Troubleshooting Yakima OnRamp Bike Rack Movement While Driving with a 2012 Honda Crosstour

Question:

I have a 2012 Honda Crosstour with a 1-1/4 inch hitch and a Yakima On Ramp e-bike rack Item # Y96FR I bought from you. We have 2 ebikes weighing 56 pounds each. We drove it from Florida to Iowa last year and undulations in the roads made it bounce uncomfortably drove us crazy thinking it was going to break off. The rack has a post that has clamps to support the bikes, will a support strap from the car to the rack post help with that bounce, and if so what strap would be best? We do not have a luggage rack if that matters. Any other options that you would recommend? Thanks!

asked by: Dan H

Expert Reply:

Thank you for reaching out and your purchase of the Yakima OnRamp Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches # Y96FR.

Using a stabilizing strap can help keep the rack from moving around as much so if that's the route you want to take then I recommend using the Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap # 18050 which can be secured to your trunk/hatch or safety chain loops - whichever is easiest to then extend the strap to the bike rack.

With that being said, the reason why you're experiencing so much movement is actually because of the trailer hitch on your 2012 Honda Crosstour. The OnRamp is designed to work with stronger Class II hitch receivers but it looks like the only hitches with a 1-1/4" receiver size for your vehicle have the weaker Class I rating. So even though you're under the 200 lb tongue weight rating of your hitch, it simply isn't strong enough to hold the bike rack and bikes really well.

You can try using the strap but I still think you're going to see some issues down the road if something doesn't change in your equation. To safely carry your bikes you'll either want to use a different bike rack like the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202 which has the same basic features as the OnRamp and is designed for Class I hitches, or you'll want to install a beefier hitch receiver like the EcoHitch # 306-X7299. If you go with the larger hitch you'll also have to upgrade your bike rack to the 2" shank part # Y36FR.

I wish I had a better solution for you but I did want to make you aware of the root of the problems you're seeing, but also provide you with some solutions to fit your application. If you have any other questions please feel free to reach back out!