adding the hitch and cable lock # PTSCLK12 to help deter theft.

Since you do not yet have a trailer hitch installed on your vehicles, for your 2016 Mazda 3 Hatchback, I recommend the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7305. This is custom-fit for this vehicle so no drilling will be required during installation. The Class III hitch has a 2" receiver opening and a 300 lb tongue weight capacity. Even if you do not plan on ever coming close to its capacity, having a higher class trailer hitch on your vehicle when one is available is nice because of the 2 inch receiver opening it provides. A 2 inch hitch simply has many more compatible hitch-mounted accessories to choose from such as bike racks and cargo carriers.

Then for your 2016 Honda CR-V, I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame # 75742. This is also a custom-fit hitch with a 2 inch receiver opening but with a 675 pound tongue weight capacity. I have attached an installation video on this vehicle for you to check out.

expert reply by: Chris R

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